Did you need to set up a home office because of the coronavirus pandemic but found all the best webcams out of stock? Luckily there is a workaround, and nothing has to cost you--that is because you can use your Android or iOS device as a webcam. 

Yeah, when working from home, the same camera you use to take selfies, holiday photos, and food pictures can be used as a productivity device.

There are a couple of ways you could use your phone as a webcam. Here is how to set up your Android smartphone or iPhone as a webcam, whether you have a Mac or a PC. Best of all, there are many of those free options.

ALSO READ: Best Zoom Tips 2020: These Tricks You'll Wish You Knew Sooner

You do not even need a webcam app

A dedicated webcam app, available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store has unique features. But you do not need one to use your video chat phone camera.

You can also launch your favorite video chat services app, such as Zoom, Skype or FaceTime, and chat right through there. However, there are steps you can make to ensure video quality is the best. Read on for more!

Use your phone's main camera

The main camera on your phone will produce an image of higher quality than the selfie camera, with more zooming and focusing options. The iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S20, and many other premium smartphones have a sharper 1080p resolution than the new MacBook models, which have a built-in 720p webcam. Use the rear camera instead of the front-facing selfie camera for better performance when using your phone as a webcam.

The webcam apps and video messaging apps also allow you to pick options such as video resolution, quality and orientation, focus, white balance, and color effects.

Stabilize your devices

Do not cramp your arm or hit an unflattering angle by stabilizing your Android or iOS device on a mounting tripod, stand, or tabletop. It will give you the slightest unstable and most competent performance. Hence, investing in a phone stabilizer is a good idea.

Fix a little lighting

If you are working in a home office, at your kitchen table, or on your bed, you are going to need some good lighting to make your face look sharp, remove shadows and maybe cover a wrinkle or two. Consider buying a light ring for your Android or iOS device.

Invest in a microphone

Your AirPods or other headphones with a built-in microphone should do the job. Still, if you are using your new DIY webcam to record something correctly, you can invest in a good microphone! 

These tips should help you create a better setup for home office and video conferencing. Now that virtually every meeting is a video meeting, you can potentially help you find a new use for your old phone.

Warning

Doing so can drain your phone battery. So you might want to hook up your phone to an external power bank or position your setup close to a wall outlet if you need a charge.

ALSO READ: Stream and Video Chat in High Definition: Here Are The Best Web Cameras on Amazon