Samsung's built-in screen recording tool is in your Quick Settings panel

Samsung phones and tablets come with a screen recorder built into the operating system — you do not need to read an app. The tool lives in your Quick Settings, the panel you pull down from the top of the screen. On most Samsung devices running Android 9 or later, you can start recording in three taps.

The exact location and name of the tool varies slightly by model and Android version, but the method is the same: open Quick Settings, find the screen recorder icon, tap it, and the recording begins. The file saves to your Gallery or Files app when you stop.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung's screen recorder is in Quick Settings — swipe down from the top twice and look for an icon labeled "Screen Recorder" or "Record."
  • You can record audio from your device, your microphone, or both, and choose the video quality before you start.
  • The recording stops when you tap the floating button that appears on screen, and the video saves automatically to your Gallery.
  • If you cannot find the screen recorder in Quick Settings, it may be hidden — open Settings, go to Advanced Features, and toggle Screen Recorder on.

Finding and opening the screen recorder

Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open the full Quick Settings panel. The first swipe opens a smaller panel with your most-used shortcuts; the second swipe expands it to show all available tools. Look for an icon labeled "Screen Recorder" or "Record" — it usually looks like a circle or a camera with a red dot.

If you do not see it in the panel, the tool may be hidden. Open the Settings app, scroll down to Advanced Features, and tap Screen Recorder. Toggle it on, then return to Quick Settings — it should now appear in the list.

Choosing audio and quality settings before you record

When you tap the screen recorder icon, a menu appears with options. You can choose whether to record sound from your device (what plays on the speaker), sound from your microphone (your voice), or both. You can also select video quality — most Samsung devices offer Standard and High Quality options. Higher quality creates a larger file.

Make these choices before you tap the button to start recording. Once recording begins, you cannot change the settings without stopping and starting over.

Starting and stopping the recording

After you choose your settings, tap the red Start button or Record button. A floating control panel appears on your screen — it is usually a small circle or bar in a corner. This panel stays visible while you record so you can stop whenever you want.

Perform the actions you want to capture: open an app, scroll through a webpage, play a video, or take screenshots. When you are done, tap the Stop button on the floating panel. The recording ends when ready and saves to your Gallery app (or Files app on some models) as an MP4 video file.

Finding your recorded video

After you stop recording, open your Gallery app and look for a folder called "Videos" or "Screen Recordings." Your video appears there with a timestamp as the filename. You can play it, share it, edit it with your device's built-in video editor, or delete it from there.

If you cannot find it in Gallery, open your Files app, navigate to the DCIM or Movies folder, and look for the video file. The exact folder location depends on your device model and Android version.

Troubleshooting common screen recording problems

If the screen recorder stops unexpectedly, check that you have enough storage space on your device. Recording uses storage quickly, especially at higher quality settings. Delete old files or move photos and videos to cloud storage to free up space.

If the audio is not recording, make sure you selected the correct audio option before you started — "Device Audio," "Microphone," or "Both." If you chose Device Audio but the app you are recording is muted, no sound will capture. Unmute the app or your device volume before you record again.

If the screen recorder icon does not appear in Quick Settings even after you toggle it on in Settings, restart your device. After the restart, open Quick Settings again and look for the icon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record my screen while using other apps?

Yes. The screen recorder captures everything on your display, including other apps. You can open any app, navigate anywhere, and the recording continues. The floating control panel stays on top so you can stop whenever you want.

What is the maximum length I can record?

There is no built-in time limit on Samsung screen recordings. You can record for as long as your device has storage space. Very long recordings create large files, so check your available storage before you start a lengthy capture.

Does screen recording drain my battery?

Yes, screen recording uses more battery than normal use because the processor and display stay active. If you plan to record for a long time, plug your device into power first. Recording at Standard quality instead of High Quality also uses slightly less battery.

Can I record a video call or streaming app?

You can record the screen, but some apps block audio capture for copyright or privacy reasons. You may see your screen and hear nothing, or hear only your microphone. Check the app's terms of service before recording calls or paid streaming content.

How do I edit my screen recording after I save it?

Open your Gallery app, find the video, and tap the Edit button (usually a pencil icon). Samsung's built-in editor lets you trim the start and end, adjust playback speed, and add filters. Tap Save when you are done.