How to Use iPhones and Androids as Webcams for Video Conferencing

Looking for a quick solution to turn your iOS or Android device into a webcam for video conferencing? You’ve come to the right place!

Our guide takes you through a few applications that are known to be reliable and free for video conferencing with your iPhone or Android phone. The apps suggested in this article offer a free version with a few caveats, like watermarks and lower resolution video.

Note: it’s easy to use Androids and iPhones with PCs — but it’s best to have an iPhone when using it as a Mac webcam. Android and macOS don’t play nice.

We’ve divided this guide into PC and Mac instructions, so you can jump to the section most applicable to you.

Here are some basic guidelines to start:

• Have your phone and computer on the same Wi-Fi.
• Update all devices to the latest software.
• Don’t start your videoconferencing applications and software until setup is complete.
• If the wireless setup isn’t available or doesn’t work properly, try a setup with USB cables.
• Make sure to allow microphone and camera permissions on your smartphone, otherwise the software won’t work.

Setting up your iPhone and Android as PC Webcams

DroidCam and iVCam are separate but similar web camera apps that work for your PC and can use both Android and iPhone phones. DroidCam offers basic software with a paid option that improves camera resolution. The standard resolution is less than 720p. iVCam’s resolution maxes out at 640p for the free version.

Setup is simple for both software options.

For DroidCam, follow these steps:

1. Download the PC client and start the software.
2. Download the application to your smartphone and open it.
3. Give the application access to your camera and microphone.
4. Copy the Device IP and DroidCam port numbers from your smartphone into the PC client.
5. Open your video conferencing software and you should be good to go!

DroidCam

PC client

Google Play Store Application

App Store Application

For iVCam, follow these steps:

1. Download the PC client and start the software.
2. Download the application to your smartphone and open it.
3. Give the application access to your camera and microphone.
4. Follow the prompts for the final setup.
5. Open your video conferencing software and you should be set!

iVCam

PC client

Google Play Store Application

App Store Application

How to use your iPhone and Android phones as Mac Webcams

Reincubate Camo is a web camera software that works for macOS and iOS.

This software offers very high resolution, no ads, and more features at its free level of software when compared to its competitors. You can adjust camera settings to improve lighting, coloration, and more.

Reincubate Camo offers a Pro version that removes its watermark and unlocks even more features.

Also, the setup is very simple:

1. Download the client.
2. Download the iPhone application.
3. Plugin your iPhone with a USB cable.

Reincubate Camo

MacOS Client

App Store Application

How to Use Android Phones as a Mac Webcam

Iriun is a reliable, free software choice for turning your Android smartphone into a web camera. Resolution goes up to 4k depending on your phone’s camera quality. There is no paid option for better features. Iriun is as simple as it gets. It’s also one of few software that works from Android to Mac. You can also use Iriun for your PC, making it a flexible choice if you want higher resolution without the fee.

If you like Reincubate Camo, however, check their website for updates. They will add Android-Mac and PC functionality in the near future.

Setup:

1. Download the client.
2. Download the App.
3. Open both software and connect via WiFi

Have Zoom Fatigue? Need Additional Remote-Work Resources?

Read our articles for help with conquering videoconferencing fatigue and more.

FreeConferenceCall.com offers articles and advice to help you work from home more effectively. Use our video conferencing and VoIP software solutions free.