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How To Screen Record On Android In 5 Easy Steps

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How To Screen Record On Android In 5 Easy Steps

Have you ever come across a funny video that you couldn’t download? Perhaps, you want to show your grandma how to add a contact to her brand-new LG smartphone. We have some good news. Google’s developers implemented a built-in screen record option with the release of Android 10, and we’ll show you how to use it below.

Before Android 10, most people used third-party apps to record their device’s screen. Keep reading to learn some of our favorite screen recording apps too.

What Does Screen Recording Do?

Before we dive into our tutorial, let’s explain what screen recording on Android is and how it works. While you can download videos from various websites and social media platforms, screen recording lets you capture nearly everything on your screen, including content you can’t download.

The feature is similar to a screenshot, except it captures audio and video instead of still images. While some applications disable the screen record and screenshot features, most allow the function so you can save videos to your device storage.

You can use Android’s built-in screen record feature to create tutorials or capture content. If you need more functionality, you can download third-party apps. When you learn to use screen record on Android, you can make tutorials, record videos, and more. So, let’s get to it!

How to Screen Record on Android Using Native Features

We’ll start with the easiest option; your Android’s built-in screen record function. It’s easy to access, and you don’t have to download any apps. Follow these steps to capture video of your Android screen:

Note: These instructions may vary slightly depending on your device’s manufacturer. Android is available on devices from LG to Samsung and more.

Step 1: Swipe Down from the Top of Your Screen

Go to your phone’s control panel.

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Unlock your device’s screen and swipe down from the top to access the control panel.

Step 2: Tap Screen Recorder

Locate the screen recorder button on your device control panel.

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You’ll see several icons in the Android control panel. Search for and tap the Screen Recorder button.

Note: Some Android models only show a shortened version of the full menu when you pull down from the top. Pull down a second time to reveal more options. If you don’t see the Screen recorder on the first page of the drop-down menu, scroll to the right.

Step 3: Select Your Microphone

Select the audio recording option that fits your needs.

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A small pop-up window will appear, asking you to choose your audio options. If you’re unfamiliar with what each option does, here’s the list:

  • None: Your completed recording will have no audio.
  • Media: The recording will capture the device’s audio but not external sounds.
  • Media and mic: This option lets you record the audio on your device and external sounds from the microphone.

Step 4: Tap Start Recording

Your Android device will do a countdown from three and start recording.

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After selecting your audio settings, you can tap Start Recording.

Step 5: Tap the Stop Button to Stop Recording

You can also tap the pause button and keep multiple segments in one video file

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After recording everything you wanted to capture, press the Stop button. This button is typically located in the upper right corner, but you can also move it around.

Check out the video below to see exactly how these steps work.

How to Create Tutorials Using the Screen Record Feature on Android

Naturally, your dear author uses the screen record feature to create tutorials. We love using Android’s Taps, and Touches features to highlight points of interest on the screen. Even if you aren’t making tech tutorials for thousands of viewers, you can follow the steps below to enable and record taps and touches.

Of course, we’ll capture the recording as we did above, but there are extra steps to show where you’re tapping the screen. Here’s what to do:

Note: This feature may not be available on all devices. If you don’t see the Show taps and touches option, try one of the third-party apps we listed in the next section.

Step 1: Tap the Screen Recording Option

Go to the screen recorder on your control panel.

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Access the screen recording option in the Android control panel.

Step 2: Select Show Taps and Touches

Toggle the switch to the right.

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As long as your device’s manufacturer provides the capability, you’ll see an option to Show Taps and Touches.

Step 3: Start Recording

Screen recorder will capture what’s on your screen when recording.

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Now, tap Start Recording.

Step 4: Tap the Screen

When you tap the screen, a small bubble will appear. This feature lets you highlight important topics on the screen or show someone else how to follow instructions on an Android.

When you’re done, tap the Stop button, and your recording will save to your Android internal storage.

How to Screen Record on Android Using Third-Party Apps

You can download third-party apps if your Android doesn’t have the screen recording feature or functionality. These applications aren’t native to your operating system, but you can get them in the Google Play Store.

Note: Some third-party apps need to access your device’s camera, storage, and microphone. You can read through the reviews to better understand if the app is going to be harmful to your device.

Screen Recorder – AZ Screen Record

One of the highest-rated, free, and functional third-party screen recording apps on the Google Play Store is the AZ Screen Record app. You can create, edit, and live stream your Android screen using this application.

Click the link or go to the Google Play Store and search for it. Then, click Install and start recording.

InShot Screen Recorder

If you’ve edited any videos lately, you’ve undoubtedly come across the InShot app. But did you know the developers made a companion app for screen recording? The InShot Screen Recorder lets you record your screen and edit the videos.

Find the app in the Google Play Store and tap Install. The app is free, but you can pay $3.99/mo if you want more features. to upgrade your plan.

How to Access Your Screen Record Videos

Now that you’re done recording, let’s show you where to find those videos. Android devices have a lot of folders. Sometimes, it is difficult to find locate a specific recording.

Your screen recordings will typically be saved in the Gallery or Photos app. Open the Gallery app and tap Albums at the bottom. Then, scroll to Screen recordings. You may need to tap View All to review all the albums.

If you don’t see your screen recording in the Gallery app, go to My Files (found in the app drawer) and tap Internal Storage. Next, tap the DCIM folder. Now, you’ll see Screen recordings. Tap the folder to access the videos.

Android, Say Cheese!

Screen recording on Android is super simple. All you need to do is know where to tap and start recording. Of course, if the built-in feature isn’t working how you want, you can always download one of the helpful apps we listed above. No matter what your screen capture goals are, there’s a way to achieve them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will someone know if I screen record their Snapchat?

Yes. In the early days of screen recording, Snapchat could detect screenshots but not recordings. However, in the past two years, this has changed. If you screen-record someone’s Snap on Snapchat, they’ll receive a notification that you screen-recorded their content.

Can I edit screen recordings in Google Photos?

Yes. The Google Photos app has a lot more functionality than simply storing images and video. Open the app and tap on the video you want to edit. Select the editing option at the bottom of the window. Then, you can crop, adjust, add filters, and extract individual frames.

Does Android notify people if I screen record a video chat?

A lot of Android devices have the ability to host video calls (much like iOS), but at the time of writing, others won’t receive a notification if you screen record. However, the developers may implement screenshot notifications at some point.

Why am I getting an error when I try to start recording?

Many apps won’t allow screenshots or screen recordings. For example, Netflix implemented technology to block screen recording software due to piracy concerns. Cashapp won’t let you take screenshots or recordings of the payment update page due to security. If you receive an error, this is likely the reason why.

However, if you don’t have any apps that block the feature, you may receive errors if your device’s storage is full.

What do I do if I don't see the Screen Record option?

If you follow the steps above to initiate Android’s built-in screen record feature but don’t see it in the control panel, you can add the button. Open the panel by swiping down from the top of your screen (you may need to swipe down two times). Then, tap the three-dot menu icon at the top. Tap Edit Buttons and tap Screen Recording.

Assuming your device has the feature and it’s up-to-date, you should see the option. However, if you don’t, you can use one of the third-party apps above.

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