Windows 11 Breaks Boundaries: Android Phones Now Serve As Webcams For Enhanced Virtual Connectivity
Share this article:
In an era where virtual communication has become the norm, the integration of technology has never been more crucial. Windows 11 has recently introduced a groundbreaking feature that allows users to utilise their Android smartphones as webcams for various purposes such as video conferencing, streaming, or recording videos directly from their computers. Here's a step-by-step guide to unlock this innovative capability and elevate your virtual communication experience.
Enabling Developer Options on Your Android Phone
The first step in harnessing your Android device's camera power involves enabling Developer Options. Navigate to your Android phone's Settings and scroll down to tap on 'About Phone'. Continuously tap on 'Build Number' until you receive a notification indicating that Developer Options have been enabled. Return to the Settings menu and access Developer Options to enable USB Debugging.
Connecting Devices via Bluetooth
Once Developer Options are enabled, establish a Bluetooth connection between your Windows 11 PC and your Android device. Access the Bluetooth & Devices settings on your PC, ensure Bluetooth is activated, and select 'Add Device'. Locate your Android phone from the list of available devices and pair them.
Granting Access to Your Android Phone
In Windows 11 Settings, navigate to Bluetooth & Devices, then tap on Linked Devices. Under Mobile Devices, select 'Manage Devices' and enable access for your Android phone.
Installing Cross-Device Experience Host
Upon establishing the connection, your Windows 11 PC will prompt you to install the Cross-Device Experience Host app from the Microsoft Store. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Launching Video Conferencing App
With the setup completed, launch your preferred video conferencing or streaming app such as Teams, Zoom, or Meet. Your Android phone should now be listed as a webcam option that you can select.
Enhancing Your Video Experience
When using your phone as a webcam, you can seamlessly switch between front and rear cameras, access recent photos from your camera roll, and pause the video stream to display a default image rather than a black screen.
Enabling Developer Options on Your Android Phone
The first step in harnessing your Android device's camera power involves enabling Developer Options. Navigate to your Android phone's Settings and scroll down to tap on 'About Phone'. Continuously tap on 'Build Number' until you receive a notification indicating that Developer Options have been enabled. Return to the Settings menu and access Developer Options to enable USB Debugging.
Connecting Devices via Bluetooth
Once Developer Options are enabled, establish a Bluetooth connection between your Windows 11 PC and your Android device. Access the Bluetooth & Devices settings on your PC, ensure Bluetooth is activated, and select 'Add Device'. Locate your Android phone from the list of available devices and pair them.
Granting Access to Your Android Phone
In Windows 11 Settings, navigate to Bluetooth & Devices, then tap on Linked Devices. Under Mobile Devices, select 'Manage Devices' and enable access for your Android phone.
Installing Cross-Device Experience Host
Upon establishing the connection, your Windows 11 PC will prompt you to install the Cross-Device Experience Host app from the Microsoft Store. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Launching Video Conferencing App
With the setup completed, launch your preferred video conferencing or streaming app such as Teams, Zoom, or Meet. Your Android phone should now be listed as a webcam option that you can select.
Enhancing Your Video Experience
When using your phone as a webcam, you can seamlessly switch between front and rear cameras, access recent photos from your camera roll, and pause the video stream to display a default image rather than a black screen.
Next Story