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You can use an iPhone or Android phone as a streaming webcam by connecting it to your computer through a built-in feature or a compatible camera app or plugin, then selecting it as a camera source in OBS. The right route depends on your phone and computer: Apple documents Continuity Camera for compatible iPhones and Macs, while Microsoft documents a connected-camera feature for supported Android phones and Windows 11 or later.
Choose the connection that matches your phone and computer
| Phone and computer | Method | Connection | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone and Mac | Apple Continuity Camera | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or USB | Device compatibility, same Apple Account, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and proximity requirements. Apple’s compatibility and setup instructions |
| Android and Windows 11 or later | Windows connected camera through Phone Link | Linked phone; availability depends on device and software rollout | Windows 11 or later, Android 10 or later, and Link to Windows app version 1.24022.0 or later. Microsoft’s connected-camera instructions |
| Phone and a computer supported by a camera app or plugin | For example, Camo or the OBS Camera iPhone plugin | Varies: Camo lists USB or Wi-Fi; the documented OBS Camera iPhone plugin workflow uses USB | Check the app or plugin’s operating-system and OBS compatibility before installing. OBS’s smartphone camera guide |
Built-in support can avoid installing another camera app when your devices meet the requirements. Apps and plugins offer other possible routes, but add installation, connection, and permission steps. The documented options do not establish a universal winner for image quality, latency, heat, battery life, or reliability.
Prepare the phone and streaming setup
- Mount the phone on a stable stand or mount so the framing does not shift. Apple recommends landscape orientation with the iPhone’s rear camera facing you for Continuity Camera; use the orientation that fits your scene.
- Choose a position that keeps the phone steady and frames the shot you want. Check the image in your streaming software before going live.
- Have a compatible USB cable available if your chosen method supports a wired connection. USB can provide a connection and charging in supported setups; it is not required for wireless Continuity Camera.
- Allow camera access when the operating system or app asks. For an iPhone wired workflow, unlock the phone and accept its trust prompt if shown.
Use an iPhone as a Mac webcam with Continuity Camera
Apple supports Continuity Camera as a way to use an iPhone as a Mac webcam or microphone, wirelessly or over USB. It is not a universal feature for every iPhone and Mac pairing, so check Apple’s current compatibility requirements before troubleshooting or relying on it.
- Check the requirements. Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices, sign in to the same Apple Account, and keep the devices within 10 meters of one another. Confirm that the iPhone and Mac meet Apple’s listed minimum requirements.
- Mount and position the iPhone. Apple recommends a landscape mount with the rear camera facing you. If you need to charge while using Continuity Camera, Apple says USB gives the best results.
- Connect the camera. Use Continuity Camera wirelessly or connect the iPhone to the Mac with USB. Follow any on-screen prompts.
- Select it in your streaming app. In OBS, add a Video Capture Source to the scene and choose the iPhone camera if it appears as a camera device. OBS explains how to add a webcam source in its webcam FAQ.
- Frame and verify the shot. Resize or reposition the source in the OBS preview, then confirm the picture before starting your stream.
Use an Android phone as a Windows connected camera
Microsoft documents using a linked Android phone’s camera in supported PC camera applications. This route requires Windows 11 or later, Android 10 or later, and Link to Windows app version 1.24022.0 or later. The feature’s availability can depend on device and software rollout, so the option may not appear on every otherwise compatible setup.
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#1 Best Overall
Yojaro 4Pack Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount, Silicon Adhesive Smartphones Stand Sticky, Hands-Free Phone Accessories Holder for Selfies and Videos (Black & White & Translucent & Light Pink)
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
- Check the versions. Verify that the PC runs Windows 11 or later, the phone runs Android 10 or later, and Link to Windows is version 1.24022.0 or later.
- Open Windows device settings. On the PC, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices.
- Link the phone if needed. Complete the linking flow shown in Windows and on the phone.
- Enable the camera option. In Mobile devices, turn on Use as connected camera.
- Select the phone in your streaming application. In OBS, add a Video Capture Source and choose the phone if it is listed. Adjust its size and position in the scene preview. Microsoft’s Mobile devices settings guidance covers managing linked devices.
Use a camera app or plugin when built-in support is not the right fit
OBS’s smartphone camera guide describes using a phone camera in OBS through an app such as Camo, which lists USB and Wi-Fi connections. App and plugin support depends on the relevant operating system and OBS version; check the current requirements for your combination rather than assuming one setup works everywhere.
General app workflow
- Choose a phone camera app that explicitly supports your phone, computer operating system, and OBS version.
- Install the app or its computer component as directed by its documentation, then connect the phone over a supported USB or Wi-Fi route.
- Approve camera or network permissions requested by the operating system or app.
- In OBS, choose Add > Video Capture Source for the scene and select the camera device exposed by the app.
- Position and resize the source in the preview, then check the image before streaming.
Documented iPhone USB option: OBS Camera plugin
The OBS Camera plugin guide documents a USB workflow for using an iPhone as a camera in OBS. Its Windows instructions call for installing Apple Devices and/or iTunes. Unlock the iPhone, trust the computer if prompted, and then select the camera in OBS. Follow the plugin’s current installation and compatibility instructions: OBS Camera’s iPhone USB setup guide.
Rank #2
Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Add the phone camera to an OBS scene
- Open the scene where you want the phone image.
- In the Sources dock, select + and choose Video Capture Device (also called a Video Capture Source in OBS guidance).
- Create a source or select an existing one, then choose the phone camera or camera-app device from the device list.
- Use the preview to position and resize the image. Keep the phone source above any background layer it should cover.
- Check the framing and that the image is updating before starting your stream.
If the phone does not appear in the device list, first confirm that its connection method is active and that the phone is unlocked when required. Also check app permissions and whether the chosen app or plugin supports your operating-system and OBS versions.
Troubleshoot a phone camera that does not appear or connect
| Symptom | What to check |
|---|---|
| Continuity Camera is missing on Mac | Check that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both devices, they use the same Apple Account, they are within Apple’s 10-meter requirement, and the devices meet Apple’s compatibility requirements. Check whether another Continuity feature is active. |
| Android camera option is missing in Windows | Confirm Windows 11 or later, Android 10 or later, and Link to Windows 1.24022.0 or later. In Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices, confirm the phone is linked and Use as connected camera is enabled. Availability may depend on rollout. |
| USB-connected iPhone is not available to the plugin | Unlock the iPhone, accept the trust prompt if it appears, and check that Apple Devices and/or iTunes is installed on Windows as directed by the plugin guide. Verify plugin compatibility with your software versions. |
| A camera app or plugin cannot see the phone | Check that both sides of the app are installed if required, the phone and computer are connected by a supported method, and requested camera or network permissions are allowed. Recheck the app’s compatibility requirements. |
| The camera appears but the shot is poorly framed | Secure the phone on a stable mount, adjust its position and orientation, and resize or reposition the source in OBS’s scene preview. |
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is a separate option for keeping an uploaded video or playlist live on YouTube; it does not use your phone as a live camera and does not stream camera footage. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free day.
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
Anteel 2 Pack Silicone Suction Cup Phone Case Mount Double Sided, Hands-Free Silicon Phone Grip with Higher Suction Power for Selfies and Videos, Non Slip Phone Accessories (LightPink&White)
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
Rank #4
360° Rotating Stainless Steel Phone Tether Tab (Silvery 3-Pack) - Universal for iPhone & Other Phones (Fits Wristbands/Necklaces/Crossbody Straps)
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
Rank #3
PopSockets Adhesive Phone Grip, Holder- Black
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
