Although Macs are speedy and powerful computers, their cameras fall short of those of iPhones in quality. The good news is that you can use your iPhone and Mac together thanks to Continuity Camera, which enables you to use your iPhone’s excellent camera as your Mac’s webcam and add-on features like Portrait Mode and Studio Light.
Most of the time, iPhone Continuity Camera works flawlessly on Macs, but if it doesn’t for you, use the troubleshooting advice below to fix it.
Verify that your device is compatible with Continuity Camera
Make sure your iPhone and Mac fulfill the system requirements first. The following are required:
In general, the feature is supported by all iPhone models released in 2018 or later (i.e., iPhone XR or later) running iOS 16 or later.
Some characteristics are specific to certain models only:
- iPhone 11 or later for Center Stage
- iPhone 11 or later for Desk View (except iPhone SE)
- iPhone 12 or later for Studio Light
Any Mac running macOS Vista or a later version is now compatible with using Continuity Camera.
Also, you need to be logged in with the same Apple ID on both devices. Here are several patches that can help if your devices are compatible but you still can’t use the feature.
Upgrade your program
You must make sure your devices work with the supported operating systems, as was already specified.
- iPhones – iOS 16 or later
- Macs – macOS Ventura or later
Log out and back in using your Apple ID.
Even though both devices are signed in with the same Apple ID, you can still experience Apple ID problems. Try logging out and then back in on your devices to be certain.
- Using a Mac: Select System Settings from the Apple menu. Choose a name. Choose Sign Out at the bottom of the window. To finish the procedure, adhere to the on-screen instructions.
- Using an iPhone Go to Settings and then Apple ID. At the bottom of the page, pick Sign Out. To finish the procedure, adhere to the on-screen instructions.
Sign in to your devices after a while.
Switch on your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Make sure both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on in your iPhone and Mac as the feature relies on them to link the two devices.
Switch on your iPhone’s Continuity Camera.
By default, the Continuity Camera is activated. But, you’ll need to switch it back on just in case you unintentionally turned it off.
- Go to Settings → General.
- Tap AirPlay & Handoff.
- Toggle Continuity Camera on.
Break off and try again
You can try disconnecting and reconnecting if you were able to connect at first but were unable to do so afterward. Simply hit the Disconnect button on your iPhone to disconnect and then reconnect.
Disable Sleep Mode
The connection may be disrupted if an iPhone is in Sleep Mode, also known as the Sleep focus, according to some users. Make sure Focus Mode is off on your iPhone.
Mount your iPhone properly
To guarantee that the feature works flawlessly with your Mac, Apple advises correctly mounting your iPhone. Verify that it is:
- Near Your Mac Locked
- placed in a stable position
- positioned so that the back camera faces you
- Make sure the apps you’ll be using will utilize your iPhone camera automatically in landscape orientation.
- If you intend to use Portrait mode in portrait orientation
Disconnect from your hotspot
If you’re currently sharing your network or internet connection with other devices, you can’t use Continuity Camera. Before attempting to use Continuity Camera, make sure your hotspot is turned off on both devices.
Switch off your iPhone.
Disable the Firewall on your Computer.
Your Mac may be unable to communicate with your iPhone if your macOS Ventura firewall is activated in order to safeguard your Mac. Before attempting Continuity Camera once more, consider turning it off. How to do it:
- On your Mac, click the Apple logo, then select System Settings.
- Select Network on the sidebar.
- Click Firewall → Toggle off Firewall.
Correct Chrome’s Continuity issue
When using Continuity Camera on your browser, for example to conduct a live recording, problems can also arise.
After updating to macOS Ventura, several users claim to have trouble using the function. What you can do if you’re having the same issue is as follows:
- While the app is active, click Chrome on the menu bar → Choose Settings.
- Select Privacy & security → Site settings.
- Choose Camera. You can choose from a variety of cameras, including the FaceTime HD Camera on your Mac. If your iPhone does not appear in the list, try opening FaceTime or another app that supports Continuity Camera. Choose your iPhone camera by clicking Video in the navigation bar after you launch FaceTime.
- Restart Google Chrome. Head back to Settings → Privacy & security → Site settings → Camera.
- You should see your iPhone camera under the list. Select it.
Use the Continuity Camera once more.
Reset Network Configuration
Your Wi-Fi, cellular, and VPN networks’ passwords and APN settings are all reset when you reset network settings. How to do it:
- Head to Settings → General.
- Scroll all the way down. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset → Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode.
More fixes
- If none of the techniques mentioned above were successful, you may also try connecting your iPhone to your Mac using a Lightning-to-USB cable. If the prompt displays, make sure to configure your iPhone to trust your Mac.
- Unlocking and locking the phone is an additional trick. If your iPhone hasn’t been unlocked since you last rebooted it, unlock it then lock it once more.
- When all else fails, it is recommended to get in touch with Apple Support to find the problem and have it fixed.
The conclusion
Continuity Camera is a fantastic utility for using the camera of your iPhone as a high-resolution video on your Mac. I sincerely hope that this manual has enabled you to resolve the problem and resume your work flow. Comment below and let us know which solution worked for you.