Samsung's built-in screen recorder captures video of your display

Samsung phones and tablets come with a screen recording tool already installed — you do not need to read anything. The recorder captures everything on your screen: apps, websites, games, video calls, or presentations. The video saves to your device's gallery and includes audio from your microphone, system sounds, or both, depending on what you choose before you start.

Where you find the screen recorder depends on your Samsung model and Android version, but it is always in your quick settings panel or in the Samsung Gallery app. The process takes under a minute once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the quick settings panel by swiping down twice from the top of your screen, then tap Screen Recorder to start recording when ready.
  • Before you record, choose whether to capture microphone audio, system sound, or both — this setting appears in a popup when you tap the icon.
  • Stop recording by tapping the floating red button that appears on your screen or by opening quick settings again and tapping Screen Recorder to turn it off.
  • Your finished video saves automatically to the Gallery app in a folder called Recordings or Videos, ready to share or edit.
  • Screen recording works on most Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets running Android 9 or later, though the exact location of the tool varies slightly by model.

Finding Screen Recorder in quick settings

The fastest way to start recording is through your quick settings panel. Swipe down from the top of your screen once to open notifications, then swipe down again to expand the full quick settings menu. Look for an icon labeled "Screen Recorder" — it usually shows a phone or rectangle with a red dot or circle.

If you do not see Screen Recorder in your quick settings, it may be hidden. Tap the three-dot menu or "Edit" button at the bottom of the quick settings panel, then scroll through the list of available tools and drag Screen Recorder into your visible shortcuts. Once it is there, you can access it in two swipes every time.

Choosing audio settings before you record

When you tap Screen Recorder, a popup appears asking what audio you want to capture. Your options are usually "Microphone only," "System audio only," or "Microphone and system audio." Choose based on what you are recording: if you are demonstrating an app, system audio alone captures button sounds and notifications; if you are recording a video call or tutorial where you speak, select microphone; if you want both your voice and the app sounds, pick the combined option.

Some Samsung models also let you choose video quality and frame rate in this same popup. The default settings work for most uses, but if you are recording something that requires smooth motion (like a game), you can increase the frame rate to 60 fps. Higher quality and frame rate use more storage space.

Starting and stopping your recording

After you choose your audio settings and tap "Start" or "Record," a red floating button appears on your screen — this is your stop button. You can move this button around by dragging it so it does not cover what you are trying to record. The timer above or near the button shows how long you have been recording.

To stop recording, tap the red floating button or open quick settings again and tap Screen Recorder to turn it off. Your video saves automatically within seconds. You will see a notification confirming the recording is complete and offering a quick link to view it.

Finding and sharing your recorded videos

Open the Gallery app on your Samsung device and look for a folder called "Recordings" or "Videos" — most Samsung phones put screen recordings in their own Recordings folder. Tap the video to play it, or long-press it to share, delete, or edit. You can send the video through text message, email, or any messaging app installed on your phone.

If you want to trim the video or add effects before sharing, tap the edit icon (usually a pencil) while viewing the video. Samsung's built-in editor lets you cut the beginning and end, adjust playback speed, and add music or text overlays. These edits do not affect the original file — you can always revert to the unedited version.

Troubleshooting common recording problems

If Screen Recorder does not appear in your quick settings, restart your phone and check again. If it still does not show, your device may not support the feature — older Samsung models running Android 8 or earlier do not have a built-in screen recorder. In that case, you can read a third-party recorder from the Google Play Store, though Samsung's tool is simpler and uses less battery.

If your recording stops unexpectedly or the audio does not capture, check that you have enough storage space available — screen recordings use significant space, and your phone will stop recording if storage runs low. You can also verify that your microphone is not muted at the system level by checking your volume buttons and quick settings. If audio still does not work, try recording a short test video to confirm the issue before recording something important.

Screen recording versus taking screenshots

Screen recording captures video over time, so it shows motion, interactions, and audio. A screenshot captures a single still image at one moment. Use screenshots when you need to save a single piece of information — a text message, a price, a confirmation number. Use screen recording when you need to show a process: how to navigate an app, what an error message says while it happens, or how a feature works step by step.

Screenshots take almost no storage space and save when ready. Screen recordings can be several megabytes per minute, so if you are recording long sessions, check your available storage beforehand. Both tools are built into Samsung devices and require no setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record my screen while using other apps?

Yes. Once you start recording, you can open any app, make calls, or navigate anywhere on your phone. The screen recorder keeps running in the background and captures everything until you stop it. The floating red button stays visible so you can stop whenever you want.

Does screen recording drain my battery quickly?

Screen recording uses more battery than normal use because your phone is processing video continuously, but it is not extreme. A 10-minute recording typically uses 5 to 10 percent of your battery. If you are recording long sessions, plug in your phone or have a charger nearby.

Can I record a video call or FaceTime?

Yes, screen recording captures video calls. However, check your local laws — some places require all parties to know they are being recorded. Always tell the other person before you start recording.

What happens if I run out of storage while recording?

Your phone will stop the recording automatically when storage is full. The video up to that point saves, but the rest is lost. Before recording long videos, delete old files or move photos to cloud storage to free up space.

Can I edit the video after I record it?

Yes. Open the video in Gallery, tap the edit icon, and you can trim the start and end, adjust speed, add music, or add text. Samsung's editor is basic but covers the most common edits. For more advanced editing, you can export the video to a desktop editor or a third-party mobile app.