Skip to main content

How to Connect a Phone as a Camera on MacOS

In this article you can find advice how to connect Android or iOS device to a MacOS computer and to use it as a camera.

D
Written by Dragana
Updated over 2 weeks ago

If a native connection is a possibility it is higly recommended, but if it is not, Rosalyn recommends using Camo application (the system has been verified with it). If you already use some other application for this purpose and it is working, feel free to continue using it.

Connect Android or iOS device to Mac OS computer with Camo

First you need to download the Camo software for MacOS and install it. Make sure you install compatibility plugin during the installation.

To use the camera on your Android device with Camo Studio, you’ll need to download the Camo Camera app from the Google Play Store. Or, you can find it by simply searching for "camo" on your device.

To install Camo on your iOS device you will need to download it from the App Store.

You can connect your device to Camo Studio via either Wi-Fi or USB.

Connecting your Android or iOS device to Camo Studio over USB

Connecting your Android or iOS to Camo Studio over USB is automatic on macOS. Just plug your device into your computer using a standard Lightning or USB-C cable. After a couple seconds, you should see video from your device appear in Camo Studio.

Connecting your Android or iOS device to Camo Studio over Wi-Fi

Pairing your Android or iOS device with Camo Studio over Wi-Fi is simple.

  1. On a computer open Camo Studio and tap the + button next to the Device dropdown in the left sidebar. This will open a pairing window displaying a QR code.

  2. In the Camo Camera app on your mobile device, tap the wireless connection button in the top-right and then with your phone scan the QR code displayed on your computer.

  3. Your devices should connect automatically and video from your mobile device should start streaming through to Camo Studio.

iOS + Mac OS Continuity Mode

You can connect your iOS device to your Mac and use it as your main camera or an additional camera for online proctoring. This uses Apple’s Continuity Camera feature, which provides a high-quality, stable video feed directly from your

iOS device.

Requirements

Before you start, make sure:

  • Your Mac is running macOS Ventura (13) or later.

  • Your iOS device is running iOS 16 or later.

  • Both devices are signed in to the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled.

  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on for both devices.

  • Your iOS device’s Camera app is not already open.

  • Your iOS device is unlocked and near your Mac.

Option 1: Connect Wirelessly (Recommended)

Mount or place your iOS device so that it faces you clearly. You can use a tripod, stand, or even lean it against a surface.

Click iOS device Camera to use it as your video source. You’ll now see your iOS device’s video feed on the screen.

Adjust camera mode (optional)

You can fine-tune video appearance:

  • Portrait mode: Blurs your background slightly.

  • Studio Light: Brightens your face.

  • Desk View: Shows your desk area using the ultra-wide camera (helpful if required by the proctor).

You can change these in Control Center → Video Effects on your Mac.

Option 2: Connect via Cable (More Stable)

If wireless connection isn’t available or allowed by your proctoring system:

Use your standard charging cable. If prompted on your iOS device, tap Trust This Computer.

In your app, select iOS device or Continuity Camera as the input.
Your video feed should now appear on the Mac.

Did this answer your question?