Do you want to use your Android smartphone’s camera as a webcam on Windows 11 to enhance the video quality experience on your PC? Using a few simple steps, you can easily integrate your phone’s camera into your Windows 11 setup and improve the quality of your video calls and online meetings. Read on to check out the steps to use Android smartphone as webcam on Windows 11.
It’s well-known by almost all of us that phone cameras are far superior to those found on laptops, which is why you will not get the best video quality at virtual conferences unless you have a dedicated webcam.
Today, you will learn how to connect your phone to a laptop or computer and start using the Android phone’s camera as a webcam on Windows 11.
How to Use Android Smartphone as Webcam on Windows 11 [Official Method]
Windows has recently added the ability to use a phone’s camera as a webcam with the Windows KB5034848 update. Before you can start using it, make sure that your device is running on the KB5034848 version or above, and you will need to install an app on your Android device. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys on the keyboard to open Settings.
Step 2: Go to Bluetooth & Devices > Mobile devices.
Step 3: Turn on the toggle for Allow this PC to access your mobile devices, then click on Manage Devices under it.
Step 4: Choose Add Device.
Step 5: You will see a Cross Device Experience Host update. Click on the Update button next to it.
Step 6: Once updated, you will get a QR code, which you can scan to link your Android device.
Step 7: Install and open the Link to Windows app on your Android phone.
Step 8: Scan the QR code, then enter the code shown on your PC, choose Continue, then tap Done.
Step 9: Once done, click on the Continue button on your PC.
Step 10: Enable the option for Use as a connected camera on your PC.
Step 11: Now, open any app that requires the use of a webcam on your PC. You will then receive a pop-up confirming if you want to Use mobile device camera. Tap Continue.
Step 12: You will receive a notification on the phone. Open the notification panel and select Tap to start camera stream.
Step 13: If you want to change the camera, select Switch to front or back. To pause the video, choose Pause video. Select Resume video to resume it.
Step 14: To switch back to your computer’s built-in camera, close the Manage Devices window and click Disconnect to confirm it. Alternatively, you can also change the camera in the video settings of the application you are using on the PC.
How to Use Android Smartphone as Webcam on Windows 11 [Android 14 or Later]
If you have an Android phone running on Android 14 or above, you can also use it as a webcam on your Windows 11 computer. Check out our dedicated guide for the steps to achieve this.
How to Use Android Smartphone as Webcam on Windows 11 [Using Third-Party Apps]
You can also make use of third-party apps like DroidCam or other apps to connect your phone to your Windows 11 PC wirelessly via WiFi or wired via USB. Just install the app for both devices (Android and PC), connect them either via USB or WiFi, then follow the instructions to use your Android phone as a webcam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why Should I Use My Android Smartphone’s Camera As a Webcam on Windows?
Using your Android phone’s camera as a webcam on Windows 11 has several advantages. It can enhance the video quality, and it allows users to take advantage of its features, such as image stabilization, autofocus, etc., resulting in a clearer and more stable video feed.
Q. Can I Use an Android Phone as a Webcam Without Any Apps?
Yes. You can use an Android phone as a webcam on Windows 11 without a third-party app if you are using an Android phone running on later versions of Android 14. Moreover, if you have Windows 11 running on the KB5034848 update or above, you can use the phone as a webcam without any application. Just follow the steps outlined above to connect them.
Q. How Can I Update Cross Device Experience Host manually?
If you didnโt receive the update for Cross Device Experience Host after choosing Add device, you need to manually update it by going to Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates.
So, these are the steps through which you can connect and use your Android phone’s camera as a webcam on Windows 11 and enhance your video conferencing experience.
If you have any questions related to the article, let us know in the comments below.
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