How to Use Portrait Mode with Continuity Camera in macOS 13

Yes, you can use Portrait Mode with Continuity Camera in macOS 13 (Ventura). Apple designed Continuity Camera to allow Mac users to use their iPhone as a high-definition webcam, complete with advanced iOS camera features. Portrait Mode artfully blurs the background behind you to keep the focus entirely on your face, and it works seamlessly across native and third-party video conferencing apps like FaceTime, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.

System Requirements

To use Portrait Mode through Continuity Camera on macOS 13, ensure you meet the following hardware and software criteria:

  • Mac: Running macOS 13 Ventura or later.
  • iPhone: An iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or any newer model running iOS 16 or later.
  • Apple ID: Both devices must be signed in to the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be enabled on both devices, and they should not be actively sharing a cellular or internet connection.
  • Continuity Camera Setting: On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff and verify that Continuity Camera is turned on.

How to Turn On Portrait Mode

Once your iPhone is positioned securely near your Mac, follow these steps to enable the effect:

  1. Open the video application you want to use (such as FaceTime, Zoom, Webex, or Google Meet).
  2. Ensure your iPhone is selected as the primary camera within the app’s video settings.
  3. Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your Mac’s menu bar (the two toggle switches).
  4. Click Video Effects at the top of the Control Center menu.
  5. Click Portrait to toggle the effect on.

Your background will instantly blur in the video feed. To disable the feature, repeat the steps and click Portrait again to toggle it off.

Combining Portrait Mode with Other Effects

If your iPhone supports additional Continuity Camera features, you can combine Portrait Mode with other video effects directly from the same Video Effects menu in Control Center:

  • Center Stage (iPhone 11 or later): Automatically pans and zooms to keep you centered in the frame as you move around.
  • Studio Light (iPhone 12 or later): Dims the background while illuminating your face, ideal for poorly lit environments.

You can run both Portrait Mode and Studio Light simultaneously to achieve a professional, studio-quality look without requiring third-party webcam software.