Tapo D225 Doorbell, Hardwired, Battery Usage?

I've had a D225 for 6 days now. Set it up hardwired to my existing 16v doorbell transformer. During the setup I chose not to jumper the existing chime, and disabled "always on mode".
I am totally confused when hardwired from my existing 16v doorbell transformer. I randomly get 2 differnt periodic power source notifications:
(1) "Switched to Battery powering at xx:xx:xx (time)" When those notifications were received there was not any power interupption from the transforme and the D225 battery level would be at or close to 100%, next to a green battery icon.
(2) "Switched to Hardwire powering at xx:xx:xx (time), Battery power is no longer supported" When those notifications were received the battery level would be around 96%.
So, eventhough it is hardwired, the D225 seems to switch back and forth between hardwire powered and battery powerd. Regardless of the powering mode indicated by the notification messages the D225 settings 'Power Options'. 'Power Supply' always shows "Hardwire Powered", and the battery always shows the green icon. I have the D225 user guide and it makes no mention of how this works or what the different battery icons mean. The green battery icon looks like it might have a white lightinig bolt squiggle in it but it's so small I can't tell. I thought Tapo app's had a standard battery icon color scheme, green for charged, yellow for charging?
Yesterday, I received a new Tapo notification to the effect that "there was an unusually fast 3% drop in battery level in 20 minutes and I should consider changing detection sensitivity levels." Why would I get that notification if the D225 is hardwire powered? The battery level was showing 95% at that point with the green icon showing.
A few hours later the battery level dropped to 94%. Another hour and battery level was down to 93% with no detection events. Battery icon still green charging(?), power source is still hardwired. Waited several hours and battery still at 93% green charging(?) (Maybe that green icon does not mean charging?) I checked the hardwire connection to the doorbell. It is solid. I checked my transformer output voltage after disconnecting the leads at the transformer going to the doorbell. Output voltage at the transformer is 18v. When I disconnected the transformer leads I got an immediate Tapo notification that the D225 had switched to battery power.
After reconnecting the transformer leads I got another notification that the D225 was hardwire powered. But then the battery level icon was grey instead of green and showing 93%. What does the grey battery icon mean. D225 power options showed it is hardwire powered. 9 hours later the battery icon is still grey, still at 93% but everything is working. Suddenly while looking at the Tapo app the battery icon changed from grey to green/charging (?). But the level has stayed at 93% for about 3 hours now.
I'm totally confused on how power is managed when hardwired. Sometimes its powered from the battery, sometimes from the transformer, with no logic as to what triggers it to switch from one to the other. Is the battery supposed to recharge when hardwired, or do I still have to periodically take the D225 out of service and recharge the battery with the USB?
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@Jamval I do not have always on enabled. THis is as per the tp-link instructions for using an existing chime in which case always on must not be enabled and the bypass should not be used. I do not need 24/7 recording.
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I just asked google the following question: "My Tapo D225 is hardwired. Why am I getting power switching notifications even when hardwired power has not been interrupted?"
Google's Answer: "The Tapo D225 may be sending FALSE notifications about switching between hardwired and battery power due to a bug that Tapo has acknowledged. Tapo is aware of the issue and is working on it."
Then I asked googe if Tapo has fixed this bug?
Google's anwwer: "Yes, it appears that Tapo has fixed the power switching bug in newer firmware versions".
I checked my app and my D225 Firmware is up to date; version 1.1.19 Build 250320 Ref. 42136n. I have auto update on.
I still get the occasional power switching notifications..
But, I just learned that even though my D225 has received the latest update, it may need to be rebooted for the update to take effect.
I'm rebooting now, lets see if that solves the problem.
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My firmware is up to date. Version 1.1.19 Build 250320 Rel. 42136n
I rebooted the device not through the app but by taking it off the base and pressing the reset button when advised to by support.
I suspect check the firmware and reboot the device is simply the first line of script that the customer support agents are instructed to read to you on first contact.
However I am currently focussing on whether 10VA is quite enough and planning to swap out the transformer with one that has higher VA. I will keep you posted.
In the meantime it happens without exception every time the bell is pressed. So it is not random, at least for me.
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@mjbarnard Yes, my transformer is also a 10 VA which is the minimum requirment for the Tapo D225. I think I read that you can go up to 40 VA transfomer. I was thinking of going up to a 30 or 40 VA so I could power a second doorbell at another door.
I don't know if my power switching notifications are triggered by pressing the doorbell button. I'd have to try it myself, I seldom get anyone comning to the door.
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Hello everyone,
Regarding the discussed situation, we would like to address the possibility that a reason the doorbell switches from hardwired mode to battery mode is due to an insufficient power supply. Therefore, it is important to verify whether the transformer you are using meets the doorbell's power requirements.
If the transformer does meet the requirements, use a multimeter to check the voltage between the doorbell's connection points when the issue arises (when the doorbell is hardwired but still in battery mode). If the voltage also remains within the normal range: 8-24V AC, then we should consider whether it is a compatibility issue. Try to use a different transformer if you have one.
If the situation remains the same, we recommend replacing a new doorbell. If the new doorbell also experiences the same issue with the same transformer, please email support.usa@tp-link.com for further assistance.
To receive efficient assistance, make sure to include the following information in your email:
1. Detailed description of the problem you've encountered, and relevant screenshots.
2. Model of the transformer you used.
3. Troubleshooting steps you've tried and the results. For example, the voltage test results when the doorbell switches to battery mode.
You're all welcome to share the model of your transformer in the comment section, your experience and the tips you have tried might be helpful for others!
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@Wayne-TP & Jamval
Thanks for your replies. When I measured the voltage it was 28V, although the transformer is set to 24V. Apparently this is not uncommon in UK where mains voltage frequently exceeds the specified input of 230V (can be up to 250V).
Not sure if that matters but have ordered Vemer (well respected manufacturer) TMC 30/24 which allows 12V-15VA or 24V-30VA.
I will let you know how that works.
Thanks again.
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@Wayne-TP I installed the Vemer TMC 30/24 and it works.
FIrst of all I used 24V 30VA, but the doorbell made a very strange sound. I measured the Voltage and again it was 28V output not 24. It seems the bell doesnt like this (I am using my own chime, not the Tapo supplied plug in one).
Then I wired it for 12V 15VA and it works perfectly - no more changing to battery and back to wired messages.
Thanks for the advice about trying different transformer. I wonder if using the old one and rewiring it to less than 24V would have done the same - doesnt matter as the transformers are not expensive.
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@mjbarnard Unfortunately the problem has returned, despite replacing the transformer. The bell switches to battery and then back again following every press.
Beginning to think it is a firmware issue.
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