Continuity Camera: use your iPhone as your Mac's webcam

Steps

1. 01

   Check the requirements before you mount anything

   This is the step that decides whether the rest works

   • Apple requires an iPhone XR or later (all iPhone models introduced in 2018 or later) running iOS 16 or later, and a Mac running macOS Ventura 13 or later
   • Both devices must be signed in to the same Apple Account using two-factor authentication, be near each other, and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on
   • The iPhone must not be sharing its cellular connection and the Mac must not be sharing its internet connection

   ✓You should see: Both devices on the same Apple Account, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on.

   Why?

   Apple also states that for wireless use the Mac cannot be using AirPlay or Sidecar at the same time; over USB, the iPhone must be set to trust your Mac.

2. 02

   Position the iPhone the way the feature expects

   Apple is specific about this, and it explains most 'it never appears' reports

   • The iPhone should be near your Mac, locked, stable, and positioned with its rear cameras facing you and unobstructed
   • Landscape orientation lets apps choose your iPhone automatically; portrait works too but is less likely to be picked for you

   ✓You should see: The iPhone held steady, screen locked, rear cameras pointing at you.

   !Careful: Locked is not optional. An unlocked iPhone is treated as in use, and will not be offered as a camera.

3. 03

   Pick it in the app

   • Open FaceTime or whichever app you are calling with
   • Apple's instruction: if the app does not automatically begin using it, choose your iPhone camera from the app's video menu, camera menu, or other setting

   ✓You should see: Your own picture, from the iPhone's camera, in the call preview.

4. 04

   Turn on the effects worth having

   Apple lists Center Stage, Desk View, Portrait Mode, Studio Light, Edge Light and more

   • Center Stage keeps you in frame as you move; Desk View shows what is on the desk in front of you, which is useful for showing a document or a repair
   • Some effects, like Center Stage and Desk View, need a newer iPhone — Apple’s Continuity Camera page lists which

   Why?

   Effects are per-call conveniences, not setup. Try them once on a call with a friend before you use them in a meeting that matters.

5. 05

   Stop using it when the call ends

   • Use the app's own controls to stop video, mute audio or end the call
   • Or unlock the iPhone, tap Pause or Disconnect on it, or simply move it out of Bluetooth range of the Mac

   ✓You should see: The Mac falls back to its built-in camera, and the iPhone returns to normal.