How to use your Android Device as a Webcam for your PC

Have an important meeting coming up but don’t have access to a webcam? Or maybe you wanna create videos with a facecam but don’t have a webcam lying around, or the webcam you currently have is old and the quality is not good enough. Whatever the case is, you can use your Android device as a Webcam for your PC.

Method 1: Using an Iriun Webcam

Iriun Webcam is an easy-to-use app that lets you use your Android Device as a Webcam for your PC. It works through both Wi-Fi and USB and lets you stream HD videos for free. While there is a paid version available, the free version works just fine for everyday usage.

How to Use Iriun Webcam:

1. Download the Iriun Webcam app from the Play Store.
   
2. Download the Iriun Webcam Client on your PC.
3. Install and launch the app on your PC.
4. Open the app on your Android device and give it access to the necessary permissions.
5. Connect both your PC and Android device to the same network or enable USB Debugging on your Android device.
6. The app will automatically connect and detect your phone as a webcam.

Method 2: Using Droid Cam

Droid Cam is another popular app that lets you use your Android device as a Webcam. It also works via both Wi-Fi and USB, delivering HD video with minimal latency as well as providing a lot more features than Iriun Webcam. Droid Cam officially supports Zoom, Discord, MS Teams, and video production software like OBS Studio. There are two variants of Droid Cam, DroidCam Webcam & OBS Camera (free) and DroidCamX HD (Classic) (paid).

How to Use Droid Cam:

1. Download DroidCam Webcam & OBS Camera or the DroidCamX HD (Classic) app from the Play Store.
   
2. Download the Droid Cam Client app on your PC. (Make sure both the Client app and the app on your phone are the same variant)
3. Install and launch the Client app on your PC.
4. Open the Droid Cam app on your Android device and give it access to the necessary permissions.

Connect via USB:

1. Make sure that USB Debugging is enabled on your phone.
2. Connect your Android device to your PC via USB.
3. Open the Droid Cam app on your PC.
4. Press the ‘Click to Add a Device‘ screen.
5. Select your device and click on the ‘Add selected device‘ button.
6. The app will now detect your Android device as a Webcam.

Connect via Wi-Fi:

1. Make sure both your devices are connected to the same Network.
2. Open the DroidCam app on your PC and your Android device.
3. Click ‘Refresh Device List‘ to search for devices. After 3 attempts, you will be presented with the option to add a device manually.
4. Type the Wi-Fi IP and Device name given in your DroidCam App.
   
5. Your Android device will now be detected as a Webcam

Method 3: Using Camo Studio

Camo Studio is another free PC app that lets you use your Android device as a Webcam. Camo Studio offers high-quality video with DSLR-like individual controls. It’s suited for Streamers, Youtubers, and Professionals who want crystal-clear video quality.

How to Use Camo Studio:

1. Download the Camo Camera app from the Play Store.
   
2. Download and Install the Camo Studio Client from its official website.
3. Launch the app on your PC as well as your Android device and give it access to the necessary permissions.

Connect via USB:

1. Make sure that USB Debugging is enabled on your phone.
2. Connect your Android device to your PC via USB.
3. The app will connect automatically and detect your phone as a webcam.

Connect via Wi-Fi:

1. Open Camo Studio on your PC and tap the + button next to the Device drop-down in the left sidebar. This will open a pairing window displaying a QR Code.
2. Launch the Camo Camera App on your Android device.
3. Tap the wireless connection button in the top-right and then scan the QR code displayed on your computer
4. Your device will connect automatically and detect your phone as a webcam.

Method 4: Native Android Webcam Support (Android 14 or above)

Google has introduced a new feature from Android 14 onward that allows you to use your Android device as a USB webcam without any third-party app.

How to Connect:

1. Connect your Android device (running Android 14 or about) to your PC via USB.
2. Once you connect your device, a notification will appear at the top for USB contact.
3. Tap on the notification to open the USB preferences page.
4. Click on the Webcam button.
5. Now open your notification panel and tap ‘Device as Webcam‘.
6. Your Android device will now be detected as a webcam.

How to Enable USB Debugging on your Android device:

• Go to your Settings app > About Phone > Build Number (MIUI Version if you use Xiaomi Devices) and tap 7 times to enable developer options.
• Navigate to developers options > Enable USB Debugging.

Conclusion:

Turning your Android device into a Webcam is a straightforward process. If you are using it for simple everyday usage, you can go for the Iriun Webcam. For streaming and OBS integration, DroidCam is the best option, while Camo Studio provides professional-quality video. However, if you don’t want to use third-party apps and have an Android device running Android 14 or above, using native support could also be an option. No matter what your needs are, these options will ensure that you will get the best video quality from your smartphone.

You may also like to read more on:

Must-Have Apps for Students