How to Screen Record on Mobile and Desktop. Need to record your computer screen or phone? Find out how to screen record on Mac, Windows PC, Chromebook, iPhone, and Android devices with step-by-step instructions.
Laptop computer, mobile phone, almost every device—Mac, Windows PC, Chromebook, iPhone, and Android—has a built-in way to record your screen, but each one is different.
If you’re an iPhone or Mac user, you’ve probably noticed that it’s pretty easy to record your screen in just a few steps. Using a Windows computer or laptop, you may have to kick it old-school and use something like PowerPoint. (Yes, really.) And lord help anyone trying to screen recorder for android on an older Android device who isn’t a developer.
We’ve got you covered whether you’re looking to screen record on a mobile device or your desktop. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to record your screen.
The built-in functionality of these devices and operating systems are good options, but you may need to go beyond basic screen recording. If you’re looking for additional functionality (perhaps editing or multiple recording options), be sure to check out our post on the best screen recorders.
How to Record Your Screen
Simply put, a screen recording is when you record a video of what’s happening on your device screen.
You may want to record your computer or laptop screen for several reasons. A simple screen recording can be used to demonstrate how your product works to a potential customer—running into a technical problem while working remotely? Capture a bug to share with your Dev or IT team. Need to teach a colleague how to do something or onboard your new intern? Screen Capture the workflow on your computer screen to make training easier. A hybrid screen recording (where you capture yourself and your screen) lets you build personal connections with prospects or share feedback with someone
How to Screen Record on Mac
If you’re on macOS Mojave or higher, there’s a built-in feature for recording your screen, and it’s as easy as pressing a hotkey. (This is why people like Macs.)
- Native Screen Record on Mac
- Press Command + Shift + 5
- Select whether you want to capture the entire screen, a window, or a selection (otherwise, it’ll begin recording the entire screen automatically)
- When done, click Stop to end the recording
- Your recording will appear as a thumbnail at the bottom right-hand corner of your screen, click it to choose where to save the video
QuickTime Screen Record on Mac
Alternatively, you can use QuickTime, which is native on all Macs:
- Open QuickTime
- Select File and then New Screen Recording
- Click the red Record button to start to stop, and click the Record button again
- To save, click File, then SaveIf you only need to save a screenshot on Mac, press Command + Shift + 4 and select the area you want to capture.
How to Screen Record on Windows
Screen recording isn’t a built-in feature on a Windows PC like it is on a Mac. The easiest way to record your screen on Windows is to use PowerPoint.
PowerPoint Screen Recording
Open PowerPoint
- Click the Insert tab and select Screen Recording
- Select the area you want to record—to select the entire screen, press Windows Key + Shift + F
- Click the Record button, or press Windows + Shift + R
- To end the recording, click Stop
- When it’s over, you can save the recording as a video file (separate from the PowerPoint presentation)
Screen Recording Windows 10 (The Xbox App)
Microsoft preloads the Xbox Game Bar on Windows devices so you can record video games, but it works just as well for businesses.
Type “Xbox” into the Windows search bar and open the app
Hold Windows + G on your keyboard
Click Yes, this is a game
To begin, click Record or press Windows + Alt + R
To end, click Stop
Pro Tip: If you only need to take a screenshot on Windows 10, press Ctrl + PrntScrn, select the area you want to capture, and release.
How to Screen Record on Chromebook
Chromebook now has a native screen recorder installed at factory settings, but if you want more functionality like a video library, you can use an easy-to-access Chrome extension like Vidyard.
Vidyard’s Chrome extension is super easy to install. Once installed, the extension allows you to quickly record and share videos directly from your web browser. You’ll also have easy access to your existing library as well as a notifications feed to keep tabs on incoming video views and related video analytics.
Native Screen Record on Chromebook
Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows
In the menu at the bottom, select Screen Record
Select an option:
the full-screen Record
Record a partial screen
Record a window
To stop recording, at the bottom right, select Stop recording
Vidyard Chrome Extension on Chromebook
1 Select the Vidyard extension in the upper right corner of your browserA screenshot showing how to screen record using Vidyard Chrome Extension.
2 Pick the recording type that you have selected (this will determine what gets captured in your video)
Screen: Records your computer’s entire screen
Camera: Records a video using your webcam (a “selfie-style” video)
Screen + Camera: Records both your screen and camera at the same timeA screenshot showing how to screen record using Vidyard Chrome Extension.
3 Do an Audio Test to indicate that your microphone is working and able to pick up sound. To change the microphone or camera that you use to record, use the dropdown menus to select another available input source
4 Once you’re satisfied with the recording options you’ve selected, click onStart Recording
How To Screen Record with Vidyard Chrome Extension
You can record videos and screen record in a few simple steps.
How to Screen Record on iPhone
Most iPhones have a native feature for screen recording.
- Go to Settings, Control Center, Customize Controls, and tap + next to Screen Recording
- Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen (if using an iPhone X, swipe down from the upper right corner of the screen)
- Long press on the circle record button and tap Microphone to enable audio recording
- Once you’ve done that, you can tap Start Recording
- If you’ve previously enabled your microphone (or don’t want to record audio), simply tap the circle record button (there’ll be a three-second countdown before your recording begins)
- A red Recording bar will appear at the top of the screen when your recording begins—when you’re finished, tap that bar to bring up the Stop screen recording? option
- Tap Stop to stop recording (or hit Cancel to continue recording)
- You can find your recording in your Photos app
Pro Tip: Hold the iPhone Home Button and press the Power button on the side if you only need to take a screenshot on the iPhone. If you have an iPhone X or later, hold the Lock and Volume up buttons at the same time.
How to record your screen on Android
Screen recording on Android 11 or higher
With Android 11 or higher, native screen recording is included as an optional option and can be found in the quick settings area of your device.
- Go to Quick Settings (or search for) “Screen Recording”
- Tap an app to open it
- Select audio and video quality settings and click Done
- The first time you record, it will ask you to allow access to your device, prompt you to select audio settings, and give you the option to Cancel or Start recording.
- Press Start Recording
- When you’re done recording, press the square stop button
- You can find your recording in your gallery or photos app