If the Tapo C230 picture looks soft, blocky or blurry, these are the checks to try.

What This Problem Means

The camera video is less clear than it should be.

Common Symptoms

• A blurry or soft picture
• Blocky video on live view
• Glare or haze

Safe Checks You Can Try

1. Raise the video quality

Check the stream quality under Device Settings > Video & Display, or on the Live Streaming page. Tapo says lower settings load faster on a weak connection but look softer.

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. Clean the lens

Wipe the lens gently with a soft, dry cloth to clear dust and smudges.

4. Don’t point it through glass

Tapo says glass causes glare by day and infrared reflection at night.

5. Know its resolution

Tapo lists the Tapo C230 at 3K 5MP (2880 x 1620).

6. Update the app and firmware

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

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.