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

Benefits of Using Your Phone as a Webcam

Perhaps your budget is limited, or you simply don’t like the idea of cluttering your space with multiple gadgets. Whatever your reason for not purchasing a camera, there are also benefits to be had from relying on your smartphone. 

Some of our favorite upsides include:

• Convenience. Your phone is on you at all times, right? That’s one fewer thing you’ll need to remember to bring with you for your next video chat or podcast recording.
• Better quality than your laptop. If you’re making the choice between using the built-in camera in your computer vs. the one in your phone, go with your phone. It’s likely your Android or iPhone has a more powerful camera and can capture clearer images than your laptop can.
• Lower cost. Beginner podcasters and content creators may not have the funds to build a professional recording studio—but that’s okay! A phone can be an excellent and cost-effective way to get started while still recording in good quality.

Worth trying, right? Get started by watching this video and then read on for a full guide on how you can turn your phone into a webcam no matter what device.

Apps that Turn your Phone into a Webcam

There are many apps available that help you use your phone as a webcam. While you might think you can pick and choose anything, there are a few things you need to consider. Most importantly, you need to look at what apps are compatible with the devices you are using. For example, if you’re using an iPhone with a Windows PC you’ll have to use different software than if you’re using an iPhone with a Mac. 

Some great apps to look out for include: 

• DroidCam
• Iriun
• Reincubate Camo
• NeuralCam Live
• EpocCam

To make things easier for you, our guide includes exactly which app you should be using based on your devices. We explain how to use these apps and then go on to look at the pros and cons of each.

How to Use Your Android Device as a Webcam

There are many apps on the market—both free and paid—promising to turn your Android phone into a webcam. Below, we’ll look at two options for Windows and Mac users.

Using an Android Phone with a Windows PC: DroidCam

One of the most popular free apps for Android users is DroidCam, which works with Windows and Linux computers. You can use the app to connect your phone via USB or wirelessly. 

Using a USB can help preserve your phone’s battery life, but it’s not preferable for everyone. If you plan on connecting your Android device through a USB connection, though, you’ll have to enable USB debugging. 

In order to use your Android as a webcam via USB you can follow these steps:

1. Download the DroidCam app from the Google Play Store and be sure to download the corresponding Windows desktop client onto your computer.
2. Go to your phone’s settings and go to the ‘About Phone’ section. 
3. Search for ‘Build number’ and when you’ve found it, tap on it 7 times to enable your phone’s ‘Developer Options’.
4. Go to your ‘Developer Options’ and search for ‘USB debugging’.
5. Turn ‘USB debugging’ on and then you’re ready to connect your phone to your PC with a USB cable.
6. In your DroidCam app, when you are choosing a phone to connect, choose the USB option. A pop-up should ask if you ‘Allow USB debugging’. Select OK and then click ‘Start’ to connect your phone as a webcam.

Using an Android as a Webcam Wirelessly

A much easier way to turn your phone into a webcam is to do so wirelessly. 

Follow these steps to use your Android as a webcam with DroidCam wirelessly:

1. Download the phone DroidCam mobile app and the corresponding Windows desktop client onto your computer.
2. Open both apps on both devices (making sure both devices are using the same wi-fi network). Give the Android app permission to access your microphone and camera. 
3. You’ll need to connect your phone app to the Windows client. To do this, simply enter the ‘Wi-Fi IP’ and ‘DroidCam Port’ numbers on the phone app into the PC software fields reading ‘Device IP’ and ‘DroidCam Port’. 
4. Next, it’s time to launch the camera by clicking the ‘Start’ button. You should be able to see the feed from your phone’s camera in the window on your PC.

Once everything is connected, integrating your phone-turned-webcam with recording programs like Riverside.fm is simple. Just navigate to Riverside’s settings and select “DroidCam” and “DroidCam Virtual Audio” as the camera and microphone inputs of choice.  

DroidCam Pros:

• Can choose between wireless or USB webcam connection
• Free option available
• Available for iOS as well
• Can use your phone with DroidCam in the background

DroidCam Cons: 

• Need to pay in order to record in 720p or 1080p HD, as well as for other additional features.

Using an Android Phone with a Mac: Iriun

If you have the unlikely combo of an Android phone and a Mac computer, don’t fret! There’s still an app for you. We suggest checking out Iriun webcam, which is a solid if minimalist option. To get started, simply:

1. Download the android app on the Google Play Store and the MacOS app from Iriun’s website.
2. Launch both apps, which should automatically pair with each other.

That’s it—you’re ready to select Iriun as the camera input in your video calling or recording software of choice.  

Iriun Pros:

• Very easy setup
• Can use it with wireless or USB connections
• Completely free
• You can also use Iriun to use your phone for VR gaming

Iriun Cons:

• Watermark on videos

How to Use an iPhone as a Webcam on Windows and Mac: Camo & EpocCam 

If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, there are several apps available to turn it into a webcam. One of the most popular is the Camo app from Reincubate. It has a free version that records in up to 720p quality, or a $5/month paid membership that records in up to 1080p. And Camo works whether you want to connect your iOS device to Mac or Windows. 

To set up Camo on your iPhone or iPad, simply:

1. Download the Camo iPhone app on the App Store. Grant it permission to use your mic and camera. 
2. Download the Mac or Windows software to your computer.
3. Plug your phone into your computer using a USB cable or lightning cord, making sure the Camo app is open while you do it. Your phone should automatically connect. 

Now you should be good to go! Simply open your video chat or recording software of choice and make sure “Reincubate Camo” is selected as the webcam input. You’ll need to keep the desktop app open while you’re on the video call to maintain a connection. 

Camo Pros:

• Works for many devices including: Android, iPhone, Mac and Windows
• Easy set up for iPhone 
• Offers additional effects and features

Camo Cons:

• Need to pay for 1080p Full HD recording quality
• You need to keep the desktop app open in order to use it

Using an iPhone as a Webcam Wirelessly via EpocCam

While Camo is a popular and easy-to-use app, one drawback is that it requires a USB connection. If you’d rather connect your iPhone as a webcam over wifi to your Mac or Windows computer, we recommend using EpocCam.

To use this app, simply download it from the App Store and follow the prompts to install the appropriate drivers on your Mac or PC. Once the drivers are installed, you should be able to launch the app on your computer and see the feed from your phone’s camera.

While the free version of EpocCam is rather limited, the paid version lets users stream in resolutions up to 1080p.

EpocCam Pros:

• Easy wireless setup
• Fun effects and features available
• Can connect via USB or Wi-Fi

EpodCam Cons:

• Have to pay for 1080p recording resolution
• Only available for iOS devices

How to Use a Phone as a Webcam with Streamlabs OBS

If you use Streamlabs OBS to live stream Twitch or other video content for social media, you probably want the ability to stream on the go. That’s where being able to use your phone as a webcam comes in handy.

First, you’ll just need to choose an app like one of the options listed above. Then in your OBS dashboard, simply complete the following steps:

1. Add a new Source by clicking the “+” button in the Sources box.
2. Select “Video Capture Device.”
3. Name the device (for instance, “iPhone”)
4. In the setup box, select the webcam app that you’re using (for instance, “EpochCam Camera”) from the device dropdown menu.

What to Do If Your PC Doesn’t Detect Your Phone

One of the most common problems you might run into if you’re using your phone as a webcam is that your computer doesn’t detect it for some reason. If you are trying to connect over a wifi network, first try connecting via USB.

If that still doesn’t work, try the following troubleshooting tips:

• Make sure the webcam app and PC drivers are all up-to-date
• Ensure the phone screen is unlocked
• Try a different USB cable (in case the first one wasn’t working)
• Try another USB port on your PC
• Restart both your phone and computer

Tips for Looking and Sounding Your Best on Video Calls

Now that you have some options for capturing high-quality webcam recordings, it’s time to think about how to maximize your results by looking and sounding your best. Below, we’ll give you four keys to appearing professional and prepared on your next video call.

Set up Some Lighting

If possible, choose a spacious room that has plenty of natural light. Open your blinds or curtains and let as much sunlight into the room as possible.

A ring light is also a great investment if you want to look your best. They highlight your face in a flattering way, and many come with different color modes (like cool, warm, and daylight) to let you select the look that works best for you. 

If you don’t have a ring light, place a bright lamp behind your computer screen to approximate the effect. Whatever lighting you use, be sure to keep the largest light source in front of you—shining on your face. If the light is behind you, you’ll be backlit and your face will be thrown into shadow.

Use Your Phone's Main Camera

Make sure to use the rear-facing camera in your phone rather than the selfie camera. That lens will capture a higher quality image and give you more options as well (like focusing and zooming).

Stabilize Your Phone

The quickest way to appear amateurish is to try to hold your phone in your hand while it’s functioning as a webcam. Your image will appear shaky, and it may sink into an unflattering angle as your arm gets tired.

Instead, use a tripod or mount to hold your phone during your recording. That way, you can select the right angle before recording, and your results will look as professional as possible.

Invest in a Microphone

Finally, use an external microphone to get the best sound. You can opt to use the built-in mic in your headphones if you’re short on time or funds, but a good external mic will boost you to the next level. Check out our guide to choosing the right microphone to find the best mic for your budget and needs.