How to Use Phone as a Webcam for HD Video (iOS & Android)

TL;DR:

• You can use your phone’s camera as a replacement for your desktop webcam. 
• You'll need an app to turn your phone into a webcam.
• Some apps like Riverside can even turn your phone into a webcam without using connection cables.

Missing a webcam on your desktop? Or perhaps it has one, but the quality isn’t up to par? 

Don’t worry! Your phone's camera can do a fantastic job standing in as a desktop camera. 

You can easily connect your phone to your computer with a cable. Or, better yet, there are many platforms that allow you to connect your phone to a desktop wirelessly. 

No matter if you’re team Android or iPhone we’ll show you exactly how to turn your phone into a webcam. We cover various methods, so you can choose the one best suited to your setup. 

Table of Contents:

• ‍Can you use a smartphone as a webcam?‍
• ‍How to use an iPhone or Android as a webcam on any Mac or Windows PC: 3 Methods‍
• How to use your iPhone as a webcam on Mac‍
• How to use an Android phone as a webcam on Windows PC‍
• Other software alternatives for adding your phone as a webcam‍
• Bonus: 5 Tips for using your phone as a webcam or secondary camera‍
• FAQs on Use Phone as Webcam
  

Can you use a smartphone as a webcam?

Yes, you can use a smartphone as a webcam. However, it requires a few steps: you’ll have to download specific apps on both your smartphone and your computer.

How to use an iPhone or Android as a webcam on any Mac or Windows PC: 3 Methods 

Riverside

Supports: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac

Instead of using your phone as a makeshift webcam, you can use Riverside to make calls directly from your phone itself. And if you’d like an extra camera angle then you can turn your phone into a secondary webcam for your desktop.

Riverside is an all-in-one platform for video calls, recording, live streaming, and editing.  You can record in up to 4K video resolution. 

Our local recording captures each person’s audio and video directly on their device. This means no internet connection issues will ruin your recording quality. And, you don’t have to worry about your phone storage here. While we record on your device, everything uploads to the cloud as you record.

You’ll get separate audio and video tracks for each participant. Invite up to 7 other guests who can also join from their mobile phones (or desktop).

After recording, head to our video editor. You’ll find AI tools here for audio enhahcment, captions, text-based video editing and more. You can also download Magic Clips and AI summaries of your videos. 

Let’s look at how to use your phone's camera to make video calls in Riverside.

How to use your phone to make video calls using Riverside

Step 1: Download Riverside on the App Store or Play Store. 

Step 2: Open the app. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up for one. Once you’ve signed up, log in to the account. 

Step 3: Once logged in, click on the “+” icon next to “Studios” on the left-hand side. Add your “Studio Name”, Set the language being spoken, and choose your recording mode. Then click on “Create”. 

Step 4: In the dashboard that opens up, hit the “Record” button. 

In the following screen, click “Join”. Then click “REC”. 

And that’s it!

How to turn your phone into a secondary webcam with Riverside

Step 1: Log in to Riverside on the browser on your desktop. Then log in to your Riverside account on your desktop browser. 

Step 2: In the desktop browser, create a new studio. (You can learn how to do so here.)

Step 3: Once created click on “Go to studio” in the studio dashboard. 

Step 4: Here you’ll go to the Lobby. Add your name, then go to the microphone and camera settings. Under the camera settings click on the option “Connect mobile cam”. 

A QR will appear. Scan this code with your mobile phone and simply click on the link that comes up. 

Your phone will now automatically be connected as your webcam.

Step 5: When you’re ready click “Join Studio”.  Once you and your guests are set, click “Record” to get the camera rolling. 

When you are finished select the stop button. All your recordings will automatically save in your Riverside studio dashboard.

Step 6: If you want to disconnect your mobile webcam when you’re done, simply click on the three dots on the side of your phone screen. Select “ Disconnect” and your phone will no longer be a webcam for your PC.

Note: The Mobile-as-Webcam is gradually rolling out. We value your patience.

Camo

Supports: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac

Connection type: WiFi, USB

Camo is one of the most popular apps to turn your smartphone into a webcam. It has a free version that records up to 720p and a $49.99/year paid version that records up to 4K. 

Camo works with over 40 video recording and streaming applications, including popular platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, OBS Studio, and more. 

Some useful features that come with the app include filters, image zoom and crop, green screen, and more. 

How to turn your phone into a webcam with Camo using WiFi

Step 1: Install the Camo app on your phone and on your desktop. 

Step 2: Open the Camo app both on your phone and desktop.

Step 3: On the desktop, click “Pair a device”. 

Step 4: On the phone, click on the WiFi icon.

Step 5: Once done, you should see a QR code on your desktop, and a scanner on your phone. Scan the QR code using the scanner. 

Step 6: You should now see your Android’s phone camera feed on Camo. If you don’t, click on Device on the top left-hand side and choose your phone. 

Step 7: To use your phone’s camera on apps like Zoom or Google Meet, go to the apps camera settings and choose Camo as your camera source. You should now have your phone working as a webcam. 

How to turn your phone into a webcam with Camo using USB

Step 1: You’ll first need to enable Developer Mode. 

To do so, first go to your Settings> About phone> Build Number (depending on your phone, this option might show OS version). 

Tap this 7 times. You should see a message that says You are now a developer. 

Step 2: Now navigate to Settings>System>Additional Settings/Advanced Settings>Developer Options>Enable USB debugging

Step 3: Connect your phone to your computer with a USB. Open the Camo app on both your phone and the PC. You should now see your phone’s camera feed. 

DroidCam

Supports: iOS, Android, Windows

Connection type: WiFi, USB

DroidCam is another popular app to turn your smartphone into a webcam. 

With DroidCam you can record on your phone in up to 1080p, and if you connect to OBS it can record up to 4K UHD. 

How to turn your phone into a webcam with DroidCam using WiFi

Step 1: Open the DroidCam software both on your phone and on the computer. 

Step 2: In the mobile version, you’ll find a screennwith a Wifi IP address. Note down this address.

Step 3: On the desktop version, click on the WiFi icon. 

In the “Device IP” field, enter the IP address you’ve just noted. 

If you want video and audio, make sure the options are selected Then click start. The feed from your phone camera should now show up onscreen.

Step 4: If you’re using any app that uses a webcam, make sure you select DroidCam as your feed. 

How to turn your phone into a webcam with DroidCam using USB

Step 1: To get into developer mode, follow Step 1 and Step 2 in the above section of “How to turn your phone into a webcam with Camo using USB”

Step 2: Open the DroidCam app on your phone and on the desktop. 

Step 3: On the desktop version, click on the USB icon. Then click the refresh button. Your phone’s model number should now pop up in the field. 

Step 4: Enable “Video” and “Audio” checkboxes and click “Start”. You can now use your phone as a webcam.

How to use your iPhone as a webcam on Mac 

The continuity camera is a “phone as webcam” feature introduced in macOS Ventura and iOS 16. To use this feature you need to update your phone and Mac to these latest versions (or later).

To use your iPhone as a webcam with Continuity Camera, you don’t need to download any app! 

The feature is built-in: all you need is an iPhone XR or a newer model and a Mac. 

How to use Continuity Camera to turn your iPhone into a webcam

Make sure you have the required updates and that both devices are logged into the same iCloud account, before starting. You'll also want to be on the same Wi-fi network.

Step 1: Open the “Settings” app on the iPhone. Scroll to “General”. 

Step 2: Tap “Airplay and Handoff”. Then toggle “Continuity Camera” to “On”. 

Step 3: Launch FaceTime, Zoom, Photo Booth, or any other video calling app on your Mac. 

If the app doesn’t automatically switch to the iPhone camera, go to the app’s video settings and select your iPhone from the list of available cameras. 

How to use an Android phone as a webcam on Windows PC

Windows Insider

Windows Insider is an open software testing program by Microsoft. It allows users to preview Windows features before they’re released to the public. 

A recent Windows Insider feature was one that let users use their Android phones as webcams on Windows 11 PCs. 

How to use Windows Insider to turn your phone into a webcam

Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 11 PC. Navigate to Library on the bottom left-hand side. 

Step 2: Make sure you have Phone Link and Cross Device Experience Host enabled. If you see ‘Open’ next to them, you’re good to go. 

Step 3: Type Settings in your Windows search bar. Navigate to Bluetooth & Devices>Mobile Devices>Manage Devices>Enable Use as a connected camera. 

Step 4: Now your phone and computer should be synced. When you open any software that uses a webcam the next time, you’ll find an option to use your phone as a camera. 

When you select that option, you’ll get a popup on your phone that says “Tap to start camera stream”. Tap on the notification, and you should see your phone’s camera feed showing up.

Other software alternatives for adding your phone as a webcam

EpocCam

Supports: iOS, Windows, Mac

Connection type: WiFi, USB

EpocCam can stream footage at 1080p. 

There’s a free version and paid. The former uses a watermark and lacks HDR support, pinch to zoom, and other features. However, both versions can record at 1080p. 

Iriun

Supports: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac

Connection Type: Wifi, USB

Iriun is a minimalist phone webcam app that’s available on all devices. 

Setting it up is simple and takes less than a minute or two. 

The pro version is affordable at $6.99 one time. It has extra features like no watermark and manual ISO, exposure, and white balance adjustment.

Bonus: 5 Tips for using your phone as a webcam or secondary camera

Stabilize your phone

Use a tripod or a stable stand to prevent shaky videos. This improves video quality and lets you freely use your hands during calls or recordings.

Use the rear camera

Use the rear camera as it has better resolution and image quality compared to the front-facing one.

Optimize camera settings

Adjust the exposure, focus, and white balance through your chosen app (if it allows for it) to get the best possible look. 

Keep your phone charged

Running your phone as a webcam can drain the battery quickly. So during use keep your phone plugged into a power source to avoid interruptions. 

If you’re traveling somewhere, you can use a power bank. 

Optimize Lighting

If possible use natural lighting. Position yourself facing a window if possible. 

Or use an external light source like a ring light. It’s also good to avoid overhead video lighting as it can cause harsh shadows.

FAQs on Use Phone as Webcam

Can I use my phone as a Webcam via USB?

Yes, you can use a phone as a webcam via USB. If you’re on Android, this can be done through apps like Camo, DroidCam, and Iriun. If you’re on iPhone, you can use the same apps, however, you can also use iPhone’s built-in Continuity Camera (you’ll need a Mac for this). 

Can I use the Camo app with Android phones and tablets?

Yes, you can use the Camo app with both Android phones and tablets. 

What is the best app for turning my phone into a webcam for Zoom meetings?

The best app for turning your phone into a webcam for Zoom meetings is Camo. This is because Camo has plenty of features like camera filters, overlays, ability to change saturation, color temperature, and plenty more. 

For iPhone specifically, you can also use the built-in “Continuity Camera” feature. For Android, “Windows Insider” is a great option. 

Is DroidCam safe to use?

Yes, DroidCam is safe to use. Just make sure you download from the Play Store or App Store, as apps over here are generally secure. 

Final Thoughts

Not everyone can afford an expensive camera—but thankfully, you can make your smartphone act like one. Whether you have an Android or an iPhone, there are many apps on the market today that make it easy to turn your smartphone camera into a recording device for your next virtual recording.

To maximize the end result of your phone-turned-webcam recording, be sure to use proper lighting methods and record with your phone’s main camera. Use an external mic and a tripod for more polished audio and video.

And if you’d rather bypass the additional apps altogether and record directly from the video conferencing app, consider using Riverside's recording software, which offers a mobile app that’s easy to use without sacrificing audio or video quality. 

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