Screen recording on an Android phone helps capture gameplay, create tutorials, record video calls, or save important information. Many modern Android devices have a built-in screen recorder, while others may require a third-party app for advanced features.
This guide covers how to record your Android screen, whether using default tools or third-party apps. It also includes tips for editing, sharing, and troubleshooting screen recording issues.
Does Your Android Phone Have a Built-in Screen Recorder?
Most Android devices running Android 10 or later have a built-in screen recording feature. However, availability may depend on your phone’s brand and software version.
To check if your phone supports screen recording:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings menu.
- Look for “Screen Recorder” or a camera icon with a recording symbol.
- If you don’t see it, tap the edit (pencil) or + icon to add the screen recorder shortcut to Quick Settings.
If your phone has no built-in recorder, you can use a third-party screen recording app (discussed later).
How to Record the Screen on Android Using the Built-in Recorder
If your Android phone has a built-in screen recorder, follow these steps:
- Open the Quick Settings panel by swiping down from the top of the screen.
- Tap Screen Recorder (if it’s not visible, tap the pencil icon to add it).
- Choose recording settings, such as:
- Microphone Audio – Record with or without voice narration.
- Internal Audio – Capture sound from apps (available on some devices).
- Show Touches – Display taps and gestures during recording.
- Tap Start Recording. A countdown will appear, and the recording will begin.
- When finished, tap the stop button in the notification bar.
- The video will be saved in your Gallery or Photos app under “Screen Recordings.”
This method is quick and easy, but you may need a third-party app if your phone doesn’t support internal audio recording.
Best Third-Party Screen Recorder Apps for Android
If your phone doesn’t have a built-in screen recorder or you need more advanced features, consider these top-rated screen recording apps:
AZ Screen Recorder
AZ Screen Recorder is one of the most popular screen recording apps for Android. It offers a simple yet powerful recording experience. Unlike many free apps, it does not add a watermark, has no recording time limits, and supports HD recording (up to 1080p, 60fps).
One of its standout features is internal and external audio recording, making it ideal for gameplay recording, tutorials, and app demonstrations. Additionally, it comes with a built-in video editor that allows users to trim clips, add annotations, and even create GIFs from recorded footage. The AZ Screen Recorder is an excellent option for those who want a smooth, professional screen recording.
Mobizen Screen Recorder
Mobizen is designed for gaming content creators, making it a go-to choice for YouTubers and streamers. It provides optimized gameplay recording, ensuring minimal lag and smooth frame rates. Unlike some basic screen recorders, Mobizen also supports Facecam recording, allowing users to capture their reactions while recording the screen—a must-have feature for gaming videos and tutorials.
Another advantage of Mobizen is its easy-to-use interface, with options to record in high resolution (up to 1080p) and 60fps. It also allows users to record without root access, which works on most Android devices without additional modifications. If you’re looking for a streamer-friendly screen recorder with minimal setup and high-quality output, Mobizen is an excellent choice.
XRecorder by InShot
XRecorder is known for its floating recording button, making it easy to start and stop recordings without navigating multiple menus. This makes it an excellent option for users who need quick access to screen recording, especially when recording live gameplay, video calls, or spontaneous moments.
One of XRecorder’s key advantages is its built-in video editor, which includes cropping, trimming, adding effects, and adjusting playback speed. It also allows users to record without a watermark, which helps create professional-looking content.
Additionally, XRecorder supports both internal and external audio recording, making it a great choice for recording app sounds while also providing voice commentary.
How to Use a Third-Party Screen Recorder on Android
Once you’ve chosen the screen recorder that best suits your needs, follow these steps to install and start recording:
- Download and install the screen recorder app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and grant necessary permissions (storage, microphone, camera for Facecam, etc.).
- Adjust recording settings such as resolution, frame rate, and audio source (internal, external, or both).
- Tap the record button to start capturing your screen.
- Perform the activity you want to record (gameplay, tutorial, or app demonstration).
- When finished, tap the stop button. The video will automatically be saved in your gallery or the app’s storage folder.
For editing and sharing, many screen recorder apps provide built-in tools to trim, crop, and add annotations to your footage before uploading it to platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.
How to Edit and Share Screen Recordings on Android
Once you’ve recorded your screen, you may want to trim, edit, or add annotations before sharing. Many Android phones have built-in video editing tools, or you can use free apps like InShot or Kinemaster.
Basic Editing in Google Photos (Default Video Editor on Android):
- Open Google Photos and select the recorded video.
- Tap Edit (scissors icon).
- Trim, crop, or adjust brightness.
- Save and share via WhatsApp, YouTube, or social media.
Use apps like CapCut, VN Video Editor, or Adobe Premiere Rush for more advanced editing.
Troubleshooting Common Screen Recording Issues
Here Are Some Problems You May Face and How to Fix Them:
- Screen Recorder Option Is Missing – Ensure your phone runs Android 10 or later. Check for updates in Settings > System > Software Update. If unavailable, install a third-party screen recorder from the Play Store.
- If there is no sound in the Screen Recording, Enable the microphone or internal audio in the Screen Recording settings. Some apps, like Netflix and YouTube, block internal audio due to copyright policies. Use a third-party app if necessary.
- Screen Recording Lags or Freezes – Lower resolution or frame rate for smoother performance. If the issue persists, close background apps, free up storage and restart your phone.
- Screen Recording is Not Saving Properly. Check if storage is full in Settings > Storage. Grant the screen recorder storage permissions and change the save location if needed. If recordings still fail to save, use another app.
How to Record Gameplay on Android for YouTube or Twitch
If you’re a mobile gamer looking to record gameplay for YouTube, Twitch, or TikTok, follow these steps:
- Use a high-frame-rate screen recorder (AZ Screen Recorder or Mobizen).
- Enable internal audio recording for game sounds.
- Turn on Facecam mode if you want to include a reaction.
- Close unnecessary apps to avoid lag during recording.
- Edit gameplay footage using Kinemaster or CapCut before uploading.
Use Streamlabs or Twitch Studio to broadcast gameplay directly from your phone for live streaming.
How to Record a Video Call on Android (WhatsApp, Zoom, Messenger, etc.)
Video calls may be necessary for meetings, interviews, or saving special moments. However, be aware of privacy laws, as recording calls without consent is illegal in some regions.
Steps to Record a Video Call:
- Open your screen recorder before starting the call.
- Enable microphone audio to capture both voices.
- Start the video call on WhatsApp, Zoom, or Messenger.
- Tap record, and proceed with the conversation.
- Stop recording when finished; the file will be saved in your gallery.
Apps like Cube ACR or MNML Screen Recorder can provide clearer audio and video capture for higher-quality call recordings.
Final Thoughts
Recording your Android screen is easy and accessible, using built-in tools or third-party apps. The default screen recorder works well for most users, but apps like AZ Screen Recorder and Mobizen offer extra features like Facecam, high-resolution recording, and internal audio capture.
If you frequently record screen content, consider editing your footage before sharing, and always check privacy settings when recording calls or sensitive information.
Did this guide help? Let us know your favorite screen recording app in the comments!
