How to Connect iOS Devices as Cameras With the Switcher App

Before you begin a livestream or recording using multiple cameras, all iOS devices must be connected using the Switcher Studio app on a wireless network. Up to nine devices can be connected for a Switcher Studio production. This article walks through the steps and requirements to designate an iOS device as your main switcher and connect remote cameras.

In this article:

Camera Setup Requirements

There are a couple of requirements to connect cameras for a new production. Make sure each of the following have been completed:

  • All devices are connected to the same wireless network.

  • The Switcher Studio app is installed on all devices that will be used.

Designating a Device as the Main Switcher

For each production, you will need to designate one device as the main switching device. The main switcher will control the entire video production and will automatically save your last used camera settings in the camera control tab.

To designate your main switching device:

  • Open the Switcher Studio app on the device that you will use as the main switcher.

  • Log in if prompted.

  • Tap the Plus (+) icon. (iPhone only)

  • Tap New Livestream.

  • Tap Horizontal or Vertical.

  • Tap Enter Studio.

Designating Devices as a Remote Camera or Screen

  • Open the Switcher Studio app on each device that will be used as a camera only.

    • Do not log into the app, simply open it.

  • Tap Share Camera or Screen.

  • Tap Share Camera to use the camera as an input in your video production or Share Screen to screenshare from the device to the switcher.

  • You will now be able to see a preview of the camera on your device so that you can position the angle.

Note: If Share This Device is dimmed and you cannot tap the button, it means your device is not connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the main switcher. Once you connect to the correct Wi-Fi network, you will be able to tap the button.

Enabling Remote Cameras & Screens on the Main Switcher

In order to use the additional cameras or screens during your production, you’ll need to enable the remote cameras as inputs within the main switcher device. Enabling them as inputs will allow you to select from the camera views during your production.

  • From the main switcher, tap the Inputs tab (camera icon).

    • The devices you’ve designated as remote cameras will be listed under Sources on your Wi-Fi network.

  • Tap a device name to enable it as a camera angle / screen in your production.

    • Once enabled, a blue check mark will appear next to the device name and the device will also appear as a source in the Sources panel.

    • When you enable a remote camera in the switcher, you will receive a message on the remote camera device notifying you that another device is taking control of the camera.

  • Tap Allow on the remote camera. If you enable the Allow Automatically option, you will not have to manually tap Allow to connect the camera in the future.

Connecting iOS Devices by URL

If you are on a network with a lot of devices connected to it, it may be easier to connect your remote cameras by manually entering the device URL. This option also works if your devices do not automatically appear in the Inputs tab of the switcher device as described in the instructions above.

To generate a URL on your remote device:

  • Open the Switcher Studio app on the remote iOS device.

  • Tap Share this Camera or Share this Screen.

    • You will see the message "Waiting to Connect to the Switcher."

    • This screen will also include the unique URL you will use to connect the remote device to the main switcher.

To connect the remote device to the main switcher:

  • Tap the Inputs tab (video camera icon) on the main switcher.

  • Tap Add Source.

  • Tap Connect by URL.

  • Type in the unique URL from your remote device.

  • Tap Connect in the top right.

    • The device will now appear under the Sources on Your Wi-Fi Network section, with a blue check mark indicating it has been enabled as in input.

Troubleshooting Cameras

If you have followed the instructions above and your cameras are not connecting correctly, please read the Troubleshooting Cameras article for troubleshooting steps and solutions.

Keyword(s): connect, camera, remote, screen, angle