How to use Google’s Pixel phone as a high-end webcam for your computer

What as soon as appeared like a unending seek for the proper webcam has now ended—and by that, I imply I don’t want to purchase one anymore. Seems I had one proper underneath my nostril.

Google’s December Function Drop software program replace for Pixel telephones provides the power to make use of its masterful cameras in lieu of your underwhelming webcam with little greater than a easy faucet. It’s Google’s equal to the iPhone’s Continuity Camera feature.

Right here’s methods to get it working.

Necessities

For this to work, you’ll want a Pixel cellphone able to getting the newest Android 14 updates. That’s the Pixel 4a (5G) or later—see the full list here.

You’ll additionally want the newest Function Drop, which hit in December. Head to Settings > System > System Replace to make sure you have it.

Join your cellphone to your pc

Subsequent, use a USB-C cable able to carrying information—such because the one which got here together with your Pixel cellphone – to attach your cellphone to your pc.

As soon as it’s linked, swipe down from the highest of the display screen, and you must see a notification that claims “Charging this system by way of USB” or one thing comparable.

Faucet the notification, and also you’ll be offered with a display screen of choices.

Below the “Use USB for” heading, choose “Webcam”—at which level you must see a little bit webcam icon within the upper-left nook of your display screen.

That’s it—you’re linked! Fireplace up Zoom or Groups or whichever program you’d like to make use of and you must have the ability to choose “Android Webcam” as a webcam.

As a plus, your cellphone will cost whilst you’re utilizing it, because it’s plugged into an influence supply. You too can use your cellphone whereas it’s doubling as a webcam, so test that out should you’re courageous sufficient to be probably the most distracted-looking assembly attendee ever.

Now, by default, the Pixel’s rear-facing digital camera shall be used because the webcam. That is wonderful, provided that it’s a higher-quality digital camera than the front-facing one.

Nevertheless, you’ll be able to swipe down from the highest of the display screen and faucet the “Webcam” notification, the place you’ll be able to toggle between a number of zoom ranges or swap between the front- and rear-facing cameras.

Not simply computer systems

This function extends past simply computer systems: it’ll work on sure TVs, fancy vehicles, and even different telephones and tablets—although, paradoxically, not different Pixel units. So long as the system helps the connectivity normal often known as USB Video Class (UVC for brief), you should utilize your Pixel as a digital camera for it.