How to Turn Your Phone Into a Webcam (for Mac or Windows 10)

Tired of looking like a blob on your Zoom calls? Why use a tiny, low-quality webcam embedded in your laptop when you have a great webcam smartphone camera in your pocket? It’s become really easy these days to use your smartphone as a webcam, and some options don’t even require you to plug in anything. We’ve detailed how to do this whether you have an iPhone or Android, on Windows or a Mac.

We also have a guide for use a professional camera or GoPro to handle the same task. If you don’t want to mess with apps, check out Guide to the Best Webcam.

Update July 2022: We added Android compatibility and Camo’s Continuity Camera.

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Before converting your smartphone into a webcam for your computer, it is obvious that you can try using your smartphone to run a video meeting. Services such as Launch, Google Meetand Microsoft Team Android and iPhone apps are usually available. All you need to do is install the app, sign in, and use your phone’s selfie camera and microphone to join the meeting.

Whether you do this or follow our methods below, invest in a small tripod to raise your phone so you don’t have to keep it on a pile of books. The Joby GripTight is a popular and affordable tripod with bendable legs to stay stable on almost any surface, though height-adjustable tripod like this could be a better option. Lume Cube’s Mobile Creator Lighting Kit Also a good way to brighten your face.

Ways to use your phone as a Webcam

You can use a video conferencing app on your phone if you just need to sit in a meeting and make occasional calls, but you’ll need a better system if you’re presenting and have to share your screen. his picture. That’s where it can help convert your smartphone into a webcam.

General tips: Make sure that your preferred video conferencing application is closed when you are installing the webcam client on your desktop or laptop. You may need to relaunch the app or restart your computer for things to work.

The solution that works regardless of whether you have an iPhone, Android, Mac, or Windows — in any combination — is a service called Sign in again Camo. It’s compatible with over 40 video calling apps, from Google Meet and Zoom to FaceTime and Discord. The steps below should work if you’re trying to connect Android to a Mac, iPhone to a Windows PC, or vice versa.