When you join a video call on Discord mobile, the app automatically selects your device’s default camera. If you use multiple cameras, such as the front and rear cameras on your phone, you may want to set a specific one as the default for every video call. Discord does not offer a direct setting to choose a default camera on mobile. However, you can control which camera launches by adjusting your device’s system settings or by selecting the camera manually before each call. This article explains how to set the default camera for Discord video calls on both Android and iOS devices using the available workarounds.
Key Takeaways: Setting Your Default Camera for Discord Mobile Video Calls
- Android system camera permission settings: Change the default camera app or select a default camera in your phone’s Settings > Apps > Default apps.
- iOS camera selection in Discord: Use the camera toggle during a video call to switch between front and rear cameras, but there is no persistent default setting.
- Third-party camera apps: Install a camera app that allows you to set a default camera, then configure Discord to use that app as the default camera source.
How Discord Mobile Handles Camera Selection
Discord mobile does not include a built-in setting to choose which camera is used by default for video calls. On Android and iOS, the app uses the system’s default camera. On most phones, the default is the rear camera. If you prefer the front camera for self-view, you must switch cameras manually each time you start a video call. This limitation exists because mobile operating systems control camera access at the system level. Discord simply requests the default camera feed from the OS.
On Android, you can change the default camera behavior by adjusting system settings or by using a third-party camera app that lets you set a default. On iOS, Apple restricts camera selection to the app level, so you cannot set a system-wide default camera. The only option is to switch cameras inside Discord during the call.
Android Camera Default Behavior
Android devices allow you to set a default camera app. If you install a camera app that supports selecting a specific camera as the default, Discord will use that camera when it requests video. Some camera apps, like Open Camera, let you choose between front and rear cameras as the default. After you set that app as the default camera in Android settings, Discord will use the camera that app provides.
iOS Camera Default Behavior
iOS does not allow you to set a system-wide default camera. The camera selection is handled entirely by the app. When you start a video call in Discord on iOS, the app uses the rear camera by default. You can tap the camera flip icon during the call to switch to the front camera, but that selection is not saved for future calls. Each new call starts with the rear camera again.
Steps to Set a Default Camera for Discord Mobile Video Calls
The method differs based on your operating system. Follow the instructions for your device.
On Android: Change the Default Camera App
- Install a camera app that supports default camera selection
Download a camera app from the Google Play Store that lets you choose which camera to use by default. Open Camera is a free option that works well. Install the app and open it. - Set your preferred camera in the app
In the camera app, go to its settings. Look for an option like “Default camera” or “Camera to use.” Select either the front or rear camera as the default. Save the setting. - Make the camera app the default camera on your phone
Open your Android device’s Settings app. Go to Apps > Default apps > Camera app. Tap the current default and select the third-party camera app you installed. This tells Android to use that app as the camera source for all apps that request camera access. - Test the setting in Discord
Open Discord and start a video call. The app should now use the camera you selected in the third-party app. If it does not, restart your phone and try again.
On iOS: No System-Level Default, but You Can Switch During Calls
- Start a video call in Discord
Open Discord on your iPhone or iPad. Join a voice channel or start a direct video call with a friend. - Switch cameras during the call
Tap the camera flip icon on the screen. It looks like two arrows forming a circle. This switches between the front and rear cameras. The camera you select is used for the current call only. - Repeat for each call
Because iOS does not save the camera selection, you must switch cameras every time you start a new video call. There is no workaround to set a permanent default.
Common Issues and Limitations
Camera Switching Does Not Work on Android After Setting Default App
If you set a third-party camera app as the default but Discord still uses the wrong camera, check that the third-party app is actually configured to use your preferred camera. Also, ensure that the app has permission to access the camera. Go to Settings > Apps > [camera app] > Permissions and enable Camera. Restart Discord after changing permissions.
Discord Shows a Black Screen or No Video After Changing Default Camera
This usually happens when the third-party camera app is not compatible with Discord. Try a different camera app. If the issue persists, reset the default camera app back to the system camera by going to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Camera app and selecting the system camera app. Then restart Discord and test video calls again.
iOS Users Cannot Set a Persistent Default Camera
There is no way to make Discord use the front camera by default on iOS. This is a limitation of the iOS operating system. The only solution is to manually switch cameras each time you start a video call. If you find this inconvenient, consider using a different app for video calls that allows default camera selection, such as FaceTime or Zoom, which also do not offer persistent default camera settings on iOS.
Comparison of Camera Default Options on Android vs iOS
| Feature | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|
| System-level default camera setting | Yes, can set a default camera app | No, camera selection is app-specific |
| Third-party camera app workaround | Works with apps like Open Camera | Not supported by iOS |
| Persistent default camera in Discord | Possible through default camera app | Not possible |
| Manual camera switch per call | Yes, tap camera flip icon | Yes, tap camera flip icon |
| Recommended action | Use a third-party camera app as default | Switch cameras manually each call |
Setting a default camera for Discord mobile video calls is straightforward on Android using a third-party camera app. On iOS, you must switch cameras manually every time. Neither platform offers a built-in Discord setting to choose a default camera. If you frequently use the front camera for video calls on iOS, consider using a different app that may offer a default camera option, or simply get used to tapping the camera flip icon at the start of each call. For Android users, the third-party camera app method provides a reliable permanent solution. After setting it up, test with a few calls to ensure the camera stays on your preferred choice.