Use your cell phone as a webcam simply and quickly on your PC

Many people wonder if, in fact, it is possible to use the camera of the cell phone as webcam, be it Android ou iPhone (iOS). After all, with the current crisis of COVID-19, interpersonal dynamics were no longer carried out in person, but virtually, such as the presentation of classes, meetings and simple conversations between friends with videoconferencing applications. For this, the use of cameras and webcams became much more common, while their prices also inflated. However, there are some easy ways to get around the situation, starting from the use of some programs. And that's exactly what we're going to learn today.

It is important to emphasize that these suggestions are temporary measures, that is, temporary. So, if you're looking for something simpler and can't afford to spend a lot, these tips can be very important. However, if you are looking to have greater quality and stability for your conferences, it might be better to invest in a specific webcam, which we will indicate at the end of the article.

Using your cell phone as a webcam

First of all, we need to follow some basic steps to ensure a full connection between your mobile device and your computer. To use your cell phone as a webcam, we can follow two main paths: use a connection through a USB cable, or by Wifi network. However, keep in mind that performing this process over a wireless network requires a high internet connection as you will be mirroring your camera to your PC and sending this information to a communication application such as Zoom ou Google Meet.

Therefore, what we recommend most is the use of USB cable, because in addition to not giving any kind of interference or lag, will not harm your internet, in addition to not allowing your smartphone download. However, it is not enough to just plug your cable into the two devices and open the applications, you need to prepare your cell phone and computer.

Preparing to connect your Android device via USB cable

A USB debugging is a feature that allows your phone Android connect to a computer, and must be activated to connect your device by USB cable. But be careful, do not connect your cell phone to untrusted computers, as there may be an exchange of data that you do not want between devices.

To enable this function, the “Developer Options” menu must already be enabled. It is good to note that each cell phone has its own way of having this option. Therefore, if you encounter difficulties in our step-by-step guide, contact the official page of your product. In our case, we will use the Moto G7 Power.

Enabling the “Developer Options” menu:

1. Open the “Settings” menu of your device;
2. Find the option “Over the phone";
3. Search for "version number“. When found, tap 7 times on this option, and a new window opens;
4. Enter the lock pattern when prompted, and the “Developer Options” menu will be released in your settings.

Enabling USB Debugging

1. Return to “Settings” and search for “Developer Options";
2. Find the resource "USB Debugging (USB Debugging)” and activate it. To disable, just reverse the process.

Preparing to connect your iPhone or iPad via USB cable

If you use appliances Apple , as a iPhone ou iPad, the process is different, but still very simple.

1. have the iTunes installed on your computer and plug the USB cable into your mobile device and PC;
2. The computer will then detect the iPhone/iPad.

Applications to use your cell phone as a webcam

Now we are ready to start using our cell phone as a webcam. And we'll show you the best apps to make your life easier.

ivcam

In our tests the ivcam it was the most complete and functional application found. We can choose resolutions up to 1920×1080 pixels, capture audio, change the image orientation, increase transmission quality, etc. But unfortunately not everything is rosy. Although we have a free period of a few days, the paid version costs a hefty R$51,99. You can also use the basic version, limited to 640×480 pixels resolution and a watermark. app.

To use your cell phone as a webcam through the ivcam we need to install it both on our smartphoneBy Play Store/App Store, as well as on our computer, for the Windows.

1. Please download of the applications and accept the installation permissions;
2. First open the application on your desktop;
3. Connect the USB cable on PC and on your mobile, a notification about “Enable USB Debugging", at the Android, will appear, activate it. In devices like iPhone e iPad the program will recognize it automatically;
4. Open the app on your mobile device. The image will now start to be displayed and will be ready to be used.

In the case of connection Wi-Fi to use your cell phone as a webcam, it is only necessary to launch both applications simultaneously on the same network and they will connect. You can still click on the three bars in the lower right corner, go to settings, and adjust to your preference.

droid cam

Our direct competitor could not be any other application than droid cam. The program has a slightly more complex interface, even if not by much. Also, there aren't as many customization options as the ivcam, but the good news is that it's free and still has a lot of quality. To enjoy Droidcam and use your cell phone as a webcam, just download it from Play Store/App Store, in your Windows ou Linux.

USB connection

1. Download the apps and accept the installation permissions;
2. First open the app on your desktop with;
3. Connect the USB cable to PC and your mobile Android, a notification about “Enable USB Debugging” will appear, activate it. If you are using a iPhone ou iPad, the program will recognize the device automatically;
4. Open the app on your mobile device. Go back to the computer and see if the USB icon is selected. click in start and the image will appear. If a window appears with the message “No devices detected”, click on the refresh, select your device and try again.

Wireless

1. Download the apps and accept the installation permissions;
2. First open the app on your desktop with;
3. Open the application on your cell phone and search for the field “WiFi IP";
4. On your computer, enter these numbers in the “IP device", as well as the information "droidcam port";
5. Please click Start and everything is ready.

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The computer did not recognize my Android device

If you have had problems, and your computer did not recognize your device Android, try switching USB cables, but if the problem persists you may need to install new USB drivers on your desktop.

You can find a number of drivers available on the website Android Developers, and if your model is not on the list, manually search for “ABD Drivers for…” and your phone model/manufacturer, such as “ADB Drivers for Samsung“, and perform the installation. After that, restart your computer and try again. If the problem still persists, it is interesting to contact the technical support for your model.

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See how using your cell phone as a webcam is much easier than you thought? But if you really prefer and can invest more in a webcam, there are some models with a good cost benefit on the market, and we have super indications with several options, starting from more modest and affordable models to professional quality accessories, whether for streaming, internet content production, etc. Therefore, you should check the list of 9 best webcams to work from home, and add more quality to your video calls.

https://www.showmetech.com.br/9-melhores-webcams-trabalhar-em-casa/

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