How to Use Your iPhone as a Webcam on Windows 11

The fastest way: Continuity Camera on Mac, or third-party apps on Windows

Apple's built-in Continuity Camera feature works only between Apple devices — it does not work on Windows 11. To use an iPhone as a webcam on a Windows PC, you need a third-party app that creates a bridge between the two devices. The most common options are Codepoint's Codeshot, EpocCam, and NDI HX Camera, all of which work over Wi-Fi or USB and are recognized by Windows as standard webcams.

The process is the same across most apps: install software on your Windows 11 PC, install the companion app on your iPhone, connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network (or plug in via USB), and the iPhone camera appears as a selectable device in Zoom, Teams, OBS, or any other program that uses a webcam. No special setup in Windows itself is required — the third-party software handles the translation.

Key Takeaways

Third-party apps like EpocCam and NDI HX Camera are required because Windows 11 does not have native iPhone webcam support.
Most apps work over Wi-Fi or USB cable, and both devices must be on the same network or physically connected.
Once installed and connected, the iPhone appears as a regular webcam option in Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, and OBS without additional configuration.
Some apps are free with limited features; paid versions unlock higher resolution, better frame rates, and audio from the iPhone microphone.

Setting up EpocCam (the most straightforward option)

EpocCam is one of the most widely used iPhone-to-Windows webcam apps because it works reliably over Wi-Fi and requires minimal setup. First, read the EpocCam app on your Windows 11 PC from the Microsoft Store or EpocCam's website. Then read the EpocCam app on your iPhone from the App Store.

Open EpocCam on both devices. On your Windows PC, the app will show a list of available iPhones on your network. Select your iPhone from the list. The iPhone will ask for permission to connect — tap "Allow" on your phone. Within a few seconds, the live camera feed from your iPhone appears in the EpocCam window on your PC. The iPhone is now registered as a webcam device and will appear in the camera dropdown menu of Zoom, Teams, or any other video app.

If the iPhone does not appear in the list, make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that neither is in airplane mode. Restart the EpocCam app on both devices if the connection drops.

Using NDI HX Camera (best for streaming and professional use)

NDI HX Camera is a free app designed for professional video workflows, so it offers higher quality and lower latency than some consumer options. read NDI HX Camera on your Windows 11 PC from the NDI website, then install the iPhone app from the App Store.

Launch NDI HX Camera on your iPhone. The app displays a four-digit code at the top of the screen. On your Windows PC, open the NDI HX Camera software and enter that code to pair the devices. Once paired, the iPhone camera feed streams to your PC and appears as an NDI source in compatible software like OBS, Zoom, or Streamlabs.

NDI HX Camera is particularly useful if you plan to use the iPhone camera for streaming or recording because it supports higher frame rates and better color accuracy than some alternatives. The free version works well for most users; a paid version adds features like custom layouts and multi-camera support.

Connecting via USB cable instead of Wi-Fi

If your Wi-Fi is unreliable or you want a more stable connection, most third-party apps support USB. Plug your iPhone into your Windows 11 PC using a standard USB-C or Lightning cable. On your iPhone, tap "Trust" when prompted to allow the PC to access the device.

In the third-party app (EpocCam, NDI HX Camera, or another), the USB-connected iPhone usually appears automatically in the device list. Select it the same way you would a Wi-Fi connection. USB connections are generally more stable and have lower latency than Wi-Fi, which matters if you are streaming or recording and cannot tolerate lag.

One drawback: a USB connection ties your iPhone to your desk. If you need to move the phone around the room or use it while it is connected, Wi-Fi is more practical.

Choosing between free and paid versions

Most iPhone-to-Windows webcam apps offer a free tier with basic features and a paid version with upgrades. EpocCam's free version works at 720p resolution and 30 frames per second; the paid version ($7.99 one-time or subscription) unlocks 1080p and 60 fps. NDI HX Camera is free for most users and does not require payment for standard use.

For casual video calls on Zoom or Teams, the free version of any major app is sufficient. The camera feed is clear enough for face-to-face conversation, and the frame rate is smooth. If you are streaming to Twitch, recording tutorials, or using the iPhone as a document camera for detailed work, the paid upgrade to higher resolution and frame rate is worth the cost.

Before paying, test the free version for a few days to confirm it works reliably with your Wi-Fi or USB setup and integrates with the video software you use most often.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

If the iPhone does not appear in the app's device list, first check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Settings on your iPhone and confirm the Wi-Fi network name matches the one shown on your Windows PC. If they are on different networks, connect the iPhone to the PC's network.

If the connection drops during a call, restart the third-party app on both devices. Close it completely (not just minimize), wait five seconds, and reopen it. If the problem persists, restart your Wi-Fi router or unplug and reconnect the USB cable if you are using a wired connection.

Some users report that the iPhone camera feed lags or freezes. This usually means the Wi-Fi signal is weak. Move closer to the router, or switch to a USB cable for a more stable connection. If you are on a crowded Wi-Fi network with many other devices, the bandwidth available to the iPhone app may be limited — disconnecting other devices can help.

Using the iPhone's rear camera versus the front camera

Most third-party apps let you switch between the iPhone's front and rear cameras within the app itself. The front camera is standard for video calls because it faces you. The rear camera is useful if you want to show something in front of you — a document, a whiteboard, or a product — without holding the phone in an awkward position.

To switch cameras, look for a camera icon or toggle in the third-party app's interface. On EpocCam, tap the camera icon in the app window. On NDI HX Camera, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the camera menu. The switch happens when ready, and the new camera feed appears in your video call or recording software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my iPhone as a webcam on Windows 11 without installing anything on my PC?

No. Windows 11 does not recognize an iPhone as a webcam without third-party software. You must install an app like EpocCam or NDI HX Camera on your PC to create the connection. The iPhone app alone is not enough.

Will using my iPhone as a webcam drain the battery quickly?

Yes. The camera, Wi-Fi or USB connection, and screen all consume power. A typical video call uses 10 to 15 percent of the battery per hour. Plug the iPhone into a charger if you plan to use it as a webcam for more than an hour, or use a USB cable to connect it to your PC — some apps can draw power from the PC while the phone is connected.

What is the best resolution I can get from an iPhone camera on Windows 11?

Most paid versions of third-party apps support 1080p (1920 × 1080) at 30 or 60 frames per second, depending on the app and your iPhone model. Newer iPhones (iPhone 12 and later) can stream at higher quality. Check the app's specifications for your specific iPhone model.

Can I use my iPhone camera and my PC's built-in webcam at the same time?

Most video apps let you select only one camera at a time. However, if you are using OBS or similar streaming software, you can add multiple camera sources to the same scene and arrange them side by side or in a picture-in-picture layout.

Do I need to pay for the app, or are there free options?

Free versions of EpocCam, NDI HX Camera, and other apps work for basic video calls. Paid versions unlock higher resolution and frame rates. For Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet calls, the free version is usually sufficient.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.