Use Android smartphone as a webcam - how it works

In this practical tip, we will show you how to use your Android smartphone as a webcam.

Software installation for the Android webcam

1. Download the free "IP Webcam" app for your Android smartphone and install it.
2. Then install the "IP Camera Adapter" software on your computer.

Start the webcam on the Android smartphone

In order to use the webcam, the smartphone and the computer must be on the same network.

1. Open the "IP webcam" app. Then select the "Video settings". Now you have the option to change the video resolution or you can choose whether you want to use the front camera or the regular camera.
2. Select the "Login / password" option under the "CONNECTION SETTINGS" tab. Then set a username and password.
3. When you have applied all settings, click on "Start Server". In the lower center of the picture there is an IP address (such as: //192.168.1.47:8080) that you should remember.

Use Android webcam on the computer

1. You can open a preview page in the browser by entering the IP address in the address bar of the browser. You have to confirm this with the user name and password.
2. In order to use your webcam in Skype or a similar program, you have to start the "IP Webcam Adapter" program. Enter your IP address in the "Camera feed URL" field. Write "/ videofeed" after it (e.g.: //192.168.1.47:8080/videofeed). Enter your username and password in the fields provided and click OK.
3. If you have followed all the steps, the Android webcam will appear as a video source in the Skype settings.

Find out where you can chat with the Android webcam for free in this practical tip about the best free websites for webcam chats.