Android screen recording can capture the phone display plus device audio, microphone audio, or both. Silent recordings usually happen because the audio source was not selected before the recording started.
These steps apply to Pixel phones with Android 11 or later and Samsung Galaxy phones with One UI 3 or later.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if a screen recording came out silent, or if you want to record app sound, narration, gameplay, a tutorial, or both your voice and device audio.
Record with Audio from Quick Settings
- Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
- Find Screen record or Screen Recorder. If it is missing, tap the edit pencil and drag the tile into your active tiles.
- Tap the tile.
- Choose the audio source before starting: device audio, microphone, or device audio and microphone.
- Tap Start and wait for the countdown.
- Stop from the notification shade or the tile when finished.
Recordings usually save to Photos, Gallery, or a Screen recordings folder.
Record with Audio on Samsung Galaxy
- Swipe down twice, or swipe down with two fingers, to open Quick Settings.
- Tap Screen recorder.
- Choose No sound, Media sound, Media sound and mic, or Mic only.
- Turn on Selfie video if you want a small camera bubble of yourself.
- Adjust quality if you want a smaller file.
- Tap Record.
- Use the floating toolbar to draw, pause, or stop.
Important Recording Notes
DRM-Protected Apps Can Block Capture
Streaming and banking apps may show black video, silence, or blocked content during screen recording. That is intentional and cannot be bypassed with normal Android settings.
Microphone Picks Up the Room
If you record narration, fans, speakers, and background noise can be captured. Record somewhere quiet or use earbuds with a microphone if supported.
Where to Find Files
Check Gallery, Photos, or Files under Internal storage > Movies > Screen recordings. Some phones let you change the save location in recorder settings.
Sources
- Google Support: Record your Android screen
- Samsung Support: Use Screen recorder on your Galaxy phone
- Android Help Center: Screen Recorder settings and audio sources