The Tapo Solarcam C403 battery comes out from the bottom of the camera

The Tapo Solarcam C403 has a removable battery that slides out from underneath the camera body. You do not need tools or technical knowledge — the whole process takes about two minutes. The battery is a 2600 mAh lithium-ion pack that TP-Link sells as a replacement, and you can order it online or find it at electronics retailers that stock Tapo accessories.

Before you start, make sure the camera is powered off and disconnected from the Tapo app on your phone. If the camera is still recording or connected, the battery may not slide out smoothly, and you risk losing footage or corrupting the device settings.

Key Takeaways

  • The battery slides out from the bottom of the camera after you remove a single rubber cover.
  • You need a replacement TP-Link Tapo battery (model 2600 mAh) — generic batteries may not fit or work reliably.
  • Turn off the camera and disconnect it from the app before you remove the old battery.
  • The new battery slides in the same way the old one came out, and the camera will power on automatically once it is seated.

Step-by-step: removing the old battery

Step 1: Power off the camera. Open the Tapo app on your phone, find the C403 in your device list, and tap the power icon to turn it off. Wait 10 seconds for the camera to shut down completely. You will see the light on the camera go dark.

Step 2: Locate the battery compartment. Hold the camera in your hand and look at the bottom. You will see a small rubber cover or flap — this is the battery door. It is usually black or dark gray and sits flush with the camera body.

Step 3: Peel back the rubber cover. Use your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle to gently lift one corner of the rubber cover. Do not use a sharp metal tool, as you can damage the plastic underneath. Once you have lifted one corner, peel the cover back slowly until it is fully open. The cover is held on by adhesive, so it will come off but you can reuse it.

Step 4: Slide the battery out. Inside the compartment, you will see a rectangular battery with a small metal tab or loop on one end. Gently pull the tab or loop toward you. The battery will slide out smoothly. If it does not move, do not force it — make sure the camera is fully powered off and try again.

Step-by-step: installing the new battery

Step 1: Check the new battery. Remove the replacement TP-Link battery from its packaging. Look at the metal contacts on the battery — they should be clean and shiny. If they look dirty or corroded, wipe them gently with a dry cloth.

Step 2: Align the battery with the compartment. Hold the new battery so the metal contacts face into the camera body. The battery should slide in the same direction the old one came out. If the battery does not line up smoothly, rotate it 180 degrees and try again — batteries only fit one way.

Step 3: Push the battery in until it clicks. Slide the battery into the compartment slowly and steadily. You will feel a small click or resistance when the battery is fully seated. This click means the battery is locked in place and making good contact with the camera's internal connectors.

Step 4: Replace the rubber cover. Fold the rubber cover back over the battery compartment. Press it down firmly so the adhesive seals it closed. Make sure there are no gaps or bubbles — a loose cover can let moisture in and damage the battery.

Powering on the camera after battery replacement

Once the new battery is installed and the cover is sealed, the camera will power on automatically within 10 to 15 seconds. You will see a blue light blink on the front of the camera, which means it is starting up. Wait for the light to turn solid blue before you try to reconnect it to the Tapo app.

Open the Tapo app on your phone and look for the C403 in your device list. It should appear as online within one to two minutes. If the camera does not show up, restart your phone's Wi-Fi and try again. The camera will remember your network settings and reconnect automatically — you do not need to set it up from scratch.

How long the new battery will last

A new Tapo Solarcam C403 battery lasts between 3 and 6 months under normal use, depending on how often the camera records and how much sunlight it gets. If the camera is mounted in a sunny spot and records only when motion is detected, the battery will last closer to 6 months. If it is in a shaded area or records continuously, expect 3 to 4 months.

The camera has a solar panel on top that charges the battery during the day. If you notice the battery draining faster than before, check that the solar panel is clean and not covered by leaves, dirt, or bird droppings. A dirty panel charges much more slowly and will drain the battery faster.

What to do if the battery does not slide out

If you have followed all the steps and the battery still will not move, the camera may not be fully powered off. Unplug the solar panel from the camera (if it is connected) and wait 30 seconds. This forces a complete shutdown. Then try to remove the battery again.

If the battery still will not budge, the metal contacts inside the compartment may be corroded or the battery may be swollen. Do not force it — contact TP-Link support with a photo of the compartment. A swollen battery can damage the camera if you push too hard, and TP-Link can send you a replacement unit if the battery is stuck due to a manufacturing defect.

Buying the right replacement battery

The only battery that works reliably in the Tapo Solarcam C403 is the official TP-Link replacement battery. It is sold under the model number 2600 mAh and costs between $20 and $35 depending on the retailer. You can order it directly from TP-Link's website, Amazon, Best Buy, or other electronics retailers that carry Tapo accessories.

Generic or third-party batteries may fit physically but often do not hold a charge as long, and some have been reported to overheat or fail after a few weeks. The camera's firmware is designed to work with the official battery's power curve, so using a different battery can cause the camera to shut down unexpectedly or report incorrect battery levels in the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the camera while it is charging from the solar panel?

Yes. The solar panel charges the battery while the camera is recording and connected to the app. You do not need to remove the battery or stop using the camera. The charging happens in the background automatically.

What happens if I install the battery backwards?

The battery will not fit if it is backwards — the metal contacts will not align with the connectors inside the compartment. You will feel resistance and the battery will not slide all the way in. Simply rotate the battery 180 degrees and try again. There is no risk of damage if you try to install it the wrong way.

Do I need to reset the camera after changing the battery?

No. The camera will remember your Wi-Fi network, your Tapo app account, and all your recording settings. It will reconnect to the app automatically once it powers on. You only need to reset the camera if you are moving it to a different network or giving it to someone else.

How do I know when the battery needs to be replaced?

The Tapo app shows the current battery level as a percentage. When the battery drops below 20 percent and is not charging (because there is not enough sunlight), the app will send you a notification. Order a replacement battery when you see this notification so it arrives before the current battery dies completely.

Can I leave the old battery out and just use the solar panel?

No. The solar panel alone cannot power the camera — it only charges the battery. Without a battery installed, the camera will not turn on, even in bright sunlight. The battery must be present for the camera to work.