Screen record on Android is convenient for both private and business use. You can use it to record messages on favourite photos, send videos to other people explaining how to use their phone or use apps, or even record business presentations. From Android 11, screen recording is included as standard feature. Here, we provide a detailed introduction on how to use screen recording and things you need to know.
What is Android screen recording?
Screen recording allows you to record images and actions on your smartphone screen. For example, if you want to explain how to operate a smartphone or how to use an app to someone else, you can turn on screen recording, record the actual operation and send it to them so it’s easier for them to understand. You can also choose to "put audio in the recording" and "record taps". This is useful for recording an explanation of an app, a text, a photo or even a presentation. The screen recording feature has been included as standard since Android 11. Prior to this, users had to download an app to use the feature.
Screen recording instructions.
Here’s how to record your screen on Android 11.
Note: The process may vary depending on the version and model of your Android phone.
Swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the drop-down menu, then tap [Start Screen Record].
If you want to add audio to the recording, turn on [Record], and if you want to record taps on the screen, turn on [Record taps on the screen]. When the recording starts, a red mark will appear on the screen and a countdown will start. When the countdown ends and the icon changes, start performing the operation you want to record.
To stop screen recording, tap [Stop Screen Record] in the drop-down menu.
Note: Any drop-down menus that are open when you stop screen recording, as well as notifications such as apps and emails that appear during recording, will also be recorded.
Viewing recorded videos.
Videos recorded via screen recording are saved in the Gallery app on your phone, or whichever app you have set as the destination for your photos and videos. Open the Gallery app (or other destination app) and check if the video has been saved. You can choose to upload the recorded video to Google Photos, which means you can avoid the risk of losing the video data even if your device's data is lost. To save time, turn on automatic uploads to Google Photos. That way, your recordings are backed up without any extra effort.
Things to be aware of when screen recording.
Not everything can be recorded using screen recording. This includes copyright-protected content, such as videos streamed on video-on-demand (VOD) services. Please also note that there is a slight time lag between finishing a screen recording and the video being saved, so you may need to wait a little time before it is available in the app.
Troubleshooting screen recording.
Screen recording is interrupted by the following operations. If your screen recording unexpectedly stops, it may be due to one of the following:
If the device is turned off.
Screen recording will continue even if the screen is turned off. However, recording will stop if the device is powered down, and any recording in progress will be lost. Please be aware that your device may automatically reboot when system files (e.g., phone updates) are installed, which can stop recording.
If the battery is removed.
If your device powers down during a screen recording, check that the battery is properly installed. A loose battery will cause the device to power down. In the unlikely event that the battery is not installed correctly due to swelling or other issues, replace it immediately.
If the recording freezes.
If your phone freezes (suddenly stops working or becomes extremely slow), screen recording may be interrupted. There are various reasons why this might occur, including having a large number of apps running at once or temperature stress.
When to screen record on Android.
Screen recording, available as standard since Android 11, can be used for the following purposes.
Creation of operation manuals.
When using a smartphone app for work in a team, you may need to create an operation manual. Text alone is often not enough to explain things properly, and using screenshots can be a lengthy and cumbersome process.
With screen recording, you can save a lot of time and effort in explaining an operation process.
Presentation videos.
You can create a presentation video with audio on your smartphone. Previously, creating a presentation video required equipment such as a video camera, projector, and screen, but with smartphone screen recording, you can record audio over the presentation materials on your smartphone. For example, you can comment on charts and text displayed in Google Sheets and Google Docs. This means you can easily give your presentation without the need for additional equipment.
Add a message to a memorable photo.
Screen recording is also useful if you want to add voice comments to photos stored in Google Photos. This is handy when you want to add a message to a photo of a family memory. Once you've turned on screen recording, open the photo you want to comment on and talk about it. Swipe left or right to see the next photo. Don't forget to move the photos you want to comment on to the same folder before starting your screen recording.
Make life easier with an Android smartphone.
Android screen record is a handy tool in both your business and private life. It’s been standard since Android 11.
Note: Some of the content described in this article may not be available on certain devices. The availability of this product, or some of its features, depends on the device manufacturer.