Mobile LAN Stream Source in Streamlabs Desktop: Setup Guide

Updated 14 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide walks you through adding a mobile phone as a LAN stream source in Streamlabs Desktop, letting you use your phone’s camera as a live webcam for your streams without any cables or additional software. You’ll need Streamlabs Desktop installed, your phone and PC on the same Wi-Fi network, and a camera app that supports RTSP streaming (like IP Webcam on Android or the built-in options on some iPhones).

What You’ll Need

Streamlabs Desktop (latest version) installed on your PC
A smartphone (Android or iOS) with a camera app that can broadcast over RTSP (e.g., IP Webcam for Android, or the built-in RTSP feature in some camera apps for iPhone)
Both devices connected to the same local Wi-Fi network
Your phone’s IP address (found in Wi-Fi settings)
The RTSP URL from your camera app (usually something like rtsp://192.168.1.10:8080/h264_ulaw.sdp)

Step-by-Step

Set up your phone as an RTSP camera. Install a camera app that supports RTSP streaming. For Android, IP Webcam is a popular choice. Open the app and start the server—it will display an IP address and port (e.g., 192.168.1.10:8080). For iPhone, you may need an app like RTSP Camera or use the built-in feature in some apps. Note the full RTSP URL provided by the app.
Ensure both devices are on the same network. Your PC and phone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi router. If your PC is on Ethernet but the phone is on Wi-Fi, they can still work if the router allows local traffic between them (usually it does).
Open Streamlabs Desktop. Launch the application and go to your scene collection where you want to add the phone feed.
Add a new source. Click the + icon in the Sources box, then select Media Source (or Video Capture Device if your app provides a virtual webcam, but for LAN streaming we’ll use Media Source).
Name your source (e.g., “Phone Camera”) and click Add Source.
Enter the RTSP URL. In the properties window, check Local File is unchecked. In the Input field, paste the RTSP URL from your phone app. For example: rtsp://192.168.1.10:8080/h264_ulaw.sdp. If your app uses a different path, use that.
Set buffering and network settings. Set Buffering Time to something low (e.g., 100 ms) to reduce latency. You may also want to set Network Caching to a small value if the option exists. Leave other settings as default.
Click OK. The phone feed should appear in your scene. If it doesn’t, check the URL and network connection.
Position and scale the source. Drag the source in the preview to fit your layout. You can crop, rotate, or add filters as needed.
Test your stream. Do a test recording or go live to a private stream to ensure the feed is stable and not laggy.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong URL. Many apps give a web interface URL (like http://192.168.1.10:8080) but you need the RTSP URL, which usually starts with rtsp:// and includes a path like /h264_ulaw.sdp.
Not being on the same network. If your phone is on mobile data or a different VLAN, the connection will fail. Use the same Wi-Fi SSID.
Firewall blocking the port. Windows Firewall or your router may block the RTSP port (often 8080 or 554). Temporarily allow the app or port in Windows Firewall.
Forgetting to start the server on the phone. The camera app must be actively streaming—just opening the app isn’t enough. Look for a “Start server” or “Broadcast” button.
Using a high resolution that causes lag. Set the phone app to a lower resolution (e.g., 720p) and lower frame rate (e.g., 15 fps) to reduce network load.

Tips

Use a wired connection for your PC. If your PC is on Ethernet, it reduces Wi-Fi congestion and improves stability.
Set a static IP for your phone. This prevents the IP from changing and breaking your source next time.
Keep the phone plugged in. Streaming drains the battery fast; use a charger.
Use a tripod or mount. A stable phone gives a better picture.
Test latency. If the feed is delayed, lower the buffering time and reduce the bitrate in the phone app.

Troubleshooting

No video appears. Check that the RTSP URL is correct and the phone is streaming. Try opening the URL in VLC on your PC to see if it works independently. If VLC can’t open it, the URL or network is the issue.

Video is choppy or laggy. Reduce the resolution and frame rate in the phone app. Also, close other bandwidth-heavy apps on your network. If possible, move the phone closer to the router.

Audio is missing or out of sync. The RTSP stream may include audio, but Streamlabs might not capture it properly. You can add a separate audio source (e.g., a microphone) and mute the media source’s audio. To sync, adjust the audio offset in Advanced Audio Properties.

Connection drops after a few minutes. This is often due to Wi-Fi interference or the phone’s screen locking. Disable the screen timeout on the phone and keep the app in the foreground. Also, check if the router has a client isolation feature that blocks device-to-device traffic—disable it if so.

Streamlabs crashes when adding the source. Try updating Streamlabs and your graphics drivers. If the issue persists, use a lower resolution in the phone app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an iPhone as a LAN stream source?

Yes, but you need an app that supports RTSP server mode. Some apps like “RTSP Camera” or “iVCam” (which uses a different protocol) can work. For iVCam, you’d use a virtual webcam driver instead of RTSP, which is a different setup.

What is the best app for Android to use?

IP Webcam is the most popular and reliable. It’s free, supports RTSP, and gives you control over resolution, bitrate, and audio.

Do I need to open ports on my router?

No, because both devices are on the same local network. The traffic stays inside your LAN, so no port forwarding is needed.

Can I use this method to stream to Twitch or YouTube?

Yes, once the phone feed is a source in Streamlabs, it will be included in your stream to any platform you broadcast to.

Why is there a delay between my phone camera and the stream?

RTSP has inherent latency. You can minimize it by lowering buffering time in Streamlabs and using a low-latency setting in the phone app. Expect at least 1-2 seconds of delay.

Is there a way to use my phone as a wireless webcam without RTSP?

Yes, apps like DroidCam or iVCam create a virtual webcam on your PC, which you can add as a Video Capture Device in Streamlabs. That method is often easier but requires a driver installation.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.