Why spend big on a webcam when your phone camera can do it better? You can get great quality and save money at the same time. But how to use your phone as a webcam?
That’s what we’re diving into. Poor colors and terrible white balance from average webcams just won’t cut it. But you’re not ready for a DSLR yet.
Check out these steps on using your phone as a webcam and see if it’s worth a shot!
Why Content Creators Use Phone as Webcam
These are possible reasons content creators might want to use their phone as a webcam:
1. They Don’t Want to Buy a New Webcam
Starting a YouTube or Twitch channel can be demanding. Microphones, lights, and editing tools can add up fast. Need a good webcam? That’ll cost you another $80 to $300.
But if you have a Samsung Galaxy A53 5G with a solid 4K camera, you might not need one at all. Why spend around $120 on a Logitech 4K Pro when your phone can give decent quality for free?
2. You Don’t Want to Use a Standard Webcam
Standard webcams often produce grainy, low-res video that just doesn’t cut it. As a new content creator, you want high-quality visuals but don’t want to spend a lot of money.
Your phone can be a great option. With its excellent autofocus and high megapixels, you can make amazing, professional-looking videos that are much better than regular webcams.
3. You Don’t Want to Spend Time Learning New Devices
You might’ve checked out our article on the best DSLR for streaming, and the Canon EOS Rebel T7 caught your eye.
But, learning new equipment like DSLRs or mirrorless cameras can be a real headache, especially for beginners.
Using your phone as a webcam is easier. You can skip the complicated setup and start creating great content immediately.
4. Your Phone Camera Quality Is Awesome
You use the iPhone 16 as your daily driver? Great, you can use the iPhone as a webcam, too.
And if you have an Android phone like the Realme E3 Pro 5G or Poco 7, you can use them as well because these phones can take amazing 4K videos.
Modern smartphones have features like optical image stabilization and HDR. These help content creators make great videos for live streaming and recording.
Read Also: 4K Streaming Cameras
5. You Can Make Content Anywhere
You can’t bring a studio with you. But you can still make great live stream content wherever you want.
Sure, a laptop webcam might be okay for some content creators. But what if it only shows 1080p quality or the angle isn’t right?
Your phone is always ready to use. You can use it with a small tripod to make it look more professional.
6. You Need Features a Webcam Doesn’t Have
You might want to know how to use a mobile camera as a webcam because it has features that regular webcams just can’t match.
Let’s say you want to control exposure, adjust focus, and apply filters through apps. This gives you far more creative control than typical webcams provide.
Read Also: Best Webcam for Streaming
Who Needs to Use Phone as a Webcam
Who needs to learn how to use a phone as a webcam? The truth is, anyone can benefit from it. But the people who gain the most help are those who…
- New Content Creators — You don’t need professional cameras for your first stream, right? If your smartphone has a great camera, you can just learn how to use your phone as a webcam.
- Streamers — Laptop webcams can make you look outdated, and that won’t grab attention.Your phone’s 12MP camera and HDR mode can level up your stream.
- Mobile-First Creators — If you don’t bring your DSLR camera while traveling and want to go live on the spot, using your phone as a webcam can help maintain your stream quality.
- Educational Content Creators — Want to make great content without the hassle? Use your phone as a webcam for high-quality videos that boost your credibility as a content creator.
- Podcasters — Podcasters need various camera angles for hosts and guests. Using smartphones as secondary cameras is a budget-friendly solution that saves on extra gear.
Read Also: Multi-Camera Live Streaming
Setting Up Your Phone as a Webcam
Now, how to use a phone as a webcam? Let’s look at the steps to turn your smartphone into a webcam with these options:
How to Use iPhone as a Webcam
With Apple’s Continuity Camera, you can use iPhone as webcam for your Mac. Here’s how to set it up:
1. Update Your iOS and macOS
To use Continuity Camera, your iPhone needs to have iOS 16 or a newer version, and your Mac must have macOS Ventura or a newer version.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update, and install any available updates.
- On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Software Update. If macOS Ventura (macOS 13) isn’t installed, update it.
If your iPhone and MacBook can’t update to these versions, it means your devices don’t support this feature.
2. Turn On Continuity Camera on Your iPhone
Continuity Camera is usually enabled by default, but it’s important to confirm on your iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff.
- Make sure the toggle for Continuity Camera is turned on.
3. Log Into the Same Apple ID
To use Continuity Camera, make sure your iPhone and Mac are signed in to the same Apple ID and have two-factor authentication turned on.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Your Name, and confirm the Apple ID.
- On your Mac, go to System Settings > Apple ID, and make sure it matches the one on your iPhone.
To use an iPhone as webcam, make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.
4. Mount Your iPhone
You can use a MagSafe-compatible mount to connect to a MacBook or monitor. If you lack a mount, use a tripod or a stable flat surface to keep your phone steady.
Hold the phone in landscape orientation with the rear camera facing you for better video quality.
5. Launch the App on Your mac
Open a video app on your Mac like FaceTime, Zoom, or QuickTime Player. In the settings, choose iPhone Camera as the input source.
6 Test Video Quality and Explore Features
That’s how to use your iPhone as a webcam. Once connected, check the video feed in your app. You can also explore Apple’s Continuity Camera features like:
- Center Stage — Keeps you centered in the frame.
- Portrait Mode — Blurs the background.
- Studio Light — Brightens your face and dims the background.
- Desk View — Offers a top-down view of your desk.
How to Use Android Phone as a Webcam
You can turn your Android phone into a webcam, but it’s not as simple as using the iPhone’s
Continuity Camera. You’ll need to download an app to make it work.
One good option is Iriun 4K Webcam but you can also use Camo Camera.
1. Download and Install Iriun for Your Devices
Yes, you need to install the app both for your Android phones and your PC or Mac as follows:
- On Android, open the Google Play Store > search for “Iriun” > Install.
- Go to Iriun website and download the Iriun Webcam software for PC or Mac.
- Follow the installation instructions.
2. Choose Your Connection Method
Once the installation is done, you can start using the app. But, you need to choose how to use your Android phone as a webcam. We recommend a cable connection for the best stability.
- On your Android phone, go to Settings > About Phone > Build Number. Tap it several times to unlock Developer Options, also known as USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your computer with a USB cable.
- Launch the Iriun app on your phone and allow access to the camera. Then, tap Let’s Go.
How to use your phone as a webcam with Iriun over Wi-Fi? It’s like the USB method, but you don’t need to enable USB debugging. Just make sure to allow access to your network.
3 Choose Iriun as Your Webcam Source
Once connected, open the Iriun software on your computer. You’ll see a live feed from your phone’s camera. What’s next?
Facebook Live
- If you use Facebook Live to stream, go to Live Producer.
- Under Setup, select Iriun Webcam as your camera source.
- Your phone’s camera feed will show up in the preview window.
YouTube Live
- If you use YouTube Live to stream, click Create > Go Live.
- On the streaming page, click Webcam, and choose Iriun Webcam as your camera source.
- You’ll also see the camera feed from your phone.
How to Use Your Phone as a Webcam with Streaming Software
Streamers often use streaming software like OBS Studio to set up their broadcasts. How to use your phone as a webcam with a mobile app and connect it to OBS Studio?
1. Download and Install the Iriun Webcam App
You can follow the instructions above on how to download and install the Iriun on your phone and your computer.
2. Connect Your Phone to Your Computer
You can connect using Wi-Fi or USB. For a more stable connection, we recommend using USB. Just make sure you have USB debugging turned on.
3. Add Your Phone as a Video Source
To use your phone as a webcam, add it as a video source in OBS Studio. Here’s how:
- Open OBS Studio.
- In Scenes, click + and name it.
- In Sources, click +, choose Video Capture Device, name it, and click OK.
- Choose Iriun Webcam in the Device dropdown, set resolution to 1920×1080 and frame rate to 30fps.
- Click OK to save.
- Your phone’s camera feed should now appear in OBS Studio.
4. Configure OBS Studio for Your Streaming Platform
You can use the same steps on how to use the phone as the webcam above. But choose Streaming Software instead of Webcam in your options.
Connect OBS Studio to these platforms using their stream keys.
How to Use Your Phone as a Webcam: A Wrap-Up
Yes, you can use your phone as a webcam. And you’ve learned how to do it. Also, you can choose the method that works best for your devices and what you find easiest.
This is great news, especially if you’re a new content creator. You can boost your streams and videos with budget-friendly options that work well.
We hope this information is helpful. We’ll see you in our next article. Don’t forget to subscribe to Gank’s blog for tips and tricks to help content creators earn more.
FAQ About Using Phone as a Webcam
Can I connect my phone to my PC as a webcam?
Yes, you can. You can use the built-in feature or third-party apps to turn your phone into a webcam for your PC. Just follow the setup instructions to get started.
What is the Apple Continuity Camera?
Apple’s Continuity Camera lets you use your iPhone as a webcam for your Mac. It works seamlessly with apps like FaceTime. Just make sure both devices are signed in to the same Apple ID and connected to the same Wi-Fi.
How to connect the phone to the PC?
To use your phone as a webcam, you can connect it to your PC with a USB cable or via WiFi.
Use an app like Iriun and follow its instructions. Enable USB debugging in Developer Options and connect your USB. For WiFi, ensure both devices are on the same network.
Can you use your phone as a webcam for Twitch on Xbox?
You can’t use your phone as a webcam for Twitch on Xbox. But, you can connect your Xbox to your PC with a capture card to use your phone as a webcam for the PC stream.
How to use a phone as an OBS camera?
To use your phone as a camera in OBS, download an app like DroidCam, Iriun, and more. Install it on your phone and the software on your PC. Then, add a new video source in OBS and choose the app.
Learn how to use your phone as a webcam with this simple guide for Android and iPhone. 1. Install the app, 2.choose connection type, 3. choose video source!
Here’s a simple guide on how to use your phone as a webcam for streaming and creating content!
