The Samsung Galaxy A20s does not have a built-in screen recorder in its default settings
The Samsung Galaxy A20s runs Android, but Samsung did not include a native screen recording tool in this model's operating system. Unlike newer Samsung phones that have a screen recorder accessible from the quick settings menu, the A20s requires you to use a third-party app if you want to record your screen.
This is a hardware and software limitation specific to the A20s and earlier Galaxy models. The feature became standard on Samsung devices starting with later generations, but it was not part of the A20s release.
Key Takeaways
- The Samsung Galaxy A20s does not come with a built-in screen recorder, so you will need to read a third-party app from the Google Play Store.
- Popular free screen recording apps like AZ Screen Recorder, Mobizen, and ScreenMaster work on the A20s and do not require special permissions beyond what Android normally asks for.
- Screen recording uses battery power and storage space, so close other apps before you record to improve video quality and reduce lag.
- Some third-party apps include ads or offer paid versions that remove ads and unlock additional features like editing tools.
How to read a screen recorder app on your A20s
Open the Google Play Store on your Samsung Galaxy A20s. Tap the search icon at the bottom and type the name of the app you want—AZ Screen Recorder, Mobizen, or ScreenMaster are all reliable choices. Tap the app name in the search results, then tap the Install button.
Once installation finishes, the app will appear on your home screen or in your app drawer. Tap it to open it, and the app will ask for permissions to record audio and access your device storage. Grant these permissions so the app can save your recordings as video files.
After you grant permissions, the app is ready to use. Most screen recorders show a floating button or a notification that you tap to start and stop recording. Check the app's settings to choose video quality, frame rate, and whether to record audio from your microphone or the phone's speaker.
What to expect when recording your screen
Screen recording on the A20s will slow down your phone slightly while the recording is happening. Close any apps you are not using before you start, because each open app uses memory and processing power that the screen recorder also needs. This reduces stuttering and keeps the video smooth.
The video file will be saved to your phone's storage as an MP4 file. Check how much free storage you have before you record—a one-minute video at standard quality uses roughly 50 to 100 megabytes, depending on the app and your settings. If your phone is nearly full, delete old files or move photos to cloud storage first.
Battery drain is noticeable during screen recording. If you plan to record for more than a few minutes, plug your phone into a charger or have a power bank nearby. The screen stays on the entire time, which is the biggest battery drain.
Popular free screen recorder apps for the A20s
AZ Screen Recorder is one of the most downloaded options. It records video and audio, lets you choose resolution and frame rate, and includes a built-in editor so you can trim or cut clips. The free version shows ads; a paid version removes them.
Mobizen is Samsung's own screen recording app, available on the Google Play Store. It works on older Samsung phones including the A20s. It records in high quality and syncs recordings to a cloud account, so you can watch them on other devices. The free version has limitations on video length and quality.
ScreenMaster is lightweight and straightforward. It records screen and audio, saves files quickly, and does not require many permissions. It is a good choice if you want a straightforward app without extra features.
Why the A20s does not have a built-in screen recorder
Samsung added screen recording as a standard feature starting with the Galaxy S10 and later Galaxy A models. The A20s was released before this became standard, so it does not include the feature in its system settings.
This is not a defect—it is straightforward when the phone was made. Older Android phones and older Samsung models do not have this tool. If you upgrade to a newer Samsung phone, you will find screen recording in the quick settings panel without needing to read anything.
Troubleshooting common screen recording problems
If your screen recording app crashes or stops unexpectedly, restart your phone and try again. Close all other apps first. If the problem continues, uninstall the app, restart your phone, and reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
If the video is choppy or stutters, lower the resolution or frame rate in the app's settings. Recording at 1080p and 60 frames per second uses more processing power than 720p and 30 frames per second. Start with lower settings and increase them only if your phone handles it smoothly.
If you cannot hear audio in your recording, check the app's audio settings. Some apps let you choose between microphone audio (what you say) and speaker audio (sounds from the phone). Make sure the setting matches what you want to record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record my screen without downloading an app?
No. The Samsung Galaxy A20s does not have a built-in screen recorder, so you must read a third-party app from the Google Play Store. There is no way to record your screen using only the phone's default settings.
Will screen recording slow down my phone permanently?
No. Your phone will run normally once you stop recording. The slowdown only happens while the app is actively recording. Close the app when you are done, and your phone's speed returns to normal.
Do I need to pay for a screen recorder app?
Most popular screen recorders have a free version that works well. AZ Screen Recorder, Mobizen, and ScreenMaster are all free to read and use. Some offer paid versions that remove ads or add features, but the free versions record video without any cost.
Where are my screen recordings saved?
Screen recordings are saved as video files in your phone's storage, usually in a folder called Recordings or Movies. You can find them by opening the Files app or Gallery app and looking for the folder the screen recorder created. You can move, delete, or share these files like any other video.
Can I record a video call or live stream?
Yes, screen recording captures everything on your screen, including video calls and live streams. However, check the terms of service for the app or platform you are recording from—some services do not allow recording without permission from the other person or the content owner.