Dear Tapo support,

 

Many Tapo cameras are having issues with frame skipping and frame jumping on playback for recorded footage. This problem seems to be consistently ongoing for many years. 

You can check the widespread reports online, if you search for: “Tapo camera skipping,” “Tapo lag,” or “Tapo frame jumping” reveal that this has been a persistent issue affecting multiple users and different cameras.

 

Has anybody from Tapo fixed this problem yet? Please google the problem, you will see many people are describing this issue.

 

Today i am having this issue with my two C560WS cameras on Tapo cloud storage.

 

 

This issue is causing serious inconvenience and concern. Recorded footage is unreliable due to frequent frame skipping (4–15 seconds at a time). This creates critical gaps in recordings, making it impossible to trust the system for its intended use.

 

I have invested heavily in the Tapo ecosystem, including multiple devices across my property, I have spent in excess of £1000+. Most recently, I purchased two C560WS AI cameras, which are exhibiting frame skipping issue.

Summary:
 

• Initially, both cameras worked flawlessly for approximately two months.
• Without any changes to my setup, playback recordings began skipping intermittently on both cameras
• Footage stops abruptly and resumes several seconds later (4, 10, or 15 seconds).
• The issue affects both cameras, not just a single unit.
• Live streaming works perfectly, with no lag or frame loss.
• The issue only occurs in cloud-recorded playback

 

Troubleshooting:

 

I have conducted extensive troubleshooting to eliminate all common causes:

 

• Firmware updated on all devices
• Tapo app fully updated
• Verified stable, high-speed fibre internet connection (London city based)
• Tested isolated network conditions (disconnecting other devices)
• Adjusted Powerline frequency (Auto / 50Hz / 60Hz)
• Cameras powered via direct DC connection
• Frequent camera and router reboots to test
• Confirmed strong connectivity at camera locations
• Issue persists across both cameras

 

Additionally:

 

I am not using SD cards on these devices (cloud-only setup).

 

I have other Tapo cameras using SD cards at a different locations, and they do not experience this issue.

My root cause assessment:

 

Based on all testing and comparisons, I have reached a reasonable conclusion that the issue is likely related to do with the Tapo Care Cloud service, rather than hardware or local network conditions.

 

I am unable to perform SD card diagnostics on these units due to their installation height (externally mounted high on a wall), which would require hiring assistance or engineer.

 

Given the consistency of this issue and the volume of similar reports, further local diagnostics should not be necessary to validate the problem.

 

Please escalate this issue directly to your engineering team for investigation into Tapo Care Cloud recording integrity.

 

Technical Explanation

 

I would like a clear explanation of what is causing these recording gaps and whether this is a known issue within your cloud infrastructure.

 

Resolution Timeline

 

What is the expected timeline for a fix?

 

What can i and others do in the mean time?