Before you start
- A phone stand or mount
- A USB cable, or both devices on the same Wi-Fi
Method 1 Android: built-in USB webcam mode
Available on Pixel 6 and later with Android 14 or newer, and on some other recent Android phones. Use a USB cable that supports data. It works with Windows, Mac, Linux and ChromeOS without extra software, and you can keep using your phone while it streams.
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Step 1: Connect the phone
Plug your Android phone into the computer with a USB cable.
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Step 2: Choose Webcam
Pull down the notification shade and tap the USB notification (for example “Charging this device via USB”). Under Use USB for, choose Webcam.
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Step 3: Pick it in your video app
In Zoom, Teams, Meet or the Windows Camera app, open camera settings and select your phone (often called “Android Webcam”).
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Step 4: Switch cameras
Tap the webcam notification on the phone to switch between the front and rear camera. The rear camera is usually much sharper.
Method 2 Windows 11 + Android: connected camera via Phone Link
Requires Android 9 or later. When an app uses the camera, a notification on the phone lets you start streaming.
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Step 1: Open Mobile devices settings
On the PC, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices and turn on Allow this PC to access your mobile devices.
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Step 2: Pair your phone
Click Manage devices and add your Android phone. Install or update Link to Windows on the phone when asked.
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Step 3: Enable the camera
Turn on Use as a connected camera for your phone. Your phone then appears as a camera option in Windows apps.
Method 3 Mac + iPhone: Continuity Camera
From the Mac’s Control Center (Video Effects) you can turn on Center Stage, Portrait, Studio Light and Desk View.
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Step 1: Check requirements
iPhone XR or later with iOS 16+, a Mac with macOS Ventura+, both signed in to the same Apple Account with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on.
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Step 2: Mount the iPhone
Place the iPhone in landscape on a stand or Mac mount, rear cameras facing you, screen locked.
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Step 3: Select it
In FaceTime, Zoom, Teams or any app, choose the iPhone as the camera (and microphone if you like). Many apps switch to it automatically.
Method 4 Windows + iPhone: use a trusted app
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Step 1: Install an app on both devices
Windows has no built-in iPhone webcam feature. Install a well-known app such as Camo (Reincubate) or DroidCam on the iPhone and the matching client on the PC.
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Step 2: Connect
Connect with a USB cable (more stable) or over Wi-Fi, following the app’s instructions.
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Step 3: Choose the virtual camera
In your video app, choose the app’s camera (for example “Camo”). Free versions may limit resolution or add a watermark.
Troubleshooting
No Webcam option in the USB menu
Your phone or Android version doesn’t support it. Use Windows Phone Link or an app like DroidCam instead.
The video app doesn’t list the phone
Close and reopen the app after connecting the phone. Check the app’s camera permissions in Windows or macOS privacy settings.
The image is laggy over Wi-Fi
Use a USB cable, or move closer to the router and use 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the phone’s microphone too?
Continuity Camera can use the iPhone microphone. With USB webcam mode on Android, use your computer’s microphone or headset.
Is it free?
Android USB webcam mode, Phone Link and Continuity Camera are free. Third-party apps often have free versions with limits.
Can I still use my phone during a call?
Not really: the camera is busy, and switching apps may pause the video. Use a spare phone if you have one.
Summary
Plug in an Android phone and choose Webcam in the USB menu, or use Phone Link on Windows 11. On a Mac, an iPhone works instantly with Continuity Camera. Mount it at eye level and face the light for the best picture.
