How to Use iPhone as a Webcam on Mac

Want to learn how to use iPhone as a webcam on Mac?

Owning multiple Apple products has the advantage of seamlessly syncing your data and settings from one device to another. But it doesn’t just end here. If you own a Mac and an iPhone, you can also connect the two devices and utilize features such as Continuity Camera.

We’re all aware that Apple produces some of the best phone cameras. Fortunately, the iPhone camera can now be used as a webcam for your Mac. You no longer have to worry about your Mac’s camera quality during virtual conferences or when recording a video.

Lucky for you, we’ve concluded this guide to help you set up and use iPhone as a webcam on Mac. But before that, you need to ensure that your devices meet the requirements and are running on a supported OS version.

So without further ado, let’s jump straight in!

1. Check If Your Device Meets the Requirements.

The Continuity Camera feature has just been released for users, but unfortunately, it is unavailable on all Apple devices. There are some basic requirements that your iPhone and Mac need to meet in order to avail of the long-awaited feature.

Let’s take a look at what they are:

• iPhone 8 or later models.
  
• iPhone running on iOS 16 or higher.
  
• Mac running on macOS Ventura or higher. 
  
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled on iPhone and Mac.
  
• iPhone and Mac signed in to the same Apple ID.
  
• Camera mount to hold your iPhone in place. We recommend finding a workaround for the time being since new accessories will also be released any time soon.

Keep in mind that some Continuity Camera features will only be available to the later models of iPhone. So, if you want to have this feature, get yourself an iPhone 12 or a newer model.

2. Update iPhone to iOS 16.

As mentioned, the Continuity feature is only available in the 2022 software releases for both iPhone and Mac. So, if you have the iOS 16 version update available, install it on your device to use iPhone as webcam on Mac. 

Follow the steps below to do so:

1. To get started, open the Settings app.
   
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
   
3. From there, go to Software Update.

4. If an update is pending, tap on Download & Install to begin the process.

3. Update Mac to macOS Ventura.

Your Mac should also have the latest macOS Ventura downloaded and installed in order to change its webcam preferences. This version is currently in its public beta version. The stable version will be released sometime in the fall of this year.

To install pending version updates on Mac, follow these steps:

1. Start by clicking on the Apple menu at the top left corner of your screen.
   
2. Then, click on System Preferences.

3. Once the window opens, go to Software Update.

4. If an update is available, click on the Update Now button to begin the process.

4. Enable Continuity Camera on iPhone.

Once you follow the basic requirements, you must ensure that the Continuity Camera feature is enabled on your iPhone. The feature is supported by many apps and will definitely provide you with better camera quality on Mac.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone and go to General.

2. After that, tap on AirPlay & Handoff.

3. Lastly, turn the toggle on for Continuity Camera.

You can then use iPhone as a webcam on Mac successfully.

5. Use iPhone as Webcam on Mac.

Now that you’ve enabled Continuity Camera, it’s time to utilize the feature and use iPhone as a Webcam on Mac. Currently, it works with video-related applications, including FaceTime, Zoom, Microsoft Team, and even web apps like Google Meet. 

You must go to each app separately and change the preferred camera settings. In this guide, we’re using Microsoft Teams as an example to guide you through the steps.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Firstly, launch Microsoft Teams on your Mac.
   
2. Then, click on the Microsoft Team tab from the menu bar at the top.
   
3. Then select Preferences from the options.

4. When the Settings window opens, go to Devices from the left pane.
   
5. Finally, click on the drop-down menu icon for Camera and choose your iPhone camera.

That’s it! Your Mac will now use the iPhone camera for better quality.

6. Check Out Continuity Camera Video Effects.

Now using iPhone as a webcam on Mac is not the only thing the Continuity Camera feature offers. You can also select different modes like Desk View, Portrait, Center Stage, and Studio Light, and the availability of each depends on your iPhone model.

Here’s a brief breakdown of the features and their accessibility: 

• Portrait mode is available on iPhone 8 and later models.
  
• Desk View and Center Stage are available on iPhone 11 and later models.
  
• Studio Light is available on iPhone 12 and later models.

To access these modes, follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Control Center icon on the menu bar.

2. Then, click on Video Effects.
   
3. Then, choose the effect you like. Portrait mode blurs everything except the main subject, Desk View provides an ultra-wide view, Center View keeps the subject in the center of the video frame, and Studio Light uses your iPhone’s built-in flash to make the subject bright.

7. Get New Accessories.

Connecting your iPhone camera with your Mac and swaying it around during your conference doesn’t look very professional, does it? So, Apple has confirmed that they’re collaborating with third-party manufacturers to produce accessories dedicated to mounting the iPhone to your Mac for ease and stability.

While the official accessory is in process, many other manufacturers are offering products for the same reason. Some of the best recommendations we have for you are as follows:

• STM Magpod Smarter Phone Stand
  
• Lume Cube Mobile Creator Tripod Stand
  
• Moment Tripod Mount – for MagSafe

8. Disconnect Your iPhone From Mac.

When you’re done with your video-making or conferencing, it’s time to disconnect both devices and get back to using them separately. 

Use the steps below to perform this method:

1. Simply close the application you were using your iPhone camera with.
   
2. On your iPhone display, tap on the red Disconnect button.

This wraps up our article on how to use iPhone as a webcam on Mac. Hopefully, we’ve successfully guided you through the details of the new Apple feature. For any queries or clarifications, feel free to use the comment section below.

If this guide helped you, please share it. 😊