Finding available webcams in stock and shipping isn’t easy at the moment. If not, mobile messaging apps can do the trick. But it is also possible to turn your smartphone into a computer webcam. So for today, TechMaina going to learn how to turn an Android phone into a webcam on a computer.
Webcam users on desktop computers are now often limited to teleworkers and video game streamers. Logitech catalog observations also confirm trends.
This is a stellar product a few years ago that has remained silent and is always in the catalog (HD Pro C920) and its novelty gives pride of place for business solutions. For the general public, we particularly noted the recent arrival of StreamCam, a model aimed precisely at streamers.
In the last few days, many people have had to switch to telecommuting, with the consequence of the drastic drop in webcam stock at various merchants.
Nowadays it is difficult to find brand-name models in stock or to ship quickly. Not everyone is ready to make a buy. However, almost all general and professional messaging tools, offer video conferencing, two or more, via a smartphone. We have already published an article on this subject.
However, the solution isn’t ideal if you want to see your interlocutors in a big way or add interaction to certain professional apps (screen sharing in particular).
In this case, there is a solution: turn your smartphone into a computer webcam via a free application. We present here the various stages of operation. A good chance to pull out an old smartphone to use as a webcam.
Note: we recommend that you download the various applications needed to complete this tutorial directly from our download service. To ensure simplified and safe downloads, files are stored on the publisher’s website (Windows version) and on the Google Play Store (Android version).
The requirements must have:
- Android smartphone
- Windows PC
- Make sure the smartphone and PC are connected to the same internet network
- Downloading DroidCam Wireless Webcam on Smartphones and ComputersThe first step is to download and install the DroidCam Wireless Webcam application on an Android smartphone. The Android version can be through the Play Store on your cellphone. Once installed, it is necessary to install a client version for Windows PCs (there are also versions for Linux, but not for macOS).
- Install DroidCam Wireless Webcam on the PC
Start the installation of the downloaded files on the computer. Nothing too complicated: install it as usual ie click on “Next”, “I Agree” and “Install”. Note that Windows will display a warning when it installs the driver, the piece of software that connects the smartphone and PC, and that’s completely normal.
In the dialog that appears, check the box “Always trust software from DEV47 APPS”, then click “Install”. The installation continues and can be completed by clicking “Finish”.
3. Connecting Android Applications with Windows
Must be done on an Android smartphone
Bring your smartphone in hand and run the DroidCam application that was downloaded earlier. Click on “Next”. This software explains that the smartphone and PC need to be connected to the same network.
On a box, this means that it is necessary for example that both devices are connected to Wi-Fi, or a smartphone is on Wi-Fi and the computer is connected to the box via a cable (or PLC). Just press Got it.
At this point, the smartphone requests authorization for DroidCam to use the photo module. Tap “Allow”. And also for access to the microphone: tap “Allow”.
The smartphone application then presents a different IP address; the network address that will be used to communicate with the smartphone with the PC. You can take this photo with another smartphone if desired. The most important thing is not to quit the application at this stage.
Return to the computer and run the previously installed software (DroidCam Client). Look for the empty ” Device IP ” box. Enter the IP address shown on the line “Wifi IP” on the smartphone application.
Make sure the “Video” and “Audio” boxes are checked and click ” Start “. You will then see appears on the computer what the rear photo module of the smartphone has captured.
4. End of Setup
Conversion from smartphones to webcam is complete. It is now possible to use video conferencing applications with this smartphone, for example, Discord. It may be necessary to select webcam in the application settings. Choose the one called “DroidCam Source x” (x is a random number).
Sometimes you have to manually select the webcam in the video conferencing application settings. Here at Skype, we select “DroidCam Source 2”.
Apart from using wifi to connect the camera to a PC, you can also use a USB cable by connecting your Android smartphone using the USB cable.
If you are interested to learn something new about technology and updated in the digital era then you can visit tech tanker.
Maybe that’s about how to turn an Android cellphone into a webcam on a computer. That way you no longer need to buy a webcam that may have a high price to get good image quality, with your Android smartphone you can use a quality camera according to the cellphone used.
