How to Screen Record on Android

You've likely been in a situation where a recording of your smartphone screen would have come in handy. You might have tried to troubleshoot an issue or capture a new high score on your favorite game. Knowing how to screen record on your Android phone opens new possibilities. 

Screen recording is one of the most helpful smartphone features available. This function allows you to record on-screen memories and save them to share or refer to later. Learn how to screen record on Android Samsung phones, Google phones and other Android devices in this comprehensive guide.

Steps on How to Screen Record Android Phones

Screen record on Android phones can save you a lot of time. You might want to learn how to record your screen for several reasons, including:

So how do you screen record on Android? Follow these steps:

1. Check Your Android Version

Your process for how to record your screen on Android phones might vary. Many different manufacturers make phones using the Android operating system. Each manufacturer "skins" the operating system by layering its own software on top. For example, screen recording on Samsung phones will differ from screen recording on an LG phone.

The first step in learning how to record your screen on Android is checking your Android version. Knowing your phone's Android version is necessary since older phones often need a third-party app to record your screen. Only phones running Android 11 and up come with a built-in screen recorder. To check your device's version, take these actions:

Once you know your phone's Android version, you can save some amazing on-screen moments. Follow these steps to screen record on an Android phone:

2. Navigate to the Screen Recorder Button

Open your screen to what you want to record before starting your screen recording. You can open an app, navigate to a website or start a video call. Be aware that the screen recording will capture anything you display on your screen. Ensure you aren't recording sensitive information like:

To begin a screen recording, press the Screen Record button. Find the button in your Android phone's notification panel by:

If the button is dim, the screen recording feature is off. You may not see the button if you haven't enabled the function in the past. To enable screen recording, follow these steps:

3. Choose Your Settings

The next step is choosing your recording settings. Pick your screen recording settings by tapping the Screen Record button. These options include:

Turn these settings on by swiping their toggles to the right. You can open advanced screen recorder settings by:

4. Start Your Recording

Tap Start Recording to begin a countdown. Once the countdown ends, you're recording your screen!

As your recording begins, a toolbar will appear. You can move the toolbar around to keep your view of your screen clear. The toolbar has helpful features like:

5. Finish and Save Your Recording

Now that you know how to screen record on an Android phone, you can capture that software issue, game and more! To finish your recording, follow these steps:

Third-Party Apps to Screen Record Android Phones

If you want to screen record on older Android devices, you need to download a third-party app. Only phones running Android 11 or later have the built-in screen recording feature. Luckily, you have several options for picking the app that best suits your needs. Check out the best third-party apps to screen record on Android:

1. AZ Screen Recorder

One of the most popular screen recording apps for Android phones is AZ Screen Recorder. This app enables you to record high-quality screen recordings with no time limit. AZ Screen Recorder is free, although it contains advertisements. This app also provides extensive editing features. You can use AZ Screen Recorder on phones running Android 5.0 and up.

Here's how to record your screen on Android using AZ Screen Recorder:

2. ADV Screen Recorder

Another free screen recording app is ADV Screen Recorder. This app lets you use the front- or rear-facing camera while screen recording and draw on your recording. To use ADV Screen Recorder:

3. Mobizen Screen Recorder

Another option is Mobizen Screen Recorder. Mobizen Screen Recorder has a high-quality recording resolution to capture each moment. The app also allows users to draw on their recordings and add background audio. To use Mobizen Screen Recorder:

4. Super Screen Recorder

The Super Screen Recorder app allows you to record your screen, take screenshots and turn recordings into GIFs. The app is ad-supported, but you can upgrade to a subscription to access extra features. Super Screen Recorder provides full-functioning editing for your recordings. Follow these steps to take screen recordings using Super Screen Recorder:

5. XRecorder

Some users might enjoy XRecorder instead. XRecorder also offers high-quality screen recording without time limits and enhanced editing capabilities. This app is free with ads, which you can pay to remove. Here's how you can use XRecorder:

How to Edit Your Screen Record on Android

You might need to shorten your recording to make sending it easier or get rid of some unwanted actions. Use the Google Photos app to edit your screen recording by following these steps:

1. Navigate to the Screen Recording

You have to open your screen recording to edit it. Your phone might have two photo-saving apps preinstalled — Gallery and Google Photos. Since Google Photos is often the default camera roll, use that app to edit. Navigate to your recording in Google Photos with these steps:

2. Find the Edit Icon

At the bottom of the screen should be a row of icons. Tap the Edit button located between the Share and Trash buttons. This action opens up your screen recording editing features.

3. Edit Your Screen Recording

Once in Edit mode, you can customize your screen recording's length to make it the way you want it. At the bottom of your screen is a strip called the video timeline. It displays your screen recording so you can conveniently edit it. You can also tilt and rotate your screen recording using the Tilt and Rotate buttons.

To trim your screen recording, start by:

4. Save and Share Your Recording

After you've trimmed and rotated your screen recording to your satisfaction, it's time to save it. At the top of the screen, tap Save a Copy. This function keeps the edited version while maintaining your original screen recording in your Photos.

You can share your recording with your contacts in several different ways. Tap the Share button and select your preferred sharing method:

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Screen Record on Android Phones

You can screen record on Android phones of nearly any version, as long as you have the right app or capabilities. As you learn how to screen record on an Android phone, you might encounter some limits to the feature. Check out these commonly asked questions to find solutions to the issues you might have with screen recording:

1. How Do You Find Your Screen Recordings?

After you stop and save your screen recording, how do you find it again to edit it? Using a third-party app makes finding your recording easier since it's saved in the app. If you have a phone with the built-in feature, you can find your recording in your camera roll or other media storage. To find a screen recording within your phone's camera roll, follow these steps:

You can also use the Google Photos app to locate recordings:

If you use a Samsung phone, you can go through My Files:

2. What Can You Screen Record on Android?

You can screen record nearly anything on your Android phone. This includes:

Yet there are some limits. Some apps might prevent screen recordings to avoid compromising information. You might also be unable to record content from streaming services with copyrighted or DRM-protected videos.

3. How Long Can You Record Your Screen?

The answer to this question depends on which type of cell phone you are using. Video resolution and your amount of phone storage also affect how long you can record.

4. Why Won't Screen Recording Work?

If you're trying to record your screen, but it won't start or keeps cutting off, there could be several issues. Try these solutions to get your screen recording going:

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Disclaimer: Always observe applicable laws and regulations when recording.