How to Use Phone as Webcam for Computers [2024 Update]

With the rise of remote work, video conferencing, and live streaming, having a quality webcam is essential. Fortunately, you don’t need to invest in a new device; your smartphone's camera can serve as a high-quality webcam.

This article will walk you through the steps for using both iOS and Android devices as webcams, covering popular methods and tools to ensure a seamless setup.

Part 1. Why Use a Phone as a Webcam?

There are many benefits of using a phone as a webcam rather than buying another new camera. Below we list some of the reasons:

Better Camera Quality: Many smartphones have higher-quality cameras compared to standard webcams.
Cost-Efficiency: Save money by using a device you already own.
Portability: Easily move your phone to different locations or angles during a call or stream.
Versatility: Use your phone for a range of purposes beyond video calls, such as streaming, recording videos, or even surveillance.

Part 2. How to Use Android as Webcam

In this part, we will introduce two methods to turn Android phones into webcam for PC. Method 1 is with the Windows 11 built-in feature, whiil method 2 is with a third-party tool. Let's start.

1Use Link to Windows

Windows 11 version updates a new feature. It allows you to connect your Android phone to Windows via Link to Windows and choose to use this phone as a webcam on your computer.

Before you start, check the version of your computer and phone system. Try to keep it the latest version. Also check the versions of the software Phone Link and Link to Windows. If necessary, update to the latest version. Some Android models don't have Link to Windows app pre-installed, please go to Play Store to download it before you start.

Steps to Turn Android to Webcam for Windows with Phone Link:

Step 1.Open Phone Link on your PC and open Link to Windows on your Android phone. Pair your phone with the PC by following the instruction on the screen.

Step 2.After linking Android to PC, on your PC, click Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices.

Step 3.Click Manage devices.

Step 4.In the new window, under My devices tab, you can see the linked device. Then toggle the button beside Use as a connected camera to turn your Android phone into webcam for the PC.

What We Say : This method is free. And this software is launched by Microsoft, most of the Windows and Android devices have this software built-in, you don't need to download any third party software. Meanwhile, Phone Link is guaranteed in terms of connection stability and security. If your device meets the version requirements, then we highly recommend this method.

2Use AirDroid Personal

Since connecting Android to Windows via Phone Link to act as a webcam is a new feature in Win11, if you are on a system below Win11 or if you are using macOS, then here is another app we will recommend AirDroid Personal will turn your Android phone into a webcam for Windows and Mac computer.

With the remote camera feature of AirDroid Personal, you can even turn on your phone camera when you are not at home. It's best for remotely monitoring your kids or pets.

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Steps to Use Android as Webcam for PC via AirDroid Personal

Step 1.Download AirDroid Personal both on your PC and phone. Sign up an account and log in on both phone and PC.
Step 2.On your Android phone, tap Me > Security & Remote Features > Camera > Grant Permission. If you'd like to hear the voice from the remote camera, then turn on One-way audio.

Step 3.On your PC AirDroid Personal, click remote control icon. Then choose your Android phone from the list and click Remote Camera.

What We Say: The remote camera feature is free when your phone and computer are on the same network. If you want to use this feature from a distance, the price is also just $3.99 a month, so it's a great deal too. This software supports you to use your Android phone as a webcam for Windows and Mac.

Part 3. How to Use iPhone as Webcam

In this part, we also introduce two methods to turn iPhone as a webcam for PC. Method 1 is with Apple's built-in feature, while in method 2 we will recommend a third-party tool.

1Use Continuity Camera

Continuity Camera is a feature in the Apple ecosystem that allows users to integrate iOS devices with Mac. With Continuity Camera, you can use your iPhone or iPad as a webcam or a document scanner for your Mac.

This feature is only available for iOS 16 or later (iPhone XR and later models), macOC Ventura or later. Make sure your devices meets the requirements before start.

Step 1. Ensure your iPhone and Mac are signed in to the same account.

Step 2. On your iPhone, go to Settings. Tap General > Airplay & Handoff. Then turn on Continuity Camera Webcam.

Step 3. On your Mac, launch any app that uses a camera and set its camera option to iPhone.

What We Say: This method utilizes Apple's built-in webcam feature, which is free and requires no additional software installation. However, this method requires a lately iOS version. And you can only turn iPhone into webcam for Mac with this feature. Windows is not supported.

2EpocCam

EpocCam is a webcam app designed for iOS. It can work with Windows, Mac to provide you with an HD camera alternative to your nominal PC webcam. With this app, you can use iPhone camera for Zoom, Teams or some other apps on PC.

It supports iOS 13 and later. For Mac, it requires macOS 10.14 or later. For Windows, it requires Windows 10 or later.

For the basic feature, you can download EpocCam. It is free to use. If you need more functions, then choose the pro version. The advanced version requires a one-time fee of $7.99.

The main features of EpocCam are as follows:

What We Say: The overall use of this software is relatively smooth. But the free version is limited in many scenarios. You need to pay to get a better experience. You can decide whether to pay or not depending on your needs.

Part 4. Use Using Video Conferencing Software to Turn Android & iOS into Webcam

Some conferencing apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, allow you to directly use your smartphone camera by connecting it as a secondary device. And these apps has strong compatibility. You can use them on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac.

Step 1.Join the meeting from your computer.
Step 2.Use your phone to join the same meeting, but only enable the camera on your phone (disable the microphone to avoid audio feedback).
Step 3.Place the phone in a stable position.

What We Say: Most of the online conferecing apps are free to use and compatible with most devices. But they might lack some specific features. You can consider this method accroding to your situation.

Part 5.Tips of Using Phone as a Webcam

In order to enhance a better experience when you're using a phone as a webcam on a PC, make sure to follow these tips:

Ensure that both the webcam application and PC drivers are up-to-date.
Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network or use a high-quality USB cable.
Make sure that the phone screen remains unlocked while using it as a webcam.
To use Android phone as webcam via USB, you should always enable developer options and USB debugging on your Android phone.
The process often takes a lot of battery. Therefore, make sure that your Android phone is plugged into a power source when using Android as a webcam.
If your computer still doesn't recognize your phone, try to restart or relaunch the application or devices.

Final Words

In this article, we introduce two methods to use Android and iPhone as webcam for Windows and Mac respectively. each method has different limitations and advantages, you can choose according to your device and usage scenario.

If you need to use your Android camera remotely as a webcam for PC, then we strongly recommend AirDroid Personal's Remote Camera feature.

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FAQs about Use Phone as Webcam

How can I use my iPhone as a webcam in Windows 11?

Charudatta

You can use your iPhone as a Webcam for your Windows 11 PC through a third-party app. For instance, you can use apps such as EpocCam. Once the app has been set up, connect the devices and select the camera feature on your Windows 11.

Q2. Can I use an Android phone as a Webcam without the app?

Charudatta

You can use an Android phone as a Webcam without a third-party app if you are using Android 14 or later . You can connect your Android phone with a PC via a USB cable connection. Follow the on-screen prompt to use the USB as a Webcam, then select the Android on the video app of your choice.

Q3. Can I use my phone as a Webcam for Streamlabs OBS?

Charudatta

Yes, you can use your phone as a Webcam for Streamlabs OBS. If you use the app to stream your video content on social media such as Twitch, Discord, etc., you can connect the phone directly or use a third-party app. For instance, DroidCam works well with Streamlabs OBS.

Q4. Can I use my phone as a Webcam via USB?

Charudatta

Yes, you can use your phone as a Webcam via USB. Android phones and iPhones allow wired connection to PC or Mac, respectively. You need USB debugging on an Android phone. While on an iPhone, you can use the Continuity Camera.