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Asked: 2024-09-26T12:01:36+05:30 In:

Is it possible to utilize an Android smartphone as a webcam for a device running Ubuntu?

I’ve been trying to find a way to use my Android smartphone as a webcam for my Ubuntu laptop, and it’s turning out to be more of a challenge than I anticipated. So, here’s the situation: I’ve got this relatively older webcam that I’ve been using, but it just doesn’t cut it anymore, especially when I want to jump into video calls, stream, or even record some tutorials at decent quality. The smartphone I have is pretty capable, and the camera is better than my webcam. It feels like a waste not to use it!

I stumbled across some apps that say you can turn your Android device into a webcam, but the guides I’ve come across are mostly for Windows or macOS, and I haven’t found anything straightforward for Ubuntu. I’ve installed Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and some other dependencies that are suggested in various guides, but they seem a bit technical, and I’m not a tech wizard by any means.

So, I’m curious—has anyone out there successfully done this? I’m particularly looking for apps that might work and any setup tips that could save me a ton of time. Should I be looking at using a USB connection, or is it better to go with Wi-Fi? Do I need to tweak any settings on my Ubuntu machine to recognize my phone when I connect it?

I’ve seen some folks mention software like DroidCam and Iriun, but I’d love to hear from anyone who has actual experience using them with Ubuntu. Any pitfalls I should watch out for? How’s the video quality in comparison to a traditional webcam?

And if there are any open-source alternatives that could be a good fit, I’d absolutely love to hear about those too! I just want to make the most of what I already have without splurging on a new webcam right now. Thanks in advance for any insights you can share!

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    1. Using Android as Webcam on Ubuntu

      Using My Android Phone as a Webcam for Ubuntu

      So, I totally get where you’re coming from! Using your Android phone as a webcam for your Ubuntu laptop can be a bit of a maze, but it’s totally doable.

      Apps to Try

      First, definitely check out DroidCam and Iriun. Both of these are pretty popular choices. DroidCam has a Linux client, which is a win! Iriun is super easy to set up too.

      Connection Options

      Regarding connections, here’s the lowdown:

      • USB Connection: This usually gives you better quality and lower latency. You’ll need to use ADB, but it sounds like you’ve already got that covered. Just make sure you have debugging enabled on your phone.
      • Wi-Fi Connection: This is nice because it’s a little simpler to set up. Just make sure both your phone and laptop are on the same network. Sometimes, Wi-Fi can lag a bit, though.

      Setup Tips

      Here are some ideas that might save you some headaches:

      • After installing your chosen app on your phone, install the corresponding client on Ubuntu. For DroidCam, you can usually find it in the official repositories.
      • Keep an eye on firewall settings. Sometimes network issues can come from the firewall blocking the connection.
      • When you first connect, check if Ubuntu recognizes your device with ADB using the command adb devices.

      Video Quality Comparisons

      As for video quality, both of those apps really depend on your phone’s camera, and most modern smartphones will likely outperform an older webcam by a landslide. Just adjust the settings in the app to get the best quality possible.

      Open-Source Alternatives

      If you’re looking for open-source options, Webcamoid is worth a shot too. It can be a bit more complex to set up, but it’s flexible and gets the job done.

      Final Thoughts

      Just take it slow, follow the guides you find, and don’t hesitate to ask for help in forums if you get stuck. You got this!



    2. Using your Android smartphone as a webcam with Ubuntu is definitely achievable and can significantly enhance your video quality for calls, streaming, or tutorials. Two popular applications that can facilitate this process are DroidCam and Iriun. DroidCam, while initially designed for various platforms, has a native Linux client available. You can install it by downloading the Linux version from their website and following the installation instructions. After setting up the app on your phone, connect it to your laptop using a USB cable or Wi-Fi. If using USB, ensure USB debugging is enabled on your phone and that your Ubuntu installation recognizes it via ADB. Generally, USB connections provide lower latency and higher reliability compared to Wi-Fi, but your home network can also work well if configured correctly.

      Iriun is another great option, which offers similar features. It provides an easy-to-use web interface for setup. Once installed on both the phone and laptop, it enables seamless connectivity. In terms of video quality, many users report that the output quality using these apps is comparable to traditional webcams, especially if your smartphone camera is of high quality. Regarding open-source alternatives, you might explore OBS Studio with GStreamer if you’re looking for something more customizable, although it requires a deeper technical understanding. Be cautious about phone battery usage during prolonged sessions and ensure your smartphone is adequately charged or plugged in while being used as a webcam to avoid interruptions.


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