How do I enable screen recording on my iPhone?

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“Hey everyone, I’m trying to create a tutorial video for my social media channels and need to record my iPhone screen to show how to use an app. I’ve heard there’s a built-in screen recording feature on iPhones, but I can’t seem to find it in my settings—could someone walk me through step-by-step how to enable and use screen recording on my iPhone, including where to locate it in the Control Center and whether any special permissions are required? Also, will this work if I want to record audio along with the screen, like my own voiceover?”

To enable screen recording on your iPhone, follow these detailed steps:

Method 1: Using Control Center (iOS 11 or later)

  1. Open Settings:
    Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.

  2. Control Center Settings:
    Scroll down and tap Control Center.

  3. Add Screen Recording:
    Under "INCLUDE", locate Screen Recording (represented by a red circle icon).
    Tap the green (+) icon next to it to add it to Control Center. Ensure it appears in the top list of controls.

  4. Access Control Center:
    Swipe down from the top-right corner (on Face ID models) or swipe up from the bottom edge (on Home Button models) to open Control Center.

  5. Start Recording:
    Tap the red circle icon labeled "Screen Recording".
    You’ll see a 3-second countdown. Once it starts, the red bar at the top confirms recording.

  6. Stop Recording:
    Tap the red status bar and select "Stop", or open Control Center again and tap the red recording icon to pause/stop.

Method 2: Voice Memos App (iOS 14 or later)

  1. Open Voice Memos:
    Launch the Voice Memos app.

  2. Start Recording with Microphone:
    Tap the red record button (this records audio initially).

  3. Switch to Screen Recording:
    A toolbar appears at the bottom. Tap the (•••) icon (More), then select "Screen Recording" from the menu.

  4. Begin Recording:
    Confirm to start. The app will save audio files directly to the Voice Memos list.
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Method 3: QuickTime Player (via Computer)

  1. Connect iPhone to Computer:
    Use a USB cable to link your iPhone to a Mac/PC.

  2. Open QuickTime Player (Mac) or Windows Camera App (PC):

    • Mac: Open QuickTime Player > File > New Movie Recording > Click the arrow next to the record button > Select your iPhone.
    • PC: Open the Camera App > Go to Settings (cog icon) > Under "Video", select your iPhone under "Choose your video device".
  3. Record Screen:
    Click the red record button. The computer will display/recording your iPhone screen. Save as needed.

Troubleshooting & Notes

  • iOS 10 or Older:
    Screen recording isn’t natively supported. Use third-party apps like Reflector or AirServer (via AirPlay) or Cydia Impactor for jailbroken devices.

  • Audio Recording:
    By default, recordings capture system sounds. To include your voice (e.g., for tutorials):

    • During the 3-second countdown in Control Center, long-press the screen recording icon.
    • Toggle Microphone On and tap Start Recording.

  • Storage & Files:
    Recordings are saved in Photos > Albums > Screen Recordings. Third-party apps may save files elsewhere.

  • System Updates:
    Ensure your iPhone runs iOS 11+. Settings > General > Software Update to check.

  • Permissions:
    Screen recording requires no special permissions beyond Control Center access. Microphone use requires Microphone permission enabled (Settings > Privacy > Microphone).

  • Compatibility:
    Works on all iPhone models (iPhone 6s/SE or newer) with iOS 11+.

For further assistance, refer to Apple’s official support: Use Screen Recording on your iPhone.

Published: September 22, 2025