Help

Most problems come down to the network. Start at the top.

My computer can’t find my phone

  • Same network. Phone and computer must be on the same Wi-Fi. Guest networks, hotel and office Wi-Fi often block devices from seeing each other.
  • Local network permission. On your iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network → turn on Pocket Webcam.
  • Keep the app open. Phones pause the camera and network when the app is in the background or the phone is locked.
  • Firewall. Your computer must allow mDNS (UDP port 5353) for discovery, and outgoing connections to the phone on TCP port 7310.
  • Connect manually. In the phone app, look for the phone’s address, for example 192.168.1.42:7310 (in Settings on iPhone, on the main screen on Android). On Linux, run: 
    pocketwebcam --host 192.168.1.42

“Pocket Webcam” doesn’t show up as a camera

Linux

  • The virtual camera needs the v4l2loopback kernel module. Check that /dev/video10 exists.
  • Chrome and other browsers only list it with the exclusive_caps=1 option, which the setup script enables.
  • Start the desktop app before opening your video app, or restart the video app afterwards.

My phone’s microphone doesn’t show up

  • Linux: pick Pocket Webcam Microphone as the microphone in your video app.
  • Windows: not available yet. Windows needs a signed driver for a new microphone, and signing costs money every year. It’s the next thing donations pay for: support Pocket Webcam. Until then, use your computer’s own microphone.

The video is choppy or delayed

  • Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi if your router has it, and keep the phone close to the router.
  • Lower the quality or resolution in the app. 1080p at 30 fps is plenty for video calls.
  • Try the HEVC codec in the app’s settings: same quality with less data.
  • Other heavy traffic on the network (downloads, streaming) competes with your video.

My phone gets hot

  • 4K and high frame rates take a lot of power. For calls, 1080p at 30 fps is the sweet spot.
  • Use the app’s dim-screen option while streaming.
  • Take the phone out of its case, and keep it out of direct sunlight.
  • The iPhone app warns you when the phone is getting too hot.

Still stuck?

Email support@pocketwebcam.com with your phone model, your computer’s operating system, and what you see. We read everything.