How to use DroidCam to turn your phone into a webcam for your computer

Life in the time of the Corona pandemic continues. Many of us have had to change our working environment, or worse, lose our jobs.

To adapt to the new situation, you have to attend interviews and video meetings via apps like Hangouts Meet , Skype and Zoom from home, causing the demand for webcams to exceed the supply.

The good news is that if needed, you can turn your Android phone into a webcam for your PC , with a few apps like DroidCam or Iriun for Android. The following article will guide you through how to use Droidcam on your computer and phone, as well as some tips for having the perfect video call!

About DroidCam application

DroidCam is an application that turns your Android device into a webcam. The application works with a PC client that connects your computer to your phone. The application supports Android, iOS, and Windows. It allows you to connect your laptop or PC via WiFi or with the help of a USB cable.

The application does not collect any personal information, allowing audio and video data to be streamed directly to connected clients. In most cases, these audio and video streams are contained within your local network and are not accessible from the outside.

Key features of DroidCam include:

• Chat using "DroidCam Webcam" on your computer, including audio and video.
• Completely free with no usage limits or watermark.
• Connect via WiFi or USB.
• Eliminate microphone noise.
• Use other (non-camera) apps with DroidCam in the background.
• Continue working with the screen off to save battery.
• Access MJPEG web IP camera (access camera via browser or from phone, tablet, etc.).

If you like the app, consider downloading the Pro version of DroidCamX, which comes with greater advantages than the free version such as:

• No ads.
• USB-Only mode for enhanced privacy and security.
• Mute voice calls.
• Supports 720p or 1080p video via HD mode.
• Smooth FPS option for more stable video.
• Pro features on Windows include video mirroring, flipping, rotating, contrast, brightness, and many other controls.

Set up Droidcam on PC and phone

Download Droidcam

After installation, open the Droidcam interface on your computer and there will be 2 connection options: (1) via wifi, (2) via USB cable.

(1) Connect via wifi:

You connect both your phone and computer to the same wifi network, open Droidcam on your phone to get the IP and Port:

Then enter Droidcam on PC, press Start .

(2) Connect via USB:

• You plug the phone charging cable into your phone and computer.
• Select USB connection type on Droidcam PC, press Start .

After connecting, the result will be as below:

When testing on a Xiaomi phone, and receiving an error report from a reader, WebTech360 discovered that if developer options and USB debugging mode are not enabled, Droidcam PC will not find the phone and cannot connect.

Follow this guide to enable Developer Options on Xiaomi . Then go to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > scroll down to the bottom and find USB Debugging > turn it on. Immediately after that, click on the refresh icon as shown so that Droidcam can find the phone. When you see the phone name appear in the box, click Start .

Here are some suggestions on what to have to help your smartphone help you look your best — even without makeup!

Some tools to make video calls more perfect

Equipment and light racks

If you’re using a table to set up your phone and lamp, you’ll want a lamp that uses LEDs arranged in a strip or circle to illuminate your face. Some manufacturers offer circular lamps with built-in phone holders. For the base, you’ll want a small tripod, about 12 inches tall.

Some companies also make tripods that combine a phone holder and a spotlight, but these seem to be more suited to vloggers than the average user.

Be sure to test the setup before making your first call, to see if you need to adjust your sitting position or the tilt of the phone and lights.

Audio equipment

You should consider buying a new Bluetooth headset with active noise cancellation. Some phones have removed the headphone jack. Plus, wired headsets can be a bit of a pain to use.

Readers can refer to: Top 14 best wireless headphones for some options.

And finally, whatever you do, be careful to avoid awkward situations like forgetting to turn off your mic or camera while doing personal work during a live call!

Good luck!