How to Screen Record on iPhone (With Sound) – 2026 Guide

Updated October 2026 · Works on iOS 27, iOS 26, and earlier

Quick answer: Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, then tap the Screen Recording button (a circle inside a ring). Recording starts after a 3-second countdown. To stop, tap the red indicator at the top of the screen and choose Stop. Your video saves to the Photos app.

Screen recording is built into every modern iPhone, so you don’t need to download an app. You can record a tutorial for a family member, save a video call moment, capture gameplay, or show someone a bug, with or without your voice.

In this guide you’ll find how to start and stop a recording, how to record with sound, faster ways to start recording, where your videos are saved, and what to do if it’s not working.

How to Add Screen Recording to Control Center

On most iPhones the Screen Recording button is already in Control Center. If you don’t see it:

  1. Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center
  2. Tap the + icon in the top-left corner
  3. Tap Add a Control at the bottom
  4. Find Screen Recording and tap it to add it
  5. Tap an empty area to save

On iOS 17 or earlier? Go to Settings → Control Center and tap the green + next to Screen Recording.

Also check that Settings → Control Center → Access Within Apps is turned on, so you can record while using any app.

How to Screen Record on iPhone

  1. Open the app or screen you want to record
  2. Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center
    • On iPhones with a Home button (iPhone SE), swipe up from the bottom
  3. Tap the Screen Recording button
  4. Wait for the 3-second countdown, then close Control Center
  5. A red indicator (or a red dot in the Dynamic Island) shows while you’re recording

To stop recording, use either of these:

  • Tap the red indicator at the top of the screen and tap Stop
  • Open Control Center and tap the Screen Recording button again

A notification confirms that your video was saved to Photos.

How to Screen Record on iPhone With Sound

Your iPhone records sound from apps (like videos and games) automatically. To also record your voice through the microphone:

  1. Open Control Center
  2. Touch and hold the Screen Recording button
  3. Tap Microphone so it turns On (red)
  4. Tap Start Recording

The microphone stays on for future recordings until you turn it off the same way.

Tip: Turn up your volume before you start. If an app’s sound is muted on your phone, it won’t be in your recording either.

Faster Ways to Start a Screen Recording

Use the Action button (iPhone 15 Pro and newer models with an Action button):

  1. Go to Settings → Action Button
  2. Swipe to Controls and tap Choose a Control
  3. Pick Screen Recording

Now just press the Action button to start or stop recording.

Add it to your Lock Screen (iOS 18 and later):

  1. Touch and hold your Lock Screen, then tap Customize → Lock Screen
  2. Tap the − on the flashlight or camera button at the bottom
  3. Tap the empty spot and choose Screen Recording

Where Are Screen Recordings Saved on iPhone?

Screen recordings save to the Photos app as videos. To find them quickly:

  1. Open Photos
  2. Scroll down to Media Types
  3. Tap Screen Recordings

You can also choose a different destination before recording: touch and hold the Screen Recording button in Control Center and pick another app from the list.

How to Trim a Screen Recording

Most recordings start with you closing Control Center. To cut that part out:

  1. Open the recording in Photos
  2. Tap Edit
  3. Drag the yellow handles at the start and end of the timeline
  4. Tap Done, then Save Video or Save Video as New Clip

How to Record Your iPhone Screen on a Mac

For long recordings or tutorials, you can record your iPhone screen on your Mac instead:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac with a cable
  2. Open QuickTime Player on the Mac
  3. Choose File → New Movie Recording
  4. Click the small arrow next to the record button and choose your iPhone as the camera
  5. Click Record

On the Mac itself, press Command + Shift + 5 to record the Mac’s screen.

iPhone Screen Recording Not Working? Try These Fixes

The button is missing
Add it to Control Center using the steps at the top of this guide.

The button is grayed out
Screen Time may be blocking it. Go to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Content Restrictions → Screen Recording and set it to Allow. Work or school iPhones may also block recording.

The recording won’t save
Your storage may be full. Check Settings → General → iPhone Storage and free up space.

No sound in the recording
Make sure the Microphone is turned on (touch and hold the button), and that your volume is up. Some apps don’t allow their audio to be recorded.

The recording is black
Streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV block screen recording on purpose to protect their content.

Still not working?
Restart your iPhone and make sure you’re on the latest iOS in Settings → General → Software Update.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I screen record on iPhone with sound?

Open Control Center, touch and hold the Screen Recording button, turn Microphone on, then tap Start Recording. App sounds are recorded automatically, and the microphone adds your voice.

Where is the screen record button on iPhone?

It’s in Control Center. Swipe down from the top-right corner and look for a circle inside a ring. If it’s not there, tap + → Add a Control → Screen Recording.

How long can an iPhone screen recording be?

There’s no fixed time limit. You can keep recording as long as you have storage space and battery.

Can I screen record FaceTime calls?

You can record the screen during a FaceTime call, but the other person’s audio may not be captured. Always tell people before you record a call, since recording without consent is illegal in some places.

Why does my screen recording have no sound?

The microphone may be off, your volume may be low or muted, or the app may block its audio from being recorded. Touch and hold the Screen Recording button to check the microphone.

Can I screen record Netflix on iPhone?

No. Netflix and most other streaming apps block screen recording, so the video comes out black.

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