How to Use Your Android Phone as a Webcam for PC (2026)
Laptop webcams are often grainy and dark, and many desktop PCs don't have a webcam at all. Meanwhile, the phone in your pocket has a far better camera. The trick: use your Android phone as a webcam for your PC. In 2026 you can do it with built-in Windows and Android features, no paid apps needed, and use it on Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp Desktop or OBS.
This guide covers 3 ways to turn your Android phone into a PC webcam: wirelessly with Windows 11, with a USB cable on Android 14 and newer, and with a free app that works on almost any phone.
Quick answer
- Windows 11 (wireless): Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices > Manage devices > turn on Use as a connected camera.
- USB (Android 14+ on supported phones): plug in your phone, tap the USB notification and choose Webcam.
- Any phone: use a free app like DroidCam over Wi-Fi.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Windows 11 Mobile devices | Wireless, built into Windows 11. Needs the Link to Windows app on your phone. |
| Android USB webcam | Most stable picture with a cable. Android 14+ on supported phones such as Google Pixel. Not offered on Samsung phones. |
| DroidCam app | Works on almost any Android phone and Windows 10 or 11 over Wi-Fi. |
Method 1: Windows 11 Wireless Webcam (Built-In)
Windows 11 can use your Android phone's camera as a connected camera through its Mobile devices feature.
- On your phone, install or update Link to Windows from Google Play and sign in with your Microsoft account.
- On your PC, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices.
- Turn on Allow this PC to access your mobile devices.
- Click Manage devices, pair your phone if asked, and turn on Use as a connected camera.
- Open the Windows Camera app or your video call app, click Change camera and pick your phone.
Tip: switch between the front and back cameras from your phone screen. The back camera usually gives a much sharper image.
Method 2: USB Webcam Mode (Android 14 and Newer)
Android 14 added a hidden webcam mode on supported phones such as Google Pixel. No app is needed on the phone or the PC.
- Connect your phone to the PC with a USB-C data cable (not a charge-only cable).
- Pull down the notification shade and tap the USB notification ("Charging this device via USB").
- Under Use USB for, choose Webcam.
- Tap the webcam notification to preview the image and adjust zoom, quality or orientation.
- In Zoom, Meet, Teams or OBS, select Android Webcam as your camera. Some apps call it an MJPEG camera.
If you don't see the Webcam option, your phone doesn't support this mode. Samsung, for example, doesn't include it. Use Method 1 or 3 instead.
Method 3: DroidCam (Works on Almost Any Phone)
- Install DroidCam on your Android phone from Google Play.
- Install the DroidCam client on your Windows PC from the official DroidCam website.
- Connect the phone and PC to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the app on your phone. It shows an IP address.
- In the PC client, add your device (or type in the IP address) and connect. You can also turn on audio to use your phone as a microphone.
- Choose DroidCam as the camera in your video call app.
Tips for a Professional-Looking Video
- Use the back camera. It's almost always higher quality than the selfie camera.
- Get a cheap phone stand or tripod and place the phone at eye level.
- Face a window or lamp. Light in front of you looks far better than light behind you.
- Keep the phone charging. Video drains the battery quickly. The USB method charges while you use it.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb so calls and notifications don't interrupt your stream.
- Clean the lens with a soft cloth before your call.
Troubleshooting
| Camera not showing in Zoom or Teams | Close the app completely and reopen it, then select the phone camera in its video settings. |
| No Webcam option on USB | Your phone doesn't support USB webcam mode. Try Method 1 or 3. |
| Laggy or choppy video | Use the USB method, move closer to your router, or lower the video quality. |
| Phone not found in Windows 11 | Update Link to Windows and Windows 11, and sign in with the same Microsoft account on both. |
FAQs
Can I use my Android phone as a webcam without an app?
Yes. On Windows 11 use Mobile devices (which uses the Link to Windows app), or on Android 14+ supported phones use the USB Webcam mode, which needs no extra app.
Does it work on Windows 10?
The Windows 11 wireless method needs Windows 11. The USB and DroidCam methods work on Windows 10 too.
Can I use my phone as a webcam for WhatsApp Desktop?
Yes. Once the phone is connected as a camera, pick it in WhatsApp Desktop's video call settings.
Is the phone camera better than a laptop webcam?
Usually, yes. Even budget phones have sharper cameras than most built-in laptop webcams.
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Sources: Windows Central, Make Tech Easier. Image credits (Wikimedia Commons): "Man with smartphone and laptop" by Alejandro Escamilla (CC0); "Smartphone photographer" by James Sutton (CC0). Windows is a trademark of Microsoft. Android is a trademark of Google LLC.
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