Many don’t know that the Apple iPhone can serve you more than just taking beautiful photos and having seamless applications and games. The iPhone can come in handy as a webcam for many who has a PC that didn’t come with an installed webcam.
While this isn’t exactly going to be the traditional Webcam you may be thinking of, there are Apps you can use to recreate the Webcam experience.
To do this, you need to install the Apps that can bring the experience to reality on your PC. One recommended App is EpocCam, which comes both in a free and paid version. There are other Apps as well, and in this post, we will explore all of your options.
EpocCam
The EpocCam App can turn your iOS device, either iPhone or iPad, into a webcam for either Windows or Mac computers. Another amazing thing is that it also has an Android version that offers the same functionality. The developers of the app claims that EpocCam can completely replace traditional USB webcams and integrated webcams.
EpocCam supports audio and visuals for your choice and is readily compatible with many of the leading video communication Apps, including Skype, Streamlabs OBS, and YouTube.
The app comes with a free and paid version, and the huge difference is in the size resolution of the video.
Download: EpocCam for iOS (Free)
Download: EpocCam Pro for iOS ($7.99)
How to Use Your iPhone as a Webcam With EpocCam
Here’s a quick guide on how to set up the app on your Windows or Mac device with your iPhone.
Install EpocCam On Your Windows or Mac
The EpocCam software is available for both your mobile and your computer, and you need to install on both devices.
With your iPhone connected to your Mac, you will see your iPhone camera output on your Mac using nothing more than the EpocCam Webcam Viewer (available for free in the Mac App Store), you should also install the drivers. The drivers allow the app to integrate with Skype, Zoom, and any other video chat tool you use. The Webcam Viewer only allows you to see your phone’s video output; it offers no integration with other services.
Note: Consider Restarting Your Device After Install
Setting Up The App On iPhone And iPad
Once the app is downloaded on your device from the App Store, it is now easier to connect it to a Mac or PC. Make certain that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, then open the EpocCam app on your phone. You’ll see a black screen with a phone icon.
After you have successfully done that, head back to your Mac or PC, and open an app that EpocCam supports. If you only want to test the connection, open the EpocCam Webcam Viewer app mentioned earlier. As soon as the phone app detects a supported app running on your device, it will make an instant connection and display a broadcasting image.
You will need to set the video input method to EpocCam on the chat app you’re using the Webcam with.
Alternatives To EpocCam
Other Apps that can come in handy for you to use the iPhone as a Webcam are:
iCam
This is a paid app that will turn your iPhone into a webcam. Like EpocCam, you will also need to install some components on your PC or Mac for you to successfully use the app as it is designed. Once you have both apps and components installed, you can now stream live video and audio from any iOS device.
iCam also works as a security camera; with its motion and sound detector. All motion events picked up are automatically backed up to the cloud.
Download: iCam for iOS ($4.99, in-app purchases available)
Download: iCam Pro for iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
Download: iCamSource for Windows | macOS (Free)
iVCam
iVCam is distinguished for iPhone users who have a Windows PC—you cannot use iVCam with a Mac. The app works via WLAN or USB and allows you to connect multiple phones to one computer at the same time. Additionally, you can stream video in either 1080p, 720p, 480p, or 360p resolution. This multi-connection aspect means the software is ideal for anyone who wants to use their old iPhone as a CCTV device, a baby monitor, or a pet cam.
Download: iVCam (Free, premium version available)
AtHome Camera
With this app, a computer can remotely view your iPhone’s camera feed, the iPhone app can also remotely view your computer’s webcam feed. It supports both Windows and Mac.
Some key features include:
- Two-way talk: You can either use the streamer app or the viewer app, you can talk to any connected device and hear the audio from that device.
- Motion detection: You’ll get an instant notification if there is a movement on your camera.
- Scheduled recording: If you want to monitor your camera at certain times of the day—perhaps while you’re at work—you can pre-program the app to do this.
Download: AtHome Camera (Free, in-app purchases available).