Using your iPad as a webcam for video calls is a great idea. If your webcam stopped working, your iPad can serve as a great backup; or if you are looking for better image quality. Not only is the camera on an iPad or iPhone better than a webcam, but you’ll also have the option to move around, rather than being confined to your PC or laptop desktop.
Fortunately, setting this up is pretty simple. There are many apps available to turn your iPad into a webcam. Then, once you use a Wi-Fi network to connect to your iOS as a webcam, you’re done! Read on to find out how to use your iPad as a webcam.
How to use an iPad as a webcam for PC
With EpocCam installed on your iPad, iPadOS 13 or later installed, and the necessary drivers, you can “turn your iPhone into a webcam.” EpocCam supports video and audio and comes in a free and paid version. The free version offers a video resolution of 640×480 with a watermark on the video. Follow these steps to start using your iPad as a webcam with EpocCam:
- Visit the App Store to download and install “EpocCam” app on your iPad.
- Next visit Elgato.com to install the necessary drivers for your PC.
- Now make sure your iPad and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi or LAN.
- Open “EpocCam” on your iPad, then launch the video conferencing app you will use on your PC.
- Make sure you select “EpocCam” in your camera settings. You should see a notification on your computer confirming that “EpocCam” is connected via Wi-Fi.
How to use an iPad as a webcam for a Windows PC
You can turn your iPad into a webcam to use on Windows 10 by installing the “EpocCam” app. “EpocCam” supports video and audio and is available in free and paid versions. However, the free version will include a watermark on the video and will have a video resolution of 640×480. Follow these steps to set this up:
- Make sure iPadOS 13 or later is installed on your iPad.
- Visit the App Store to install “EpocCam.”
- Navigate to Elgato.com to install the necessary drivers for Windows 10.
- Make sure your iPad and PC are connected to the same LAN or Wi-Fi network.
- On your iPad, launch “EpocCam” and then on your PC, open the video conferencing app.
- Make sure “EpocCam” is selected in your camera settings. You will see a notification on your PC confirming that “EpocCam” is connected.
How to use an iPad as a webcam for a Mac
By installing “EpocCam” on your iPad with iPadOS 13 or higher installed, you can turn it into a webcam for your Mac. “EpocCam” supports video and audio and comes in a free and paid version. The free version will include a watermark on the video and a resolution of 640×480. These are the steps to get started:
- Using your iPad, visit the App Store to install “EpocCam.”
- Visit Elgato.com to install the necessary drivers for your Mac.
- Make sure your iPad and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Launch “EpocCam” on your iPad, then open the video conferencing app you’ll use on your Mac.
- Make sure “EpocCam” is selected in your camera settings. You will receive a notification on your computer confirming that “EpocCam” is connected via Wi-Fi.
How to use iPad as a webcam for a Mac without an app
Here we explain how to use your iPad as a webcam for Mac without installing “EpocCam” or a similar application:
- First, on your Mac, go to obsproject.com for your free version of OBS Studio.
- Once OBS is downloaded and installed, a dialog box will appear that you can ignore.
- Next, you’ll need to tell OBS that you’ll use your device as a webcam. To do this on your device, go to vdo.ninja.
- Once it opens, click on the “Add your camera to OBS” option. Give permission if requested.
- Below the screen that appears, press “Home.”
- Then, towards the top right corner of the screen, you will see a URL. You’ll need it later to enter OBS, so copy it to your clipboard or write it down.
- Back in the OBS program on your Mac, select “Sources” at the bottom of the screen, then click the small “+” sign.
- From the list of options, select the “Browser” option, then enter something like “iPad webcam” in the “Create New” text field and then “OK.”
- Enter or paste the URL from step 6 into the “URL” text field on the next screen. In the “Width” text field, enter 1920 and 1080 as “Height.”
- Next, activate the checkbox that says “Control audio through OBS.”
- Use the scroll bar on the right to scroll to the bottom of that section, then check the “Refresh browser when scene activates” box and click “OK.”
iPad to the rescue
iPad to the rescue, if your webcam isn’t working or the image quality of the one you’re using isn’t great. Fortunately, you can turn your iPad into a mobile webcam by installing an app like EpocCam on it. “EpocCam” supports video and audio and has a free and paid version. Although the free version will include a watermark on the video, the overall image quality will probably be better than that of your webcam. Another free program to consider is OBS Studio for use on all major devices and operating systems. Plus, it will be free of watermarks!
What version of iPad are you using and what is the image quality? How do you think using your iPad as a webcam will benefit you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
