The Ultimate Guide: Connecting Your iPad to OBS on Windows
Have you ever wanted to use your iPad's stunning display or powerful camera for your streams, recordings, or online meetings using OBS Studio on your Windows PC? Perhaps you're an artist who wants to stream your Procreate sessions, a gamer looking to showcase mobile gameplay, or an educator wanting to use your iPad as a digital whiteboard. Whatever your reason, connecting your iPad to OBS opens up a world of creative possibilities!
This guide will walk you through multiple methods to achieve this, from simple wired connections to more advanced wireless setups. Let's get started on transforming your iPad into a dynamic input for your OBS productions!
Step 1: Choose Your Connection Method – Wired or Wireless?
Before we dive into the technicalities, let's consider how you want to connect your iPad. Each method has its pros and cons, especially regarding latency (delay) and image quality.
- Wired connections generally offer the lowest latency and highest reliability, making them ideal for fast-paced content like gaming or live presentations where every millisecond counts.
- Wireless connections provide more flexibility and less cable clutter, but can introduce noticeable lag and may be susceptible to network interference.
Think about what you'll be using your iPad for in OBS. Does low latency matter most, or is wireless freedom your priority? This choice will guide which of the following steps you pursue.
Step 2: Wired Connections - The Most Reliable Options
Wired connections are often the go-to for professional setups due to their stability and minimal lag. Here are the primary ways to connect your iPad via a cable.
Sub-heading 2.1: Method 1: Using a Lightning/USB-C to HDMI Adapter and a Capture Card
This is arguably the most robust and lowest-latency method for getting your iPad's screen into OBS. It treats your iPad like any other external display.
What You'll Need:
- iPad: With a Lightning port (older models) or USB-C port (newer models).
- Lightning Digital AV Adapter (for Lightning iPads) or a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (for USB-C iPads). These are official Apple adapters that convert your iPad's display output to HDMI.
- HDMI Cable: To connect the adapter to your capture card.
- HDMI Capture Card: An external device (like Elgato Cam Link, AverMedia Live Gamer Mini, etc.) that plugs into your Windows PC via USB and converts an HDMI signal into a format OBS can recognize.
- OBS Studio: Installed on your Windows PC.
Step-by-Step Guide:
-
Prepare Your Hardware:
- Plug the Apple Digital AV Adapter into your iPad's charging port.
- Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the adapter.
- Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI Input port on your capture card.
- Plug your capture card into a USB 3.0 port on your Windows PC for optimal performance. USB 2.0 might work but can limit resolution or frame rate.
-
Install Capture Card Drivers (if necessary):
- Most capture cards are plug-and-play, but some might require you to install specific drivers from the manufacturer's website. Check your capture card's manual or product page.
-
Launch OBS Studio:
- Open OBS Studio on your Windows PC.
-
Add a Video Capture Device Source:
- In the "Sources" box at the bottom of the OBS interface, click the "+" icon.
- Select "Video Capture Device" from the list.
- Choose "Create new" and give your source a descriptive name, like "iPad Display." Click "OK."
-
Configure the Capture Device:
- In the properties window that appears, look for the "Device" dropdown menu.
- Select your connected capture card from the list (e.g., "Game Capture HD," "USB Video Device," etc.).
- You should now see your iPad's screen displayed in the OBS preview window!
- Adjust resolution, FPS, and buffering settings as needed. For lowest latency, try to match your iPad's resolution and refresh rate if your capture card supports it.
- Crucially, for audio, you'll often find an option like "Use custom audio device" or "Audio Output Mode" within the capture card properties. Select this and choose your capture card's audio input to get audio from your iPad. If this doesn't work, you might need to add a separate "Audio Input Capture" source and select the capture card's audio.
- Click "OK" to add the source to your scene.
-
Adjust and Position:
- Your iPad's screen will appear in your OBS scene. You can drag its corners to resize and reposition it to fit your desired layout.
Sub-heading 2.2: Method 2: Using Specific iOS Camera Apps with USB Connection
Several apps are designed to turn your iPad (or iPhone) into a webcam source for OBS over a USB connection. These often offer low latency and good quality.
Popular Apps Include:
- Camera for OBS Studio: (Paid app) Specifically designed for OBS, offering low-latency USB and NDI connections, manual controls, and microphone support. Requires a plugin for OBS Studio on your Windows PC.
- Camo: (Freemium) A very popular option that provides high-quality video and audio from your iOS device. Connects via USB or Wi-Fi.
- DroidCam: (Freemium) While often associated with Android, DroidCam also has an iOS app and an OBS plugin for direct integration.
What You'll Need:
- iPad:
- USB to Lightning/USB-C Cable: (The cable that came with your iPad is usually best).
- Specific iOS Camera App: (e.g., Camera for OBS Studio, Camo, DroidCam).
- Corresponding OBS Plugin/Client Software: Downloaded and installed on your Windows PC (as instructed by the app developer).
- OBS Studio: Installed on your Windows PC.
Step-by-Step Guide (General for most apps, specific steps may vary slightly):
-
Download and Install:
- Download the chosen camera app on your iPad from the App Store.
- On your Windows PC, download and install the corresponding client software or OBS plugin from the app developer's website. This step is critical! Follow the instructions provided by the app. For example, "Camera for OBS Studio" requires a specific OBS plugin.
-
Connect Your iPad:
- Plug your iPad into your Windows PC using a USB cable.
- On your iPad, you might be prompted to "Trust This Computer." Tap "Trust" and enter your iPad passcode if prompted.
-
Launch the iPad App:
- Open the camera app on your iPad. It should indicate it's ready to connect or waiting for a connection.
-
Launch OBS Studio:
- Open OBS Studio on your Windows PC.
-
Add the App's Source in OBS:
- In the "Sources" box in OBS, click the "+" icon.
- The name of the source will vary depending on the app:
- For "Camera for OBS Studio," you'll usually see an option like "iOS Camera" or "Camera for OBS."
- For Camo, it might appear as a "Video Capture Device" or a specific "Camo" source.
- For DroidCam, you'll likely select "DroidCam OBS."
- Select the appropriate source and choose "Create new" (or "Add Existing" if you've used it before). Name it and click "OK."
-
Configure the Source:
- In the source properties, select your iPad from the "Device" or "Source" dropdown.
- Your iPad's camera feed should now appear in OBS!
- These apps often allow you to control camera settings (zoom, focus, exposure) directly from the PC client or within the OBS source properties.
- Check for audio input: Most of these apps also transmit audio. Ensure the audio is enabled in the app's settings and that OBS is picking it up (check the audio mixer for a corresponding audio track).
-
Adjust and Position:
- Resize and reposition the iPad's video feed within your OBS scene.
Step 3: Wireless Connections - Flexibility and Freedom
Wireless connections offer convenience, allowing you to move your iPad freely. However, they can introduce more latency and depend heavily on your Wi-Fi network's stability.
Sub-heading 3.1: Method 3: Using NDI (Network Device Interface)
NDI is a powerful technology for sending video and audio over a network. It's often used in professional broadcasting and can provide a good balance of quality and lower latency for wireless solutions.
What You'll Need:
- iPad:
- NDI HX Camera App: (e.g., NDI HX Camera by NewTek, or some general camera apps like EpocCam offer NDI output). Download from the App Store.
- OBS NDI Plugin: Download and install the official
obs-ndiplugin for OBS Studio on your Windows PC from its GitHub repository (search for "obs-ndi plugin GitHub"). - NDI Tools (Windows): Specifically, the "NDI Tools" suite from NewTek, which includes NDI Runtime and other useful utilities.
- Strong Wi-Fi Network: Both your iPad and Windows PC must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. A 5GHz network is recommended for better performance.
- OBS Studio: Installed on your Windows PC.
Step-by-Step Guide:
-
Install NDI Software & Plugin:
- On your Windows PC, download and install the NDI Tools suite from NewTek's website.
- Download and install the OBS NDI Plugin for OBS Studio. Follow the installation instructions carefully, as this often involves copying files to specific OBS folders.
-
Install NDI HX Camera App:
- Download and install an NDI HX Camera app on your iPad.
-
Launch NDI HX Camera App:
- Open the NDI HX Camera app on your iPad. It should automatically start broadcasting its camera feed as an NDI source on your network. You might see an IP address or device name displayed.
-
Launch OBS Studio:
- Open OBS Studio on your Windows PC.
-
Add an NDI Source:
- In the "Sources" box in OBS, click the "+" icon.
- Select "NDI Source" (this option appears after you install the NDI plugin).
- Choose "Create new" and name it, then click "OK."
-
Configure the NDI Source:
- In the properties window, use the "Source name" dropdown menu. Your iPad's NDI feed should appear here (e.g., "iPad [Device Name]").
- Select your iPad.
- You can often adjust settings like "Bandwidth" (High, Medium, Low) to balance quality and network load.
- Ensure "Audio" is set to "On" to capture sound from your iPad's microphone.
- Click "OK."
-
Adjust and Position:
- Your iPad's camera feed will now be visible in OBS. Resize and position it as needed.
Sub-heading 3.2: Method 4: Screen Mirroring Apps (AirPlay Receivers for Windows)
This method involves using a third-party application on your Windows PC that acts as an AirPlay receiver, allowing you to mirror your iPad's entire screen to your PC. OBS then captures this mirrored window.
What You'll Need:
- iPad:
- Screen Mirroring Software for Windows: (e.g., LonelyScreen, ApowerMirror, LetsView, Reflector). Many have free trials or freemium versions.
- Strong Wi-Fi Network: Both your iPad and Windows PC must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
- OBS Studio: Installed on your Windows PC.
Step-by-Step Guide:
-
Install Screen Mirroring Software:
- Download and install your chosen screen mirroring software (e.g., LonelyScreen) on your Windows PC.
-
Launch Screen Mirroring Software:
- Open the screen mirroring application on your Windows PC. It will typically display instructions on how to connect from your iPad, often by showing its own "AirPlay name."
-
Start Screen Mirroring on iPad:
- On your iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom for older iPads) to open Control Center.
- Tap the "Screen Mirroring" icon (two overlapping rectangles).
- Select the name of your Windows PC (as shown in the screen mirroring software) from the list.
- Your iPad's screen should now appear on your Windows PC within the mirroring software's window.
-
Launch OBS Studio:
- Open OBS Studio on your Windows PC.
-
Add a Window Capture Source:
- In the "Sources" box in OBS, click the "+" icon.
- Select "Window Capture."
- Choose "Create new" and name it, then click "OK."
-
Configure Window Capture:
- In the properties window, use the "Window" dropdown menu.
- Select the window of your screen mirroring software (e.g., "[LonelyScreen.exe]: LonelyScreen").
- Important: If you want to capture audio from the iPad through this method, you'll generally need to ensure the screen mirroring software is sending its audio to your PC's default audio output, and then capture Desktop Audio in OBS, or use an "Application Audio Capture" source if available.
- Click "OK."
-
Adjust and Position:
- The mirrored iPad screen will appear in your OBS scene. Resize and reposition it as needed. You may need to crop out the mirroring app's interface if you only want the iPad screen itself.
Step 4: Optimizing Your Setup and Troubleshooting
Once you have your iPad connected, a few tips can help you get the best performance.
Sub-heading 4.1: Optimizing for Performance
- Prioritize Wired: For the best quality and lowest latency, a wired connection with a capture card is generally superior.
- USB 3.0 Ports: Always use a USB 3.0 port on your PC for capture cards and USB camera apps, as they provide higher bandwidth.
- Dedicated Wi-Fi (for Wireless): If using wireless, ensure your iPad and PC are on a strong 5GHz Wi-Fi network with minimal interference. Consider a dedicated wireless access point if you experience consistent lag.
- Close Background Apps: On both your iPad and Windows PC, close any unnecessary background applications to free up resources.
- OBS Settings:
- Resolution: Try to match your iPad's resolution in OBS (e.g., 1920x1080 if your iPad outputs that).
- FPS: Set the FPS to 30 or 60, depending on your content and PC's capability. Higher FPS means smoother motion but more processing power.
- Video Capture Device Properties: Within the properties of your video capture device, look for "Buffering" settings. Experiment with "Disable" or "Low Latency" modes if available, but be aware this can sometimes lead to dropped frames on less powerful systems.
Sub-heading 4.2: Common Troubleshooting Tips
-
Black Screen in OBS:
- Check Connections: Ensure all cables are securely plugged in.
- Adapter Issues: If using an HDMI adapter, ensure it's a genuine Apple one or a reputable MFi-certified brand. Cheap adapters can cause issues.
- Capture Card Drivers: Reinstall or update capture card drivers.
- Privacy Settings (Windows): Go to Windows Settings > Privacy & security > Camera/Microphone and ensure OBS is allowed to access them.
- Restart OBS: Sometimes a simple restart of OBS can fix recognition issues.
- Restart iPad/PC: A full reboot of both devices can clear temporary glitches.
- HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection): If you're trying to display DRM-protected content (like streaming video from certain apps), the capture card might block it, resulting in a black screen. Your iPad is unlikely to block this by default for its own screen.
-
No Audio from iPad:
- Check Audio Settings in OBS Source: Within the properties of your "Video Capture Device" or camera app source, ensure audio output is enabled and the correct audio device is selected.
- OBS Audio Mixer: Look for an audio track corresponding to your iPad source in the OBS Audio Mixer. Make sure it's not muted and the volume is up.
- iPad Volume: Ensure your iPad's volume is turned up.
- Screen Mirroring App Audio: If using a screen mirroring app, ensure its settings are configured to transmit audio to your PC.
-
Lag or Stuttering:
- Wired Connection: Re-evaluate if a wired connection is feasible for your needs.
- Wi-Fi Interference: Move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or try connecting your PC to the router with an Ethernet cable. Other devices on your network could be causing congestion.
- Lower Resolution/FPS: In OBS, try lowering the resolution or frame rate of the iPad source to reduce the processing load.
- PC Performance: Ensure your Windows PC has enough processing power (CPU and GPU) and RAM to handle the capture and streaming/recording simultaneously.
- Outdated Drivers: Update your graphics card drivers.
-
iPad Not Recognized by App/Plugin:
- Trust This Computer: Ensure you've tapped "Trust" on your iPad when prompted after connecting it via USB.
- iTunes (Windows): For some apps that connect via USB, having iTunes installed and open on your Windows PC can help establish the connection, even if you don't use iTunes regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to use my iPad as a secondary display for OBS?
You can use a Lightning/USB-C to HDMI adapter with a capture card to bring your iPad's display into OBS. Then, in OBS, add a "Video Capture Device" source and select your capture card.
How to get audio from my iPad into OBS?
When using a capture card or a dedicated iOS camera app, the audio usually comes along with the video. In OBS, check the properties of your "Video Capture Device" or app-specific source for audio settings, and ensure the corresponding audio track in the OBS Audio Mixer is unmuted.
How to reduce latency when connecting my iPad to OBS?
The best way to reduce latency is by using a wired connection with an HDMI capture card. For wireless, ensure both devices are on a strong 5GHz Wi-Fi network and use apps optimized for low latency like those supporting NDI.
How to stream my iPad's screen to Twitch or YouTube using OBS?
Once your iPad's screen is visible as a source in OBS, you can then set up your stream key and platform settings within OBS (under File > Settings > Stream) and start streaming your entire OBS scene, which will include your iPad's display.
How to use my iPad's front or rear camera in OBS?
If you're using a dedicated iOS camera app (like Camera for OBS Studio or Camo), these apps typically allow you to switch between the front and rear cameras directly within the app or sometimes even from the OBS source properties.
How to connect an older iPad with a 30-pin connector to OBS?
For older iPads with a 30-pin connector, you would need a 30-pin to HDMI adapter (if available and compatible) in conjunction with an HDMI capture card, similar to the Lightning/USB-C method. These adapters are less common now.
How to record my iPad screen with audio using OBS?
After successfully getting your iPad's video and audio into OBS, you can simply click "Start Recording" in OBS. Ensure your recording settings (under File > Settings > Output > Recording) are configured to your desired quality and format.
How to use my iPad as a digital whiteboard in OBS?
Connect your iPad to OBS using one of the methods above. Open a drawing or note-taking app on your iPad (like Procreate, GoodNotes, Concepts, etc.). Your real-time drawing will be displayed in OBS, which you can then stream or record.
How to troubleshoot a black screen when connecting iPad to OBS?
Check all cable connections, ensure your capture card drivers are up to date, try restarting OBS and your iPad/PC, disable HDCP in your capture card software if available (though rarely needed for iPad), and verify OBS has camera/microphone permissions in Windows settings.
How to connect multiple iPads to OBS simultaneously?
Connecting multiple iPads requires multiple capture cards or multiple instances of an NDI/camera app running on each iPad and being captured by OBS. Each iPad would need its own corresponding source added in OBS.
