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Use Apple’s built-in Continuity Camera to use an iPhone as a Mac webcam—no extra app is required. The webcam feature works with an iPhone XR or later running iOS 16 or later and a Mac that supports macOS Ventura 13 or later. Setup is much the same across iOS 16, 17, 18, 26 and 27; those version numbers do not indicate separate setup methods.
Check that your iPhone and Mac are compatible
Apple’s minimum requirements for Continuity Camera as a webcam are:
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- An iPhone XR or later running iOS 16 or later.
- A Mac compatible with macOS Ventura 13 or later.
These are the requirements for webcam use, not for Continuity Camera’s separate document-scanning or photo-capture features. Optional video effects may have stricter device requirements.
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See Apple’s Continuity Camera webcam requirements and its iPhone user guide.
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Stouchi Mag-Safe Continuity Camera Mount for Desktop Monitor
- Stouchi continuity camera mount is made of light and hard aluminum alloy. Compatible with iMac and most external displays/monitors (iMac/desktop from 2017 and above with OS Ventura installed), Apple TV 4K/most TVs (the latest version of tvOS).
- Works with iPhone 17, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 & 12 models. Please remove your phone case before using (excluding Mag-Safe compatible cases).
- You can easily mount your Mag-Safe-compatible iPhone securely to your Mac desktop or display with this durable mount for FaceTime, capturing content, video conferencing and more. The magnetic attachment allows for easy, seamless, hands-free camera streaming. Easily adjust viewing angles from vertical to 30 degrees downward.
- Compatible with 1/4" tripod screw.
- There is a 2-year Warranty on Stouchi iPhone Continuity camera mount.
Prepare both devices
- On the iPhone, open Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity and make sure Continuity Camera is on. Depending on the software version or regional instructions, the menu may be called AirPlay & Handoff. The feature is on by default, but checking the toggle can help if the Mac does not find the phone.
- Sign in to the same Apple Account on the iPhone and Mac, with two-factor authentication enabled.
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices and keep them near one another.
- For wireless use, make sure the Mac is not using AirPlay or Sidecar, and that the devices are not sharing an internet connection in a way that conflicts with Apple’s requirements.
Apple lists the account, connectivity and proximity requirements in its webcam setup guidance. VPN settings that restrict local networking can also interfere with some Continuity features.
Connect the iPhone as the webcam
Use it wirelessly
- Place the iPhone in a stable position, with its rear cameras facing you and nothing covering them. Landscape orientation lets apps choose the iPhone automatically; portrait orientation is also supported. A stand or mount is optional.
- Open FaceTime or another Mac app that can use a camera or microphone.
- In the app’s camera or microphone selector, choose your iPhone. The exact selector depends on the app.
Apple Support says Continuity Camera works wired or wirelessly. Its setup guide explains wireless use and positioning.
Rank #2
Itramax Continuity Camera Mount for iMac,Magnetic iPhone Monitor Holder
- For Apple Continuity Camera on Monitor Setups: Designed for Apple Continuity Camera, this magnetic monitor phone mount places your phone in landscape above a stable desktop monitor and uses the rear camera as a webcam with a compatible Mac. During use, the rear camera faces you, the phone screen faces away, and the view appears on the connected screen.
- Designed for Desktop Monitors, Not Notebook Screens: This foldable phone webcam holder is designed for stable desktop monitors with flat top edges, including iMac, Studio Display, and other desktop monitor setups. It rests on the monitor top edge and is not a spring-loaded clamp. Thick, curved, uneven, very narrow edges, narrow bezels, or side mounting may affect fit. 【Important Note: Not designed for direct mounting on notebook screens or side edges.】
- Open-Cut Aluminum Body with Silicone Pads: The open-cut aluminum alloy body keeps a clean metal look with steady support. Silicone contact surfaces help reduce marks on your phone and monitor, while firm adjustable joints help hold the selected camera position during monitor-mounted webcam use.
- MagSafe Magnetic Hold with Accessory Kit: Magnetic attachment for MagSafe-compatible phones and cases. For other phones or cases, apply the metal ring only to a clean, smooth, flat, hard surface. 【Important Note: Uneven, soft, textured, leather, fabric, wallet, ring holder, or pop-out stand cases may reduce grip or adhesion.】 To remove, support the holder and peel from one edge. Includes 1 mount, 2 metal rings, 2 cleaning cloths, 2 positioning guides, and 1 manual.
- Foldable Design with 1/4-Inch Tripod Thread: The compact foldable design is easy to store, carry, or pack for office, home, and travel. The built-in 1/4-inch thread connects to compatible tripods and camera stands with a standard 1/4-inch screw. Tripod use is landscape only. Direct desk use supports landscape or portrait for recording, streaming, video calls, or demos. Physical holder only, not a charger.
Connect with a cable
- Connect the iPhone to the Mac with a cable compatible with both devices.
- If the iPhone asks whether to trust the computer, tap Trust and follow the prompts. Approve a Mac accessory-connection alert if one appears.
- Open a camera-enabled app and select the iPhone in its camera or microphone menu.
USB avoids relying on the wireless connection conditions and can charge the iPhone while it is in use. It does require approving the trust prompt when asked.
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Choose between wireless and USB
| Connection | What to expect | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | No cable; requires nearby devices, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and compliance with Apple’s AirPlay, Sidecar and internet-sharing conditions. | A flexible setup without cable clutter. |
| USB | Requires a compatible cable and, if prompted, permission to trust the Mac or connect the accessory. Can charge the iPhone. | A cabled setup or when wireless connection conditions are a problem. |
Apple supports both methods but does not identify one as universally better. Choose based on your setup and whether you prefer a cable or a wireless connection.
Rank #3
Itramax Continuity Camera Mount for iMac,Magnetic iPhone Monitor Holder
- For Apple Continuity Camera on Monitor Setups: Designed for Apple Continuity Camera, this magnetic monitor phone mount places your phone in landscape above a stable desktop monitor and uses the rear camera as a webcam with a compatible Mac. During use, the rear camera faces you, the phone screen faces away, and the view appears on the connected screen.
- Designed for Desktop Monitors, Not Notebook Screens: This foldable phone webcam holder is designed for stable desktop monitors with flat top edges, including iMac, Studio Display, and other desktop monitor setups. It rests on the monitor top edge and is not a spring-loaded clamp. Thick, curved, uneven, very narrow edges, narrow bezels, or side mounting may affect fit. 【Important Note: Not designed for direct mounting on notebook screens or side edges.】
- Open-Cut Aluminum Body with Silicone Pads: The open-cut aluminum alloy body keeps a clean metal look with steady support. Silicone contact surfaces help reduce marks on your phone and monitor, while firm adjustable joints help hold the selected camera position during monitor-mounted webcam use.
- MagSafe Magnetic Hold with Accessory Kit: Magnetic attachment for MagSafe-compatible phones and cases. For other phones or cases, apply the metal ring only to a clean, smooth, flat, hard surface. 【Important Note: Uneven, soft, textured, leather, fabric, wallet, ring holder, or pop-out stand cases may reduce grip or adhesion.】 To remove, support the holder and peel from one edge. Includes 1 mount, 2 metal rings, 2 cleaning cloths, 2 positioning guides, and 1 manual.
- Foldable Design with 1/4-Inch Tripod Thread: The compact foldable design is easy to store, carry, or pack for office, home, and travel. The built-in 1/4-inch thread connects to compatible tripods and camera stands with a standard 1/4-inch screw. Tripod use is landscape only. Direct desk use supports landscape or portrait for recording, streaming, video calls, or demos. Physical holder only, not a charger.
Use supported camera effects
Continuity Camera can offer effects such as Center Stage, Portrait mode, Studio Light, Edge Light and Desk View, depending on the device, macOS version and app. These are optional; an iPhone can work as a basic webcam without every effect being available.
- Center Stage keeps a supported subject in frame. Continuity Camera Center Stage requires an iPhone 11 or later and excludes iPhone SE models.
- Desk View shows an overhead view of the workspace. For Continuity Camera, it excludes iPhone 16e and iPhone SE models.
Apple documents the effect requirements and controls in its Continuity Camera guide. The control location varies by macOS version: Apple documents the Video menu on macOS Sonoma 14 or later, and Control Center > Video Effects on macOS Ventura 13 and Monterey 12 for Center Stage. In a supported app, open the relevant menu and choose an available effect.
Rank #4
Itramax 360° Continuity Camera iPhone Webcam Mount for iMac&Desktop Monitor
- 360° Rotation for Camera Framing: The 360° rotating head helps adjust phone angle and camera framing on a stable desktop monitor without moving the monitor. For monitor use, the phone remains in landscape orientation. For Apple Continuity Camera, the rear camera remains the webcam source and the phone screen faces away. The magnetic surface is fixed on one side only.
- Designed for Desktop Monitors, Not Notebook Screens: This 360° rotating phone webcam holder is designed for stable desktop monitors with flat top edges, including iMac, Studio Display, and other desktop monitor setups. It rests on the monitor top edge and is not a spring-loaded clamp. Thick, curved, uneven, very narrow edges, narrow bezels, or side mounting may affect fit. 【Important Note: Not designed for direct mounting on notebook screens or side edges.】
- Open-Cut Aluminum Body with Silicone Pads: The open-cut aluminum alloy body keeps a clean metal look with steady support. Silicone contact surfaces help reduce marks on your phone and monitor, while firm adjustable joints help hold the selected camera angle during monitor-mounted webcam use. For larger phones, center the phone over the mount for better balance.
- Magnetic Hold with Accessory Kit: Magnetic attachment for MagSafe-compatible phones and cases. For other phones or cases, apply the metal ring only to a clean, smooth, flat, hard surface. 【Important Note: Uneven, soft, rubberized, textured, leather, fabric, wallet, ring holder, or pop-out stand cases may reduce grip or adhesion.】 To remove, support the holder and peel from one edge. Includes 1 rotating mount, 2 metal rings, 2 cleaning cloths, 2 positioning guides, and 1 user manual.
- Foldable Design with 1/4-Inch Tripod Thread: The compact foldable design is easy to store, carry, or pack for office, home, and travel. The built-in 1/4-inch thread connects to compatible tripods and camera stands with a standard 1/4-inch screw. Tripod-mounted use is landscape only. When placed directly on a flat desk, the holder supports landscape or portrait use for calls, streaming, recording, or demos. Physical holder only, not a charger.
Fix common Continuity Camera problems
- The iPhone does not appear: Check that both devices use the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on, the devices are nearby, and Continuity Camera is enabled on the iPhone.
- Wireless connection fails: Check that the Mac is not using AirPlay or Sidecar and that internet sharing is not conflicting with Apple’s requirements. A VPN that blocks local networking can also cause trouble.
- A cable connection is not recognized: Accept the iPhone’s Trust prompt and any Mac accessory-connection alert. If needed, disconnect and reconnect the cable.
- The camera stops after a restart: Unlock the iPhone once after restarting it, then lock it and mount it again.
- Video pauses when you unlock the iPhone or receive a call: Lock and mount the phone, then reselect or restart its camera in the Mac app. Unlocking the iPhone can pause the session, and incoming calls may interrupt video or audio.
- The connection remains unreliable: Install current iOS, macOS and app updates; try USB instead of wireless; or restart both devices.
Apple also notes that wireless use may disconnect the iPhone from Wi-Fi to optimize Continuity Camera, with mobile data used for background tasks. Connecting the iPhone to power or turning off mobile data can prevent this uncommon behavior.
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