Through a recent update to many Tapo cameras, it is now possible to assign a Static IP Adress for your camera, ensuring reliable and uninterrupted use of your cameras across your entire network.

 

Additionally, most wired cameras from Tapo support the RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) and ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) standards, which offer several key benefits to improve both security and performance. Learn More About RTSP and ONVIF

 

Disclaimer: If a static IP is incorrectly configured, it is possible that your camera will not be able to reconnect to the network and will require a complete factory reset. As a result, it is important to consider whether or not your need a Static IP, or if an IP Reservation will suffice.

Learn How to Set a Static IP for Tapo Cameras in our Latest Knowledge Base Article:

How to Set a Static IP for Your Tapo Camera

 

Should I Assign a Static IP to my Tapo Camera?

How Do You Intend to Use Your Camera with Other Devices, Platforms or Services?

For instance, if you’re streaming continuously via RTSP, connecting to an ONVIF-compatible system, or saving video to a NAS, a static IP will provide reliable connectivity and uninterrupted access.

 

Would Your Devices and Network Benefit from Using Reliable, Fixed IP Addresses?

Assigning a static IP ensures your cameras remain consistently accessible for RTSP clients and can be reliably communicated with at the specified address.

• Does your camera need consistent IP for reliable access via RTSP for Video Storage?
• Do You Intend to Have Multiple Camera Streams Accessible Across Your Network via RTSP/ONVIF?

 

When NOT to Use a Static IP Address for Your Network

If you are intending to only use your camera through the Tapo App, via our official cloud integrations, or for the SD Card recordings, we do not recommend setting a Static IP address, instead create an IP Reservation in your network’s settings. (IP Reservations do not Prevent a device from connecting in case something goes wrong, or the address is given to another device by accident)

 

How Can Assigning a Static IP Improve Your Overall Experience?

Reliable and Consistent Connectivity: With a static IP, Tapo cameras maintain a fixed address, preventing potential connectivity issues caused by DHCP changes occurring across your network and, when properly configured, will help prevent other devices from affecting the camera’s connection.

Simplified Management and Access: Using a fixed address makes it easier to log in and access your Tapo cameras from different devices or remote locations.

This consistency is essential for ONVIF-based integrations, where third-party systems depend on a stable IP to discover, configure, and manage Tapo cameras – otherwise the new IP address must be configured each time a new address is received.

Seamless Integration with Smart Home Systems: A static IP simplifies connectivity for users integrating Tapo cameras with NVRs, third-party monitoring solutions, and smart home platforms.

This type of extended compatibility will often require a reliable and consistent connection to your devices, and it does not have the same device discovery tools as the Tapo app to allow the device to be seen on your network, no matter the IP address.

 

What Else Should Be Done When Setting a Static IP

As mentioned earlier, creating a static IP address often requires additional configuration to prevent conflicts with the assigned address. While your device will likely have little difficulties, there is always the possibility of your router trying to give the device’s assigned IP address to another device automatically.

• Set an IP Reservation or Address Reservation in your Network/Router’s settings
• Otherwise, choose an address outside of your network’s DHCP Pool.