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For those looking to enhance their video conferencing setup, Microsoft has introduced a nifty way to repurpose your Android smartphone. By using the Phone Link app, you can now effortlessly turn your Android device into a high-quality webcam for your Windows 11 PC.
Currently, this innovative feature is only available to users participating in the Windows Insider Program, leveraging insider builds of Windows 11. Once set up, users can enjoy the flexibility of switching between their phone’s front and rear cameras and can enhance their video feed with a variety of effects, such as background blur, auto-framing, soft focus, and HDR.
What You Need to Use an Android Phone as a Webcam on Windows 11
To get started, ensure you meet the following requirements:
- Your Windows 11 PC must be part of the Release Preview, Dev, or Canary channels within the Windows Insider Program.
- You’ll need the latest iteration of the Link to Windows app installed on both your Android phone and your Windows 11 computer.
- Your Android phone should be operating on Android 9.0 or higher. If you’re unsure of your phone’s current version, a quick check in the settings will reveal the information you need.
How to Configure Windows 11 to Use Your Android’s Camera as a Webcam
To convert your Android phone into a webcam, begin by pairing it with your PC via the Phone Link app. Following the successful connection, execute these steps to activate the webcam functionality:
- Open the Settings app on your Windows 11 PC by pressing Win + I.
- Navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices.
- Select the Manage devices button.
- Within the My devices section, toggle on the option labeled Use as a connected camera.
How to Use Your Android Phone as a Webcam on Windows 11
With the setup complete, your Android phone is now ready to serve as a webcam across all applications on your Windows 11 PC. To test the camera output directly within Windows, you can visit Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Camera > Windows Virtual Camera.
You’ll be able to view your phone’s camera feed within Windows and use the pop-up window to toggle between the front and rear cameras, as well as to pause the video. This window also provides access to the aforementioned camera effects, allowing you to tailor your video feed to your preferences.
On your Android device, you’ll spot similar camera controls and a notification stating “Your camera is connected,” which indicates the active use of your camera. If your phone is locked or if you receive a call, the camera feed will automatically pause.
Using your Android phone as a webcam in applications like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, and more is straightforward. Once you’re done, simply close the camera controls window on your PC and hit Disconnect to sever the connection.
The resulting camera performance is impressive, showing no signs of lag despite the wireless setup. After the initial configuration, opting for your Android device as the default webcam in your video conferencing app is easy, as long as both devices remain linked through the Phone Link app.
How Does This Compare to Apple’s Continuity Camera Feature?
While Microsoft’s latest feature shares similarities with Apple’s Continuity Camera, there are distinctive differences to note. Unlike the Apple ecosystem, using your Android phone with Windows 11 prohibits the use of your phone’s microphone for audio input. On the plus side, Android phones don’t need to be locked during use as a webcam, allowing you to continue using other apps simultaneously—a convenience not available when using an iPhone with a Mac.
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