Continuity Camera lets a Mac use an iPhone camera as its webcam. It often looks better than the built-in Mac camera and works in FaceTime, Zoom, Photo Booth, QuickTime, and many other video apps.
This guide applies to Macs running macOS Ventura or later with a supported iPhone signed in to the same Apple Account.
Does This Affect You?
Use Continuity Camera if your Mac webcam looks poor, you want better framing, or you need iPhone-only features such as Desk View during a call.
Use Continuity Camera Wirelessly
- Make sure iPhone and Mac use the same Apple Account.
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices and keep the iPhone near the Mac.
- Open a video app on the Mac.
- Open that app’s camera or video source menu.
- Choose your iPhone by name.
- When the iPhone shows the Continuity Camera banner, use the video feed on the Mac.
- Stop by switching back to the built-in camera or waking the iPhone.
A stand or mount helps because the phone needs to remain steady and aimed at you.
Use a USB Cable
- Connect the iPhone to the Mac with a suitable USB or USB-C cable.
- Tap Trust This Computer on iPhone if prompted.
- Open the video app on Mac.
- Select the iPhone as the camera source.
Wired mode is best for important calls or when wireless Continuity Camera drops or lags.
Continuity Camera Features
Center Stage
Center Stage pans and zooms automatically to keep you in frame while you move.
Studio Light
Studio Light brightens your face and darkens the background slightly for a more polished call image.
Desk View
Desk View uses the iPhone ultra-wide camera to show an overhead view of your desk alongside your face. It works best with the phone mounted above the Mac display.
Switch Back Manually
If the Mac does not return to its built-in camera automatically, use the app’s camera source menu and choose FaceTime HD Camera or the Mac camera name.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use Continuity Camera on your Mac
- Apple Support: Use Desk View on iPhone
- Apple Support: Continuity system requirements