How to quickly turn your Android or iPhone into a webcam

HomeWARHow to quickly turn your Android or iPhone into a webcam

July 7, 2022

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You can use your phone to enhance the video quality on video chat applications like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet if you’re searching for a quick, affordable method to upgrade your work-from-home arrangement.

Here’s how.

Although coronavirus vaccines are still being developed, it may still be some time before everyone can return to their workplaces and social gatherings in the same manner as previously due to the proliferation of the delta and omicron forms.

That implies that you’re still probably spending a lot of time using video conferencing and chat programs like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and FaceTime to communicate with coworkers, family, and friends.

Here are 20 great Zoom tips, including how to modify your Zoom background, if you’re using Zoom.

You may easily use the camera on your phone to make a webcam for yourself if the ones you’ve been eyeing are still unavailable or if you simply don’t want to spend the money on a new one.

Your phone’s camera should have better image quality than the built-in camera on your laptop, be more useful, and be simpler to position so you aren’t filming your double chin or straight up your nose as long as the phone isn’t more than a few years old.

I’ll show you how to make a free webcam out of your phone. Not even a webcam app is required. Although dedicated webcam software offers advantages, you don’t need one to use the camera on your phone for video conversations.

You can also simply open the app for your preferred video chat providers, such as Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime, and communicate there. To ensure that your video quality is the greatest it can be, there are things you can do.

Read on.

Get the best webcam app for iPhone or Android and install it. You may turn your reliable smartphone into a camera with dozens of free and commercial apps.

Android smartphone webcam applications

I used the free IP Webcam, the DroidCam (free, or $5 for the Pro edition), and the EpocCam Webcam (free, or $5 for the Pro version). The DroidCam app’s instructions were the most straightforward, although it only supports Windows or Linux computers. For IP Webcam, the same held true.

iPhone webcam apps

I used iCam ($5), EpocCam Webcam ($free, $8, or $20 for the professional versions), and iVCam ($5). (free). Once you found the instruction pages on their websites, setting them all up was quite simple. EpocCam and iCam are compatible with either Windows or macOS computers, however, iVCam is only compatible with iPhone users who use Windows-based PCs. (Update: The NDI HX Camera app, which costs $20 and enables the use of iPhones as HD webcams, is an additional choice.)

Any webcam application

Read the privacy statement before installing anything you download, then follow the on-screen directions to connect it to your computer (you might have to download a driver, or run it through a browser or other viewer.) The program will request your consent to access your microphone and camera.

Note: Running the app frequently may drain your phone battery, so if you find yourself in need of a charge, connect your phone to an external power bank or position your setup near a wall outlet.

Use the primary camera on your phone.

The main camera on your phone will provide a higher-quality image than the selfie camera, as well as greater zooming and focusing capabilities. The iPhone 13, Samsung Galaxy S21, and many other luxury smartphones have a higher quality of 1080p than some of the latest MacBook models, which have a 720p webcam built in. Use the rear camera instead of the front-facing selfie camera for the greatest results when utilizing your phone as a webcam.
Webcam and video conferencing software frequently allow you to customize settings such as video resolution, quality, and orientation, as well as focus, white balance, and color effects.

Secure your phone

By using a tripod, stand, or desktop mount, you can avoid cramping your arm or hitting an unfavorable angle. This will provide the smoothest and most professional-looking results.

Install some lighting

Whether you’re working in your home office, at your kitchen table, or in bed, you’ll need sufficient lighting to make your face look bright, eliminate shadows, and possibly disguise a wrinkle or two. Consider investing in a ring light.

Buy a good microphone

If you’re using your new DIY webcam to record something professionally, you should invest in a good microphone. Your AirPods at Amazon) or other headphones with a built-in mic will do the trick. Find microphones here.
Now that almost all meetings are video conferences, these suggestions should help you improve your home office and video conferencing setup. They might even help you find a new use for your old phone. Check out our guides on how to find new uses for your old Android or iPhone, how to make your old phone into a free home security camera, and other ways to put your old phones to use.