How to Screen Record on iPhone: Capture Everything on Your Display

Screen recording on iPhone is built right in—no apps needed. Whether you're creating tutorials, saving video calls, documenting bugs, or capturing gameplay, your iPhone can record everything happening on screen with audio.

The feature has been available since iOS 11, but many people don't know it exists or how to access it. Once you add the button to Control Center, screen recording is just a swipe and tap away.

Let's set it up and master all the options.

Setting Up Screen Recording

Add to Control Center

Screen recording isn't in Control Center by default. Add it:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Control Center
3. Find Screen Recording in "More Controls"
4. Tap the green + button to add it

The screen recording button (circle within a circle) now appears in Control Center.

Accessing Control Center

• iPhone X and later: Swipe down from top-right corner
• iPhone 8 and earlier: Swipe up from bottom edge

Basic Screen Recording

Start Recording

1. Open Control Center
2. Tap the Screen Recording button
3. Wait for 3-second countdown
4. Recording begins (red status bar/island appears)

Stop Recording

Method 1: Tap the red status bar/Dynamic Island, then tap Stop

Method 2: Open Control Center and tap the recording button again

Method 3: Press Side button + Volume button (locks screen and stops)

Find Your Recording

Recordings save automatically to the Photos app in your Recents album and Videos album.

The 3-second countdown gives you time to navigate to what you want to record before capture begins.

Recording with Audio

Microphone Audio (Your Voice)

To include your voice or external sounds:

1. Open Control Center
2. Long press (or 3D Touch) the Screen Recording button
3. Tap Microphone to turn it on (icon turns red)
4. Tap Start Recording

The microphone setting is remembered for future recordings.

System Audio (App Sounds)

System audio (music, game sounds, app audio) is included by default. No special setting needed.

Both Audio Sources

With microphone enabled, you get:

• App/system sounds
• Your voice via microphone
• Perfect for tutorials and commentary

No Audio

To record silently:

• Turn off microphone (long press recording button)
• Mute your iPhone (silent switch)
• System sounds still record unless apps are muted

What You Can (and Can't) Record

Can Record

• Any app interface
• Games and gameplay
• Video playback (most apps)
• FaceTime calls (your side)
• Websites and browsers
• Settings and system UI
• Notifications (be careful with sensitive info)

Cannot Record

• DRM-protected content: Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video (screen goes black)
• Some banking apps: Security restrictions
• Password entry: iOS hides keyboard in some contexts

Privacy Considerations

• Notifications appear in recordings (disable sensitive app notifications first)
• Personal information may be visible
• Other people in calls may not consent to recording

Recording Tips for Better Results

Before Recording

1. Enable Do Not Disturb: Prevents notification interruptions
2. Close unnecessary apps: Reduces distractions
3. Charge your phone: Recording uses significant battery
4. Clear storage: Videos can be large (check available space)
5. Plan your actions: Know what you'll demonstrate

During Recording

• Move deliberately (fast movements can blur)
• Pause between actions for clarity
• Speak clearly if using microphone
• Avoid sensitive information on screen

After Recording

• Trim in Photos app (edit > trim ends)
• Check audio levels
• Review for sensitive information before sharing

Editing Screen Recordings

Basic Trimming in Photos

1. Open recording in Photos
2. Tap Edit
3. Drag the yellow handles at timeline ends
4. Tap Done
5. Choose Save as New Clip or Save Video

Advanced Editing

For more editing options:

• iMovie: Free, adds titles, transitions, multiple clips
• LumaFusion: Professional editing on iOS
• CapCut: Free, popular for social media

Screen Recording for Specific Uses

Creating Tutorials

1. Enable microphone for narration
2. Use Do Not Disturb
3. Move slowly and deliberately
4. Explain each step as you perform it
5. Edit to remove mistakes

Recording Gameplay

1. Ensure game audio is on
2. Consider microphone for commentary
3. Landscape orientation usually best
4. Long recordings = large files

Documenting Bugs

1. Show the steps to reproduce
2. Include any error messages
3. Record system information if relevant
4. Keep recording focused and short

Saving Video Calls

• FaceTime: Records your screen (both video feeds visible)
• Zoom/Teams: May have restrictions
• Always inform other participants

Troubleshooting

Recording Won't Start

• Check Screen Recording is in Control Center
• Restart iPhone
• Check for iOS updates
• Some apps block recording

No Audio in Recording

• Check microphone is enabled (long press button)
• Check iPhone isn't muted
• Some apps mute during recording
• Restart and try again

Recording Stops Unexpectedly

• Low storage space
• Low battery
• App crashed
• Incoming phone call

Poor Video Quality

• iPhone records at screen resolution
• Quality depends on iPhone model
• Ensure adequate lighting for camera content
• Check storage isn't critically low

Storage Considerations

File Sizes

Screen recordings can be large:

Sizes vary based on screen content (static vs motion).

Managing Storage

• Delete recordings after sharing
• Transfer to computer or cloud
• Use iCloud Photos for automatic backup
• Compress before sharing if needed

Sharing Screen Recordings

Direct Sharing

1. Open recording in Photos
2. Tap Share button
3. Choose destination (Messages, Mail, AirDrop, etc.)

Compression for Sharing

Large files may need compression:

• iMessage compresses automatically
• Email has size limits
• Use AirDrop for full quality
• Cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) preserve quality

Got Questions About iPhone Screen Recording? Let's Clear Things Up.

Why is my screen recording black when recording Netflix?

Streaming services use DRM (Digital Rights Management) that prevents screen recording. This is intentional copyright protection. The same applies to Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and most streaming apps.

Can I screen record a phone call?

You can record your screen during a call, but audio from the other person won't be recorded due to privacy laws and Apple's restrictions. Only your side of the conversation (if microphone is on) will be captured.

How long can I screen record?

There's no time limit—recordings are limited only by available storage. However, very long recordings create huge files. A 30-minute recording can exceed 3GB.

Does screen recording affect performance?

Slightly. Recording uses CPU and battery. You may notice minor lag in demanding games. Close unnecessary apps before recording for best performance.

Can others tell I'm screen recording?

No notification is sent to apps or other users. However, some apps can detect screen recording and may display warnings or block content. Always get consent when recording calls or other people.

Screen recording on iPhone is a powerful built-in feature that's easy to use once set up. Add it to Control Center, enable microphone when needed, and you're ready to capture anything on your screen. For more iPhone tips, check our guides on factory resetting iPhone and transferring data between iPhones.