Use your phone as a webcam by installing an app that bridges your phone to your computer
Your phone has a better camera than most built-in laptop webcams. To use it, you need software that lets your computer see your phone's camera as if it were a regular webcam. The most common method is to install an app on your phone and a companion program on your computer, then connect them over Wi-Fi or USB. Once connected, your phone appears as a camera option in Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, OBS, or any other video software.
The setup takes about five minutes. You do not need to pay for most options, though some apps offer paid versions with extra features. Your phone stays in landscape mode on a stand or tripod during the call, and you can switch back to using your built-in webcam anytime by changing the camera source in your video software.
Key Takeaways
- Popular free apps include Droidcam (Android and iPhone), EpocCam (iPhone), and Codeshot (both platforms), each with slightly different connection methods and video quality.
- You need both a phone app and a computer program installed, and they must be on the same Wi-Fi network or connected by USB cable.
- Once installed and connected, your phone shows up as a selectable camera in Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, OBS, and other video software without any further setup.
- Phone cameras typically produce sharper video than laptop webcams because they have better sensors and autofocus, especially in low light.
Droidcam: the most widely used option for both Android and iPhone
Droidcam works on both Android and iPhone and connects over Wi-Fi or USB. read the free Droidcam app on your phone, then read the Droidcam client on your Windows or Mac computer. Open both programs, and they will find each other on your network automatically. Your phone's camera then appears as "Droidcam" in any video software you open.
The free version works well for video calls. The paid version ($4.99 one-time on Android, $4.99 on iPhone) removes a watermark and adds features like custom resolution and audio from your phone's microphone. Most people use the free version without issues. If you prefer a USB connection instead of Wi-Fi, plug your phone into your computer with a cable and select USB mode in the app.
Droidcam is reliable and has been around for years, so you will find many tutorials and troubleshooting guides online if something goes wrong. The main drawback is that the free version adds a small watermark to your video, which some people find distracting during professional calls.
EpocCam: the best choice for iPhone users who want high quality
EpocCam is designed specifically for iPhone and produces very sharp video. read the app on your iPhone, then read the EpocCam Viewer on your Mac or Windows computer. Connect over Wi-Fi by entering a code that appears in the phone app into the computer program. Your iPhone camera then shows up as "EpocCam" in Zoom, Teams, or any other video software.
The free version works for video calls and has no watermark. The paid version ($7.99 one-time) adds features like the ability to use your phone's front and back cameras, custom resolution, and audio from your phone. For most people, the free version is enough. EpocCam is particularly good if you are using an older MacBook with a weak built-in camera, because the iPhone camera will be a noticeable upgrade.
One limitation: EpocCam works best on Wi-Fi and does not support USB connection on all computer setups, so if your Wi-Fi is unreliable, Droidcam may be a better choice.
Codeshot: a lightweight option that works on both platforms
Codeshot is a smaller app that works on Android and iPhone. read it on your phone and the companion software on your computer, then connect over Wi-Fi. The setup is straightforward, and the app uses less battery than some alternatives. Your phone camera shows up as "Codeshot" in your video software.
Codeshot is free and has no watermark. It is a good choice if you want something straightforward and lightweight, especially if your phone's battery drains quickly during long video calls. The trade-off is that it has fewer features and a smaller community online, so if you run into problems, there may be fewer guides available.
Setting up a phone stand or tripod so your camera stays steady
Once you have chosen an app and connected your phone, you need a way to position it so the camera points at your face. A phone stand or tripod keeps your hands free and prevents the camera from shaking. Inexpensive options include a basic desk stand (usually $5 to $15), a flexible gooseneck holder that clamps to your desk, or a small tripod with a phone mount (usually $10 to $30).
Position your phone at eye level or slightly above, about 12 to 18 inches from your face. This angle is more flattering than looking down at the camera and makes better use of your phone's autofocus. If you are using your phone's front camera, make sure the back of the phone faces away from you so the rear camera can see the room behind you if you want a background.
For a cleaner look during video calls, consider placing a lamp or window light to the side of your phone so your face is well-lit. Phone cameras perform much better with good lighting, and it will make a bigger difference than any other adjustment you can make.
Switching between your phone camera and your built-in webcam
Once your phone is connected as a camera, you can switch between it and your laptop's built-in webcam in most video software. In Zoom, click the arrow next to the camera icon at the bottom of the screen and select "Droidcam" or whichever app you are using. In Google Meet, click the three dots, select "Settings," go to "Camera," and choose your phone camera from the list. In Teams, click your profile picture, select "Settings," go to "Devices," and change the camera.
You do not have to disconnect your phone to switch back to your built-in camera. Just change the camera source in your video software, and it will use your laptop's camera instead. This is useful if you want to use your phone camera for important calls but your built-in camera for casual meetings.
If your phone camera does not appear in the list, make sure both the phone app and the computer program are open and connected. Close and reopen your video software, and the phone camera should show up.
Troubleshooting common connection problems
If your phone and computer do not find each other, first check that they are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some networks separate devices or block connections between them. If you are on a work or school network, ask your IT department whether peer-to-peer connections are allowed. If not, try a USB cable connection instead (if your app supports it).
If the video is choppy or freezes, move your phone closer to your Wi-Fi router or switch to a USB connection. Wi-Fi interference from other devices can slow the connection. If the video is dark or blurry, make sure the phone's camera lens is clean and that you have good lighting in the room. Phone cameras need more light than you might expect.
If your video software does not recognize the phone camera after you have installed everything, restart both the phone app and the computer program. Sometimes the connection needs to be refreshed. If that does not work, uninstall and reinstall both programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will using my phone as a webcam drain the battery quickly?
Yes, it will use battery faster than normal, especially over Wi-Fi. A typical phone will lose 10 to 20 percent of its battery per hour of video. Plug your phone into a charger during long calls or meetings. USB connection drains the battery slightly less than Wi-Fi because the phone is powered by the cable.
Can I use my phone's rear camera instead of the front camera?
It depends on the app. Droidcam and EpocCam both allow you to switch between front and rear cameras, though the rear camera is usually better quality. You will need to rotate your phone to landscape mode so the rear camera points at what you want to film. Some apps like Codeshot may only support the front camera.
What if my phone and computer are not on the same Wi-Fi network?
Most apps require the same Wi-Fi network to connect. If you are on different networks, use a USB cable instead. Plug your phone into your computer with a charging cable, then select USB mode in the app. Not all apps support USB, so check before you buy a paid version.
Is the video quality better than my laptop's built-in webcam?
Almost always yes. Phone cameras have better sensors, autofocus, and low-light performance than most laptop webcams. The video will be sharper and clearer, especially if your laptop is older. The difference is most noticeable in dim lighting or when you are far from the camera.
Do I need to pay for any of these apps to use them as a webcam?
No. Droidcam, EpocCam, and Codeshot all work for free without watermarks or time limits (though EpocCam and Droidcam have paid versions with extra features). You can use the free versions for video calls, recording, and streaming without paying anything.