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Show a view of your desk in Studio
Show a view of your desk in Studio

Use your iPhone as a webcam and add an overhead view of your desk.

Eli Sidiropoulou avatar
Written by Eli Sidiropoulou
Updated over a month ago

Show your face and an overhead view of what's on your desk at the same time; all you'll need is your iPhone and a Mac.


How to add desk view in Studio

  1. Attach your iPhone to your Mac with a stand accessory.

  2. Click the gear ⚙️ icon in Restream Studio and go to the Video tab.

  3. Under Video Input, select your iPhone.

  4. Click the video icon at the top of your screen and select Desk View...

  5. You'll see a top-down view of your desk; zoom in or out to align the angle.

  6. Click Start Desk View.

  7. Return to Studio, click Add Scene and select Media.

  8. Select Screen from the options, then click Window.

  9. Select Desk View from the available windows and click Share.

  10. Your desk view will appear in Studio.


Requirements

  • iPhone 11 or later is required for desk view (excluding iPhone SE).

  • Keep the Desk View window open on your Mac while you screen share.

  • To use your iPhone as a webcam:

    • macOS 13 or later and iOS 16 or later are required.

    • Both devices must be signed in with the same Apple ID and using 2FA.

    • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be on for both devices.

    • Your iPhone must be near your Mac, locked, stable, with the back camera facing you. Alternatively, plug your iPhone into your Mac with a USB cable.

  • Your iPhone will use your back (rear) camera.


FAQ

What is "continuity camera"?

Apple's "continuity camera" feature allows you to use your iPhone as your Mac's webcam or microphone. To use it, you can connect your phone to your Mac wirelessly or with a USB cable.

Why don't I see an option to use my iPhone as my camera?

If your iPhone doesn't show up as a camera option:

  • Confirm your iPhone and Mac meet the requirements we mentioned above.

  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff and make sure "Continuity Camera" is turned on.

  • Update to the latest macOS and iOS.

  • Try unlocking and locking your iPhone.

  • Plug your iPhone into your Mac.

  • Restart your iPhone or Mac.

  • For a wireless connection, your Mac must not be using AirPlay or Sidecar.

  • For a USB connection, your iPhone must be set to trust your Mac.

  • Your iPhone must not be sharing its mobile data connection, and your Mac must not be sharing its internet connection.

Should I use my iPhone wirelessly or with a USB cable?

Both setups are supported. For streaming, we recommend connecting your iPhone to your Mac with a USB cable to make sure you don't run out of battery.

What is this setup helpful for?

Desk view is perfect for hands-on live demos; it helps show your viewers an extra angle without setting up multiple cameras. Most creators use this feature to live stream content like arts and crafts, show their setup, or a product on their desk.

💡 Need to show your content from one more angle? Try adding an extra camera.

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