Windows 11 is the newest version of Microsoft, offering enhanced security, a refined user interface, improved compatibility, productivity features, and greater energy efficiency. Windows 11 is designed to support today’s hybrid work environments as it has improved experience and protocols. The webcam in Windows 11 allows one to share multimedia content, make video calls, take pictures, record videos, and use Windows Studio effects.
However, not every computer has a webcam but Windows 11 Operating System allows you to use your smartphone as a webcam. Also, if the webcam is broken or has some other issues, one can have trouble with having virtual meetings, video conferences, and other online activities.
Webcams make it easy to connect to social media, can be used for live streaming, and are beneficial for educational purposes. So, if the computer does not have a webcam, Windows 11 allows you to use your phone as a camera. In this article, you will learn step-by-step methods to use your Android phone as a webcam.
How to use your Android phone as a webcam in Windows 11?
Windows 11 makes it easy to use your Android phone as a webcam with just a few simple steps. This feature of Windows 11 allows one to have a wireless, high-quality camera of their mobile device connected directly to the computer. It also helps switch easily between front and back cameras, pause the stream during interruptions, and have effects provided by the specific phone model.
Here are the step-by-step methods for using your Android phone as a webcam:
- The first step is to install the Link to Windows app on your phone and click on the Sign In button to log into your Microsoft account.
- Then, click Continue to enable permissions, which allows the app to find and connect to your computer.
- Allow the app to run in the background.
- The next step is to search for “mobile device” on your Windows 11 PC and click Open mobile device settings.
- Tap on the “Allow this PC to access your mobile devices” option.
- Then, sign into your Microsoft account on the PC when prompted. A list will show up, on which your device should appear once logged in. If the device fails to appear, click “Add device” and follow the instructions.
- After ensuring the device is enabled, see if the phone’s camera is enabled and toggled to on.
- Click “Allow permissions” under the “Use as a connected camera” option to grant permissions on your phone.
- The final step is to use your phone as a webcam. Upon opening the software that uses a webcam, you will see an option to use a phone as a camera. After selecting that option, you will get a popup on your phone that says “ Tap to start camera stream”. Once you tap on that notification, you should find your camera’s feed showing up.
You can use your Android phone with any software that accesses Windows webcams. It will help you stream into software such as OBS to Zoom and browser-based conferencing. You can use the controls on the phone to switch between front and back cameras. Also, there are third-party apps like Camo to use your phone as a webcam. The benefit of Camo is that it works on all platforms, including Android, Windows, iPhone, and Mac.
Some of the benefits of using an Android phone as a webcam in Windows 11 include:
- You can use the phone’s high-quality camera wirelessly.
- It offers better image quality than the built-in webcam on the laptop or monitor.
- The phone can be used as a webcam for multiple computers.
- It is easy to switch between the phone’s front and back cameras.
- You can effortlessly pause the stream during interruptions.
- You can leave the laptop closed if you are working with a laptop connected to a monitor.
- It helps have access to several effects provided by the phone’s model.
Also Read: Windows 7, Office Drive Record Microsoft Revenue
Conclusion
Not every computer has a webcam, which is mostly because High-end laptops used by professionals need bigger screens, and as per their requirements the webcams are sacrificed. Also, computers can have webcams, but they might be damaged or they could have some issues. In these conditions, Windows 11 becomes a great help. It allows you to use your Android phone as a webcam on your PC. It is easy to do so and allows one to have a wireless, high-quality camera of their mobile device connected directly to the computer.
Having a quality webcam on the PC can help with virtual meetings, video conferences, and other online activities. It also makes sharing multimedia content, making video calls, taking pictures, and recording videos easy. You can use an Android phone as a webcam by installing the Link to Windows app and enabling permission to connect the camera to the PC.
Then, sign into your Microsoft account and allow permission to use your phone as a webcam. With these easy steps, you can have your phone’s high-quality camera on your PC. It also helps switch between the phone’s front and back cameras, pause stream during interruptions, and use it as a webcam on multiple computers.