Affordable webcams are in high demand this year thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many people trying to keep their social lives and work lives afloat by using Zoom, Google Meet and other face-to-face chatting apps, it can be challenging to find a good webcam that serves your needs.
The good news is that you can enjoy all the benefits of a webcam without having to spend a fortune on the latest technology. You can use your phone as a webcam at any time, and it’s easy to do as long as you have a computer or the right apps.
How to Use Your Phone as a Webcam for PC
While connecting a device to your computer may seem like a hassle at first, it’s a great way to increase the quality of your video calls. Laptop cameras can be unreliable, so sometimes you may benefit from using a phone instead. Many apps that are compatible with PCs are also compatible with Android and iOS devices, which gives you a variety of options to choose from.
The process involves installing an app on your phone and a driver on your computer so the two devices recognize each other. If you have Zoom, Skype or another video chatting service on your computer, it’s easy to connect your phone and use it as a high-quality webcam.
There are plenty of apps that allow you to use your phone as a webcam for PC. IVCam Webcam and DroidCam for Windows computers offer both free versions and paid versions of their software. Depending on your needs, you may be able to use these webcams without ever having to pay extra costs.
Most PC webcam software is easy to install and use. You can get started by choosing the app you want and searching for it in either Google Play or the iOS App Store. All it takes is a quick tap to install it on your phone. Then, download the driver or software for Windows and make your way through the instructions for installation.
As long as your phone and computer are connected to the same wireless network, you’ll be able to stream the video from your phone onto the desktop or laptop.
How to Use Your Phone as a Webcam for Mac
You have a little less flexibility when using your mobile device as a Mac webcam because there are fewer apps for macOS that support both Apple and Android devices. That said, there are several options available if you want to turn your iPhone into a webcam for your Mac computer.
You can use a mobile device as a Mac webcam by downloading a phone app that connects to an app on your computer through Wi-Fi. For example, EpocCam Webcam from Kinoni is a great option for individuals who want to stream lectures, make videos or have meetings online while maintaining high-quality imaging. All you need to do is download the app to your phone, download the drivers to your Mac and then get started.
EpocCam is also an option if you use a Mac plus an Android phone instead of an iOS device. If you have an iPhone, there are other affordable apps that you can use as well, such as NeuralCam Live and iCam.
Can You Use Your Phone Camera as a Webcam Without a Computer?
Today’s smartphones are so adaptable that they can function as webcams without the help of a computer. With access to wireless internet, you can take videos on your phone and send them to other people in real-time.
As long as your mobile phone has a camera, you can use it as a portable webcam to chat with others over long distances. Today’s iOS and Android devices are designed to offer crisp imaging so that anyone with a modern phone can take high-quality photos and videos. Using your device as its own webcam does more than just get the job done. It also allows you to look great while the camera is on.
To use Zoom on your phone, all you need to do is download the app to your phone and start using it. You can do the same thing with other apps, including Microsoft Teams, Skype, Google Meet and more. All these apps are free to download on the iOS App Store and Google Play.
Turn Your Phone Into a High-Resolution Webcam
If you’re looking for a more affordable way to livestream videos or enjoy online meetings, your iPhone or Android can serve as a fine substitute for a traditional webcam. During these uncertain times, it’s important to take advantage of the alternative options your devices have to offer.
Learn more from The Whiz Cells or trade-in your phone for cash toward a newer model. You can find out which devices we buy back by checking out our product listings online.