How To Turn Your Mobile Phone Camera Into A Webcam? (iPhone & Android)

No webcam? No problem. 5 Best WebCam apps You Can Use.

Published May 4, 2024
Author Yostream
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android-phone-webcam

Clear visuals mean clear communication; when people can see your facial expressions and gestures, it adds that a personal touch is crucial for effective virtual interactions.

Mobile Camera Vs. Laptop's Built-in Webcam

Using an Android mobile camera for video calls often outshines a laptop's built-in webcam due to superior quality and flexibility. Most modern Android smartphones boast advanced camera technology with higher resolution and better image processing than typical laptop webcams. This means clearer, more detailed video output, showcasing your appearance in the best light possible. Additionally, mobile cameras offer versatility—they can be positioned and adjusted easily using phone mounts or stands, allowing for optimal framing and angles during calls.

If you want to leave the laptop webcam in the digital dust and say hello to your trusty smartphone camera for looking your absolute best, you need to turn your Android mobile camera into a webcam.

Advatages Of Using Your Mobile Phone Camera As A Webcam

  1. Improved Image Quality: Modern smartphones often have better cameras than traditional webcams, resulting in higher quality and more detailed videos.
  2. Cost-Effective: Using your phone's camera eliminates the need to purchase a separate webcam, saving you money.
  3. Portability and Flexibility: Mobile phones are highly portable and can be easily moved or adjusted for different camera angles and shots, providing greater flexibility.
  4. Advanced Features: Many smartphone cameras come equipped with advanced features such as auto-focus, image stabilization, and various shooting modes, improving the overall video quality.
  5. Convenience: Utilizing a device that you already own and are familiar with can make setup and usage more convenient.
  6. Enhanced Connectivity: Smartphones can connect wirelessly or through USB to your computer, making them adaptable for different setups and reducing clutter from cables.
  7. Software Integration: There is a wide range of apps and software available that can help turn your phone into a high-quality webcam, often with added features like filters and background effects.

What Do You Need To Turn Your Mobile Phone Camera Into A Webcam?

  • A Phone with a Camera
  • The right webcam app installed on mobile as well as your PC
  • A connecting cable such as USB cable OR WiFi

While any phone can be used as a webcam, iPhones and Android phones tend to have the best results.

Steps To Use Your Phone As A Webcam?

After making sure that you have all the necessary components, it is time to connect your phone with your computer. Certain apps and resources are compatible with both Mac and PC systems while others only work with either one. Choose the tool based on your system. Regardless of the tool used, the steps for utilizing your phone as a webcam are fairly consistent.

  • Download and install the desktop as well as mobile app of the chosen webcam app
  • If the software asks to restart the computer please do so.
  • Now, connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable or Wi-Fi
  • Choose the settings - resolution, camera lens, filters etc.
  • Now in Yostream - choose the tool you are using for your camera source

That's it!

5 Best Webcam Apps

There are many such apps available so we are listing some top tools that can transform your smartphone into a webcam. We will explain the setup of one such tool (Iriun) in detail, rest we will just list down. They all follow the same steps to setup. You can choose the app that best suits your needs.

1. Iriun Webcam

Please install the ‘Iriun 4K Webcam for PC and Mac’ app from the Google Play Store on your Android smartphone.

iriun-4k-webcam-for pc-and-mac-app

Install the same tool on your PC or laptop from its official website Iriun (https://iriun.com/).

iriun-website
Connect Your Android Phone And Computer:

Open the Iriun 4K Webcam for PC and Mac app on your mobile phone as well as on your PC.

  1. Connect both using a USB cable.
  2. You can also connect them using a WiFi. Ensure your Android mobile and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

While the connection is being established, you’ll see the following message on your mobile screen:

mobile-message-iriun

Whereas on your computer, you’ll see the following message:

iriun-desktop

Once your phone and computer are connected via a USB or a common WiFi network, you will see the camera feed from your mobile on your computer.

Now, open Yostream on your computer, and when you enter the studio, select "Iriun Webcam" within the camera settings.

iriun-webcam

That's it! You’ve successfully turned your mobile camera into a webcam.

2. Reincubate Camo

how-to-use-iphone-as-mac-webcam-with-reincubate-camo

Camo by Reincubate is a mobile app that can be downloaded on both iPhone and Android devices. It offers high-quality video recording (up to 1080p) and streaming options, all directly from your phone. With Camo, you have full control over the camera's settings, such as adjusting lenses, lighting, colors, zoom, and focus. You also get a resizable preview of your footage while recording.

Aside from these features, Camo also offers an overlay gallery, filters, full dark mode support, presets, multi-device support, and global pause & resume functionality, making it one of the top choices on the market. Plus, it is compatible with many popular apps and can even be used for browser-based apps like StreamYard.

3. iVCam

logo iVCam

iVCam offers the option to connect your phone (Android or iOS devices) with your computer. It can serve as a replacement for your current webcam and allows for connections via Wi-Fi or USB, as well as live streaming at up to 1080p and 60 fps.

iVCam operates in the background without interfering with other apps or programs on your computer. It supports a range of video resolutions, including 4K, 2K, 1080p, 720p, 480p, and 360p, making it perfect for live streaming.

Aside from basic functions, iVCam also offers additional features like background effects (such as blur, bokeh, and green screen) and the ability to stream in both landscape and portrait modes.

Please note that the free version of iVCam includes ads during live streams. For optimal performance, consider upgrading to the full version.

4. NeuralCam Live (iPhone Only)

NeuralCam Live

NeuralCam has a rich variety of impressive features. For example, its face and image quality meter carefully assesses your facial position, lighting, and background. The advanced AI technology used by NeuralCam also works to enhance your videos, similar to the work of a professional color grader, allowing you to choose from a range of styles that suit your mood or the live stream itself. In addition to these features, NeuralCam also offers a low light mode for looking your best in dark settings, a gesture guard that blurs any unintentional gestures while live streaming, and a head bubble that uses face tracking technology to mask your background. And with the latest version (NeuralCam 5), users can enjoy DayMode, 48 MP resolution, and Macro Mode. But NeuralCam isn't just limited to smartphones - it has expanded to Mac as well, providing even more versatility for users.

5. DroidCam

droid cam

For Android and Windows users, pay attention to DroidCam (free) and DroidCamX (paid version). However, it's worth noting that the current version of DroidCam is not compatible with macOS and iOS. Linux users can rest assured that DroidCam works seamlessly for them.

The free version of DroidCam functions smoothly as soon as you download it, but it does display ads during live streaming or video calls.

If you prefer an ad-free experience while live streaming and want access to additional features like improved video quality and customization options, consider upgrading to the paid DroidCamX version.

With Yostream, whether you’re live streaming, hosting a webinar, or a podcast; a phone turned into a webcam (in case you don’t have a good-quality external camera) can enhance your professional image. Conversely, if you’re multistreaming to different social media platforms and channels with an impressive number of viewers, a grainy and pixelated video (caused by a poor camera) can make them squint and guess whether you're smiling or scowling. Certainly, it’s not going to make a good impression.


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