Pocket MirrorHow screen light works across iPhone, Android, and web
Pocket Mirror: Selfie & Makeup includes a screen-light feature to make your face easier to see while using the camera as a mirror. On Android, the app can boost the device window brightness while in use and restore it afterward. On web, desktop, and extension builds, the light is limited to a white border on screen and cannot increase your hardware brightness. The live iPhone app also supports the mirror workflow, with camera auto-start after permission is granted. In browser-based versions, camera access depends on permission through getUserMedia, and newer ports require you to press Start rather than auto-begin. If your setup supports a rear camera, Back check can switch to it and run the same countdown/freeze flow; desktop can instead select another webcam. No microphone is required for this feature, and there is no frame upload. If you want a brighter view on non-Android desktop or browser builds, the practical approach is to maximize the white border effect and raise your monitor or device brightness manually, since the app itself cannot force hardware-level brightening there.
Platform differences that matter
The light feature is not identical everywhere. Android can actively brighten the app window, while browser and desktop builds simulate extra light visually with a white border. That means results depend more on your own screen brightness outside Android.
- Android: temporary brightness boost, then restore
- Web/desktop/extension: white border only
- No store availability should be assumed for newer ports
Getting a usable setup
For browser-based use, grant camera permission when prompted, then press Start to begin the feed. If you need a quick check of makeup from another angle, use Back check where a rear camera exists, or select a different webcam on desktop.
- Live iPhone app auto-starts after permission
- Newer ports require Start before the camera runs
- Back check uses a countdown/freeze flow on supported rear cameras
- Open the app or browser build, allow camera access if prompted, and press Start on newer ports.
- Enable screen light and position your face so the display adds as much front light as possible.
- On browser or desktop versions, increase your device or monitor brightness manually if the white border is not enough.
Why does screen light feel stronger on Android than on web?
Because Android can raise the app window brightness, while web and desktop versions only show a white border and cannot control hardware brightness.
Does the browser version start the camera automatically?
No. Newer ports require you to press Start after permission, while the live iPhone app auto-starts once permission is granted.