How to Use Your Phone as a Webcam Without Installing Apps
macOS Sequoia and Tahoe; older versions noted where they differ · Last checked · Suggest an edit
https://instructions.wiki/mac/use-your-phone-as-a-webcam
The laptop webcam is grainy and the phone in your pocket has a far better camera. macOS and Windows 11 both include a way to use a phone as a camera over Wi-Fi with nothing extra installed, as long as the pairing is a Mac with an iPhone or a Windows 11 PC with an Android phone. Once it is set up, the phone shows up in every video app's camera list like any other webcam.
Check the pairing on the Mac and iPhone
Sign in to the same Apple Account on both, and turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both. On the iPhone, go to Settings, General, AirPlay & Continuity and make sure Continuity Camera is on. Put the phone near the Mac, locked, in landscape, with the rear camera facing you. A mount that clips to the laptop lid holds it at the right height.
Pick the iPhone as the camera in the app
Open FaceTime, Zoom, Teams, or any other video app. In the app's camera menu (FaceTime: the Video menu in the menu bar; Zoom and Teams: the arrow next to the camera button), choose the iPhone. The phone's screen shows a Continuity Camera banner and the video switches. The same menu lists the iPhone as a microphone if you want its audio as well.
Add the Android phone to Windows 11
Go to Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Mobile devices, and turn on Allow this PC to access your mobile devices. Click Manage devices, add the phone by scanning the QR code with the Link to Windows app (preinstalled on many Android phones), then turn on Use as a connected camera. This needs Windows 11 version 23H2 or later.
Pick the phone in the app's camera list on Windows
Open the video app and choose the phone from its camera list (Teams: Settings, Devices, Camera; Zoom: the arrow next to Start Video). A small window appears on the PC with buttons to switch between the front and rear cameras, pause the feed, and add effects.
If this is Windows with an iPhone. Windows has no built-in support for an iPhone camera. A third-party webcam app installed on both the phone and the PC is the only route.
If you want the extras. While the iPhone is in use, the Mac's Control Center shows Video Effects with Center Stage, Portrait, Studio Light, and Desk View, which points the camera at the desk in front of you. Keep the phone plugged in on long calls; the camera drains the battery quickly.