To screen record on iPhone, open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner) and tap the gray record button. On Android, swipe down twice from the top to open Quick Settings and tap Screen record. Both start after a three-second countdown. Below you’ll find the steps for each system, how to include audio, and what to do when something goes wrong.
How do you screen record on iPhone?
The feature is built into iOS, but the button may not be in Control Center yet. If you don’t see it, add it first.
Add the button (first time only):
- Open Settings.
- Tap Control Center.
- Tap the + next to Screen Recording.
Record without microphone sound:
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center.
- Tap the gray record button and wait for the three-second countdown.
- Exit Control Center so the recording starts.
Stop recording: tap the red indicator at the top of the screen, then tap Stop. You can also open Control Center again and tap the red record button.
The video is saved in the Photos app, in your Library, where you can trim, share or delete it.
How do you screen record on iPhone with sound?
This is the most common question, and the answer has two parts.
- The phone’s own sound: it’s captured automatically. If a voice message plays during the recording, it ends up in the video, according to Canaltech.
- Your voice (microphone): you have to turn it on before you start.
To include your voice:
- Open Control Center.
- Press and hold the gray record button.
- Tap the Microphone button to turn it on.
- Tap the record button, wait for the countdown, then exit Control Center.
To record without your voice again, repeat the steps and turn the microphone off before starting.
How do you screen record on Android?
Menu names shift a bit depending on your phone’s brand, but the path Google describes is this:
- Swipe down twice from the top to open Quick Settings.
- Tap Screen record. If it’s missing, swipe between pages or use the edit option to add the button.
- Pick your options: you can turn audio on or off and decide whether touches show up on screen.
- Tap Start. Recording begins after a countdown.
- To stop, swipe down from the top and tap the screen recorder notification.
Google’s page notes that some Pixel steps only work on Android 11 and up. On phones from other brands the feature may have a different name or location, so if you can’t find the button, search Settings for “screen record” or “screen recorder.”
Where the video goes on Android: in the Google Photos app, under Collections, then On this device, then Movies, according to Google.
Showing touches is a good idea when the video is a tutorial for someone else, since they can see where you tapped. If you’re recording something with personal info, silence notifications first so messages don’t pop up mid-video.
What if the recording doesn’t work or has no sound?
The most common problems have simple causes:
- The button is missing (iPhone): add it in Settings > Control Center, as shown above.
- Your voice is missing from the video: the microphone wasn’t on. According to Apple Community replies, there’s no way to recover audio from a recording already made without sound, so record again with the mic on.
- Black screen or no audio in one app: Apple says some apps don’t allow audio or video recording. Canaltech cites streaming services like Netflix, which block recording for privacy and to prevent piracy.
- Screen mirroring is on (iPhone): you can’t record the screen and use screen mirroring at the same time. Turn mirroring off and try again.
If you record often, see our tips to make your phone battery last longer.
Tips for a better recording
- Close apps and silence notifications before you start so nothing personal leaks.
- Do a quick 5-second test and watch it back to confirm picture and sound.
- If you only need a still image, you don’t need to record: a screenshot does the job. On a computer, see our guide on how to take a screenshot on PC.
- After recording, trim the start and end in the Photos app, where the video is saved.
Frequently asked questions
Can you screen record on a phone without installing an app?
Yes. Both iPhone and Android have a built-in screen recorder, as described above. You don’t need to install anything.
Where is a screen recording saved?
On iPhone, in the Photos app, in your Library. On Android, Google says it’s in Photos, under Collections > On this device > Movies.
Can you record the screen with your voice?
Yes. On iPhone, press and hold the record button in Control Center and turn on the microphone before starting. On Android, turn on the audio option before tapping Start.
Why is a Netflix recording black or silent?
Some apps block screen recording. Apple says certain apps don’t allow audio or video recording, and Canaltech names Netflix among the services that do this for privacy and against piracy.
