@Cynicalcylon Hello, 

Thank you for your detailed information, make sure phone is connected to the default SSID ' TP-LINK_Smart Bulb_1E24' in set up process or bulb could not be found by Kasa APP. This SSID has no Internet and it will disappear after bulb is installed successfully. 

1. Turn off VPN settings on your phone 
2. Manually Connect to TPLINK _ Smart XXX SSID when the app guides to connect to smart Wi-Fi, and go back to Kasa app

iOS: Go to the Settings page, click on the Wi-Fi option to connect to the Kasa Cam’s Wi-Fi manually.

Android: Go to the Settings page to connect to the Kasa Cam’s Wi-Fi network. Once it’s connected, please go back to the Kasa app and click on "Try Again".)

3. For IOS14 and above, enable Local network permission for Kasa app :

https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/2937/

4. Try a different phone

May I know the model of your phone and its Android or IOS version if the above does not work? 

@Cynicalcylon Great 

@lensglare That's good to know, thanks for your sharing!