You can send a phone’s camera to a computer over your local network by running a sender app on the phone and a compatible receiver on the computer. For OBS Studio, the documented iPhone and iPad route is NDI: install OBS Studio, the DistroAV plugin and its required NDI Runtime, enable NDI output in Camera for OBS Studio, then add the phone as an NDI Source. Android users can use Streamlabs Mobile’s LAN streaming with Streamlabs Desktop, or check whether NDI Camera and their chosen receiver support their device and setup.
Choose a sender and receiver that speak the same format
A phone does not automatically appear as a network camera. It needs an app or feature that publishes its camera feed, and the computer application must support that feed type. Decide which receiver you will use first, then follow a workflow made for that specific combination.
- iPhone or iPad to OBS: Camera for OBS Studio can send video and audio over NDI; OBS receives it through the third-party DistroAV plugin.
- Android to Streamlabs Desktop: Streamlabs documents a LAN workflow in which the phone provides a URL that you add as a media source on the computer.
- NDI Camera: NDI lists its Camera app for Android and iOS. Confirm current platform, app-version and receiver requirements before relying on it.
These routes are product-specific. Do not assume that an NDI sender will work in an application expecting a URL, or that any receiver supports every phone or operating-system version. OBS’s Smartphone Camera Guide also outlines smartphone-camera options for OBS.
Set up an iPhone or iPad as an NDI source in OBS
Install the computer components
- Install OBS Studio on the receiving computer.
- Install DistroAV, the third-party OBS plugin that provides NDI source support.
- Install the NDI Runtime required by your DistroAV release. The Camera for OBS Studio setup page reports that DistroAV 6.2.1 requires OBS Studio 31.1.1 or newer and NDI Runtime 6.3 or newer. These are version-specific requirements and may change; check the current release documentation before installing.
Camera for OBS Studio says its app sends using NDI 5 and that current DistroAV releases work with the NDI 6.3 receiver through documented backward compatibility. Check the current Camera for OBS Studio NDI setup guide for the latest component requirements and compatibility notes.
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- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
Enable NDI output on the phone
- Connect the phone and computer to the same local network. A shared Wi-Fi name is not enough if the router or access point isolates clients or puts them on separate networks.
- Open Camera for OBS Studio on the iPhone or iPad and grant Local Network permission if iOS asks for it.
- In the app, open Settings, choose Output, and select NDI. Some app versions may label the option NewTek NDI.
- Confirm the app indicates that it is broadcasting, and leave it open while using the feed.
Add the phone in OBS
- In OBS, select the scene that should contain the camera.
- In the Sources panel, choose + and add an NDI Source.
- Open the source properties and select the phone from the available source list. If it does not appear immediately, wait briefly and reopen the properties.
- Frame and size the source in the OBS preview as you would another video source.
For receiver-specific controls such as a low-bandwidth option, use the options available in your installed DistroAV version. Choosing lower bandwidth may reduce image quality.
Use Android with Streamlabs Desktop over LAN
- Install Streamlabs Mobile on the Android phone and Streamlabs Desktop on the receiving computer.
- Connect both devices to the same Ethernet or Wi-Fi network.
- In Streamlabs Mobile, enable LAN Streaming and note the URL supplied by the phone.
- In Streamlabs Desktop, add a media source and enter the phone-provided URL as described in the Streamlabs Mobile LAN Streaming Source Guide.
This is a Streamlabs-to-Streamlabs workflow, not a general IP-camera URL that every application can use. The guide documents this Android route; check its current instructions and app compatibility before setup.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Check network discovery, image quality and stability
Keep devices reachable on the local network
The documented OBS NDI workflow uses mDNS for discovery. Both devices need to be reachable on the same local network, and the network must allow discovery traffic. Guest Wi-Fi and access-point client isolation can prevent the computer from seeing the phone even when both have internet access. Separate subnets or blocked mDNS can also stop discovery.
Adjust quality when video stutters
- Lower the phone’s output resolution or frame rate if the app provides those controls.
- Move the phone closer to the Wi-Fi access point to improve the wireless link.
- Try Ethernet where the phone, adapter and network support it. A phone-compatible Ethernet adapter is optional, not universally required; check your phone’s connector and adapter compatibility before buying.
- If the receiver offers a low-bandwidth mode, try it when reduced image quality is acceptable.
NDI recommends Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 equipment for higher-bitrate, higher-resolution NDI over Wi-Fi. That is a recommendation, not a guarantee: actual stability depends on the phone, receiver, access point, interference and network configuration. The available sources do not establish a controlled latency or image-quality winner between NDI and the Streamlabs URL workflow.
Rank #3
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
Troubleshoot a phone OBS cannot see
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| The phone is missing from the NDI Source list | The sender is not broadcasting, discovery has not refreshed, or the devices cannot discover each other. | Keep Camera for OBS Studio open and confirm it says it is broadcasting. Wait briefly and reopen the source properties. Confirm both devices are on the same local network and not isolated by guest Wi-Fi or access-point settings. |
| The phone and computer are on Wi-Fi but still do not discover each other | Client isolation, separate subnets or blocked mDNS may prevent discovery. | Try a non-guest network without client isolation. If the network separates devices into subnets or blocks mDNS, consult the NDI setup and discovery troubleshooting guidance or ask the network administrator. |
| Discovery fails on iPhone or iPad | iOS Local Network permission may be disabled. | Check the phone’s privacy settings for Local Network access and allow the sender app to use it. |
| Discovery fails on Windows | The firewall or network profile may block the receiver components. | Use a Private network profile where appropriate and allow OBS and DistroAV through the Windows firewall on that profile. |
| The phone stopped appearing after installing or updating components | The receiver components may not have loaded cleanly. | Restart the computer after installing or updating OBS, DistroAV or the NDI Runtime, then reopen OBS and check the source list again. |
| Video drops, freezes or stutters | The wireless link may not sustain the selected output. | Lower resolution or frame rate, move closer to the access point, try Ethernet if compatible, or use the receiver’s low-bandwidth option if available. |
| The sender works in one app but not another | The sender and receiver may use different feed types. | Confirm that the receiving application supports the phone app’s specific format, such as NDI or the URL-based Streamlabs LAN source. |
Or let it run in the cloud
A phone-to-LAN camera setup sends a live camera feed to a local production or viewing application. If your separate goal is to keep prerecorded video looping on a YouTube channel, StreamNeo is a different tool: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It streams uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not broadcast a live phone camera.
StreamNeo runs in the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price regardless of quality, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, then start the free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
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- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
Rank #4
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
