Configuring Auto White for Tapo Lights
Multi-Color RGB Bulbs from Tapo offer the “Auto White” feature to intelligently adjust the color temperature and brightness of the bulb according to the local time. This feature is only available to Multi-Color(RGB) Bulbs from Tapo.
What is the Difference Between Auto Match and Auto Compensate?
If your model supports both of the functions, you can find the setting listed as the first preset in your device settings. There are two modes available: Auto Match and Auto Compensate.
Auto Match – Simulated Sunset and Sunrise
Simulates the natural changes in light throughout the day. The bulb will stay on all day, and the light will softly switch between Warm white to Daylight white, while automatically adjusting the brightness.
This feature is ideal for use in areas in which there is very little natural light and an artificial light must be used to maintain sufficient lighting. You can use the Auto Match feature for a gentle morning wake-up or to help wind down for bed.
Time of Day |
Color of Light |
Brightness |
30 Minutes Before Sunrise |
Warm White |
5% |
30 Minutes After Sunrise |
Natural White |
50% |
Noon |
Daylight White |
95% |
30 Minutes Before Sunset |
Natural White |
50% |
30 Minutes After Sunset |
Warm White |
50% |
Midnight |
Warm White |
5% |
Auto Compensate – Compensate for a Lack of Natural Light
Automatically turns on the light at night and turns it off in the morning to compensate for insufficient natural light. This feature works to save power throughout the day, while also ensuring that you have proper lighting each morning and evening.
Time of Day |
Color of Light |
Brightness |
Sunrise |
Natural White |
95% |
One Hour After Sunrise |
OFF |
OFF |
One Hour Before Sunset |
OFF |
OFF |
Sunset |
Natural White |
95% |
Where to Find and How to Configure the Auto White Feature
1. Go to the Status page of the smart bulb.
2. Tap the “A” icon under my Presets and choose the mode you want. If your device supports both Auto Match and Auto Compensate, you will be provided with an option to choose either Auto Match, or Auto Compensate. Please Note that many devices, particularly Kasa Devices will only support the Auto Match feature,
With Automations, you can always create detailed conditions on when your light will be on, such as turning the bulb off after midnight to save energy, or selecting different presets to be enabled at different times. When creating automations for your smart devices, the Auto White Feature will appear as an option under the “Set Lighting” Action.
Light Strips and Whole Home Automations
Beyond the features built into bulbs, you may also configure two premade routines in the Tapo app for both light bulbs and light strips.
Simulated Sunrise |
Turn on the Lights at Sunset |
This premade routine will use the time of sunrise to begin the automation and will automatically set your compatible light strips to the “morning” lighting effect. You can then edit the automation to include additional devices or to offset the automation’s start time. This will help start your natural circadian rhythm for the day by simulating the sun rising in the morning. |
This premade routine allows you to quickly create an automation that will turn on the lights in your home when the sun is setting. If you are experiencing that the lights take too long to turn on and the room gets too dark, try offsetting the “Sunset” Trigger to occur an hour before sunset. |