This bulb used to work but doesn't anymore.

I followed the connecting sequence -- screw in, wait for 3 blinks, change to tapo network, connect.

At the last step, after barely a second of searching it says "Unable to find this Tapo Device". I deleted it from my list and attempted to connect anew with the same results.

I have followed every single suggestion I found short of using another device -- check that precise location and local network permissions are on, check that tapo network didn't disconnect in favour of wifi or data, check that firmware is up to date, factory reset the bulb by blinking it 5 times, check that VPN isn't on.

I find it odd that the search doesn't even last long before declaring it "cannot find the device".

I'm using ios 18.1.1, Tapo app version 3.9.102