If live view on the Tapo C212 keeps spinning, says “Try Again” or “Tap to refresh”, these are the checks from Tapo’s live view guide.

What This Problem Means

The camera is connected, but the video stream is not reaching your phone smoothly.

Common Symptoms

• Live view keeps loading
• “Try Again” or “Tap to refresh”
• Sound lags behind the picture

Safe Checks You Can Try

1. Update the app and firmware

Install the latest Tapo app, then update the camera’s firmware from its Device Settings.

2. Check the Wi-Fi signal

In the Tapo app, open Device Settings > Device Info: the Wi-Fi icon shows the signal strength. Tapo’s network guide says above -50 dBm is strong, -50 to -70 dBm is good, and below -70 dBm is poor. If it is poor, move the router or camera closer, or add a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system.

3. Move it away from interference

Tapo says microwaves, Bluetooth devices, USB 3.0 devices, baby monitors and Zigbee devices near the camera can interfere with it.

4. Lower the video quality

Tapo says a lower stream quality loads faster on a weak connection. Change it on the Live Streaming page or under Device Settings > Video & Display.

5. Test on mobile data and another phone

Try the app on mobile data or a different Wi-Fi network, then on another phone.

6. Turn off your VPN

Tapo says a VPN or filter app on your phone (such as AdGuard, DuckDuckGo or NordVPN) can block the app. Turn it off and try again, and use one viewer at a time.

7. Check your phone and camera are on the same network

If live view works away from home but not on your Wi-Fi (or the other way round), Tapo says to check your phone is not on a guest network while the camera is on the main one, and to turn off client (AP) isolation on the router.

8. Restart

Close and reopen the Tapo app, or reboot the camera.

9. Use a cable if you can

Tapo suggests a wired connection where the camera supports it. The Tapo C212 has an Ethernet port.

When To Contact Support

If none of these checks fix it, contact Tapo support through TP-Link’s UK support site. Have the model and hardware version ready: Tapo says both are on the label on the camera.

Last resort: factory reset. Tapo’s reset guide says to press and hold Reset with a pin for about 5 seconds until the light blinks red. On pan-tilt cameras, tilt the lens up to reach the Reset button. You will then need to set it up again in the Tapo app. Removing it in the app (long-press its card, or Camera Settings > Remove) also resets it; Tapo says a Tapo Care plan stays on your account.