What you need to know before you start
VTube Studio is a desktop application that lets you control a virtual avatar using your phone as a camera and motion tracker. To connect your phone, you need the VTube Studio app on your phone and the desktop software on your computer, both on the same Wi-Fi network. The phone acts as a webcam and motion sensor — it doesn't run the avatar itself, which stays on your computer.
The connection happens through your local network, not through the internet. This means your phone and computer must be able to see each other on the same Wi-Fi. If you're on a guest network or a network that blocks device-to-device communication, the connection won't work.
Key Takeaways
- Download VTube Studio on both your phone and your computer, then open the desktop version first.
- Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for the phone to connect as a camera.
- In the desktop app, go to Camera and select your phone from the list of available devices.
- Grant camera and motion permissions on your phone when prompted, or the connection will fail.
- If your phone doesn't appear in the list, restart both apps and check that your router allows devices to communicate with each other.
Download and install on both devices
Start by getting VTube Studio on your computer. Go to the official VTube Studio website and download the version for Windows or Mac. Run the installer and follow the prompts. The desktop app is free, though some features require a one-time purchase.
Next, open your phone's app store. On Android, search for "VTube Studio" in Google Play Store. On iPhone, search for it in the App Store. Download and install the mobile app. Both apps must be the same version or very close to it — if you installed the desktop app months ago, update it before connecting your phone.
Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network
Open your phone's Wi-Fi settings and connect to the same network your computer is using. Write down the network name if you're not sure which one your computer is on — on Windows, click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray and look at the connected network. On Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
If your router has a separate 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz network with the same name, try connecting your phone to the same band your computer uses. Some routers list this in the network name itself (like "NetworkName-5G"). If you're unsure, restart your router and let both devices reconnect automatically — they'll usually pick the same band.
Open the desktop app and find your phone
Launch VTube Studio on your computer. You should see the main window with your avatar in the center. Look for a menu option labeled Camera or Webcam — this is usually in the top menu bar or in a settings panel on the left side. Click it.
A list of available cameras will appear. Your phone should show up with its device name — something like "iPhone 14" or "Samsung Galaxy S23". If you don't see it yet, wait 10 seconds and refresh the list, or close and reopen the Camera menu. If it still doesn't appear, move to the troubleshooting section below.
Select your phone and grant permissions
Click on your phone's name in the camera list. The desktop app will send a connection request to your phone. On your phone, you'll see a notification or popup asking whether to allow VTube Studio to use the camera and motion sensors. Tap Allow or Yes on both prompts.
Once you grant permission, your phone's camera feed should appear in the desktop app within a few seconds. You'll see a live preview of what the phone's camera sees. Move your head and watch the avatar on your computer move in response. If the avatar doesn't move, check that motion permissions were granted — go to your phone's Settings, find VTube Studio in the app permissions list, and make sure Motion or Gyroscope is turned on.
Troubleshooting when your phone doesn't appear
If your phone isn't showing up in the camera list, first restart both apps completely. Close VTube Studio on your computer entirely, then close it on your phone. Wait 10 seconds, then open the desktop app first, wait for it to fully load, and then open the phone app. This forces them to discover each other fresh.
If restarting doesn't work, check your Wi-Fi connection. Open a web browser on your phone and visit a website to confirm you have internet. Then check your computer's Wi-Fi — make sure it's connected to the same network name as your phone. If your router has a guest network, both devices must be on the main network, not the guest network, for local device communication to work.
If both devices are on the same network and you've restarted both apps, the issue is likely your router's firewall. Some routers block devices from finding each other on the local network for security reasons. Log into your router's settings (usually by typing your router's IP address into a browser — check your router's label for this address) and look for an option called "AP Isolation", "Device Isolation", or "Client Isolation". Turn this off if it's on. Then restart both apps again.
Using your phone as a camera during streaming
Once your phone is connected, the desktop app will use it as your primary camera source. When you stream or record with VTube Studio, your phone's camera feed drives the avatar's movements. You can position your phone on a stand or tripod in front of you, or hold it in your hand — the avatar will track your movements either way.
The phone stays connected as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi and the apps are running. If you move your phone to a different Wi-Fi network, the connection will drop and you'll need to reconnect. If you close the phone app, the desktop app will lose the camera feed — you'll see a black screen or an error message. Simply reopen the phone app to reconnect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for VTube Studio to connect my phone?
The basic version is free and includes phone camera connection. Some advanced features like custom avatars and background removal require a one-time purchase, but connecting your phone works without paying anything.
Can I use my phone's front camera instead of the back camera?
Yes. On your phone, open the VTube Studio app and look for a camera icon or settings option. Tap it to switch between front and back cameras. The front camera is usually better for streaming because it faces you.
What if my phone keeps disconnecting from the desktop app?
This usually means your Wi-Fi connection is unstable or your router is dropping the connection. Move your phone closer to the router, or restart your router entirely. If disconnections keep happening, try connecting both devices to a different Wi-Fi network to see if the problem is your router.
Can I connect more than one phone to the desktop app at the same time?
No. VTube Studio only uses one camera source at a time. You can switch between phones by selecting a different device in the Camera menu, but only one phone will be active.
Does my phone need to be plugged in while connected?
It doesn't have to be, but it's a good idea. Using the camera and motion sensors drains the battery faster than normal use. If you're streaming or recording for more than an hour, plug your phone in to avoid it shutting down mid-session.