How to Record Videos on a Computer Using Your Phone as a Camera

Are you looking to create professional videos without investing in expensive cameras? Your smartphone and computer can work together to deliver stunning results! In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to use DroidCam (to turn your phone into a webcam) and OBS Studio (to record or stream video) for seamless, high-quality recordings. Or use your phone as a security cam (CCTV).

This blog post I write for you guys who have no luck using OBS NDI Plugin method. So give it try! I’m pretty sure it will work!

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Why Use DroidCam and OBS?

• Cost-effective: Use your phone’s camera instead of buying a dedicated webcam.
• Flexibility: Position your phone anywhere for creative angles.
• Professional control: OBS Studio offers advanced recording settings, scene transitions, and audio mixing.

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What You’ll Need

1. A smartphone (Android or iOS).
2. A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
3. DroidCam app (Android / iOS) and DroidCam client (download here).
4. OBS Studio (download here). Note! Some version of OBS Studio may don’t work with DroidCam plugin so try to download another OBS version on GitHub.
5. USB cable or a stable Wi-Fi connection.

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Step 1: Set Up DroidCam

Install the Apps

1. On your phone: Install the DroidCam app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. On your computer: Download and install the DroidCam client for your OS.

Connect Your Phone to Computer

Option A: USB Connection (Recommended for Stability)

1. Enable USB Debugging on your Android phone (Settings > Developer Options).

• Not sure how? Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap “Build Number” 7 times to enable Developer Options.

1. Connect your phone to the computer via USB.
2. Open DroidCam on your phone and computer.
3. On the computer client, check USB and click Start.

Option B: Wi-Fi Connection (Wireless Flexibility)

1. Ensure your phone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open DroidCam on your phone and note the IP address and port displayed.
3. On the computer client, enter the IP/port, check Wi-Fi, and click Start.

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Step 2: Add DroidCam to OBS Studio

1. Open OBS Studio and create a new scene (e.g., “Phone Camera”).
2. In the Sources panel, click + > Video Capture Device.
3. Name the source (e.g., “DroidCam Feed”) and click OK.
4. Under Device, select DroidCam Source from the dropdown.

• If it doesn’t appear, restart OBS and try again.

1. Adjust resolution/framerate in Properties if needed, then click OK.

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Step 3: Configure OBS for Recording

1. Set up audio:

• Add your microphone as an audio source (+ > Audio Input Capture).
• Optional: Add system audio with Audio Output Capture.

1. Optimize video settings:

• Go to Settings > Output:
  • Set recording format to MP4 or MKV.
  • Adjust bitrate (e.g., 2500-6000 Kbps for 1080p).
• Under Video, match base resolution to your phone’s camera (e.g., 1920×1080).

1. Test your setup: Click Start Recording to ensure everything works.

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Pro Tips for Better Recordings

• Lighting: Use natural light or a ring light to enhance video quality.
• Stabilize your phone: Use a tripod or phone stand to avoid shaky footage.
• Close background apps: Prevent lag on your phone or computer.
• Use DroidCam’s HD mode: Enable HD in the app settings for sharper video.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

• “No image in OBS”: Check if DroidCam is connected and selected as the OBS source.
• Laggy video: Switch to USB, reduce resolution, or restart both apps.
• Audio sync issues: In OBS, go to Settings > Advanced > Audio Sync Offset to adjust.

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Conclusion

By combining DroidCam and OBS Studio, you can transform your phone into a powerful recording tool for tutorials, streams, or presentations. Experiment with angles, lighting, and OBS’s advanced features to take your content to the next level!

Ready to start? Hit that record button and unleash your creativity!

Got questions? Drop a comment below or share your setup ideas!