Webcam use on Android or iOS devices

Today, finding a good webcam, let alone any, is difficult. The coronavirus outbreak has forced some American workers to work from home. Webcams have become popular as more people demand basic tech, and as supplies run out, prices have risen.

My partner Chris Welch has reported on the sample, and many of us at The Verge have spent more time (and money) than we’d like to outfit our home Windows 10 or macOS PCs with better cameras. Fortunately, you don’t have to fight the internet group to burn a lot on a webcam you’ll use after the epidemic. An additional (or current) Android or iOS phone or pill is another option.

These apps drain batteries, so keep your device plugged in.

Starting with simple ways to use your Android phone or tablet as a webcam on your PC, we’ll move on to your iPhone or iPad. (You can also turn a Wyze surveillance camera into a webcam, but your device will likely have better video quality.)

Android phones and tablets can be used as webcams.
Several Google Play Store apps claim to turn your Android phone into a camera. DroidCam had the best setup and results of the ones I tried. There may be smarter, app-free ways to do this, but we’re going with that for simplicity.

Install free DroidCam from the Play Store. The tool must run Android 5.0 Lollipop or newer. Dev47Apps produces a desktop client for Windows 10 and Linux (but not macOS) that you must install on your laptop. This how-to focuses on Windows 10 use. Make careful to get version 6.2 because it fixes various issues that may create headaches for older users.

Get DroidCam 6.2 for Windows 10.
Focus on the PC app after installing the Android app. Allow the program to install audio drivers during setup. Feel free to deselect “At all times belief software program from DEV47 APPS”.

While the Windows app is running, you’ll notice options near the top to connect wirelessly or via USB. Wi-Fi is easier, so we’ll focus on it. Thank goodness it’s configured that way by default.
Under these options is a field for your Android system’s IP address. Launch DroidCam on your Android phone or tablet. The IP address of your system will appear. Go to your PC and type the address into “Gadget IP.”