This post will walk you through activating an iOS 16 feature that makes your iPhone an instant webcam for your Mac computer running on macOS Ventura. Here’s a quick guide to use the iPhone 14 as a webcam for Mac.
Estimate Cost : 0
Time Needed : 5 minutes
The iOS 16 update brings in a lot of enhanced features including a significant expansion of its Continuity Camera feature. So if you have a Mac computer running on macOS Ventura, you can use your iPhone 14 as your Mac's webcam. This allows you to utilize your iPhone's cameras for high-quality webcam experience especially during video conferences.
The first thing you should do is to ensure that Continuity Camera is enabled on your iPhone. This feature is enabled by default but just to make sure it isn’t changed, just go ahead and check your iPhone settings.
If you're wondering how to set this feature up on your new iPhone 14, just refer to these subsequent steps.
1. First, go to the Home screen or Apps screen then tap Settings.
Just look for the gear-shaped icon and then tap on it to launch the Settings app.2. While in the Settings menu, find then tap General.
Another menu opens with a list of general management features and options.3. Tap AirPlay & Handoff from the given options to proceed.
On the succeeding menu, you will see relevant features including Automatically AirPlay to TVs, Transfer to HomePod, Handoff and Continuity Camera.4. Make sure that the Continuity Camera switch is turned ON. Otherwise, toggle to turn it ON and enable Continuity Camera feature on your new iPhone.
Using Continuity, Mac will automatically recognize and use the iPhone 14 camera when it is nearby without having to wake or select the iOS device.
Tools
- Settings
Materials
- Apple iPhone 14
How does Continuity Camera actually work on Mac?
Now that Continuity Camera is already enabled on your iPhone, go to your Mac computer then check if Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled so that both your Mac and iPhone are discoverable.
Also ensure that both your Mac and iPhone are signed in using the same Apple ID and using two-factor authentication. If everything is set, bring your devices close to each other then launch Photo Booth, Zoom, FaceTime or any other relevant apps that you can use as a camera. Then, wait for your Mac to automatically switch to using your iPhone’s rear camera. If it doesn’t do that automatically, just click video preferences on the app you’re using then select your iPhone 14 from the list.
Accessible webcam features on your iPhone 14 include the Center State, Studio Light, Desk View and Portrait, to name a few.
Compared to any third-party webcam apps or accessories, using the iPhone 14 as a webcam for Mac gives you the most seamless experience. You can also make use of this feature if you’re aiming for better quality video recordings with your Mac computer. Indeed it’s a handy feature for many people who are now opting to work from home.
Aside from the iPhone 14 series, you can also use your other iPhones as a webcam for your Mac for as long as they’re running on iOS 16 or later OS version. Also ensure that your Mac is already running on macOS Ventura.
And that’s how you set up an iPhone 14 as a webcam for your Mac computer.