Use iPhone As a Webcam on Mac: Detailed Guide
First things first, make sure to properly set up your iPhone and Mac.
Make sure your iPhone and Mac are connected to the same Apple ID. Head into the Settings app on your iPhone > Apple ID to check the Apple ID. On your Mac, go to the System Settings > your profile to find out which Apple ID you are using.Bluetooth and WiFI must be enabled both on your iPhone and Mac. On your iPhone, head over to Settings app > Wi-Fi/Bluetooth setting and turn it on. On your Mac, click on the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth menus and enable them.Ensure that the continuity camera is enabled on your iPhone. To do so, open the Settings app on your device > General > AirPlay & Handoff, and then be sure the toggle for Continuity Camera Webcam is enabled.
Keep in mind that the Continuity Camera Webcam feature supports iPhone XR or later for basic functionality.
iPhone XR iPhone XS iPhone XS Max iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone 12iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 13 iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro MaxiPhone SE 2 and 3
Note that to use the Center Stage and Desk View, you will need an iPhone 11 or a newer model.
iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone 12 iPhone 12 miniiPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 13 iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro MaxiPhone SE 2 and 3
To take advantage of the Studio Light feature, you need an iPhone 12 or a newer model.
iPhone 12 iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 13 iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro MaxiPhone SE 3
Turn Your iPhone into a Webcam on Mac
After you have perfectly set up your iPhone and Mac, it becomes pretty easy to use the iPhone as a webcam on Mac. Notably, it supports several apps – both from first and third-party. First off, we will show you how the Continuity Camera works inside the FaceTime app.
To get going, ensure that your iPhone is nearby and unlocked. Now, open the FaceTime app on your Mac. After that, click on the Video menu at the top and choose your iPhone’s name that appears under the Camera section.
Note that there is also a way to use your iPhone’s microphone. To get it done, select a desired microphone source under the Microphone section.
Yeah, that’s all you have to do to use your iOS device as a webcam on your Mac. At any time, you want to switch back to using Mac’s camera, you can easily disconnect the camera feed on your iPhone. Not to mention, you can even pause the Continuity Camera as per your needs.
Customize Continuity Camera Settings on Mac
Depending on your needs, you can customize continuity camera settings on your Mac.
- To get started, click on the Control Center icon at the top right corner of the screen and select Video Effects.
- Now, there are four options to choose from:
Center Stage: It always keeps you in the frame to enhance your video calling experience.Portrait Mode: It offers an impressive blurred background. Studio Light: Use it to dim the background and brighten up your face. Desk View: You can use it to have a top-down camera view without the extra equipment that makes it a fantastic asset for presentation.
How to Use Continuity Camera in Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams
As stated above the Continuity Camera webcam supports not only first-party apps but also third-party apps like Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and more. Hence, as and when the need arrives, make the best use of your iPhone’s camera.
- Just open the desired service like Google Meet and then head over to the in-app Settings.
- Now, inside the camera setting, select your iPhone as the camera source and you are good to go! Yeah, the exact steps may vary from service to service but the gist will be almost the same.
Use Your iPhone As Webcam on Mac Like a Pro
So, that’s how you can set up and use your iPhone as a webcam on your Mac. From what I can see, this is going to win a lot of hearts from users. Irrespective of whether you are a presenter, a student, or a video producer, this feature will prove to be very useful for you. However, the best part about the Continuity Camera Webcam is that it works like a charm. So long as your iPhone is unlocked and nearby, it works seamlessly. What’s your feedback about this new Continuity feature? Do not forget to share your inputs via the comments section below.
