How to connect Xiaomi phone to your computer as a webcam: 3 working ways

Why use Xiaomi as a webcam?

The quality of built-in webcams in most laptops and monitors leaves much to be desired: blurred picture, poor color reproduction and low resolution 720p And yet, almost any Xiaomi smartphone (even the low-end Redmi or the Redmi line) has become the norm. POCO) camera-proof 1080p, 4K Or higher, autofocus support and improved image processing, using it as a webcam for streaming, video calling or recording content is a logical solution that does not require the purchase of additional equipment.

In this article, we will analyze three proven ways to connect Xiaomi to your computer as a webcam: USB (The most stable method is Wi-Fi (for mobility) and third-party apps for advanced features, and you’ll learn how to adjust resolution, eliminate delays, and avoid common errors, such as when a computer can’t see a device or an image is transmitted with artifacts. The instructions are valid for all Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO Android-based 10 and newer, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5.

Method 1: Connecting through USB (native-regime)

The most reliable and simple method is the use of built-in function. USB-webcam, which appeared in Android 11 and is supported by all modern Xiaomi smartphones:

• 🔌 Minimum delay (latency) ~50-100 ms) by direct USB-linkage.
• 📶 It does not depend on the Wi-Fi network – it is suitable for conditions with poor Internet.
• 🔋 Charging the phone while in use (if the cable supports data and power transmission).

To activate the mode, follow the following steps:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via cable USB (Use of cheap cables can lead to errors "USB-device not identified".
2. On the phone, unlock the screen and in the notification that appears, select the mode "File Transfer" (MTP).
3. Open the Settings. → System system → Developer Mode (if no item is available, activate it by pressing 7 times on the Build Number in About Phone section).
4. Turn on the option "USB-webcam" (on some firmware MIUI it could be called "USB video class").
5. On your computer, check if a new device appears in the list of cameras (in Windows - through Device Manager, in macOS - in the Photo or QuickTime Player application).

Enable the developer mode|Use the original USB-cable|Select "File transfer" (MTP)|Activate "USB-webcam" in settings|Check the device in Task Manager-->

If the computer can’t see the camera, try:

• 🔄 Reconnect the cable to another USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
• 📱 Reboot your phone and repeat the steps.
• 🖥️ Update drivers on PC (in Windows, this can be done through Device Manager) → Cameras).

💡

If the image is transmitted in a green shade, try to turn off the image. HDR In the settings of the camera phone or reduce the brightness of the screen. This is due to the features of color processing in some Xiaomi models.

Method 2: Wireless connection over Wi-Fi

If you want mobility, like taking pictures from different angles or using your phone as a remote camera, wireless is the way to go.

• 📶 Stable connection to a single Wi-Fi network (or creating an access point on your phone).
• 📱 Video streaming app (we recommend DroidCam or IP Webcam).
• 🖥️ Client software on the computer (downloaded from the official website of the application).

Instructions for DroidCam (the most popular solution):

1. Install DroidCam on your phone from Google Play.
2. Download and install a client for Windows/macOS official website.
3. Run the app on your phone and computer, and make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. In the mobile app, write down IP-address and port (e.g. 192.168.1.100:4747).
5. Enter this data into the client program on the PC and click "Connect".

To reduce latency (latency) in DroidCam:

• 📡 Switch to 5GHz in the Wi-Fi router settings (if supported).
• 🔧 In the application settings, select permission 720p instead 1080p (High resolution increases latency).
• 🚫 Close background apps that consume traffic (such as torrents or cloud syncs).

USB-cable|Wi-Fi (DroidCam/IP Webcam)|Specialized Applications (EpocCam)|I didn’t use a webcam on Xiaomi.-->

⚠️ Note: When using DroidCam over Wi-Fi, the delay can reach 300-500 ms, which is critical for streams or online games. USB-connection.

Method 3: Specialized applications (EpocCam, Iriun)

If standard methods do not suit the quality or functionality, pay attention to professional solutions:

For example, consider the EpocCam setting:

1. Install the application on your phone and the client on your PC from the official website.
2. Connect devices to a single Wi-Fi network or via USB.
3. In the mobile app, select "Start Broadcast".
4. On the computer in the EpocCam client, an image from the phone’s camera will appear.
5. In the settings, you can select permission (4K Available in Pro version, enable autofocus or add a virtual background.

Important: EpocCam requires registration to unlock permission 1080p The free version is limited. 720p watermarked.

Customization of image and sound quality

Even after a successful connection, the image quality can be frustrating: noise in the dark, blurring when moving or synchronizing sound.

Permission and FPS:

• 🎥 In most applications (such as DroidCam), the maximum resolution is only available in the paid version — 720p.
• 🔄 For smoothness, select 30. FPS 60 FPS — This will reduce the load on the phone’s processor and reduce latency.
• 🌓 Manually adjust. ISO and shutter speed in the settings of the camera phone (in the camera app) → Professional treatment).

2. Sound:

• 🎤 If you use a phone microphone, make sure that the settings of the application (for example, DroidCam) include the item "Audio".
• 🔇 To reduce noise, activate Noise Reduction in the Windows microphone settings (Control Panel) → Sound. → Properties of the microphone).
• 🎧 If the sound is late, try using an external microphone connected directly to the PC.

Lighting and focus:

• 💡 Avoid bright light from behind, which leads to a silhouette effect. Use an annular lamp or natural light from the front.
• 🔍 Turn on Continuous Autofocus in the phone camera settings if the image blurs when moving.
• 📱 Fix your phone on a tripod or rack – hand tremors worsen quality even at good resolution.

💡

For professional streams on Twitch or YouTube, it is recommended to use USB-permitting 1080p30 Wireless methods are suitable for video calls, but not for games because of the high latency.

Removing common mistakes

Even with the right setup, there can be problems. Let's look at typical situations and their solutions.

1.The computer does not see the phone as a camera:

• 🔌 Check the cable: try another one USB-port or cable (preferably with support) USB 3.0).
• 📱 On the phone in developer mode, turn on "Debugging by" USB" (Sometimes it helps with connection errors).
• 🖥️ In Windows, update drivers through Device Manager (Camera or Other Devices").

2. The image lags or brakes:

• 📶 When connecting to Wi-Fi, switch to 5GHz or use it. USB.
• 🔧 Reduce the resolution in the application settings (for example, with 1080p before 720p).
• 📵 Close your phone’s background apps (especially games or social media).

No sound:

• 🎤 In the application settings (for example, DroidCam) check if the "Audio" option is enabled".
• 🔊 On PC in sound settings (Windows: Control Panel) → Sound) Select the phone microphone as the default device.
• 📱 Restart your phone – sometimes the sound disappears due to a microphone malfunction.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) USB-connection may cause an error "USB-Solution: Disconnect the phone, delete all devices named Xiaomi in Device Manager, then reconnect.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of connection method depends on your tasks:

For most users, it will be optimal. USB-Connection: It is stable, requires no additional programs (starting with Android 11) and provides minimal latency. Wi-Fi is convenient for temporary use, for example, if you need to show something from the phone screen in Zoom. Specialized applications such as EpocCam are justified for streamers or bloggers who need advanced features such as a virtual background or recording in the Internet. 4K.

FAQ: Frequent questions