Recording your screen on an Apple® iPhone or iPad is easy. Whether you want to record a tutorial, a FaceTime conversation, or proof that you never received that text about changing your meeting time, screen recording on an iPhone or iPad is fast and simple. Any device running iOS 11 or later supports the built-in screen recording feature, which means the vast majority of iPhones and iPads in use today are compatible. We’ve put everything you need to know about screen recording in this walkthrough.
Before you can start recording, you’ll need to add the Screen Recording button to your Control Center. To do this, go to Settings → Control Center and tap the green “+” button next to Screen Recording. You only need to do this once.
When you’re ready to record, open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen (or swiping up from the bottom on older devices), then tap the Screen Recording button. A 3-second countdown begins before recording starts, giving you time to navigate to whatever you want to capture. To stop recording, tap the red status bar at the top of your screen and confirm, or return to Control Center and tap the button again.
All recordings are automatically saved to the “Screen Recordings” album in your Photos app. You can export them in multiple formats including MP4, MOV, and M4V, making it easy to share or edit your footage in other apps. There is technically no time limit on how long you can record – your only constraint is your device’s available storage space.
One important limitation to keep in mind: screen recording and screen mirroring cannot be used at the same time, so you’ll need to choose one or the other depending on your needs.
How to Screen Record on iPhone
The easiest way to screen record on your iPhone is with a bit of prep work. After you add the screen recording button to your Control Center – the place where you can control brightness, volume and other settings – you’ll be able to swipe down and record at any time. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app and tap Control Center. Find the Screen Recording option and tap the green plus icon next to it. This adds the recording button to your Control Center, which appears when you swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. Note that you’ll need iOS 11 or later to use this built-in feature.
- Open the Control Center and tap the Record button. Look for a gray dot within a circle in one of the squares at the bottom of the Control Center.
- Wait for the countdown to end. After you tap the icon, it will show a 3-second countdown. When this ends, your phone will start recording. The icon will turn red, along with the status bar behind the time.
- Record your screen. Swipe up on the Control Center to close it out and start doing whatever it is you want to record. There’s no set time limit on recordings – you’re only restricted by your device’s available storage space.
- Stop recording. Re-open the Control Center and tap the Record button again. You can also stop recording by tapping on the red status bar, then Stop.
- Find your recording. Your phone will automatically save your video to the Screen Recordings album in your Photos app, where you can watch, edit, share, or export it in formats including MP4, MOV, and M4V.
Keep in mind that screen recording and screen mirroring cannot be used at the same time – you’ll need to disable mirroring first if it’s active.
If you just want to take a still picture, you need to take a screenshot instead.
How to Screen Record With Audio on the iPhone
By default, your iPhone will capture whatever audio is playing through your phone. If you scroll over a video on your social media feed, it will record the audio from the video but not whatever’s going on around you. If your dog barks or the garbage truck goes by, no worries. But sometimes, you might want that audio, such as when you’re narrating a tutorial.
To make an iPhone screen recording with sound from your environment, start with the same steps as a regular screen recording. Instead of simply tapping the Record button, give it a long press. It should pop up with some more options. At the bottom is a microphone icon. Tap that to turn the microphone on and off as you record. If you leave it on, your phone will keep recording audio any time you start recording your screen.
A few things worth knowing about iPhone screen recording with audio:
- The screen recording feature is available on any iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 or later.
- After tapping the Record button, there is a 3-second countdown before recording begins, giving you time to navigate to whatever you want to capture.
- There is technically no time limit on recordings – you’re only restricted by your device’s available storage space.
- Recordings are automatically saved to your Photos app in the “Screen Recordings” album and can be exported in formats including MP4 and MOV. If your Photos app is getting full, learn how to delete photos on your iPhone to free up space.
- Note that screen recording and screen mirroring cannot be used at the same time.
- If you don’t see the Screen Recording button in your Control Center, you’ll need to add it manually via Settings → Control Center before your first use. While you’re there, it’s a great time to customize your iPhone home screen to suit your needs.
Troubleshooting Tips for iPhone Screen Recording
While screen recording is pretty straightforward, sometimes it won’t do what you want. Below are some solutions to common problems with screen recording on iOS devices.
1. Your iPhone Screen Recording Shows an Error or Blank Screen
Some apps, like video streaming platforms, won’t let you record them. This restriction is to protect copyright, so you can’t just record any TV show or movie you want. These apps might pause or freeze your screen or display an error message when you attempt to record.
You also won’t be able to screen record if you’re mirroring content onto another display, as screen recording and screen mirroring cannot be used simultaneously.
2. Your Screen Recording Icon is Grayed Out
If the icon in the Control Center is grayed out, you could have content restrictions in place. These usually apply when you’re recording the Game Center. Head to Settings and tap Screen Time, then Content & Restrictions. Tap Content Restrictions and scroll down to the Game Center section. Select and Allow screen recording.
3. The Screen Recording Button Isn’t Showing Up in the Control Center
If you don’t see your Record button, you may not have added it yet. Per Apple Support, the Screen Recording button must be manually added before first use. Head to Settings, then Control Center and tap the green plus icon next to Screen Recording.
4. You Can’t Find the Screen Recording Video
All screen recordings are automatically saved to the Photos app. Open the Photos app and go to the Albums tab, then scroll down to the list of Media Types and tap Screen Recordings — your video should be there. You can also check the Library tab, where it should appear as the most recently added file.
5. You’re Having Other Issues With iPhone Screen Recording
If the above solutions don’t fix the problem, try these general troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your phone: First, try a regular restart. If your phone doesn’t have a Home button, press and hold the side button and either of the volume buttons. When a slider shows up on the screen, drag it to the right. If you have a Home button, you just need to hold down the side button. If the problem still persists, do a force reset.
- Update your iPhone: Open up Settings, tap General, then Software Update. If there’s an available update, download and install it. Note that screen recording requires iOS 11 or later, so make sure your device meets that requirement. If you run into trouble after updating, check out our guide to common iOS problems and how to fix them.
- Check available storage: There is no set time limit for screen recordings, but they are limited by your device’s available storage. If your storage is full, recording will stop or won’t start at all. Tap Settings, General, and iPhone Storage. You’ll need to free up some space if the bar is full or almost full.
- Turn off Low Power Mode: Low Power Mode can cause your phone to behave oddly while it tries to save battery. Turn it off with the battery icon in the Control Center or tap Settings, then Battery.
- Reset all settings: This option might affect some other settings, but it’s worth a try if you really need to screen record and the other options aren’t working. In Settings, tap General. Then, tap Transfer or Reset iPhone, followed by Reset and Reset All Settings. It will leave your files, such as photos and apps, in place but will reset settings like your app layouts, permissions, and privacy settings.
- Factory reset your iPhone: This option will delete your files, but you can try a factory reset as a last resort.
Screen Recording Troubleshooting by iPhone Model
Every iPhone model is a little different. Consider these tips for troubleshooting specific iPhones.
iPhone 16
Screen recording problems on the iPhone 16 shouldn’t be too common. Thanks to its 2024 release date and support for iOS 18, any issues probably come from your settings rather than a glitch or a bug. Make sure your phone is fully updated, and use the side and volume buttons to restart your iPhone 16. Apple Intelligence is also available on this model if you’re considering new features.
iPhone SE
The latest iPhone SE (4th generation, released in 2025) supports iOS 18. Update the software if you’re having trouble with screen recording on an iPhone SE. Unlike earlier SE models, the 4th generation SE no longer has a Home button, so restart it by holding the side button until the power slider appears, or use the side and volume buttons.
iPhone X
The iPhone X doesn’t have a Home button, so you’ll need to restart it using the side and volume buttons. Keep in mind that the iPhone X is no longer supported by the latest versions of iOS, so you may be limited in which iOS updates are available to you. This phone comes with a minimum of 64 gigabytes (GB) of storage, unlike newer models that start at 128GB. Keep an eye out for maxed-out storage that might cause screen recording problems on the iPhone X. If you’re thinking about upgrading, check out our guide to the best iPhone models to buy.
iPhone 8
The iPhone 8 has a Home button, so use the side button along with the Home button when restarting. The iPhone 8 is no longer supported by the latest iOS versions, meaning it has reached its maximum supported iOS version. If you’re experiencing screen recording issues, check that your storage isn’t nearly full, as this is a common culprit on older devices with limited capacity.
iPhone 7 or Earlier
If you have an iPhone 7 or earlier, you will not be able to upgrade to the latest versions of iOS. Keep in mind that screen recording requires iOS 11 or later, so as long as your device runs iOS 11 or above, the built-in feature should be available. Low storage is often a significant issue on these older models and may cause screen recording to fail or behave unexpectedly. These devices are also more prone to software glitches due to aging hardware and discontinued software support. If your device is struggling, it may be time to explore tips for finding a cheap phone as a replacement.
How to Screen Record on iPad
The process for screen recording on an iPad is almost the exact same as recording on an iPhone. Follow these steps:
- Add the Record button to the Control Center. In Settings, tap Control Center and tap the green plus icon next to Screen Recording.
- Open the Control Center and tap the Record button. Wait for the three-second countdown and close out the Control Center to start recording.
- Stop recording. Again, open the Control Center and tap on the Record button. You can also end the recording by tapping on the red status bar at the top of your screen and tapping Stop on the pop-up that appears.
- View your recording. Head to your Photos app and navigate to the Screen Recordings album. Your recording should be the most recent entry. If your iPad is running slow, it may take a moment to process.
Troubleshooting Tips for iPad Screen Recording
If you’re having trouble with iPad screen recording, follow the same troubleshooting steps outlined for the iPhone. Check for:
- An app that doesn’t allow screen recording
- Parental controls (Screen Time settings)
- Any available software updates
- Full storage – recordings are limited by your device’s available storage space
- Whether the Screen Recording button has been added to Control Center (go to Settings → Control Center to add it manually before first use)
- Whether you have Screen Mirroring active – screen recording and screen mirroring cannot be used simultaneously
Most processes work the exact same as they do for an iPhone. You can even use the same buttons for restarting your iPad as you would for an iPhone. Keep in mind that after tapping the Record button, there is a 3-second countdown before recording begins – this is normal and not a sign of an issue.
Once your recording is complete, it will automatically be saved to your Photos app under the “Screen Recordings” album, where you can then export it in a variety of formats including MP4 or MOV.
Note that screen recording is available on any iPad running iPadOS 11 or later, so if the feature doesn’t appear at all, confirm your device is running a supported version of iPadOS. If you’re also a parent managing kids’ devices and screen time, understanding these settings can help you better oversee how your children use their iPads.
Helpful Screen Record Apps
Basic recording is pretty easy with an iPhone’s built-in screen recording tools, but sometimes you want to do more. Here are some apps that can help you level up your iPhone screen recordings:
- Record It: Record It is a simple, lightweight app that adds a few handy tools, including options to add a face cam and audio commentary. It has a built-in editor, too.
- Reflector 4: On the other end of the spectrum is Reflector 4. If you like to record from multiple devices to capture your face, your phone screen and your computer screen, Reflector 4 can help you merge them into one recording. It also offers tools for voiceovers, frames that look like specific devices and lots of recording options. It requires computer software to use.
- TechSmith Capture: If you take a lot of recordings, TechSmith Capture is great for managing them all. You can pair it with TechSmith computer software and put all of your recordings into a clean-looking library to stay organized. Plus, you can transfer them to your computer over Wi-Fi.
- DU Recorder: Looking to live stream? DU Recorder can record your screen while live streaming it. It also has a built-in editor and can add watermarks to your footage.
- AZ Recorder: With AZ Recorder, you can configure various options like your video’s resolution, orientation and framerate before you start recording. It offers editing tools and a face cam option, too.
Ideas for How to Use Screen Recording
The wonderful world of screen recording opens up many doors. Some people use it for educational purposes, while others use it to share news, record tech problems or hang onto precious conversations for later. Here are a few ways you can use screen recording.
1. Tutorials
Maybe you want to show your blog readers how to draw something on their iPad or send grandma a video about how to share that photo she wants to send you. Screen recording is an excellent way to show people exactly how to do something when you can’t be right next to them. Some examples include:
- On-screen art: Show digital art processes like illustrations and photo editing on your iPad or iPhone. With some editing or third-party apps, you can add a face cam or additional resources and turn your recording into a timelapse.
- Games: Walk your audience through a tricky level or show off your skills by screen recording mobile games.
- General tech issues or processes: Whether you’re solving a specific problem or teaching people how to do something, screen recording can help you make an easy-to-follow tutorial.
You can use plenty of additional features in your screen-recorded tutorials, like narrations. iPhones will often show when you press a button by changing its color, but you can make button presses more pronounced with Assistive Touch tools.
2. Streaming
Many people use their phones to stream themselves gaming, responding to fans, playing music or making art. Screen recording lets you save those streams to your phone. Keep in mind that screen recording and screen mirroring cannot be used simultaneously, so you’ll want to choose whichever option best fits your needs.
3. FaceTime Conversations
You can screen record FaceTime conversations to watch them later. You might, for example, record a conversation with a supervisor so you can refer to those instructions later. Or, you could record a child’s conversation with their grandparents and save those memories for later.
4. Tech Support
Is your phone doing something weird? Screen recordings can help you show the problem clearly to tech support employees or a tech-savvy friend. You can record your problem or record a bug and easily share them. Once you’re done recording, your file will automatically be saved to the “Screen Recordings” album in your Photos app, making it easy to find and share quickly. Recordings can be exported in multiple formats including MP4, AVI, and MOV, so compatibility with whoever you’re sending it to shouldn’t be an issue.
5. Recording Videos
You can record some videos, depending on the source app. Unfortunately, you cannot screen record video from Netflix, Hulu and other streaming apps. Those apps have copyright protections that prevent you from creating recordings. Even if you could, it would be against the terms of service that you agree to when you sign up for the apps. Instead, look into other options. You may be able to download a video through the app for offline viewing or purchase a downloadable version of the video from another provider.
While you can screen record a video from your Camera Roll, it’s much easier to use the Photos app itself. If you’re just looking to trim the video to a specific section, you can do so under the edit section.
One practical thing to keep in mind: there is no set time limit on how long you can screen record, but your available storage space will determine how much you can capture. If you’re planning a lengthy tutorial or recording a long stream, it’s worth checking your storage beforehand. All recordings are saved automatically to the “Screen Recordings” album in your Photos app as soon as you stop recording.
Find More Troubleshooting Resources for Smartphones with Gazelle
Smartphones might be incredibly powerful, but they can also be hard to figure out. From complicated features to everyday bugs or problems, troubleshooting may be in order. We want you to make the most of your phone, so we’ve written up plenty of tutorials and how-tos for using smartphones. Explore more troubleshooting resources on our blog to learn more!
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