Why invest in an expensive webcam when you can use your iPhone as a single webcam? Yes, you read it right! You can turn your iOS device into a handy webcam for your favorite video conferencing apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and more, thanks to some pretty reliable webcam apps. The cameras on modern iPhones (or Android phones for that matter) have gotten so good that they’re often called DSLR killers, now you can safely use them for video conferencing or vlogging. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your live broadcasts or add a professional touch to your video meetings, let me help you set up your iPhone or iPad as a pocket-friendly webcam.
Turn Your iPhone or iPad into a Webcam
Before we get started with quick steps, let’s get the requirements out of the way. You can refer to the table of contents below for a smooth navigation.
Requirements for Setting Up Your iPhone and iPad as a Webcam
Most webcam apps for iOS work in sync with their macOS/Windows counterparts. Therefore, you will need to install a webcam app on your iPhone and utility software on your computer.
Notably, webcam apps work over both USB and Wi-Fi connections. Therefore, you have the flexibility to choose any of the options. While it is always convenient to use the wireless mode, a suitable wired connection is a better option, especially if you want sharper and clearer video quality.
Webcam App You Can Choose For Your iPhone, iPad
Of all the iOS webcam apps I’ve come across, EpocCam is the clear winner. The application has a neat user interface and is quite easy to install. It also works with both wired and wireless connections, which adds convenience. Another interesting thing about the app is that it now supports Snapchat’s AR lenses for you to wear some during live videos or calls. You can choose from around 15 Snap lenses, including virtual backgrounds, personalized filters, and more.
Note that the free version of EpocCam will limit your video to 640×480 at 30fps. What to do if you want to get 1080p Full HD video cut 8 dollars for computer application EpocCam For webcam. Another thing worth noting is that if you want to run multiple streams with HD capabilities at the same time, you will need to upgrade to EpocCam MultiCam. available for $20.
EpocCam supports both Mac and Windows. Note that if you want to use the EpocCam webcam on your Windows PC in wired mode, you must have iTunes installed on your computer.
For basic use, the free version of EpocCam hits its mark. If you’re looking for a better-equipped webcam app for your iPhone at a relatively affordable price, EpocCam’s $8 variant is a safe bet. Features like choosing front- or rear-facing cameras, activating the flash, and using different lenses will protect you.
Quick Steps to Turn Your iPhone into a Webcam
- to set off, download EpocCam app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Open a browser on your Mac or PC and navigate to: Elgato’s website.
- After that, download EpocCam’s driver for your computer. It’s worth noting that the driver supports macOS 10.12 or later and Windows 7 or later, so it will work even if you want to use your iPhone as a webcam for Windows 11.
- Then take the quick action to install the driver on your computer. After the installation is complete, you may be prompted to restart your machine.
- Now, launch the EpocCam app on your iOS device. As mentioned, it’s designed to work over both Wi-Fi and USB. So, you can choose your preferred option. If you want to connect wirelessly, make sure your iPhone and computer are connected. same Wi-Fi network.
- Next, allow EpocCam to access your camera and microphone. You also need to allow the app to use your local network.
Note: you can go to Settings -> Privacy -> LAN and then open the toggle right next to EpocCam.
- After that, open the application you want to use EpocCam as camera source. In this guide, I will set EpocCam as the camera source for Zoom. Simply open the Zoom app on your computer and then click on Settings. symbol. After that, choose Video in the sidebar. Next, click the drop-down menu right next to Camera and select EpocCam.
Please! You have successfully set up your iPhone as a webcam. Now go ahead and get the most out of your iOS device as a webcam.
Tips to Follow to Turn iPhone into Webcam
If you want to get the most out of your iOS device as a webcam, investing in a tripod mount or smartphone mount is a good idea. You can get more than just a good tripod for your iPhone for under $50 on Amazon. Vicseed 67″ tripod (40 dollars) and adjustable (27″ to 80″) Pixel tripod (40 dollars) are good options to consider. These tripods are well constructed and come with a secure locking mechanism to keep your device stable; which makes them the ideal foil for vlogging or video conferencing.
Although most iPhone webcam apps allow you to capture audio, you should get a proper desk microphone or full-fledged headphones for clear audio. If you have AirPods or any high-end wireless headphones, they can do the job for you. You can also invest in a ring light to improve the lighting situation during a video call or live broadcast.
Note that using your iPhone as a webcam will drain its battery. So choose wifi only for a short time so that it doesn’t kill your battery. Unless you’re using a USB connection that charges your phone while chatting, I recommend keeping your device plugged in.
Best EpocCam Alternatives to Use iPhone and iPad as Webcams
While EpocCam is undoubtedly a premium webcam app for iOS, it’s not the only option available. So, if you’re willing to explore more options, check out a few alternatives worth considering.
1. iVCam
If there is any webcam app that can take on EpocCam in many ways, it should be iVCam. It is quite similar to EpocCam in terms of functionality and is also a free application. Although the free version of iVCam supports HD resolutions, it includes a watermark on the video feed. The premium version of iVCam is available for $9.99, which is competitive if not cheap. Unfortunately, it only supports Windows.
To organise: (free$9.99 for premium version)
2. iCam
For those looking for a relatively affordable webcam app for their iPhone or iPad, iCam seems like a good choice. You can use it to remotely watch multiple live video and audio webcam feeds from your iOS device over LTE or Wi-Fi. Specifically, the app offers support for iCam Cloud, which allows you to automatically backup iCamSource events to the cloud. You can view the saved backups on the web or in the app itself. It is available for both Mac and Windows.
To organise: ($4.99)
Which Apps Support iPhone as a Webcam?
EpocCam app or any other app works with a number of video calling apps and you can go to any app’s settings and select your preferred app as camera/microphone source to use your phone as a webcam. Here is a list of popular apps:
- zoom in
- Skype
- Microsoft Teams
- Google Meet
- Cisco Webex
FAQ
What is the best webcam app for iPhone?
There are several apps you can use to turn your iPhone into a webcam. From the above mentioned, the EpocCam application can be called a safe and reliable option.
Can I use an Android phone as a webcam?
Like an iPhone, you can use an Android smartphone as a webcam for easy video calls during current work in the home environment.
Can I use my iPhone as a webcam on Windows 10 or macOS?
Yup. The above-mentioned steps can help you make a video call with your iPhone as a webcam on your Windows 1o PC or a Mac.
Use Your iOS/iPadOS Device as a Pocket-Friendly Webcam
This much! Now that you know how to turn your iPad/iPhone into a full-blown webcam, make the most of this tip. Gone are the days when smartphone cameras were limited to just clicking images. Today, not only high-end iPhones but also mid-range Android devices come equipped with more than capable cameras. So, besides letting you take stunning selfies, they can also meet your expectations as a handy webcam for video streaming or video calling.
However, what is your favorite webcam app? Let us know in the comments section below.
