If you have an older Android phone lying around that you don’t use much, give it new life by turning it into a webcam. This guide provides various methods of using your Android device as a webcam for your PC.
Good to know: if you have an Android tablet, you can turn it into a second monitor for your computer.
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Using a Third-Party App
There are various ways to turn your Android phone into a webcam for your Windows PC or Mac. Perhaps the simplest is to use a third-party app like IP Webcam. It works on any Android wirelessly. It allows you to stream video from your Android, then view the footage via a browser on a PC connected to the same Wi-Fi.
Note: IP Webcam’s video feed can be accessed from an external source. It’s a bit complicated to set up and involves downloading additional software.
To use IP Webcam, download the IP Webcam app, then launch it on your device.
The app’s main screen is actually the Settings page where you can configure your webcam settings.
Scroll to the bottom, and tap on the Start server option to create your webcam server. Point your device’s camera at whatever you wish to stream.
If you’d like to share what you’re streaming, press the Actions button in the upper-right corner. Select Share IP, then tap on the app you wish to send the information through.
In my experience, the app worked well enough. I did notice some latency with prolonged use, but overall, it did its job well.
When it’s time to finish the stream, press Actions again, and tap Stop.
The IP webcam app offers a number of other features as well, which include adding plugins, zooming in, alter video quality, focus, and much more.
If you want to use the IP Webcam for videoconferencing apps, navigate to the same address, and click on the Videochat drivers option in the menu at the top. Download a driver, which is available for Windows or Linux.
I installed the driver on my Windows PC. After launching it, I added “videofeed” at the end of the URL field. If you created an account/password in the app, add them now, then press Apply -> OK.
Now when you open your video conferencing app, you’ll notice the option to use IP Webcam. (It will show up as MJPEG camera.)
If this sounds a bit too complicated, use your phone to join or create a video call. Since it has an integrated camera, you will be good to go instantly.
Tip: webcam not working in Windows? Learn how to remedy the situation.
Using Your Phone’s Native Options
Some phones offer native options so that you can use them as webcams with your Windows or macOS computer. Some examples include Pixel and Motorola (Windows only) devices. In this example, I am using a Google Pixel phone.
There are a few requirements of note. For instance, you need a Pixel 6 or above for this method to work. In addition, your computer needs to have support for the USB Video Class (UVC) specification, as you’ll need to use a USB cable, as this method is not wireless.
Start by connecting your phone to your PC using a USB-C data cable. Tap the Charging this device via USB. Tap for more options. notification on your Android phone.
Tip: don’t see the Charging this device via USB message? Check out these solutions to bring it back.
On the next screen, select the Webcam option in the Use USB for section.
The Android phone’s webcam service is now active. Tap on the notification on your phone to access the camera feed.
You can adjust a few settings for your video stream, such as quality, zoom, and camera orientation.
Back on your PC, select the option to use the Android Webcam as a webcam in your video conferencing or chat app. When you see the video stream from your Android, grant permission to start the video feed.
When it’s time to disconnect the webcam, tap on the Device connected as Webcam/Tap for more options notification.
Switch to the No data transfer option.
FYI: learn how to use a GoPro 8 (and up) as a webcam on Windows and Mac.
Try Linking to a Windows App
If you have a Windows 11 PC, you can use the Link to Windows app to transform your phone (any model) into a webcam for your computer. Link your Android phone to your PC.
Once the two are connected, type “mobile device settings” in the Search bar, and select the first result. In the new window, toggle on the Allow this PC to access your mobile devices option at the top.
Press the Mobile devices button.
The toggle next to the phone you’ve connected to the PC should be on. If it’s not, enable it.
Once active, make sure the Use as a connected camera option is also enabled.
Navigate to your videoconferencing app on your PC to see the option to use your phone as a webcam (Windows Virtual Camera).
Tap the notification on your phone, and you will see the webcam feed on your PC.
On your Android, a screen will say that the device is connected to the PC. You can also switch to the front camera from there, or pause the video feed.
When it’s time to stop the stream on your Android device, press Pause Video, then close the webcam window on your phone. The video feed will be disconnected.
FYI: you can also use your phone as a hotspot.
An old Android smartphone can have many uses. If turning it into a webcam isn’t something that would benefit you, learn how to use your Android as a remote for Android TV instead. Your Android phone can also be your mouse when you don’t have one at hand.