How to use your iPhone as a webcam: A step-by-step guide

Ever wished your MacBook webcam had the same quality as your iPhone camera? Well, you’re in luck! Many people find the built-in webcam just isn’t enough for video calls, presentations, or even casual chats. Using your iPhone as a webcam on your MacBook offers a simple solution. Whether you’re a remote worker needing a clear image for meetings, a content creator wanting professional-looking content, or someone who just wants better video quality, your iPhone camera has you covered. The higher resolution and advanced features of your iPhone camera significantly improve video quality and also give you access to features like wide-angle lenses or Portrait mode. So, to make the most of your iPhone’s camera and boost your Mac’s video quality, here’s how to use it as a webcam. 

How to use your iPhone as a webcam on a Mac?

To take advantage of your iPhone’s superior camera for MacBook video calls, here’s how to use your iPhone as a webcam for your Mac: 

1. Launch a Camera-Enabled App: On your MacBook, open any app that uses the camera or microphone, like FaceTime or Photo Booth. 

2. Select Your iPhone: In the app’s menu bar or settings, choose your iPhone as the camera or microphone. 

3. Start Streaming: The Continuity app on your iPhone will open and start streaming audio or video from the rear camera to your Mac. 

ALSO READ: How do I find my iPhone using Find My on iCloud? 

In order to use your iPhone as a microphone on a Mac without a built-in camera, make sure your iPhone is in landscape orientation, stationary, and has its screen turned off. Alternatively, you can connect your iPhone to your Mac with a USB cable. Furthermore, you can also control the streaming directly from your iPhone.  

To pause or resume the stream, tap Pause or Resume, or use the side button. To stop using your iPhone as a webcam or microphone, quit the app on your Mac. If you want to disconnect your iPhone, tap Disconnect on your iPhone and confirm. This will remove it from the camera and microphone lists. Lastly, plug your iPhone into your Mac with a USB cable to reconnect again. You can use a USB cable to charge your iPhone while using the Continuity Camera. 

How to make your iPhone the default microphone?

To make your iPhone the default microphone for your Mac, all you need to do is: 

1. Open Sound Settings: Click on the Apple menu at the top-left corner of your screen, then select “System Settings.” In System Settings, click on “Sound.” 

2. Select Your iPhone: Choose your iPhone from the list of sound input devices. The Continuity app on your iPhone will open and start capturing audio. 

ALSO READ: How to factory reset an iPhone? 

If your iPhone doesn’t appear as an option, you can follow the below troubleshooting steps: 

i. Connect via USB: Plug your iPhone into your Mac with a USB cable. If already connected, try disconnecting and reconnecting again. 

ii. Check Compatibility: Make sure your devices meet the following criteria:

1. iPhone XR or later with iOS 16 or later. 

2. Mac with macOS 13 or later. 

3. Continuity Camera enabled on iPhone (Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff). 

4. Trusted computer alert accepted on iPhone. 

5. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and two-factor authentication are enabled on both devices. 

ALSO READ: How to record spatial videos on your iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max

6. Both devices signed in with the same Apple ID (not a Managed Apple ID) and are within 30 feet of each other. 

7. No active internet sharing on either device. 

8. The video app updated to the latest version. 

In short, using your iPhone as a webcam for your MacBook is a fantastic upgrade that’s not only easy to set up but also boosts your Mac’s video quality instantly.