If you’ve been following us for a while, then you probably already know that in addition to keeping you informed, we’re always trying to add more knowledge to your everyday life, with tips and tutorials so you can get the most out of your devices and apps.
Today, continuing this routine, we present another tip; this time, for Mac users! Check below how to use your iPhone as a webcam for your Apple computer using the Continuity Camera feature.
The arrival of macOS Ventura 13 brought very interesting news to the embedded system on Apple computers. Among these, the brand new Continuity Camera function.
Through the resource, those who use Mac and iPhone can use the rear set of smartphone cameras as a computer webcam, improving (and a lot) the image quality during their video calls – all of this, without the obligation of a wired connection.
Compatibility
But what do my Mac and iPhone need to work together?
On the Mac side, the function is compatible with any device that is already running the macOS Ventura 13 or later. For smartphones, an iPhone XR or higher with the iOS 16 (or later) properly installed.
Additionally, both devices must be linked to the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections turned on, and not sharing your internet connection or connected to a VPN.
For wireless use, you also cannot be using either AirPlay or Sidecar. Wired, the iPhone needs to be configured to trust the Mac.
Furthermore, despite being available on iPhones XR and later, some features require newer models. Are they:
- Center Stage and Table View: iPhone 11 or later (excluding iPhone SE);
- Portrait Mode: iPhone XR or later;
- Studio Light: iPhone 12 or later.
Enable or Disable Continuity Camera on iPhone
Generally, the Continuity Camera feature is already enabled by default for devices that have updated iOS. Anyway, check below how to enable or disable it on your iPhone.
- With the app fromSettings” opened, tap “General”;
- Now, tap on “AirPlay and Handoff”;
- Make sure the option key “Continuity Camera” is activated to use your smartphone as a webcam.
- Disable the switch to turn off the feature.
How to Use iPhone as Mac Webcam
Now that you’ve verified that your devices are compatible and you’ve made sure that the Continuity Camera function is properly activated on your iPhone, it’s time to finally use your smartphone as your Mac’s webcam.
- First, position your iPhone with the rear cameras facing you – preferably in landscape mode;
- Now open any software that uses the camera. It could be Facetime, Discord, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom… you get the idea;
- Now, in the video settings of the chosen app, select your iPhone as the camera;
- Ready, the image captured by your smartphone will be displayed on the screen. During the transmission, your iPhone will display a message informing you of the computer connection.
to disconnect, simply end the video call or application or unlock iPhone. If your phone receives an incoming call while using the feature, your Mac will display a notification and you can answer the call from either your computer or your mobile phone. In this case, the audio and video from the Continuity Camera will be interrupted.
To use special video features such as Center Stage, Table View, Portrait Mode, and Studio Light, click the macOS Control Center icon located in the upper-right corner, then go to “Effects” and select the desired option.
You can also apply effects to the iPhone microphone, such as Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum.
If you’ve already checked device compatibility with the feature and it still doesn’t work, try turning off and on the Continuity Camera feature on your iPhone – as we taught you earlier, or, as a last resort, restart your phone. Soon after, try again.