The short answer
Every modern phone and computer has a free screen recorder built in:
| Device | How to start | Where the video goes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone and iPad | Control Center > Screen Recording button | Photos app |
| Android | Quick Settings > Screen record | Photos or Gallery, Movies folder |
| Windows 11 | Snipping Tool > Record, or Windows + Shift + R | Videos > Screen Recordings |
| Mac | Shift + Command + 5 | Desktop, by default |
The details, including how to record sound, are below.
iPhone and iPad
- Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner.
- If you do not see the Screen Recording button (a solid circle inside a ring), add it. Tap + at the top left of Control Center, choose Add a Control and pick Screen Recording. On older iOS versions, go to Settings > Control Center instead.
- Tap the button. Recording starts after a three-second countdown.
- To stop, tap the red indicator at the top of the screen, or tap the button again in Control Center.
To include your voice, long-press the Screen Recording button and tap Microphone before starting. Sound from apps is recorded automatically, unless the app blocks it.
Android
Android has had a built-in recorder since Android 11. The name varies by brand.
- Swipe down twice from the top to open Quick Settings.
- Tap Screen record (Pixel and most phones) or Screen recorder (Samsung). If it is missing, tap the pencil or edit icon and drag it into your tiles.
- Choose the audio source: None, Device audio, Microphone, or both.
- Choose whether to show your taps on screen, which helps for tutorials.
- Tap Start. Stop it from the notification shade.
Recent versions of Android also let you record a single app rather than the whole screen, which keeps notifications out of the video.
Windows 11 and 10
Snipping Tool (Windows 11). Open the Snipping Tool and switch to the video camera icon, or press Windows + Shift + R on up-to-date versions. Drag to choose the area, then click Start. Microphone and system sound can be toggled on the toolbar. Save the video when you stop. It is stored as an MP4.
Xbox Game Bar (Windows 10 and 11). Press Windows + Alt + R to start and stop recording the current app. It is designed for games but works for most apps. Its limits: it records one app window at a time, and it does not record the desktop or File Explorer. Videos go to Videos > Captures.
For still images rather than video, see how to take a screenshot on Windows.
Mac
- Press Shift + Command + 5. A toolbar appears at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion.
- Open Options to pick a microphone, a save location and a countdown timer.
- Click Record. Stop it with the stop button in the menu bar, or press Command + Control + Esc.
The recording appears as a thumbnail in the corner, then saves to the Desktop as a MOV file unless you chose another folder.
Recording the Mac's own sound has traditionally needed extra software, because the built-in tool records a microphone but not internal audio on most macOS versions. The free, open-source app OBS Studio can record system sound and is widely used for this.
When you need more than the built-in tools
The built-in recorders are enough for most jobs: showing a bug, recording a tutorial, saving a clip. Consider a dedicated app if you need:
- Webcam and screen together for presentations. OBS Studio, or the presenter mode in video-meeting apps.
- Editing and captions. Windows has Clipchamp built in; Mac has iMovie.
- Very long recordings. Use a lower resolution to save space.
Be careful with free recorders from unknown developers. Screen recording permission gives an app a view of everything on your screen, including passwords and messages.
When recording is blocked
- Black screen: Netflix, Disney+ and many banking apps prevent recording on purpose. There is no legitimate workaround.
- Silent video: The microphone was off, or the app blocks audio. Check the audio option before you start.
- Recording stops early: Usually low storage. Free some space; our guide to clearing phone storage helps.
A word on consent
Recording a video call, a voice call or someone else's messages can break the law in many places if the other people do not agree. Laws vary by country and state, and some require everyone's consent. When in doubt, tell people you are recording.
Key takeaways
- iPhone and Android: the recorder is in Control Center or Quick Settings.
- Windows 11: Snipping Tool's video mode, or Windows + Alt + R for a single app.
- Mac: Shift + Command + 5.
- Turn the microphone on before you start if you want your voice.