How Use Your Android Phone As A Webcam For Your Computer
Most laptops come with built-in webcams these days, but that may not be enough for your needs (i.e. video calls, recordings, etc). Whether your computer doesn’t have a webcam, your webcam is busted, or you’d simply prefer to use your Android phone with its (most likely) higher resolution and better quality, you have options. While the process for setting your Android phone up as a webcam is a little more involved than simply sticking with what may have come with the hardware, it’s made much simpler thanks to a variety of third-party applications.
Though one extra consideration to keep in mind is how you plan to angle your phone once it’s ready to be used as a webcam. A tripod isn’t strictly necessary for something like this, as any object you can use to prop up your phone without obscuring the lens will work, but something less likely to fall due to gravity, desk bumps, or pet shenanigans is recommended. Fortunately, there areplentyof models to choose from, across a broad variety of price points and qualities.
Getting the webcam hookup
Unlike theContinuity Camerafeature found in macOS Ventura (and requiring an iPhone running iOS 16), setting your Android phone up as a webcam for your PC or Mac requires a little more effort. It’s still manageable, of course, but you will need a couple of other items aside from just your phone and computer.
While you’re able to use Camo for free, there are some benefits to the paid Camo Pro plan ($4.99 per month or $39.99 per year). The free version allows for 720p and lower standard-format video with a standard 30 fps, while Pro allows up to 1080p, along with other camera modes and adjustment options.
Camo with a wired connection
If you’re able to’t or don’t want to connect wirelessly, you can use Camo with a USB cable instead. Though this will require some extra hoop-jumping if you’re using a Windows PC.
Once you’re finished using your phone as a webcam, you can quit the Camo app on both your computer and phone as well as disconnect the USB cable. To use your phone as a webcam again in the future, just repeat the above steps for connecting and sharing your phone’s camera feed.
