Free webcam alternative
DroidCam is a free software that turns mobile phones and tablets into webcams. This freeware requires that the DroidCam Wireless Webcam application is installed on the mobile device and a PC Client component is running on the computer; people need both the mobile app and the PC Client because the webcam drivers need to be installed by the Client to connect the computer to the portable piece.
How do I install DroidCam?
DroidCam is a cross-platform program that is compatible with Apple iOS, Android, Linux, and Microsoft Windows operating systems – including Windows 10. Along with having the DroidCam Wireless Webcam application installed on a portable device, a Windows or Linux Client is necessary to download on the computer equipment.
Upon installing the Client to a Windows PC device, there will be two options: to download the DroidCam Client with only Android phone support or to choose the Client with both the Android and Apple iOS capabilities. Considering that both of the options are free, the latter selection may be preferable to accommodate both Android and Apple iOS technology.
Video chat programs recognize DroidCam and allow people to use their phones as webcams on platforms: Skype, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc. While this is important for people that want to virtually connect with others and do not have a webcam on their computer nor laptop, this application also provides people the freedom to change the viewpoint since the camera is portable rather than integrated into the computer.
To have a clean installation and avoid the reboot process, quit the video chat applications on the computer and download the preferred client: only Android or Android and Apple support. Once the DroidCam Client is installed on the PC, people can re-open the video conference apps and select the ‘DroidCam’ option for the video and microphone features.
How do I use DroidCam?
After agreeing to the terms while downloading the PC Client for DroidCam, people will need to ensure that the installation components are selected: ‘Android USB Support’, ‘Apple USB Support’, and ‘DroidCam Client’. Upon the selection of those options, excluding ‘Apple USB Support’ if the package with only Android support was chosen, people click ‘Install’. Considering that the Client is lightweight, the installation process should be brief.
Once the installation is complete, navigate to the search bar in the lower-left corner of the desktop and find the ‘DroidCam Client’. Once located, launch the program. A small pop-up window will appear to provide the connection options: WiFi or USB.
Along with selecting the box next to ‘Video’ within the window, people can choose ‘Audio’ if they prefer that the sound is processed through the portable device instead of through the computer. Open the DroidCam application on the handheld equipment to determine the ‘WiFi IP’ and ‘DroidCam Port’. Additionally, the ‘Browser IP Cam Access’ links can be found within the app.
Within the Client pop-up window on the computer or laptop screen, input the ‘Device IP’ information from the mobile application. Once the ‘Device IP’, ‘DroidCam Port’, and ‘Video’ and ‘Audio’ preferences are defined within the WiFi category, press ‘Start’. As a result, both the application on the mobile phone or tablet along with the PC Client will initiate the webcam view via the handheld camera.
How do I use DroidCam with USB?
To use the USB capability, ensure that both the DroidCam Client and application are open. Within the window on the computer or laptop, select the second icon: USB. Beneath the icon, the text should verify that the connection will happen through a USB cable. Press the refresh button to locate the device with the application; verify the ‘DroidCam Port’ and ‘Video’ and ‘Audio’ options are correct.
Upon pressing ‘Start’, the camera view will appear on both the handheld and computer equipment. USB is often the recommended connection method because WiFi can lag more than the cable. Additionally, people are able to charge their handheld devices while using the application with the cable – which is important as the app can take up a significant portion of the battery percentage while in use.
Can DroidCam use the front camera?
Along with being able to be moved around, the DroidCam application allows people to use the front and back aspects of the cameras. DroidCam allows for unlimited usage with no limits on the amount of time for free. The developer, Dev47Apps, offers a paid version as well: DroidCamX Pro; this software option features to zoom in and out, brightness and contrast adjustments, autofocus, higher HD quality, etc.
Additional webcam alternatives
iVCam, EpocCam, iCam, and Iriun are other programs that link the camera app to computer technology. All of the aforementioned programs are free to use and lightweight. DroidCam has been given better ratings and reviews for higher audio and video quality than EpocCam; additionally, DroidCam does not have a watermark like iVCam does.
iVCam, EpocCam, iCam, and Iriun function with both the Apple Mac and Microsoft Windows systems, while DroidCam does not work on Mac devices. Essentially all of these programs are similar options and provide people with the ability to play live games while streaming on websites like Twitch, meet with people on video chat networks, etc.
User friendly webcam application
DroidCam is a cross-platform and lightweight software that has an easy setup process that can be done by installing the DroidCam application and Client. While the pro version has more settings, the freeware offers WiFi and USB connection for phones to be accessible within the webcam mode.
Dev47Apps provides updates on their webcam application. Visit their website to read their update info, privacy policy, security assurance, etc. If more assistance is required, then find tutorials on Google and YouTube on the best way to install the DroidCam Wireless Webcam app and Client.
