How to record your screen on Android

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Android has a screen recorder built in, so you do not need an extra app. It is useful for showing someone how to do something on their phone.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them, so the Samsung name is given where it differs. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Open Quick Settings

   Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to see all the tiles.

   Done

2. Tap Screen record

   You may need to swipe sideways to find it. If it is missing, tap the pencil icon and drag Screen record into the tiles. On Samsung it is called Screen recorder.

   Done

3. Choose what to record

   Pick a single app or the whole screen. Switch on Record audio and choose device audio, microphone or both. Show touches on screen adds a dot where you tap.

   Done

4. Tap Start

   A countdown runs and the recording begins.

   Done

5. Stop the recording

   Swipe down from the top and tap Stop on the red recorder notification. The video is in Google Photos under Collections, On this device, Movies, or in Gallery on Samsung.

   Done

Good to know

Recording a single app keeps your notifications and other apps out of the video.

Streaming apps block recording of films and series, so those appear black.

Ask before you record a call or another person. In many places that is required by law.

In short: Quick Settings, Screen record, choose audio, Start. Stop from the notification.