How to Use Phone as a Webcam (iOS & Android) - Riverside

How to Use Phone as a Webcam for HD Video (iOS & Android)

Wondering how to use your phone as a webcam? Learn all you need to easily turn an Android or iPhone device into a webcam.

Last Updated: June 23, 2025
Read Time: 8 min
Reviewed by: Ortal Hadad

TL;DR:

Missing a webcam on your desktop? Or perhaps it has one, but the quality isn’t up to par?

Don’t worry! Your phone's camera can do a fantastic job standing in as a desktop camera.

You can easily connect your phone to your computer with a cable. Or, better yet, there are many platforms that allow you to connect your phone to a desktop wirelessly.

No matter if you’re team Android or iPhone we’ll show you exactly how to turn your phone into a webcam. We cover various methods, so you can choose the one best suited to your setup.

Table of Contents:

Can you use a smartphone as a webcam?

Yes, you can use a smartphone as a webcam. However, it requires a few steps: you’ll have to download specific apps on both your smartphone and your computer.

How to use an iPhone or Android as a webcam on any Mac or Windows PC: 3 Methods

Riverside

Supports: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac

Instead of using your phone as a makeshift webcam, you can use Riverside to make calls directly from your phone itself. And if you’d like an extra camera angle, then you can turn your phone into a secondary webcam for your desktop.

Riverside is an all-in-one platform for video calls, recording, live streaming, and editing. You can record in up to 4K video resolution.

How to use your phone to make video calls using Riverside

Step 1: Download Riverside on the App Store or Play Store.

Step 2: Open the app. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up for one. Once you’ve signed up, log in to the account.

Step 3: Click on the “+” icon next to “Studios” on the left-hand side. Add your “Studio Name,” set the language being spoken, and choose your recording mode. Then click on “Create.”

Step 4: In the dashboard that opens up, hit the “Record” button.

In the following screen, click “Join.” Then click “REC.”

How to turn your phone into a secondary webcam with Riverside

Step 1: Log in to your Riverside account on your desktop browser and on your phone using the Riverside app.

Step 2: In the desktop browser, enter the studio you want to record from or create a new one. Enter or create a project to record in.

Step 3: Join from your mobile device as well. Go to the same studio and project you entered from your desktop account. You can find your list of studios in the left menu.

Step 4: You'll now see both cameras show up in the recording studio. On the mobile app, click on the three dots (•••) at the bottom of the screen. Then select “Use as second camera.” Tap “Join” to confirm.

To switch from your phone's front camera to the back camera, click the rotation tool on the bottom right of your screen.

Step 5: Record on Riverside as usual. After recording you'll see your secondary camera angle in your project files.

Camo

Supports: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
Connection type: WiFi, USB

Camo is one of the most popular apps to turn your smartphone into a webcam. It has a free version that records up to 720p and a $49.99/year paid version that records up to 4K.

How to turn your phone into a webcam with Camo using WiFi

Step 1: Install the Camo app on your phone and on your desktop.

Step 2: Open the Camo app both on your phone and desktop.

Step 3: On the desktop, click “Pair a device.”

Step 4: On the phone, click on the WiFi icon.

Step 5: Scan the QR code using the scanner on your phone.

Step 6: You should now see your camera feed from Camo. In apps like Zoom or Google Meet, select Camo as your camera source.

How to turn your phone into a webcam with DroidCam

Using WiFi

Step 1: Open the DroidCam app on both your phone and your computer.

Step 2: In the mobile version, find a Wi-Fi IP address. Note it down.

Step 3: On the desktop version, click on the WiFi icon. Enter the noted IP address.

Step 4: Click start. The feed from your phone camera should now show up onscreen.

How to use your iPhone as a webcam on Mac

To use the Continuity Camera feature, make sure both devices are updated to the latest versions and logged into the same iCloud account.

Step 1: Open the “Settings” app on the iPhone. Scroll to “General.”

Step 2: Tap “Airplay and Handoff.” Toggle “Continuity Camera” to “On.”

Step 3: Launch FaceTime, Zoom, or any other video calling app on your Mac. Select your iPhone from the list of available cameras if it doesn't switch automatically.

Bonus: 5 Tips for using your phone as a webcam or secondary camera

Stabilize your phone

Use a tripod or a stable stand to prevent shaky videos. This improves video quality and lets you freely use your hands during calls or recordings.

Use the rear camera

Use the rear camera as it has better resolution and image quality compared to the front-facing one.

Optimize camera settings

Adjust the exposure, focus, and white balance through your chosen app to get the best possible look.

Keep your phone charged

During use, keep your phone plugged into a power source to avoid interruptions.

Optimize Lighting

If possible, use natural lighting. Position yourself facing a window or use an external light source like a ring light.

FAQs on Use Phone as Webcam

Can I use my phone as a Webcam via USB?

Yes, you can use a phone as a webcam via USB through apps like Camo or DroidCam.

What is the best app for turning my phone into a webcam for Zoom meetings?

The best app for Zoom meetings is Camo due to its features like camera filters and overlays.