Let’s face it: The cameras on many Windows PCs are subpar. In order to save money while assembling laptops, manufacturers often omit the camera. Additionally, unless you purchase one, you may not even have a camera on your desktop computer.

Regardless of whether you use an iPhone or an Android phone, your preferred smartphone most likely has many excellent cameras integrated right in. Additionally, the high-end camera hardware in your smartphone may serve as your PC’s webcam with a little tweaking and setup.

Without incurring additional costs, it might be the key to improving the quality of your video conferences and online meetings.

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Utilize a WiFi Android phone as a camera on Windows 11.

First up: Microsoft now provides a built-in method for converting an Android phone into a camera if you have a Windows 11 computer. There is no need for a USB cord since everything is WiFi. However, as Microsoft did not include the new capability in Windows 10, this does need Windows 11.

To configure this, launch the Windows 11 Settings app, choose “Bluetooth & devices,” and then click “Mobile devices.” If you haven’t already, turn on the “Allow this PC to access your mobile devices” option. After that, choose “Manage devices.”

If your Android phone isn’t already linked to your PC, add it now. Installing the Link to Windows app on your phone and logging in using your PC’s Microsoft account are required steps in this process.

Make sure the “Use as a connected camera” option is turned on when everything is configured.

Your Android phone will now show up in applications as a webcam. (Want to give it a try? Try launching the built-in Windows “Camera” program.

You will get a notice on your Android phone when you choose to use it as a camera. To enable the connection, tap it. After that, you may adjust settings using the floating panel on your PC or the app on your phone.

Use a USB to convert a Pixel phone into a Windows webcam.

Is your phone a Pixel? Google offers a pretty handy built-in feature that allows your phone to act as a camera without the need for other applications. What you’ll need is as follows:

• A more recent phone, such as a Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, or Pixel 9.
• a computer running Windows 10 or 11.
• a USB cable to link your computer and phone.

To begin, use a USB cord to connect your phone to your Windows computer, just as you would if you were transferring Android files from your phone to the computer. Your phone’s USB connection settings will be discussed in an Android system notification. After tapping it, choose “Webcam” under “Use USB for.”

After that, your Windows computer will see your Pixel phone as a camera. In your preferred video-conferencing program, you may choose it just as you would any other camera device.

Configure DroidCam on an Android or iPhone.

To make your phone function as a fully wireless Windows webcam, you may use a third-party program. For this, there are other paid apps available, however DroidCam is unique.

This app is compatible with both iPhones and Android phones, despite its name! At regular resolution, it is also totally free. (To access higher-resolution video streaming, you may purchase a one-time $15 “Pro” upgrade.) Additionally, unless you pay the charge, there is a watermark. However, when compared to rival apps that demand greater costs or even recurring membership payments, the pricing is still quite low. It’s pretty affordable for a professional instrument.

Installing the DroidCam app on your phone is necessary in order to set it up; you can obtain it from the App Store for iPhones or Google Play for Android. Then install the DroidCam client app on your Windows PC. Once installed, open the client application from the Start menu, then follow the instructions to connect the PC and phone applications.

Another choice is Reincubate Camo, which has received great reviews but requires a $50 annual membership to access all the features instead of a $15 one-time fee.

Try an Android app tailored to the phone’s maker.

Other Android phone makers sometimes have their own solutions, even if they may not have the handy webcam-over-USB capability that Google provides on its Pixel phones.

For instance, Samsung has a “camera sharing” capability for Galaxy phones, but it is limited to certain Samsung computers. Samsung’s website states that you must own a Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 Windows laptop in order to use the Galaxy camera sharing function.

Motorola’s “Smart Connect” platform may be supported by your phone. If so, you may set up your Motorola phone as a camera from your PC by using the Lenovo Smart Connect program (Lenovo owns Motorola).

In general, you’re better off choosing the solutions that are more widely applicable, like the ones I listed. However, it can be worth taking into consideration whether your phone has a built-in feature offered by the manufacturer and it is compatible with the hardware of your PC. This may be a difficult task, as shown by the Galaxy phone example.

Who needs the Continuity Camera from Apple?

Naturally, you can utilize Apple’s Continuity Camera in place of the iPhone if you’re using a Mac. However, there are many excellent alternatives for Windows users here, and the integrated solutions function well, particularly with Android devices.

In addition, there is another easy way to utilize your phone as a camera in a video conference using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. You may even join the meeting straight from your phone. You may use your phone as a webcam. Then, without even using your computer, you might join the conference using your phone.

Even if you can’t have a full-screen video conference in such situation, it’s still an excellent backup plan in case of emergency and may be useful for short calls.

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