If you have a PC or a laptop that runs Windows, did you know that you can use your Android smartphone as a webcam. You do not need a webcam to use Skype video calls or have conferences on Zoom. The phone is all you really need.
All that you really need is a software client for Windows, the Android phone, and a few clicks.
The very best option available right now is DroidCam Wireless Webcam
A Few Words About DroidCam
DroidCam has 2 versions available: paid and free. The free one is the one that has all the feature most people need. With the paid Pro version, you get a higher resolution video support (which is relevant only if your smartphone supports it), FPS Boost (an option that improves frame rate), and some extra customization options for the client (like rotate video, mirror video, decrease image contrast, increase sharpness, and so on).
Obviously, before you start going through the steps mentioned below, you have to check that the Windows computer and the smartphone are connected to the exact same network. After, do the following.
1 – Download DroidCam And Install It
Just download the DroidCam Wireless Webcam application for android and the software for your computer. Both of these are self-explanatory and exactly the same as you would do with any program you would install.
Just a little note. The DroidCam app for Windows PC can be found in both .zip and .exe formats. If you get the archive, simply extract the files and then install the application. The installation process is done through a regular wizard that lets you choose everything related to the installation properly.
Just be careful when you are asked if you want to install the driver software offered by DEV47 APPS. You should install it. If you do not do this, the client will not be able to connect to the smartphone.
2 – Connect The Phone With The Windows Client
After the installation is over, the Windows client has to be opened. Then, open the webcam app on your phone. You will be asked for permission to use the microphone and the camera. You need to do that so accept.
The wireless webcam application will load a new screen where you can see the WiFi network that you are connected to. Then, you have to check the port and the IP address of the smartphone. The smartphone has to be kept unlocked.
In the Windows computer, you open the client and connect through WiFi. Just enter the IP of the android device and the appropriate port.
After, the next step is to select video and/or audio. This controls what the Android smartphone is used for.
3 – Start The Feed
Use the Windows client for DroidCam next to Start the feed (the video data transmission). When everything was set up properly, you see a preview of what you will send, all coming from the camera of the smartphone. Basically, the webcam is now working.
4 – Use The Smartphone As A Webcam On Your PC
This is the last step, the one you prepared for. All that you have to do is to open a program on your computer that would need a webcam, like Skype or Facebook, and then select the DroidCam Source. This is done through the video settings of the program.
Final Thoughts
The one thing you should know is that the Windows 10 Camera app does not work with DroidCam. Everything else does though.
With the paid version of the program, you have some extra controls and options. But, most people will not need them.