Solve Kasa Smart Cam 2.0 Recording Stops After Firmware Rollback

Understanding the Problem

The Kasa Smart Cam 2.0 is designed to keep a continuous record of your surroundings, whether that means monitoring a home, office, or any other space you wish to protect. When the device’s firmware is rolled back to a previous version, many users report that the recording function stops working altogether. The problem can appear sudden, and it is often confusing because the camera still powers on, streams live video, and can still be controlled through the Kasa app. The real issue lies in how the new firmware version and the old firmware version handle recording settings and data storage.

Why Firmware Rollbacks Can Cause Recording Issues

Firmware is the software that runs inside the camera hardware. It manages low‑level tasks such as motion detection, video compression, storage handling, and network communication. When a device is updated to a newer firmware, the developers may change the way the camera writes video files, or they may add new features that require different storage formats. If you later revert the device back to an older firmware version, the older code may not recognize the data format or may not properly initialize the recording module. As a result, the camera’s internal logic can fail to start new recordings, even though the live feed still functions.

In addition, the Kasa app itself may store user preferences in a format that is incompatible with a previous firmware. After a rollback, the app may try to read settings that do not exist or are incorrectly mapped in the old firmware, leading to silent failures of the recording process.

Common Signs of Recording Failure After Rollback

• The live view in the app is smooth, but the “record” button does not turn on or stays greyed out.
• The camera’s LED indicator (if any) does not flash during motion detection.
• No new video files appear in the cloud or local storage.
• The app displays a message such as “Recording is disabled” or “No space available.”
• Restarting the device or the app does not resolve the issue.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is time to dig deeper into the settings and firmware state.

Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting Guide

Confirm Current Firmware Version

1. Open the Kasa app.
2. Navigate to the device list and select the Smart Cam 2.0.
3. Look for a “Firmware Version” field; note the exact number.

If the version appears older than the latest release on the official website, you are likely on a rolled‑back firmware.

Verify Camera Settings

The camera’s recording settings may have been reset during the rollback.

• Go to Settings → Record in the app.
• Ensure that Auto‑Record or Motion‑Detection Record is enabled.
• If you use scheduled recording, double‑check the start and end times.

Sometimes the recording option is toggled off inadvertently, especially after a firmware update or downgrade.

Check Cloud Storage and Local Storage

1. In the app, select Cloud or Local depending on where you store footage.
2. Verify that there is sufficient space available.
3. If you use a microSD card, remove it and reinsert it, ensuring it is properly seated.
4. Format the SD card from the camera’s Settings → Storage → Format option if space errors appear.

A misaligned storage format can prevent new recordings from being written.

Test Live Streaming

Although live streaming usually works, it is a good sanity check:

• Disable the Auto‑Record option.
• Move within the camera’s field of view and watch the live feed.
• If live streaming stops after a few seconds, it indicates a deeper firmware issue.

Re‑enable recording once the live stream is stable.

Restart and Reset Procedures

A simple power cycle can clear temporary glitches.

1. Turn the camera off by unplugging it from the power source.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Plug it back in and wait for the LED (if any) to stabilize.

If that does not help, perform a soft reset:

• In the app, go to Settings → Reset and choose Soft Reset.
• This retains your Wi‑Fi settings but clears many internal caches.

Reinstall App and Reconnect Device

• Delete the Kasa app from your phone or tablet.
• Re‑download the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
• Open the app and add the Smart Cam 2.0 again.
• This ensures that app‑side configuration files match the camera’s firmware.

Update or Reinstall Firmware

If you suspect the firmware is still corrupted after a rollback:

1. In the app, check for firmware updates again.
2. If a newer version is available, consider upgrading instead of rolling back.
3. If you must stay on the older firmware, try a fresh installation:
   • Disable the camera from the app.
   • Power off the camera.
   • Hold the reset button (usually a small pinhole) while plugging it back in.
   • Release after the LED blinks a specific pattern that indicates a factory reset.
   • Re‑add the camera to the app.

A clean install often resolves hidden conflicts.

Check Network Stability and Bandwidth

The recording feature requires a stable Wi‑Fi connection.

• Run a speed test on the network where the camera resides.
• Ensure that at least 1 Mbps upload bandwidth is available.
• If you share the network with many devices, try assigning a dedicated VLAN or limiting other traffic.

Inspect Physical Camera Placement and Obstructions

If the camera’s field of view is blocked or if it is too far from the router, motion detection may fail.

• Make sure the camera has a clear line of sight to the area it should monitor.
• Move the camera closer to the router or install a Wi‑Fi extender.

Review Security Permissions

On Android or iOS, the Kasa app must have full permission to write to local storage and to use the microphone (for advanced features).

• Check the app’s permissions in your device’s settings.
• Grant any missing permissions and restart the app.

When to Contact Support

If all the steps above fail to restore recording, it is time to reach out to TP‑Link Kasa support. Provide them with:

• The current firmware version number.
• A description of the steps you have already taken.
• Any error messages that appear in the app.
• Log files if the app allows you to export them.

They may request a serial number or other device identifiers to troubleshoot further.

Preventative Measures

• Avoid unnecessary firmware rollbacks. Only downgrade if you encounter a serious bug that the newer firmware does not resolve.
• Keep the camera and the app updated. New releases often fix bugs that could impact recording.
• Backup critical footage to local storage or cloud before making firmware changes.
• Use a dedicated network or VLAN for your smart home devices to reduce interference.
• Schedule regular firmware checks by enabling notifications in the Kasa app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does rolling back firmware always cause recording problems?

Not always. It depends on what changes the newer firmware introduced. In many cases, older firmware can still record, but compatibility issues may arise with newer storage formats or app settings.

Can I recover recordings that were lost after a rollback?

If the camera was recording on a microSD card, the files might still be there but unreadable due to format changes. Using a computer to read the card might reveal corrupted files, but recovery is unlikely if the firmware no longer supports that format.

Is there a risk of bricking the camera during a rollback?

The rollback process itself is generally safe. However, if you perform a manual factory reset without following the official procedure, the camera could become unresponsive.

How long does a rollback take?

Typically a few minutes. The camera will reboot and the Kasa app will indicate the progress.

Can I use a different app to control the camera after a rollback?

TP‑Link recommends using the official Kasa app for full functionality. Third‑party apps may not support all features, especially those tied to firmware.

Summary

Recording stops after a firmware rollback on the Kasa Smart Cam 2.0 usually stems from incompatibilities between the old firmware’s recording logic and the settings or storage formats introduced by the newer firmware. By methodically verifying firmware version, camera settings, storage availability, network conditions, and app permissions, most users can restore normal operation. If the problem persists, a fresh firmware install or contacting TP‑Link support are the next best steps. Keeping your device and its software up‑to‑date, and limiting firmware rollbacks, will reduce the likelihood of encountering this issue in the future.