Using iPhone as a webcam on my Mac Mini

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Using iPhone as a webcam on my Mac Mini

Hi! I have a Mac Mini M1 and an iPhone 11

I want to be able to use the iPhone as a webcam (as described with Continuity Camera) and I want to be able to make and receive phone calls from my Mac via my iPhone.

I cannot get the two devices to work together "wirelessly"; I get an error message from FaceTime: "No camera available, To use FaceTime connect a camera."

I can get the two devices to work (as required above) by connecting them together using a USB cable.

I have researched this issue for weeks but have not been able to find a solution.

Any thoughts?

Peter

Mac mini, macOS 13.2

Posted on Mar 8, 2023 9:36 PM

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Answer 1

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pja2536 Author

Level 1

29 points

Mar 9, 2023 9:48 PM in response to AdvisorMP

I HAVE A (PARTIAL) SOLUTION

I spoke with an Apple Senior Support person this morning and she was able to come up with a solution.

It appears that Apple has made it difficult for wireless connected iPhones to work as a webcam (for FaceTime and any other video streaming app/service) for any Mac that does not have a built in webcam (e.g. Mac Mini). They did this for privacy reasons; so that the video/audio connection is not left open after a call.

The solution is to set the iPhone into "protected" mode prior to opening FaceTime (or other video apps). To set the iPhone up you need to lightly press the phone's power switch (you do not turn off the phone). There is no need to pair the phone via Bluetooth it will just connect. This works on my Mac Mini M1 and iPhone 11 combination.

However, there is still an issue. If you stop using (say) FaceTime by quitting the app and then wish to make another FaceTime call the video connection is not made (the iPhone is not recognised by FaceTime on the Mac). You need to Shutdown (not Reboot) your Mac, then restart and the iPhone will once again function as a webcam.

This technique is to totally satisfactory but I think it's about as good as it's likely to get.

Regards,

Peter

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Answer 2

AdvisorMP

Community Specialist

Mar 9, 2023 3:53 PM in response to pja2536

Thanks for reaching out pja2536,

It sounds like you're having some trouble with Continuity Camera. We can help.

Let's go ahead and make sure you're following the steps in this guide: Continuity Camera: Use iPhone as a webcam for Mac. In particular, let's also make sure your setup meets the following requirements:

System requirements

This Continuity Camera feature works with the following devices and operating systems, using one iPhone and one Mac at a time. The Continuity Camera feature for scanning documents or taking a picture has different requirements.

iOS 16 or later

* iPhone XR or later

* (All iPhone models introduced in 2018 or later)

* iPhone 11 or later for Center Stage

* iPhone 11 or later (excluding iPhone SE) for Desk View

* iPhone 12 or later for Studio Light

*

macOS Ventura or later

* Any Mac compatible with macOS Ventura or later

Additional requirements

* Your iPhone and Mac must be signed in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication. Continuity Camera does not support Managed Apple IDs.

* Your iPhone must have Continuity Camera turned on in Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff. It's turned on by default.

* Your iPhone and Mac must be near each other and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.

* Your iPhone must not be sharing its cellular connection and your Mac must not be sharing its internet connection.

* To use Continuity Camera wirelessly, your Mac must not be using AirPlay or Sidecar.

* To use Continuity Camera over USB, your iPhone must be set to trust your Mac.

If you find you're still not able to connect, you can also Contact Apple for support and service to report the behavior.

Hope that helps.

Take care.

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Answer 3

karina184

Community Specialist

Mar 10, 2023 7:42 AM in response to pja2536

Hey Peter,

Happy to hear that you were able to get that resolved. Thanks for letting us know how you did it!

Have a great week.

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Using iPhone as a webcam on my Mac Mini

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