How to Use an Android Smartphone as a Webcam

In today's world, where online meetings have become a daily routine, having a good webcam is essential. But what if your built-in camera isn’t up to the mark or you don’t have one at all? In this article, we’ll show you how to turn your Android smartphone into a webcam for your PC.

What You Will Need

  • An Android smartphone with a decent camera.
  • A USB cable or Wi-Fi connection.
  • An app for your smartphone and PC, such as DroidCam or IVCam.
  • A computer or laptop with the corresponding app installed.

Method 1: Using DroidCam Over Wi-Fi

One of the most popular apps for turning an Android smartphone into a webcam is DroidCam. It allows you to connect your device via Wi-Fi or USB. Let’s look at how to connect via Wi-Fi.

  1. Download and install DroidCam on your smartphone from Google Play.
  2. Download the PC client from the official DroidCam website and install it.
  3. Open the app on your smartphone and launch the client on your PC.
  4. Your phone screen will display an IP address. Enter this IP address into the PC client and click Start.
  5. Your smartphone is now acting as a webcam! You can select DroidCam as the camera device in Zoom, Skype, or any other video call application.

Method 2: Connecting via USB (DroidCam)

If your Wi-Fi connection is unstable, you can connect your smartphone via a USB cable. This method requires enabling USB debugging on your smartphone.

  1. Go to your phone’s settings and navigate to About Phone. Tap Build Number multiple times to enable Developer Mode.
  2. In the Developer Options, enable USB debugging.
  3. Connect your smartphone to your PC using a USB cable.
  4. Launch DroidCam on both the smartphone and PC. Select the USB option and click Start.

Method 3: Using IVCam

IVCam is another convenient app that transforms your smartphone into a webcam. It offers high video quality and minimal lag.

  1. Download IVCam on your smartphone and install the PC client from the official website.
  2. Open the app on both devices. They will automatically detect each other if connected to the same Wi-Fi network or via USB.
  3. Select IVCam as your camera in the video call settings.

Advantages of Using an Android Smartphone as a Webcam

  • High Image Quality: Modern smartphone cameras often outperform most built-in webcams.
  • Mobility: You can easily move your phone to adjust the angle and framing.
  • Cost-Effective: No need to spend money on a new webcam.

Helpful Tips

  • Use a tripod or phone holder to avoid shaky footage.
  • Ensure good lighting for better image quality.
  • Turn off notifications on your smartphone to prevent interruptions during calls.