How to Use Your iPhone as a Webcam on Windows or Mac

Connect Your iPhone as a Webcam Using Continuity Camera or Third-Party Apps

You can use your iPhone as a webcam on your PC in two main ways: through Continuity Camera if you own a Mac, or through a third-party app if you use Windows or Mac. Continuity Camera is built into macOS Ventura and newer, and it works wirelessly once you sign in with the same Apple ID on both devices. For Windows users, apps like Codepoint's Codeshot, EpocCam, or Reincubate Codeshot let you connect your iPhone over USB or Wi-Fi and use it in Zoom, Teams, OBS, or any other video software.

The connection process takes about five minutes and requires no special cables beyond what you already have. Your iPhone will appear as a camera option in your video software the same way a built-in webcam would, and you can switch to it mid-call without restarting anything.

Key Takeaways

Mac users with macOS Ventura or later can use Continuity Camera for free by signing in with the same Apple ID on both devices and enabling the feature in System Settings.
Windows users need a third-party app like EpocCam or Codeshot, which typically cost between $5 and $20 or offer a free version with limited features.
Your iPhone connects over USB (faster, more stable) or Wi-Fi (wireless but slower), and you choose the connection type when you first set up the app.
Once connected, your iPhone appears in the camera dropdown menu of Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, OBS, and other video software without any additional setup in those apps.
The iPhone's camera quality is usually better than a built-in laptop camera, and you can use the ultra-wide lens for a wider field of view or the telephoto for a tighter shot.

Using Continuity Camera on Mac (macOS Ventura and Newer)

If you have a Mac running macOS Ventura, Sonoma, or Sequoia, and an iPhone running iOS 16 or later, Continuity Camera is already built in and costs nothing. Open System Settings on your Mac, go to General > AirDrop, and make sure both your Mac and iPhone are signed in with the same Apple ID. Then open System Settings on your iPhone, go to General > AirDrop, and confirm it is set to receive from Contacts or Everyone.

Next, open the video app you want to use—Zoom, Teams, FaceTime, or any other—and look for the camera dropdown menu. You should see your iPhone listed by name. Click it to switch to your iPhone's camera. The first time you do this, your iPhone will ask for permission; tap Allow, and the connection will stay active as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and unlocked.

If your iPhone does not appear in the camera menu, restart both devices and check that Wi-Fi is on. Continuity Camera does not work over cellular, so both devices must be on the same network. You can also use the ultra-wide camera by tapping the camera icon on your iPhone's lock screen while the call is active.

Setting Up a Third-Party App on Windows or Mac

Windows users and Mac users who do not have Continuity Camera need a third-party app. EpocCam and Codeshot are the most common choices. read the app on your PC from the Microsoft Store or the developer's website, then read the companion app on your iPhone from the App Store. Some apps offer a free version with lower resolution or a watermark; paid versions typically cost $5 to $20 and remove these limits.

Open the app on both devices. You will see a connection code or a list of nearby devices. If you are connecting over USB, plug your iPhone into your PC with a USB cable, and the app will detect it automatically. If you are connecting over Wi-Fi, make sure both devices are on the same network, tap Connect on your iPhone, and select your PC from the list. The connection takes 10 to 30 seconds.

Once connected, open your video software—Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, OBS, or any other—and look for the camera dropdown. Your iPhone should appear in the list. Select it, and the video feed will switch to your iPhone's camera. You can now close the companion app on your iPhone; the connection will stay active as long as the main app is running on your PC.

USB Connection Versus Wi-Fi Connection

USB connection is faster and more stable but requires your iPhone to stay plugged in. Wi-Fi connection is wireless and lets you move your iPhone around, but it can lag or drop if your network is slow or crowded. For a video call where you are sitting at your desk, USB is usually the better choice. For a presentation or demo where you want to move the iPhone around the room, Wi-Fi is more practical.

If you choose USB, use a cable that came with your iPhone or a certified third-party cable. Some cheap cables do not transfer data reliably. If you choose Wi-Fi, make sure your PC and iPhone are on the same network—not a guest network or a different band (5 GHz versus 2.4 GHz). If the connection keeps dropping, switch to USB or move your PC and iPhone closer together.

Switching Between iPhone Cameras and Adjusting the View

Most iPhones have at least two cameras: the wide camera (the main one) and the ultra-wide camera. Some also have a telephoto camera. In your video app, you can usually switch between them by tapping a button on your iPhone's screen or in the app's settings. The ultra-wide camera shows more of the room behind you, which is useful if you want to show your workspace or a whiteboard. The telephoto camera zooms in, which is useful if you want a tighter shot of your face.

You can also adjust the brightness and focus by tapping on your iPhone's screen. Tap where you want the camera to focus, and it will lock onto that spot. If the image is too dark or too bright, swipe up or down on the screen to adjust the exposure. These adjustments stay in place until you change them again, so you can set them once at the start of your call and forget about them.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If your iPhone does not appear in the camera dropdown, first check that the app is running on both devices. Close the app completely on both, then open it again on your PC first, then on your iPhone. Wait 10 seconds for them to find each other. If you are using Wi-Fi, restart your router and move both devices closer to it.

If the video feed is choppy or freezes, the connection is too slow. Switch to USB if you were using Wi-Fi, or move your iPhone closer to your router. If you are using USB and it still does not work, try a different USB port on your PC or a different cable. Some USB ports on older PCs are slower than others.

If the app crashes when you start a call, update both the PC app and the iPhone app to the latest version. Restart your PC and iPhone, then try again. If the problem persists, uninstall the app on both devices, restart both, and reinstall from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to keep my iPhone unlocked while using it as a webcam?

For Continuity Camera on Mac, yes—your iPhone must be unlocked and on the same Wi-Fi network. For third-party apps, it depends on the app, but most require the iPhone to be unlocked at least when you first connect. Once connected, some apps let you lock the iPhone, but the video feed may pause or drop.

Can I use my iPhone as a webcam while also using it for other things?

Yes, but it depends on the app. Most third-party apps let you use your iPhone normally while the video feed is active—you can check messages, adjust the camera, or switch apps. Continuity Camera on Mac works the same way. However, if you open a different camera app on your iPhone, the video feed to your PC will stop.

What if my iPhone and PC are not on the same Wi-Fi network?

Continuity Camera requires the same network and will not work over cellular or a different network. Third-party apps usually require the same network too, but some offer a cloud option that lets you connect over the internet—though this is slower and may use data. Check your app's settings to see if this option is available.

Is the video quality better than my laptop's built-in camera?

Usually yes. Most iPhones have better sensors and lenses than laptop cameras, so the image is sharper and brighter. However, the quality also depends on the lighting in your room and how close you are to the iPhone. Position your iPhone at eye level and make sure there is light in front of you, not behind you.

Can I use my iPhone as a microphone at the same time?

No. When you switch to your iPhone as the camera, your PC will still use its built-in microphone or your headset microphone. Most video apps do not let you use the iPhone's microphone at the same time as its camera. If you want to use the iPhone's microphone, you would need to connect it as an audio device separately, which is more complicated and not recommended for most users.

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.