The default webcams on laptops are usually of poor quality, especially when compared to the cameras even midrange smartphones flaunt these days. Fortunately, you can not only change the default camera on Windows, but you can also use your Samsung Galaxy phone’s camera as a webcam.
Use Samsung Galaxy Phone’s Camera as Webcam Wirelessly
The feature came to Windows Insiders first but is now available to everybody. Here is how it works.
1. Link to Windows and Phone Link are preinstalled on Samsung Galaxy phones and Windows PCs respectively. Open both apps and follow the on-screen instructions to set them up.
2. Now press Windows+I to open settings on Windows PC. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices and click on Manage devices.
2. Click on Add device button and Windows will create a QR code. Scan that code using the phone you want to use as a webcam. No need to download a special QR code app. Default camera will do.
3. You should now see your phone listed under My devices. In my case, it is S24. Toggle the Enable option next to it and then toggle on Use as a connected camera option.
The next time you are on a video call, Windows will automatically use your Samsung Galaxy phone’s camera as a webcam instead of the primary built-in webcam. You must unlock your phone but no need to launch any apps on either device.
You can switch between front and back cameras and apply some effects from the smartphone menu that will appear automatically once you are on a video call.
Pro Tip: I recommend you buy a phone holder to adjust the position and angle of the camera and keep your hands free.
Other Android Phone Users: There are many apps on the Play Store that will let you use your phone’s camera as a webcam. Try a few to see which one works best for you.
Add External Webcam to Your Computer (Requires Cable)
Most webcams have a plug-and-play model meaning there is little to no setup process required. Simply connect the camera using the USB cable that came with it. Windows should detect the new device and begin installing the drivers automatically. You should see a notification on the desktop or in the Taskbar notification area when the device is ready. The webcam should have a green led light that should light up when you open video calling apps like Google Meet or Zoom.
Change Default Webcam on Windows on the Fly
Video conferencing apps like Google Meet and Zoom allow changing webcams on the fly, even in the middle of the call. Here is how it works on Meet:
Click on the Video icon at the bottom of the screen to see the current webcam source. Then click arrow next to the selected source to choose from available webcam options.
Other video calling apps have similar UI. Look for the webcam icon.
You can also change the default webcam from the video calling app’s setting. Again, taking Meet as an example:
1. Go to the kebab menu (three-dot icon) in Google Meet and click on Settings.
2. Select your default webcam under the Camera section under the Video tab.
Note: Once you choose an option, it stays that way. I have set it to my Samsung Galaxy S24 and every time I open Google Meet for a team meeting, that’s the one it selects.
