ReCam Support

Turn your old iPhone or iPad into a webcam for your Mac. Questions? Email travisboatman@carbonated.com.

What do I need?

An iPhone or iPad with iOS/iPadOS 17 or later running ReCam, and a Mac with macOS 14 or later running the free ReCam app for Mac from the Mac App Store. Put both on the same Wi-Fi network, or connect them with the phone's USB cable.

Spare phone or Continuity Camera: which should I use?

Apple's Continuity Camera lets your everyday iPhone act as your Mac's camera, but it needs the iPhone and the Mac signed in to the same Apple Account, and it ties up the phone you carry. ReCam is built for a spare or old iPhone or iPad that stays on your desk as an always-on webcam. The camera device doesn't need your Apple Account signed in to stream: install ReCam, pair once with your Mac, and go. Using your main iPhone for a quick call? Continuity Camera is great for that.

How do I set it up?

Open ReCam on your Mac and allow the camera extension in System Settings. On your phone, tap Pair with Mac and scan the QR code on your Mac, check the codes match, then click Approve. Tap Start on your phone and choose ReCam as the camera in your video app.

ReCam doesn't show up in Zoom, OBS or my video app.

Work through this checklist:

Open the ReCam app on your Mac at least once.
Allow the ReCam camera extension (macOS 15 and later: System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions > Camera Extensions; macOS 14: System Settings > Privacy & Security).
Give the video app camera access: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera, and turn on Zoom, OBS or the app you use.
Quit the video app completely (Command-Q) and reopen it. Apps only look for new cameras when they start.
Choose ReCam in the app's camera setting. In Zoom: Settings > Video > Camera. In OBS: add a Video Capture Device source and pick ReCam.
Tap Start on your phone so video is flowing, and check the Mac app shows the phone as connected.
Still missing? Restart your Mac, then try again.

My Mac can't find my phone.

Check both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that Local Network access is on for ReCam (iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network; Mac: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network). Guest or office networks sometimes block device discovery. Use a USB cable, or Connect by IP on the Mac with the address shown on your phone.

Should I use Wi-Fi or a USB cable?

Both work. For the most stable, lowest-delay connection, plug your phone into your Mac with its USB cable; there is nothing else to set up, and the phone charges at the same time. Choose Automatic, USB cable only or Wi-Fi only in Connection settings on either device; the status shows USB or Wi-Fi. In Automatic, ReCam switches to the cable when you plug in and back to Wi-Fi if you unplug.

Can I control the phone's camera from my Mac?

Yes, and it's included free. While you're streaming, you can switch between your phone's cameras and lenses and set focus and exposure from the ReCam Mac app.

Which apps can use ReCam?

Mac apps that let you choose a camera, such as FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, OBS and QuickTime Player. Pick ReCam in the app's camera or video settings.

Does ReCam send audio?

No, ReCam is video only. Choose your Mac's microphone, a headset or a USB mic in your video app.

What does Pro unlock?

Free streams at 720p and 30 fps. ReCam Pro, a one-time purchase in the iPhone/iPad app, unlocks 1080p, 1080p at 60 fps, 4K at 30 fps and 4K at 60 fps, depending on what your device's camera supports. No subscription.

I bought Pro. How do I restore it?

Open ReCam on your iPhone or iPad, open the Pro screen and tap Restore Purchases. The device must be signed in to the App Store with the same Apple Account you used to buy Pro (Settings > your name > Media & Purchases). Pro belongs to the iPhone/iPad app, so restore it on each phone or iPad you use as a camera. Nothing to restore on the Mac; the Mac app is free.

Why did the quality drop during a call?

If your phone gets warm or the Wi-Fi gets busy, ReCam steps quality down to keep the video smooth. A USB cable gives the most headroom for 4K and 60 fps; keeping the phone out of direct sun also helps.

Can I lock my phone or switch apps while streaming?

Keep ReCam open on screen. Use Blackout mode to turn the screen black while streaming instead of locking the phone.

Is my video private?

Video goes directly from your phone to your paired Mac over an encrypted connection. ReCam never records it or sends it to a server. See the Privacy Policy.