Learning how to screen record on Android is a useful skill that can help you in multiple situations. For example, if you want to create a tutorial, capture gameplay, save a walkthrough, or show a technical issue to someone.
This complete guide explains every method, step-by-step, for all devices and Android versions. It also includes tips, troubleshooting, recommended apps, FAQs, and best practices to ensure your recording looks and sounds great.
Why and when to screen record on Android
Recording your screen can be useful for many scenarios, such as creating tutorials, showing bug reports to support, making gameplay videos, saving app walkthroughs, or capturing audio/video from apps (when allowed).
With modern Android versions, many devices come with a built-in screen recorder, which makes it easy without installing anything. But for older devices (or if a native feature is missing), third-party apps remain a reliable fallback.
Some screen recording common use cases are:
- Creating tutorials or walkthroughs
- Recording gameplay sessions
- Saving video calls (when allowed)
- Demonstrating app bugs or technical issues
- Capturing steps to teach someone remotely
- Recording social media content or stories
How to Take a Screenshot on Android
If you are going to take a screenshot on a smartphone that uses the Android system, all you have to do is follow these steps:
1 - Go to the screen you wish to capture
2 - Press the buttons "power" and "volume down" at the same time.
How to screen a record on android - screenshot
Source: Samsung
3 - The screenshot will appear on the corner of the screen confirming the procedure was successfully completed.
4 - After it, you can go to the gallery to see the screenshot, and edit it.
Notice that in some devices the buttons you need to press may vary. In some cases, to take the screenshot it's necessary to press the power button for a few seconds, and then tap "screenshot".
How to take a Scrolling Screenshot
Do you want to take a screenshot of a web page that doesn't have all the information on one screen, without taking multiple screenshots? That's possible and easy to accomplish.
You will follow the same steps above, but, at the bottom of the screen, you will have to tap "capture more", then use the crop guideline to select everything you desire.
How to record on android - scrolling screenshot
Source: HTG
If you want to edit any screenshots, you can use the Google Photos to do that.
How to Screen Record on Android
Check if Your Device Has the Android’s Built-In Screen Recorder
The easiest way to record your screen is using the native screen recorder, available on most devices running Android 11 or higher. Some manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, etc.) offer this tool even on older models.
To check if your device include this feature, all you have to do is:
- Swipe down from the top of your screen.
- Swipe down again to fully expand the Quick Settings panel.
- Look for Screen Record or Screen Recorder.
If you don’t see it, you can usually add it manually.
Screen Recording (Built-in Android Recorder)
Step 1 — Open Quick Settings
Swipe down from the top twice to expand the Quick Settings menu.
Step 2 — Find "Screen Record"
If it’s not visible:
- Tap the pencil/edit icon
- Drag Screen Record into your active tiles
Step 3 — Choose your options
Before recording starts, you can usually select:
-
Audio source
- No audio
- Microphone
- Device audio (internal sound)
- Mic + device audio (available on many devices)
How to screen record on android - screen recording button
Source: Samsung
Step 4 — Tap Start
Most devices show a 3-second countdown.
Step 5 — Stop the recording
Open your notification panel, then tap Stop, or tap the floating stop button (if your device shows one). The recording is usually stored in the gallery where you can play, share, trim it and export to the video editing app of your preference to edit it.
How to Screen Record on Android with Apps
If your device doesn't have the screen record function built-in, don't worry. There are several apps available that you can download to screen record on Android.
AZ Screen Recorder
Available for free, the AZ Screen Recorder enables you to take screenshots, screen record, and even make lives. To record the screen, open the app, then click on the orange camera button, and you are ready to start.
How to screen record on Android - AZ
The videos recorded and the screenshots are saved inside the app, where you can share and edit them as well. In the app settings, you will also find options to configure the video resolution, the device orientation, and select if you want to record the audio too.
Google Play Games
How to screen record on android - Google Play Games
Are you a gamer? If so, a great option to screen record your matches is Google Play Games. It gives you the option to record the game in 480P SD or 720P HD resolution, but with an advantage. You can add footage from your smartphone's front-face camera, showing your comments and reactions while playing.
After installing Google Play Games, open it and select the game you want to record, then click on record, and choose the resolution you prefer. Once you tap launch to begin playing, the record starts, and you will see the settings to control some aspects such as the audio and the front-facing camera.
ADV Screen Recorder
ADV Screen Recorder is also a free app, with easy-to-use features that allow you to record your screen. You will need to access your smartphone settings to give the app's permissions required to record, then enter ADV and tap the "plus" button to enable the recording feature.
Once you exit the app, you will see that a camera button will remain on the side of the screen. Press it to start recording, set resolution, add the front-face camera, and even draw on the screen.
How to screen record on Android - ADV
When you finish the video, it will be saved on the app where you can edit it.
How to screen record on Android - ADV
The camera icon remains on the screen even when you are not using the app, to remove it, keep pressing the buttons and drag it to the "X" that will appear on the bottom of the screen.
Tips for Better Screen Recording Quality
Choose the right resolution & FPS
- For sharp video: 1080p
- For smoother gameplay: 60 FPS
- For basic tutorials: 720p (saves storage)
Manage your audio
- Use internal audio for apps, games, and music
- Use the microphone for voice explanations
- Combine both if your device supports it
Turn off notifications
Enable "Do Not Disturb**"** mode to avoid interruptions that appear in the video. You don't want personal or app notifications appearing in the middle of your recording. You may need to start all over only because of them.
Check battery & storage
Screen recording consumes resources — make sure you have at least 20% battery, and enough storage space as long videos can get large.
Enable touch indicators
They are great for tutorials and teaching someone step-by-step as they show exactly where you are clicking.
Device-Specific Restrictions & Common Issues
Not all Android devices behave the same. You may encounter these limitations:
- Internal audio not recording: some apps (banking, video streaming, DRM-protected apps) block internal audio capture.
- Screen Record tile missing: you can usually add it via Quick Settings edit mode. If not available at all → use a third-party app.
- Games not recording smoothly: use apps optimized for gaming or reduce resolution/FPS.
- Black screen or no video in some apps: this may be intentional since some apps prevent screen capture for privacy or copyright reasons.
Quick Checklist
Here’s everything you need to remember:
- Try the built-in recorder first (Android 11+)
- Choose your audio source before starting
- Enable "Do Not Disturb"
- Use 1080p for quality, 720p to save space
- Use third-party apps for advanced features
- Edit your video before sharing
- Your recordings are saved in the Gallery
