Tapo TC40 SD Card Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

Step-by-step fix guide | Tapo TC40

Try this first — Reseat the card with the power off, then format it in the Tapo app.

If the Tapo TC40 says there is no card, will not format the card, or stops saving to it, these are Tapo’s own checks. Tapo also sells the C500, which its pages show with very similar specs, so most of these steps should apply to it too.

What This Problem Means

The microSD card is not recognised, cannot be formatted, or has stopped recording.

Common Symptoms

  • “No SD card” or an error in the app
  • Formatting fails
  • Recordings stop after a while

Safe Checks You Can Try

1. Check the card type

Tapo’s microSD guide lists microSDHC and microSDXC cards from 8GB up to 512GB (check your model), at least Class 10 / V10 / U1. It recommends High, Max or Pro Endurance cards for continuous recording, and says ADATA (A1, V10) and the Samsung 256GB EVO Plus are not supported.

2. Reseat the card

Tapo’s SD card guide says to power off the camera, take the card out and put it back in a few times, and check it for damage.

3. Format it again

Back up anything you need, clear the Tapo app’s cache, then format the card again in the app.

4. Test it in a computer

Format the card in a computer with “Quick” unticked. Tapo says the camera formats the whole card, so fake-capacity cards fail; it suggests testing with H2testW.

5. Try another card

Try a different High Endurance card from Tapo’s list. Tapo says cards wear out and should be replaced every few years.

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A new card rules out a worn-out or faulty one. Tapo recommends endurance cards for continuous recording.

Fits: on Tapo’s tested microSD list, marked “Recommended for video monitoring” (checked 23 October 2026). Tapo lists microSD up to 512GB for the TC40.

Worth knowing: Format it in the Tapo app once it’s fitted.

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6. Check recording is on

Make sure microSD Card Recording (or Local Recording) is turned on under Device Settings > Storage & Recording.

7. 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.