TP Link - Vigi - Common Questions About Vigi
The VIGI professional surveillance system by TP-Link is dedicated to protecting the business that you’ve worked hard to build—whenever, wherever. Outstanding functions, reliable quality guarantees, and simplified installation work together to ensure your business stays safe and sound. Here's a list of common questions about VIGI to help you learn VIGI faster.
VIGI Cameras
The following questions cover power, connectivity, audio, integration, and general camera capabilities for the VIGI range.
Power & Connectivity
- Power supply options VIGI cameras support 12V DC or PoE (802.3af/at, class 0). PoE-capable cameras can draw power directly from a compatible PoE switch, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter.
- PoE switch compatibility Yes — all VIGI wired cameras support Power over Ethernet and can be powered by any 802.3af/at-compliant PoE switch, simplifying cabling during installation.
- Outdoor use Select VIGI models carry an IP66 or IP67 weatherproof rating, making them suitable for outdoor installations. Use the Protection Level filter on the VIGI product page to identify outdoor-rated models.
- Simultaneous live streams Each camera supports up to 3 main streams and 3 sub-streams running simultaneously.
Viewing Angle & Zoom
The field of view depends on the camera's form factor and the lens focal length fitted. Always check the product specification sheet for the exact figures for your model. The table below shows example FOV values for the VIGI C340.
| Focal Length | Horizontal FOV | Vertical FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 mm | 102° | 55° | 122° |
| 4 mm | 79° | 43° | 93° |
| 6 mm | 50° | 27° | 59° |
Optical zoom is currently available on the VIGI C540V, which supports up to 3× optical zoom. Other VIGI camera models are fixed-focal-length and do not support optical zoom.
Audio
- Built-in speaker & microphone Many models — such as the VIGI C540 — include both a built-in speaker and microphone for two-way audio. Some models, like the VIGI C240, include a microphone only. Use the Audio filter on the VIGI product listing page to find models that match your audio requirements.
Web Interface & Credentials
- Web UI support All VIGI camera models support a Web UI except VIGI C300HP/P V1.0 and C400HP/P V1.0.
- Default username The default username is admin and cannot be changed. The password is set during first activation. If the password is forgotten, it must be reset — see the password reset guide linked in the sources below.
The admin username is fixed and cannot be modified. Keep your activation password in a secure location. If lost, a full password reset is required before you can regain access to the camera.
Third-Party Integration
- ONVIF protocol support VIGI cameras support the ONVIF protocol, enabling integration with third-party Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and Video Management Systems (VMS) that are ONVIF-compliant.
Resetting & Saving Recordings
- Factory reset Cameras can be reset either through the camera's built-in web interface or via VIGI Security Manager on a connected Windows PC.
- Saving recordings to a PC Yes — recordings can be exported to a computer using VIGI Security Manager. Refer to the setup and playback guide for step-by-step instructions.
VIGI NVR
Common questions about storage, camera compatibility, and internet requirements for VIGI Network Video Recorders.
Camera Compatibility
Tapo Cameras
Compatible with VIGI NVR- Supported via ONVIF protocol
- Can be added to VIGI NVR
- Pan & tilt not available for Tapo C200 on VIGI NVR
Kasa Cameras
Not compatible with VIGI NVR- Cannot be added to VIGI NVR
- No ONVIF support
Storage & HDD
- HDD included? No. A hard drive is not included with VIGI NVR units and must be purchased separately. Use a 3.5-inch HDD of enterprise or surveillance grade for best reliability.
- Maximum HDD capacity A single HDD of up to 10 TB is supported per bay.
- Cloud storage Cloud storage is not supported. All video recordings are stored locally on the installed HDD only.
VIGI NVRs do not support cloud-based video storage. Ensure your HDD has sufficient capacity for your intended retention period before installation.
Channel Capacity
- VIGI NVR1008 Supports up to 8 cameras across its 8 channels.
Internet Requirement
- Local use (no internet) VIGI NVRs and cameras function without an internet connection. Live view and recorded video playback are available locally at the NVR.
- Remote access & alerts An internet connection is required to access cameras remotely via a phone or PC, and to receive motion detection notifications. Devices must also be bound to a TP-Link account for remote access.
VIGI Security Manager
VIGI Security Manager is the Windows-based desktop application for managing cameras and NVRs on a local or remote network.
Download & System Requirements
- Where to download VIGI Security Manager is available from the TP-Link Download Center at tp-link.com/download-center.
- Operating system Windows only. VIGI Security Manager is not available for macOS or Linux.
VIGI Security Manager is a Windows-only application. It will not run on macOS or Linux systems.
Capacity & Remote Access
- Maximum cameras managed Up to 256 cameras can be managed. However, simultaneous live preview is limited to a maximum of 64 streams.
- Remote viewing Yes — VIGI cameras and NVRs can be viewed remotely through VIGI Security Manager, provided they are bound to a TP-Link account.
VIGI App
The VIGI mobile app provides on-the-go access to cameras and NVRs from iOS and Android devices.
Download & Remote Access
- Where to download Search for VIGI on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. A QR code is also available on the TP-Link VIGI product pages for quick download.
- Remote viewing Remote access is supported. Cameras and NVRs must be bound to a TP-Link account before they can be viewed outside the local network.
Both VIGI Security Manager and the VIGI App require devices to be bound to a TP-Link account for remote access. Ensure this step is completed during initial setup to avoid connectivity issues when viewing off-site.
Sources & related guides
Original FAQ: tp-link.com/us/support/faq/2850
VIGI camera product listings: tp-link.com/en/business-networking/vigi-network-camera
VIGI C540V (optical zoom): tp-link.com — VIGI C540V
Using VIGI cameras with third-party NVRs / NAS: tp-link.com/support/faq/2898
Camera not found troubleshooting: tp-link.com/support/faq/2896
Reset camera password: tp-link.com/support/faq/2870
Change password & reset password email (camera): tp-link.com/support/faq/2881
Upgrade camera firmware: tp-link.com/support/faq/2884
Lens focal length comparison (2.8 mm – 8 mm): tp-link.com/support/faq/2883
Modify camera IP address: tp-link.com/support/faq/2889
Rotate camera image: tp-link.com/support/faq/2882
Add Tapo cameras to VIGI NVR: tp-link.com/support/faq/2748
Export recordings from HDD: tp-link.com/support/faq/2902
Reset NVR password: tp-link.com/support/faq/2871
Factory reset VIGI NVR: tp-link.com/support/faq/2886
Upgrade NVR firmware: tp-link.com/support/faq/2887
Change NVR password & reset email: tp-link.com/support/faq/2885
Record & playback via VIGI Security Manager: tp-link.com/support/faq/2897
Avoid image overexposure: tp-link.com/support/faq/2888
TP-Link Download Center: tp-link.com/download-center
TP-Link Community (Business): community.tp-link.com/en/business/forum/584