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Phone camera (WebRTC)

A Phone Camera element streams a smartphone's camera into SwitchX over Wi‑Fi using WebRTC — no app store download or cable required for the basic browser path. It's a quick way to add a roaming camera: a crowd cam, a touchline view, a backstage feed.

Add it: Add Element → Phone Camera (WebRTC)….

Phone camera is an optional feature. If your build doesn't include it, the menu item is greyed out.

How pairing works​

  1. Choose how the phone will reach your PC:
    • Local network (LAN) — phone and PC on the same Wi‑Fi (the usual choice).
    • Public relay server — for connecting over the internet via a relay you run (advanced).
  2. SwitchX shows a QR code and a "Waiting for phone…" status.
  3. On the phone, scan the QR code:
    • Your phone's camera app opens a browser streamer page, or
    • The SwitchX companion app pairs natively.
  4. Once the phone connects, the status changes to Connected and the live feed appears as a card.

On the LAN path your phone may warn about a self‑signed certificate — accept it so the camera can start. If a firewall prompt appears on the PC, allow it so the phone can reach SwitchX.

What it can do​

  • Stream a phone camera live to either deck.
  • Transform and position on a canvas like any source.
  • Reconnect later — the element remembers its pairing, so you can bring the phone back without setting up again.

Tips​

  • Keep the phone on the same Wi‑Fi as the PC for the simplest, lowest‑latency connection.
  • Mount or stabilise the phone for steady footage; Wi‑Fi cameras are best for roaming shots rather than locked‑off hero angles.