How to Use Your Android Phone as a Webcam for Windows

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Ditch the grainy laptop camera! Your Android phone is secretly a high-definition webcam waiting to happen. Imagine crystal-clear video calls, effortlessly switching between front and rear lenses for the perfect angle. Forget dropping cash on a dedicated webcam. We’re unlocking your phone’s hidden potential. Ready to transform your Android into a pro-grade webcam for your Windows PC or laptop? Let’s dive in.

Using the Mobile Devices Feature in Windows 11

Ditch the clunky webcam! Windows 11’sMobile Devicesfeature unlocks your Android phone’s camera superpowers for seamless PC video calls. Forget thirdparty app hassles – this is pure Windows integration. Recent updates deliver lightningfast, lagfree connections via QR code, unleashing your phone’s camera potential like never before.

Go toSettings->Bluetooth & devices->Mobile devices, and clickManage devices.

Manage Devices main menu option accessible from Windows 11 Settings.

Windows 11 has a built-in superpower – Phone Link. Think of it as a secret agent, working quietly in the background. Keep it activated, but no need for a mission briefing upfront. It’s ready when you are.

Ready to connect your phone to Windows 11? When the “Manage mobile devices” window pops up, hit “Add device” and prepare for seamless integration!

Click "Add Device" under the Mobile devices menu.

Time is ticking! A unique QR code has materialized, waiting for your Android device to unlock its secrets. Scan it now, because this digital key vanishes in just 10 minutes.

Currently, Windows 11 supports phone linking only for Android devices, 8.0 and higher, but iPhones may be added soon.

QR code generated in "Manage mobile devices" pop-up menu.

Transform your Android phone into a powerful webcam! Scan the QR code above to grab the ‘Link to Windows’ app from Google Play and unleash the potential of seamless connectivity.

Android App, Ready to Roll? Ditch the password! Simply scan the QR code displayed by theManage Mobile Devicesapp on your Windows PC. Tap “Sign in using the QR code on your PC” and you’re in!

Sign in using a QR code on PC on Link to Windows app.

Next, keep your eyes peeled! A six-digit verification code will magically appear on both your phone and computer screen. Punch it in, and BAM! You’re all set, with a triumphant “You’re all set” status gleaming on your phone.

Transform your PC into a visual command center! Find your phone listed under “My Devices” and flip the switch – enable “Use as a connected camera.” Unleash its power.

Use as a connected camera enabled for Oppo phone in Windows 11 Manage Mobile devices.

Want to use your Android phone as a webcam on your Windows PC? Here’s the secret: fire up the Windows 11 Camera app. Then, hunt for the almost-invisible “Change camera” icon lurking in the top right corner. Click it, and voila, your Android cam is live!

Top-right "Change camera" button in the Camera app of Windows 11.

Want to ditch the desktop view and beam your face to the screen? Simply jump back to your phone and tap “Switch to front” – hello, video calls on your laptop!

Craving a change of scenery? Dazzle your audience with your amazing location by selecting “Switch to back“. Let the world see whatyousee!

Need to hit pause midcall? No problem!Freeze or revive your video stream instantly.It’s like having a personal camera crew right in your pocket.

Use a "Switch to Front" option to connect an Android camera's front lens to laptop.

Transform your Android phone into a high-definition webcam for your Windows laptop and say goodbye to grainy video calls. Unleash your phone’s camera prowess – HDR, stunning resolutions, and advanced features – directly on your PC for crystal-clear streaming and video conferencing. Enjoy a seamless, lag-free connection that puts your best face forward.

Using Your Android Phone’s Native Options

Transform your smartphone into a high-definition webcam! Certain phones, like Google Pixel and Motorola (Windows only), boast built-in features that seamlessly connect to your Windows or macOS computer. Ready to ditch that grainy webcam footage? I’m showcasing the magic using a Google Pixel.

Transform your phone into a high-quality webcam in seconds! Simply plug your Android device into your PC using a USB-C data cable. When you see the “Charging this device via USB” notification pop up, give it a tap to unveil a hidden menu. Choose the “Webcam” option, and just like that, you’re ready to broadcast in crystal-clear quality.

Selecting Webcm in USB Preferences in Android device.

The Android phone’s webcam service is now active. Tap on the notification on your phone to access the camera feed.

You can adjust a few settings for your video stream, such as quality, zoom, and camera orientation.

Webcam stream on Pixel phone.

Now, on your computer, dive into your video app’s settings. Find the webcam selection and choose “Android Webcam.” Boom! Your phone’s lens is now your PC’s eye. When your phone prompts you for permission to broadcast, give it the green light. Get ready to shine!

Turn Android Webcam Pixel Android Webcam

Next time you fire up your video conferencing, prepare to be surprised! Among the camera choices, you’ll spot “IP Webcam” – disguised as an “MJPEG camera.” Select it, and get ready to roll!

Activating MJPEG Camera in video conferencing app in Windows.

When it’s time to disconnect the webcam, tap on theDevice connected as Webcam/Tap for more optionsnotification.

Pressing on "Device connected as Webcam" notification on Pixel device.

Tip : don’t see the Charging this device via USB message? Check out these solutions to bring it back.

Using a Third-Party App

Ditch the grainy webcam! Unleash the power of your Android phone as a crisp, high-definition webcam for your Windows PC. Transform your video calls with these two top-rated apps – your key to a professional-quality upgrade, instantly.

Transform your Android phone into a webcam in seconds with DroidCam! This lightning-fast setup gets you video-ready instantly, and the best part? It’s completely free for all your webcam needs. Just grab the app for your Android, then snag the companion Windows client from [link]. Boom! You’re live.

Finishing the DroidCam setup on Windows 11 device.

Ready to transform your phone into a webcam? Fire up DroidCam on your Windows PC and your Android device simultaneously no signup needed! On your computer, look for the “Click to Add a Device” option. Just ensure both are sipping from the same WiFi fountain.

Click "Add a device" inside DroidCam client in Windows.

Behold! A popup window bursts onto your screen. Now, hammer thatRefresh device listbutton until your phone’s IP address magically appears. Spot it? Snatch it up with a click ofAdd selected devices, and prepare for the exhilarating connection screen to unfold!

Additionally, you may selectEnable audioto use smartphone as a microphone.

DroidCam Windows client is connected to an Android phone's camera to be used as a webcam.

Prepare to witness your smartphone’s camera magically appear on your Windows display! Finetune your visual experience by diving intoProperties, where you can tweak settings like video resolution for crystalclear clarity.

However, switching between front and rear cameras on Android is best done from the phone app.

DroidCam client in Windows displays a DroidCam Android phone in its lens.

Beyond DroidCam, Android’s IP Webcam transforms your phone into a versatile webcam powerhouse. Unlock its potential with a suite of features: expand functionality with plugins, fine-tune your shot with zoom and focus controls, and optimize video quality to your liking. A heads-up: some browsers might need a driver boost for seamless integration.

Selecting "Stop" option to finish stream in IP Webcam app on Android.

FYI : learn how to use a GoPro 8 (and up) as a webcam on Windows and Mac.

Transform your smartphone into a high-definition webcam for Windows! Discover simple methods to link your phone’s superior camera to your computer. Is your built-in webcam on the fritz? We’ve got quick fixes to resurrect it. Plus, unlock the secret weapon of connectivity: using your phone as a portable hotspot.

Dust off that dinosaur Android! Before you toss your old phone in the tech graveyard, know this: it’s teeming with untapped potential. Forget e-waste – transform it! Not feeling the webcam vibe? No sweat. Command your Android TV like a boss by turning your phone into the ultimate remote. And if your mouse has mysteriously vanished? Bam! Instant trackpad, courtesy of your resurrected Android.

Thanks for reading How to Use Your Android Phone as a Webcam for Windows

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