How to Screen Record on an iPhone or Android Phone
Have you ever wanted to show someone exactly what is happening on your phone screen? Maybe you want to record a helpful video, save a step-by-step demonstration, show a family member how to use an app, or capture something that is difficult to explain with words.
You can do all of this with screen recording.
Screen recording creates a video of what happens on your phone's screen. On most modern iPhones and Android phones, you don't need to download an additional app. The screen-recording feature is already built into the phone.
In this guide, TechPals explains how to screen record on both iPhone and Android, how to record your voice, where to find your recordings, and what to do if screen recording isn't working.
Need help with your phone?Get technology help from TechPals.
What Is Screen Recording?
Screen recording is a feature that lets you record a video of what is happening on your phone's screen.
For example, a screen recording could show:
How to change a setting
How to use an app
How to complete an online form
How to navigate a website
How to fix a phone problem
How to perform a particular task
A video or other activity on your screen
Unlike a screenshot, which saves one still picture of your screen, a screen recording saves a video.
Screen recording vs. screenshot
Screenshot: A picture of what is on your screen at one particular moment.
Screen recording: A video showing what happens on your screen over a period of time.
If you're looking for information about screenshots, TechPals also has a guide explaininghow to take a screenshot and find it later.
How to Screen Record on an iPhone
Recent iPhones have a built-in screen-recording feature called Screen Recording. You can start it from Control Center.
Step 1: Open Control Center
Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen.
You'll see several controls.
Step 2: Find Screen Recording
Look for the Screen Recording button. It looks like a circle inside another circle.
If you don't see it, you may need to add it to Control Center.
On current versions of iOS, you can touch and hold the background of Control Center, tap Add a Control, and then select Screen Recording.
Once you add it, you won't need to add it again each time you want to record.
Step 3: Start recording
Tap the Screen Recording button.
You'll see a three-second countdown. When the countdown ends, your iPhone will begin recording the screen.
You can then close Control Center and perform whatever action you want to record.
Step 4: Stop recording
When you're finished, tap the red recording indicator at the top of the screen and select the option to stop recording.
You can also open Control Center and tap the recording button again.
Where does an iPhone screen recording go?
Your recording is automatically saved in the Photos app.
Open Photos to find it. Screen recordings can also be found under the Media Types section as Screen Recordings.
How to Screen Record on an iPhone With Your Voice
Sometimes you don't just want to record what's happening on your screen. You also want to explain what you're doing.
For example, you might want to say:
"First, open Settings. Then scroll down until you see..."
You can record your voice using your iPhone's microphone.
To turn on the microphone:
Open Control Center.
Touch and hold the Screen Recording button.
Tap Microphone to turn it on.
Tap Start Recording.
Wait for the countdown.
Begin speaking and performing the actions you want to record.
Your voice will be included in the recording.
This can be particularly useful if you're making a short tutorial for a family member or trying to show someone how to solve a problem.
How to Screen Record on an Android Phone
Android phones can also record the screen without requiring a separate app.
However, Android phones are made by many different manufacturers, including Google, Samsung, Motorola and others. Because of that, the exact appearance of the buttons can vary.
The basic process is usually similar.
Step 1: Open Quick Settings
Swipe down twice from the top of your screen.
This opens your phone's Quick Settings panel.
Step 2: Find Screen Recorder
Look for a button called Screen Recorder, Screen Record, or something similar.
You may need to swipe sideways to see additional buttons.
Step 3: Start recording
Tap Screen Recorder.
Depending on your phone, you may be given options for what to record, whether to record audio, and whether to show touches on the screen.
Choose the options you want and tap Start.
A countdown may appear before recording begins.
Step 4: Stop recording
When you're finished, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the notification for the screen recorder.
Your phone will stop recording and save the video.
Where Are Screen Recordings Saved on Android?
On many Android phones, you can find your recording in the Google Photos app.
Try:
Photos → Collections → On this device → Movies
The exact location can vary depending on your phone.
Some Android phones use a Gallery app instead of Google Photos. If you don't see your recording in Photos, check your phone's Gallery or Albums app.
Can You Record Your Voice on Android?
Yes, many Android phones let you choose whether to record audio when you start a screen recording.
When you tap Screen Recorder, look for an audio option.
Depending on your phone, you may be able to choose whether to record:
No audio
Your microphone
Your phone's audio
Both your microphone and phone audio
The available choices vary by phone and Android version.
If you want to explain what you're doing while recording, make sure your microphone is turned on before you begin.
What Can You Use a Screen Recording For?
Screen recording can be useful whenever it's easier to show something than explain it. You can use it to:
Show someone how to do something: Record the steps and send the video to a friend or family member.
Get help with a phone problem: Capture exactly what's happening so a TechPals expert can better understand the issue. SeeWhat to Do If Your Phone Is Acting Weird.
Demonstrate an app: Show someone where to find a particular feature.
Save helpful instructions: Create a short tutorial you can watch again later.
Share a problem: A recording can sometimes explain a problem more clearly than words alone.
Why Isn't Screen Recording Working?
If you can't find the screen-recording option, don't panic.
There are several possible reasons.
Your phone may need an update
Check whether your phone has an available software update.
The location of features can change after an update, so the instructions may look slightly different from what you remember.
The button may be hidden
On Android, Screen Recorder may not appear among your first Quick Settings buttons.
Swipe down twice and look for an option to Edit your Quick Settings. You may be able to add Screen Recorder to the available buttons.
On an iPhone, Screen Recording may need to be added to Control Center.
Your particular phone may be different
Android is especially varied because different manufacturers customize the operating system.
If you're using a Samsung, Motorola, Google Pixel, or another Android phone, your menus may look different.
Don't worry if your screen doesn't look exactly like someone else's. The feature may simply be in a different location.
Can Every App Be Screen Recorded?
Not necessarily.
Some apps may restrict screen recording of certain content. You may also find that some videos or other protected content doesn't appear correctly in a recording.
On iPhone, Apple notes that some apps may not allow their audio or video to be recorded.
If a particular app doesn't record properly, that doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong with your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screen Recording
What is screen recording?
Screen recording captures a video of what happens on your phone's screen. You can save, edit, and share the recording like any other video.
Can I screen record without downloading an app?
Yes. Most modern iPhones and many Android phones have built-in screen recording, so you usually don't need another app.
How do I screen record on an iPhone?
Open Control Center, tap Screen Recording, and wait for the countdown. Your recording will be saved in the Photos app.
How do I screen record on Android?
Swipe down twice from the top of the screen, find Screen Recorder, and tap it. Your recording is typically saved in Photos or Gallery.
Can I screen record with sound?
Yes. iPhone lets you turn on the microphone, and many Android phones offer audio options when you start recording.
Where are screen recordings saved?
On iPhone, they're saved in Photos. On Android, check Google Photos or your phone's Gallery app.
Why can't I find Screen Recorder?
On Android, it may be hidden in Quick Settings. Swipe down twice and look for Edit to add it.
Does screen recording use storage?
Yes. Longer recordings take up more storage. If you're running low, TechPals can help youfree up storage on your phone.
A Simple Tip Before You Start Recording
Before making a long screen recording, do a 10-second test.
Start recording, perform the action you want to capture, stop the recording, and play it back.
Check that:
The correct part of the screen was recorded.
Your voice can be heard if you intended to record it.
The video is saved.
Nothing private appears that you don't want to share.
This last point is especially important.
Before sharing a screen recording, look carefully for passwords, private messages, account numbers, email addresses, notifications, or other personal information that might have appeared while you were recording.
TechPals Can Help With Your Phone
Screen recording is just one of the many useful features built into today's smartphones. The trick is knowing where to find the feature and what each setting does.
If you're having trouble with your iPhone or Android phone, TechPals can help you understand your technology without all the confusing jargon.
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Quick Answer
How do you screen record on an iPhone or Android phone?
On an iPhone, open Control Center, tap Screen Recording, wait for the countdown, and begin using your phone. The recording is saved in the Photos app.
On an Android phone, swipe down twice from the top of the screen, tap Screen Recorder, choose your recording options, and tap Start. The finished recording is generally saved in Google Photos or your phone's Gallery app.
Screen recording is usually a built-in feature, so you don't need to download an additional app.
