cameras connected to this pc

Connect the Pixel to the Windows 11 PC with a USB data cable, select Webcam in the phone’s USB options, and then choose the Pixel as the camera in your video-calling app.^1^

Recommended: connect by USB

1. Connect the Pixel to the PC using a USB cable that supports data, not a charge-only cable.
2. Unlock the Pixel and swipe down from the top of its screen.
3. Tap the notification for the USB connection.
4. Under the USB connection options, select Webcam.
5. Open the video-call application on the PC.
6. Open that application’s Camera or Video settings and select the Pixel webcam as the camera source.

The phone continues charging while operating as a USB webcam. If another phone app takes control of the camera, the webcam feed can be blocked until camera access becomes available again.^1^

If Webcam does not appear in the Pixel’s USB options, check that the cable can transfer files and that the phone supports Google’s webcam feature.

Wireless alternative through Windows 11

Windows 11 can also use a linked Android phone as a wireless camera. This method requires Android 10 or later and Link to Windows version 1.24022.0 or later.^2^

1. Connect the PC and Pixel to Wi-Fi and keep both devices nearby and turned on.
2. On the PC, open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Mobile devices.
3. Turn on Allow this PC to access content and capabilities from your mobile devices.
4. Select Add device.
5. Scan the displayed QR code with the Pixel and approve the requested permissions.^3^
6. Back under Mobile devices, select the Pixel and enable Use as connected camera.
7. Open the video-call application and select the Pixel from its camera list.

If the preview is black and no permission request appears, look on the Windows taskbar for a new window with a camera icon and follow its prompts. Alternatively, on the Pixel open Settings → Apps → Link to Windows → Permissions and allow camera access, then refresh the camera window.^2^

For Outlook-related calls, camera selection is normally handled by the application providing the meeting—such as Microsoft Teams—not by Outlook itself.

References

1. Use your Pixel phone as a webcam - Pixel Camera Help - Google Help
2. Use your mobile device's camera | Microsoft Support
3. Manage Mobile devices in Windows | Microsoft Support