> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.onform.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.onform.com/sports/hardware/radars-and-other-devices/use-a-usb-camera.md).

# Record with a USB camera on iPad or iPhone

Plug a USB webcam-style camera into your iPad or USB-C iPhone and record with it in Onform, for a better picture or a stronger zoom. Needs a plan that includes it.

Works on: iPhone and iPad. Not available on Android or the web app.

Plug a USB camera into your iPad or iPhone and record with it inside the Onform camera. It's a good way to get a sharper picture, or a stronger zoom than the built-in camera gives you. Your clip lands in your Library like any other recording.

## Before you start

* **A device with a USB-C port**, running iOS or iPadOS 18 or later. iPads and iPhones with a Lightning port can't do this.
* **A USB camera that works like a webcam.** Onform uses cameras that follow the common USB video standard (often called UVC). Most plug-and-play webcams and many action and zoom cameras do. If your camera only works with its own app or driver, it won't show up.
* **A plan that includes it.** On other plans you can see the camera's picture, but tapping record shows an upgrade message titled **Use an External Camera**. See [onform.com/pricing](https://onform.com/pricing/).
* A cable or adapter that fits your device. If your camera has a power switch or needs its own power, turn it on first.

## Record with the USB camera

1. Plug the camera into your iPad or iPhone.
2. Open the Onform camera. If it was already open, you'll see a message that the camera is ready to use.
3. Tap the switch-camera button. Each tap moves to the next camera: front, back, then your USB camera. On an iPad the button shows the camera's name.
4. Check the picture, then tap the record button to start and again to stop.

Onform remembers your choice. Next time you open the camera it starts on the USB camera if it's still plugged in, at 720p and 30 fps. If the camera isn't plugged in, Onform goes back to the built-in camera.

## Resolution and frame rate

Tap the button at the top of the camera that shows what you're recording at, for example **1080p, 30 fps**, to change it. With a USB camera you can choose 360p, 720p or 1080p, and the frame rates your camera supports. Your camera sets the limits, so a webcam that tops out at 30 fps won't offer slow-motion rates.

USB video is landscape and isn't mirrored, so the picture on screen is how your clip will look.

## If something goes wrong

| What you see                                                             | What to do                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| The USB camera never appears when you tap the switch-camera button       | Unplug it, plug it back in and wait a few seconds. Check your device runs iOS or iPadOS 18 or later and has a USB-C port. Try another cable or adapter, and make sure the camera is switched on. Test it with a different webcam if you can: not every camera follows the USB video standard. |
| A black picture                                                          | Close and reopen the Onform camera, then tap the switch-camera button again. If it's still black, unplug the camera and plug it back in.                                                                                                                                                      |
| An upgrade message titled **Use an External Camera** when you tap record | The USB camera isn't included in your plan. See [onform.com/pricing](https://onform.com/pricing/), or switch back to the front or back camera.                                                                                                                                                |
| The camera is unplugged while you're recording                           | Onform saves what it recorded up to that point and shows a message that your interrupted recording was saved. Plug the camera back in to carry on.                                                                                                                                            |
| You open the camera and it's back on the built-in camera                 | The USB camera wasn't plugged in, or wasn't ready yet. Plug it in, then tap the switch-camera button.                                                                                                                                                                                         |

Still stuck? Write to <support@onform.com> with the make and model of your camera and the device you're using.

## Related

* [Hardware and integrations](/sports/hardware/readme.md)
* [Record video in Onform](https://github.com/Onform-Inc/onform-docs/tree/main/get-started/how-onform-works/recording-modes.md)
* [Use a Pocket Radar or Stalker radar with Onform](/sports/hardware/radars-and-other-devices/how-to-setup-pocket-radar-with-onform.md)
* [What works on which app](https://github.com/Onform-Inc/onform-docs/tree/main/get-started/how-onform-works/what-works-on-which-app.md)


---

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