You Can Use an Android Phone as a Webcam on Windows 11
You can do that officially without installing a third-party camera app or virtual driver. Microsoft lets you use the camera on your Android phone to improve your appearance during video calls on your Windows 11 PC. The best part is that you can wirelessly use your Android phone’s camera as a webcam to join video calls on apps likeMicrosoft Teams,Zoom,Google Meet,Skype, etc. But first, you’ll need to link your Android phone with a Windows 11 PC. Here’s how you can do that.
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Check the Requirements
Microsoft made this feature available to allWindows 11 Insiderchannel users starting in February 2024. So, ensure your Windows PC runs the latest Windows 11 Insider channel build. Also, your Windows 11 PC needs to run the latest version of the Phone Link app. Get it from the Microsoft Store.
Download:Phone Link (Windows)
This feature works on smartphones running Android 9.0 or higher. You’ll need to install the Link to Windows app (v1.24012 or higher) on your Android phone.
Download:Link to Windows (Android)
Link Your Android Phone With Windows 11
you’re able to skip this section if you already use your Android phone with the Phone Link app on a Windows 11 PC. However, if you’re not, link or pair your Android phone with Windows 11. Here’s a guide on how to do it.
1.Open the Phone Link app on your Windows 11 PC. If you’re opening the app for the first time, you might need to sign in with your Microsoft account. Click on the Android button.
2.The Phone Link app will generate a QR code.
3.Open theLink to Windowsapp on your Android phone and tap onSign in using the QR code on your PC optionunder theSign inbutton.
4.After that, enter a 6-letter alpha-numeric code that appears in the Link to Windows app on your Android phone. Next, enter your Microsoft account password to link your Android phone with Windows 11 computer.
Alternatively, you can link your Android phone using the Settings app on Windows 11 PC. For that, you’ll need to follow these steps:
1.Press theWindows + Ikeyboard shortcut to open theSettingsapp. Click onBluetooth & Devicesfrom the left sidebar and selectMobile Devicesfrom the right pane.
2.Turn on the toggle next toAllow this PC to access your mobile devices. Click on theManage Devicesbutton under it.
3.Click theAdd Devicebutton.
4.The app will generate a QR code that you need to scan on your Android phone. Open the Link to Windows app on your Android phone and tap onSign in using the QR code on your PC optionunder the Sign in button.
5.Next, enter a 6-letter alpha-numeric code that appears. After that, you’ll get a confirmation that your Android is linked to your Windows PC.
Then, your Android phone will link to the Windows 11 PC. Next, you may use your Android phone as a webcam with different video calling apps on your Windows 11 PC.
Also Read:Microsoft Phone Link Tips and Tricks You Need to Use
Use Your Android Phone as a Webcam in Microsoft Teams
You can turn your Android phone into a webcam and use it with the Teams app on Windows 11 – whether you’re using a desktop or a laptop. Here’s what you need to do.
1.Launch the Phone Link app on your Windows 11 PC and ensure it is linked to your Android phone.
2.OpenMicrosoft Teamsin a web browser or Teams app on your computer.
Visit:Microsoft Teams
3.Click theVideoicon in the top-left corner and choose Start Meeting.
4.In a meeting interface, turn on the toggle next to the Camera icon in the Teams meeting interface. That’ll send a notification to your linked Android phone.
5.Tap theAllowbutton on the pop-up to let Teams use your Android phone as a camera.
6.On your Android phone, select theTap to start camera streamnotification to begin using its camera as a webcam.
Use Your Android Phone as a Webcam in Google Meet
While using Google Meet in a browser, you can make it choose your Android phone as a webcam from your Windows computer.
1.Open the Phone Link app on your Windows 11 PC and ensure it is linked to your Android phone.
2.OpenGoogle Meetin a web browser, click theNew Meetingbutton and start an instant meeting.
Visit:Google Meet
3.Click theCameraicon with the orange counter on the bottom bar in the Google Meet interface.
4.Click theAllowbutton on the pop-up under the address bar to let Google Meet access the camera through the browser. That’ll send a notification to your linked Android phone.
5.Select theTap to start camera streamnotification on your Android phone to begin using its camera as a webcam.
Use Your Android Phone as a Webcam in Zoom
If your Android phone is paired with the Phone Link app and is on the same network, then you can use its camera as webcam with the Zoom app.
Download:Zoom for Windows
1.Ensure the Phone Link app is open on your Windows 11 PC and your Android phone is linked.
2.Open the Zoom app and click onNew MeetingorJoinbutton.
3.When the Zoom meeting interface opens, you’ll get a notification to start the camera stream on your Android phone. Select theTap to start camera streamnotification to use your Android phone’s camera as a webcam with Zoom.
Note These Things About Link to Windows and Phone Link
The new Windows feature turns your Android phone into a Windows Virtual Camera so you can use it with Windows. It also appears as one of the defaultConnected cameras(Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Cameras) on your Windows 11 PC. You can always change the default camera settings from there. You need to remember these things while using your Android phone as a webcam on Windows 11.
Make the Best of Your Android Phone
The only gripe I have with this feature is that it doesn’t utilize the Android phone’s microphones for audio in a video call. You’ll still need to rely on your computer’s built-in microphone or plug in your headphones.
In addition to video calls, you may stream live videos on your Android phone from your Windows 11 PC. Expect this feature to arrive through Windows Update in the coming few months.
Samir Makwana
Samir Makwana helps with edits, works on content strategy, and writes (whenever time permits) about Windows, macOS, iPhone, and other tech in general. Before moving to features and tutorials, he wrote news for years and reviewed software and hardware products ranging from audio gear to computers.
