Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
You can use an iPhone or Android phone as a streaming webcam by connecting it to your computer with a built-in feature or a compatible camera app or plugin. For a computer-based stream, make the phone available to your streaming software—such as OBS—then add it as a camera source. The right route depends on your phone, computer, operating-system versions, and whether you want a wired or wireless connection.
Choose the method that fits your phone and computer
| Phone and computer | Documented option | Connection and requirements |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone and Mac | Apple Continuity Camera | Wireless or USB. Requires compatible devices, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled on both devices, the same Apple Account, and proximity within 10 meters. Check Apple’s current compatibility requirements. |
| Android phone and Windows PC | Windows connected camera through Phone Link | Windows 11 or later, Android 10 or later, and Link to Windows app version 1.24022.0 or later are listed requirements. Availability may depend on device and software rollout. |
| Phone and computer supported by a camera app or plugin | Use an app such as Camo, or a compatible plugin such as OBS Camera’s iPhone USB plugin | Camo is described by OBS as supporting USB or Wi-Fi. The documented OBS Camera iPhone plugin workflow uses USB. Check current support for your operating system and OBS version. |
Built-in support avoids an extra camera app when your devices meet the requirements. Apps and plugins may provide another route, but require installation and permissions. The cited documentation does not establish a universal winner for picture quality, latency, heat, battery life, or reliability.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Prepare the phone and streaming setup
- Use a stable phone mount or stand so the image does not shift during a stream. Landscape orientation is appropriate for many streaming layouts; Apple recommends mounting an iPhone in landscape with its rear camera facing you for Continuity Camera.
- Position the lens near eye level and check the frame in your streaming software before going live. The rear camera can be a useful choice when the workflow supports it, but confirm that you can see the preview while framing.
- Keep a compatible USB cable available if your method supports wired use, charging, or reconnecting. A cable is optional for wireless Continuity Camera.
- Check camera permissions for the app or plugin. On iPhone, accept the trust prompt when prompted by a computer connection.
Use iPhone as a webcam on Mac with Continuity Camera
- Check Apple’s current Continuity Camera compatibility requirements for your iPhone and Mac: Apple’s iPhone webcam guide.
- Sign in to the same Apple Account on both devices. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the iPhone and Mac, and keep the devices within 10 meters, as Apple requires.
- Mount the iPhone in landscape orientation with its rear camera facing you. Connect it by USB if you want to charge while using Continuity Camera; Apple says USB gives the best results for charging during use.
- Open OBS or another app that accepts a camera input and select the iPhone/Continuity Camera as the camera. The exact camera-selection controls vary by app.
- Check framing and sound separately before streaming. Continuity Camera can also use the iPhone as a microphone, but select and test the audio source you intend to use.
If the iPhone does not appear, verify the Apple Account, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, proximity, device compatibility, and whether another Continuity feature is active.
DriversCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?PerformancePC Slower Than It Used to Be?DriversOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Use an Android phone as a Windows connected camera
- Confirm the listed minimums: Windows 11 or later, Android 10 or later, and Link to Windows app version 1.24022.0 or later. Microsoft’s feature availability can vary by device and software rollout.
- On the PC, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices. Link the phone if it is not already linked.
- In Mobile devices, enable Use as connected camera.
- Open OBS or another supported camera application and select the phone from its camera options.
- Check the preview, framing, and audio source before starting the stream.
Microsoft’s instructions are available in its connected-camera guide and Mobile devices settings guide. If the toggle is missing or the phone is not listed, check the operating-system and app versions and confirm the phone is linked.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Logitech C270 720p Webcam Plug-and-Play Wide Screen Video Calling - Black
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- Crisp HD 720p/30 fps video calls with diagonal 55° field of view and auto light correction. Compatible with popular platforms including Skype and Zoom.
- The built-in noise-reducing mic makes sure your voice comes across clearly up to 1.5 meters away, even if you’re in busy surroundings.
- C270’s RightLight 2 feature adjusts to lighting conditions, producing brighter, contrasted images to help you look good in all your conference calls.
- The adjustable universal clip lets you attach the camera securely to your screen or laptop, or fold the clip and set the webcam on a shelf. You’re always ready for your next video call.
Connect a phone to OBS with an app or plugin
OBS’s Smartphone Camera Guide describes using Camo to bring a phone into OBS over USB or Wi-Fi. This is an alternative when the built-in route for your phone and computer is unavailable or unsuitable; check the app’s current compatibility, installation steps, and permissions for your devices.
Documented iPhone USB option: OBS Camera plugin
- Install the OBS Camera plugin before connecting the iPhone. Follow the plugin’s current iPhone USB setup guide.
- On Windows, install Apple Devices and/or iTunes as directed by that guide.
- Unlock the iPhone and accept the trust prompt on the phone.
- In OBS, add or select the plugin’s camera source and choose the iPhone. Confirm the preview before streaming.
This is one documented wired workflow, not a universal requirement for every phone, operating system, or OBS version.
Rank #2
Sale
Logitech Brio 101 Full HD 1080p Webcam for Streaming and Meetings - Black
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- Auto-Light Balance: RightLight boosts brightness by up to 50%, reducing shadows so you look your best—compared to previous-generation Logitech webcams (1)
- Privacy with a Slide: The integrated webcam cover makes it easy to get total, reliable privacy when you're not on a video call
- Built-In Mic: The built-in microphone lets others hear you clearly during video calls
- Easy Plug-And-Play: The Brio 101 works with most video calling platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet—no hassle; it just works
Add the camera in OBS
- In the OBS Sources box, select + and choose Video Capture Device.
- Create a new source or select an existing one, then choose the phone camera from the device list.
- Adjust the source’s position and size in the preview. OBS explains the basic process in its webcam setup FAQ.
- Check that the camera image is visible and that your microphone or other intended audio source is selected independently.
Troubleshoot a phone camera that does not appear
- The phone is missing from the camera list: Check that the chosen method supports your device and OS versions, then reopen the streaming app. For Windows connected camera, verify the phone is linked and Use as connected camera is enabled.
- The iPhone connection is not detected: Unlock the iPhone and accept its trust prompt. For Continuity Camera, confirm the same Apple Account, active Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices, compatible hardware/software, and the required proximity.
- An app sees the phone but OBS does not: Check that the camera app or plugin is installed and running as required, then confirm camera permissions and select the correct source in OBS.
- The image is framed poorly or moves: Secure the phone in a mount or stand, orient it for the stream layout, and adjust the source position and size in OBS.
- The phone needs power during use: Use USB where the selected method supports it. Continuity Camera also works wirelessly, but Apple recommends USB for best results when charging during use.
- The connection or picture seems unreliable: The available source documentation does not establish a universal performance ranking. Try the other supported connection type for your method, and test the full setup before a live broadcast.
Or let it run in the cloud
A phone webcam setup is for a live camera feed into a computer-based streaming app. If instead you want a YouTube channel to keep playing uploaded videos while your computer is off, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It is not a camera-streaming service.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Rank #3
Sale
EMEET C960 1080P Webcam with Microphone, 2 Mics, 90° FOV, Computer Camera | USB Type-A & A-to-C Adapter, Fixed Focus, Plug&Play for Zoom/Teams/Facetime/YouTube/Google Meet/Switch 2 Camera, 2025 Version
- 1080P Webcam with Cover for Video Calls - EMEET computer webcam provides design and Optimization for professional video streaming. Realistic 1920 x 1080p video, 5-layer anti-glare lens, providing smooth video. C960 computer camera delivers 1920x1080 video with fixed focus (11.8–118.1 inches), so as to provide a clearer image. C960 USB webcam has a cover and can be removed automatically to meet your needs for privacy. For optimal image performance, use the webcam in a well-lit environment.
- Built-in 2 Omnidirectional Mics - EMEET webcam with microphone for desktop features 2 built-in omnidirectional microphones, picking up your voice to create clear audio for communication. When installing the webcam, select EMEET C960 as the default microphone input device in your computer and video applications and select C960 as the default device in Zoom/Teams and ensure microphone permissions are enabled for proper use. Please note that C960 does not include built-in speakers.
- Automatic Light Adjustment - Automatic exposure adjustment is applied in EMEET HD webcam 1080p so that the streaming webcam can deliver stable image performance. EMEET C960 camera for computer also features color adjustment and exposure optimization to help you look your best. For optimal video quality, it is recommended to use the webcam in normal or well-lit environments and select suitable video settings in your application. Proper lighting helps achieve a clearer and more balanced image.
- Plug-and-Play & Upgraded USB Connectivity - New C960 webcam features both USB Type-A & A-to-C adapter connections for wider compatibility. For stable performance, connect the webcam directly to the computer's main USB port and ensure the device is recognized correctly. If a hub or docking station is used, please ensure it provides sufficient power and stable data transmission, as limited ports may affect performance. 90° wide-angle lens captures more participants without frequent adjustments.
- High Compatibility & Multi Application - C960 webcam for laptop is compatible with Windows 10/11, macOS 10.14+, and Android TV 7.0+. Not supported: Windows Hello, TVs, tablets, or game consoles. It works with Zoom, Teams, Facetime, Google Meet, YouTube and more. Please select C960 webcam as the default camera and microphone device in your application and ensure camera/microphone permissions are enabled, especially on macOS. (Tips: Incompatible with Windows Hello)
- Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream runs in the cloud.
- Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot rather than quality-based tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required; one free day is available per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
