NaN_
Back to blog
•
4 min read
Don't Want to Buy a Webcam? Try Droidcam First!

What is Droidcam?

Droidcam is an Android app that turns your phone camera into a temporary webcam for your PC or laptop. You can connect it using Wi-Fi or directly with a USB cable. The basic version is free. The Pro version offers HD quality and no watermark. Let’s look at its pros and cons.

Pros?

  1. Free & Open Source
  2. Wireless Connection Possible
  3. Native Linux Support
  4. Up to 1080p Resolution (Pro version)

Cons?

Based on my experience, Droidcam has some downsides:

  1. Wireless latency can be bad. If you want to use this app, I suggest using a USB cable.
  2. Phone gets hot & battery drains fast if used for too long.
  3. First-time setup can be tricky on some Linux distributions.
  4. Quality depends on your phone’s camera.

“By the way, I apologize if my writing sometimes contains errors. These ideas come purely from my mind. However, I am always open to any criticism and suggestions from you. Now, let’s continue discussing Droidcam.”

How to Install Droidcam?

I often use Linux distributions, so I will focus on Linux installation steps.

Here’s how to install Droidcam on popular Linux Distros:

1. Debian/Ubuntu-based Distros (Including Linux Mint) This is the recommended method directly from the developer:

Install needed dependencies:

sudo apt install gcc make linux-headers-$(uname -r)

Download and run the official installation script:

cd /tmp/
wget -O droidcam_latest.zip https://files.dev47apps.net/linux/droidcam_latest.zip
unzip droidcam_latest.zip -d droidcam
cd droidcam && sudo ./install-client

2. Arch-based Distros (EndeavourOS, Manjaro, etc.) For Arch-based systems, Droidcam is in the AUR. You will need an AUR helper like yay or paru.

Install basic headers:

sudo pacman -S linux-headers base-devel

Install Droidcam via AUR:

yay -S droidcam

3. For Fedora-based Distros Here’s how to install Droidcam on Fedora, based on documentation and forums (I don’t use Fedora myself). First, install dependencies:

sudo dnf install kernel-devel kernel-headers gcc make

Then install via COPR repository:

sudo dnf copr enable meeuw/droidcam
sudo dnf install droidcam

Important Final Step (For All Distros): After installing, you must “wake up” the camera driver on your Linux system with this command:

sudo modprobe v4l2loopback_dc

Great, you’re done! Now, open the “Droidcam” app from your Linux application menu, or type droidcam in the terminal. To connect your phone camera to your PC/laptop, you can click here. Cmiwww.

Conclusion

Droidcam is best for emergency or short-term use, for example:

  1. Your webcam or laptop camera suddenly stops working during an important Zoom call or meeting.
  2. You are very low on budget and cannot buy a dedicated webcam (even cheap ones, around $15-20).
  3. You need a quick setup without waiting for shipping.

Alternatives if you still want a cheap upgrade:

  1. Check for used webcams on online marketplaces (Logitech C920 is still good in 2026, often $20-30).
  2. Or use other apps: Iriun (free, often more stable in some cases) or built-in Windows Phone Link (if you have a new Android phone).
  3. Developer hack: Use Droidcam + OBS VirtualCam for professional streaming, but it’s still temporary.

In short: Droidcam is a lifesaver for emergencies, not for daily use. Test it yourself in your setup. If the lighting is good and you only need it for 30 minutes, it’s fine. For longer use, I suggest buying or saving up for a proper webcam.