The fastest way: Continuity Camera on macOS 13 and later
If your Mac runs macOS Ventura (13) or later and your iPhone runs iOS 16 or later, you can use your iPhone as a webcam through Continuity Camera — Apple's built-in feature that connects the two devices wirelessly. Your iPhone appears as a camera option in any app that uses your Mac's camera, from Zoom to FaceTime to Google Meet. You do not need to read anything or plug in a cable.
To set it up, make sure both devices are signed into the same Apple ID and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open any app that uses your camera — Zoom, FaceTime, or your browser for a video call. Look for the camera menu (usually a dropdown or settings icon), and you will see your iPhone listed by name. Select it. Your iPhone's camera turns on, and the app uses it instead of your Mac's built-in camera.
The first time you do this, your iPhone will ask for permission. Tap "Allow" and you are done. After that, the connection happens automatically when both devices are on the same network and signed into the same account.
Key Takeaways
- Continuity Camera works on macOS 13 and later with iOS 16 and later, requires no setup beyond signing into the same Apple ID, and connects over Wi-Fi automatically.
- Your iPhone appears as a selectable camera in Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet, and any other app that accesses your Mac's camera.
- You can use your iPhone's ultra-wide camera for a wider field of view, or switch back to the standard camera from within the app.
- If Continuity Camera does not appear, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same Apple ID.
Switching between your iPhone's cameras
Your iPhone has multiple cameras — a standard wide camera and an ultra-wide camera on most models. Continuity Camera lets you switch between them without closing your call or meeting. In the app you are using, look for a camera icon or settings menu (the exact location varies by app). You will see options for "Wide" and "Ultra Wide" or similar labels. Tap the one you want.
The ultra-wide camera shows more of the room around you, which is useful if you want to show your workspace or include multiple people. The standard camera is tighter and more flattering for a face-to-face call. You can switch back and forth as many times as you need during a single call.
Positioning your iPhone for the best angle
Since your iPhone is now your camera, you need to position it where you want the lens to point. Most people prop their iPhone against something at eye level — a book, a small stand, or a phone holder clamped to a monitor arm. Eye level is important because it avoids the unflattering angles you get from looking down at a laptop screen.
If you do not have a stand, a stack of books or a small box works just as well. The goal is to angle the iPhone so the camera lens points at your face, not up your nose or down at the top of your head. Test the angle by opening the camera app on your iPhone and looking at the preview before you start your call.
Using Continuity Camera with portrait mode and studio lighting
On newer iPhones and Macs, Continuity Camera includes portrait mode, which blurs the background behind you. This works the same way as portrait mode in the Camera app — it keeps your face sharp and softens everything behind you. Not all apps support it yet, but Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Meet do. Look for a portrait mode toggle in the app's camera settings.
Some Macs also support studio lighting through Continuity Camera, which brightens your face and darkens the background to look more professional. This feature is available on Mac models with Apple silicon (M1 and later). If your app offers it, you will see a lighting icon in the camera menu. Studio lighting uses your Mac's processing power, not your iPhone's, so it does not drain your iPhone battery.
Troubleshooting when your iPhone does not appear as a camera option
If you open an app and your iPhone is not listed as a camera choice, check three things first. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network — not on different networks, and not one on Wi-Fi and one on cellular. Second, confirm both are signed into the same Apple ID in System Settings (on your Mac) and Settings (on your iPhone). Third, restart the app you are trying to use; sometimes it needs to refresh to see the new camera option.
If those steps do not work, restart your Mac. Continuity Camera sometimes needs a fresh start to detect your iPhone. After your Mac restarts, open the app again and check the camera menu. If your iPhone still does not appear, check that your Mac is running macOS 13 or later and your iPhone is running iOS 16 or later. You can find these version numbers in System Settings on your Mac and Settings on your iPhone.
When Continuity Camera is not available: using a third-party app
If your Mac is older than macOS 13 or your iPhone is older than iOS 16, Continuity Camera is not available. In that case, you can use a third-party app like Codeshot, Reincubate Codeshot, or EpocCam to connect your iPhone as a webcam. These apps create a wired or wireless connection between your devices and show your iPhone as a camera option in your Mac's system.
Most third-party apps require you to install software on both your Mac and your iPhone, and some charge a one-time fee or subscription. The setup is more involved than Continuity Camera — you usually need to pair the devices manually and keep the app running on both sides. However, they work on older hardware and give you more control over camera settings like zoom and exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using my iPhone as a webcam drain the battery?
Yes, it uses more battery than normal because your iPhone's camera and wireless connection are both active. If you are on a long call, plug your iPhone into power. Continuity Camera does not drain your Mac's battery — it actually uses your Mac's processing for features like portrait mode and studio lighting.
Can I use my iPhone as a webcam with a USB cable instead of Wi-Fi?
Continuity Camera works only over Wi-Fi. If you want a wired connection, you need a third-party app like EpocCam, which supports both USB and Wi-Fi. A USB connection is more stable for long calls but requires the app to be running on both devices.
Will my iPhone camera work in all video apps?
Continuity Camera works in any app that accesses your Mac's camera system — Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet, Skype, and most others. Some older or less common apps may not recognize it. If an app does not show your iPhone as an option, try updating the app or switching to a different video platform.
What if I want to use my Mac's built-in camera again?
Open the camera menu in your app and select "Built-in Camera" or your Mac model's name. Your Mac's camera turns back on when ready. You can switch between your iPhone and your Mac's camera as many times as you want during a call.