Hey everyone! Is there a way that I can use my iPad's front camera for FaceTime when it's connected to my Mac via Sidecar? I tried and it didn't seem like there was, but I wanted to ask on here to make sure. It seems like it would be a great solution for Mac Mini/Studio/Pro users. Thanks in advance!
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FaceTime on the Mac Mini
- Thread starter Zelda Chestnut
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Are you sure about that? My understanding is that Continuity Camera only works as a webcam on the iPhone, not the iPad. No mention of iPads in the supported devices here.
Continuity Camera: Use iPhone as a webcam for Mac - Apple Support
Use the powerful camera system of your iPhone to do things never before possible with a webcam, including Center Stage, Portrait mode, Studio Light, and Desk View.
support.apple.com
[edit]OK, looking again, now I'm not so sure because that article discusses "webcams" and not Facetime specifically...
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I don't use an iPad for Continuity Camera, I use my iPhone. Even if Continuity Camera worked with iPad, it wouldn't be a viable solution for the OP because the feature leverages the better cameras on the back of the device.
Universal Control mode lets you operate both the mini and iPad as separate machines using the keyboard and mouse/trackpad that is paired with your mini. The downside is that it doesn't work like an extended desktop. UC requires a different mentality to sharing multiple screens, but works well if you adapt. For the OP, it may be a reasonable option if they want to use the iPad for FaceTime alongside the mini because the two machines are only sharing input devices and not in some screen mirroring mode. You can start a FaceTime call on the iPad in UC mode just as you can when using the iPad alone.
Universal Control mode lets you operate both the mini and iPad as separate machines using the keyboard and mouse/trackpad that is paired with your mini. The downside is that it doesn't work like an extended desktop. UC requires a different mentality to sharing multiple screens, but works well if you adapt. For the OP, it may be a reasonable option if they want to use the iPad for FaceTime alongside the mini because the two machines are only sharing input devices and not in some screen mirroring mode. You can start a FaceTime call on the iPad in UC mode just as you can when using the iPad alone.
Hey both. I tried out Universal Control, and it was my first time, so that was REALLY cool. I see what meson is saying that it's my keyboard and trackpad simply able to control the iPad as well as my Mac Mini. I guess that works for my purposes. For some reason, I can't seem to find how to connect my iPhone for the camera in my Mac Mini. It looks like it should be under video? I don't see it though.
The first time you connect, it may help to connect to the mini with a usb to lightning cable. Make sure both devices are using the same AppleID. Open FaceTime on the mini. In the Video menu, you will have the option to use your phone’s camera. It should turn on your phone’s rear camera (you may need to unlock the phone).
Once you have it connected, it works really well. You can even use the phone camera for MSTeams, Zoom, etc., but you have to open FaceTime first to connect the phone. Once it’s connected, you will have some options show up in the control panel to turn on portrait mode or studio lighting to clean up the look of your video feed a bit. After you see those options the FaceTime app can be closed if you are using other video software.
Once you have it connected, it works really well. You can even use the phone camera for MSTeams, Zoom, etc., but you have to open FaceTime first to connect the phone. Once it’s connected, you will have some options show up in the control panel to turn on portrait mode or studio lighting to clean up the look of your video feed a bit. After you see those options the FaceTime app can be closed if you are using other video software.