Turn your Android device into a webcam

You don't have a webcam, but need to shoot videos for Facebook or YouTube? Or perhaps you already have a webcam and want to add a second camera to your setup?

All you need is an Android smartphone and an appropriate application. Here's how to use your Android phone as a webcam.

Why use an Android phone as a webcam?

Let's say your child wants to talk to grandparents via Skype, or your boss wants a teleconference to discuss the report you sent, but you don't have a webcam.

Although they are integrated into many monitors and versatile PCs, not everyone has a webcam. Peripheral webcams are common, but installing them is difficult and these devices are often unstable, even if they are set up correctly.

The best and probably the only option you should make is to install DroidCam. It's an Android app that turns your smartphone (and even tablet) into a handy mobile webcam.

Before you begin, think about stability

You can discover a simple way to turn your Android device into a webcam. But before you do that, it's time to think about stability.

Nobody wants to see a video feed where images are constantly shaking and blurred. To fix this, you will need to find a safe place to place your phone. It could be something simple, like Popsocket or even Lego plastic pieces.

As long as you have some means to upgrade your phone, the video feed will be clear and stable. You can own a case that allows you to stand up your phone. If not, find a tripod suitable for smartphones.

Now, here are 2 solutions to turn any Android phone into a webcam.

Method 1: Use DroidCam Wireless Webcam

DroidCam has two parts: the free Android application from Google Play (also available in premium versions) and the desktop client component, available from Dev47Apps for Windows and Linux (see link: http://www.dev47apps.com/ ).

Start by installing the Android application. Then turn your attention to the PC. After downloading the application, extracting and running it, follow any instructions on the screen.

After launch, you will see a prompt to enter the IP address for DroidCam. This address is easily found, just run the application on the phone and the image, as well as the port number will be displayed. Back on the desktop client, you will notice that you can stream audio from your phone. You can also adjust the video quality; Choose from low, normal to high.

If you choose to connect via USB, all you need is the USB cable that came with your phone.

When ready to proceed, press Start to begin streaming. The mobile application will then send the image from the phone camera to the computer. For devices with two cameras, tap the Settings button on the mobile app and select the appropriate box to switch to the camera you want to use.

Although the free version of DroidCam offers some pretty good options, it's not perfect. For example, you can only use the webcam in landscape mode. The zoom feature, as well as the resolution, brightness and other control functions found in the menu at the bottom of the DroidCam desktop client, is limited.

To activate these, you will need to upgrade to the paid version, titled DroidCamX. Naturally, the article only recommends doing this, if you feel you will use those features. If not then stick with the free DroidCam release.

1. Download DroidCam (Free) | Download DroidCamX ($ 4.5 / 105,000VND)

Method 2: Use IP Webcam

A powerful alternative to DroidCam, IP Webcam is also available for free from Google Play with the premium upgrade available. Download the PC viewer from ip-webcam.appspot.com.

Setup is largely the same as with DroidCam. However, although there is a configuration tool that you need to fill in, but IP Webcam requires you to see the output through a web browser.

Only Chrome or Firefox works for this, so Windows users should avoid Edge and Internet Explorer. You need to use the http:/// address [ IP ADDRESS]: 8080 / videofeed to view the feed. You will find the correct IP address on your phone screen.

This app provides different image resolutions for videos and stills. Despite the back camera support on smartphones, the front camera is still not fully supported.

After you launch and run, press the Actions button on your Android device to check the application is running correctly, as well as stop and start the camera, etc.

Meanwhile, if you want an easy way to store videos recorded using Webcam IP, a dedicated Dropbox uploader plugin is also available from Google Play.

1. Download IP Webcam (Free) | Download IP Webcam Pro ($ 4 / VND 92,000)
2. Download IP Webcam Uploader

The article looked at the free options for each application and there is a good reason for this. If the free version works, it's likely the full version won't leave any more impression.

When evaluating these Android webcam applications, the article noticed two main features: The change in the number of features available in each application and how they are easily set up.

Therefore, the more outstanding option here is DroidCam, as it is easy to set up and provides good support for messaging applications. While the features offered are limited, it will still get the job done until you're ready to buy an affordable replacement webcam. When you buy a suitable webcam, refer to this article if you are concerned that your webcam may have been hacked.

Wish you find yourself a satisfactory choice!