If you’ve recently tried to capture your iPhone screen only to find that the screen recording feature isn’t functioning, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Screen recording has become a handy tool for sharing gameplay, creating tutorials, or capturing important moments. However, many users encounter problems when attempting to use this feature. In this article, we delve into the potential reasons behind an iPhone screen recording not working and guide you through various solutions to get it functioning again.
Understanding the Screen Recording Feature on iPhone
Before we dive into troubleshooting, it’s essential to understand what the screen recording feature does and how it works. Introduced in iOS 11, the screen recording option allows users to capture their screen activity and save it as a video. It’s accessible through the Control Center and doesn’t require third-party applications, making it incredibly user-friendly.
However, several issues may arise that could hinder your ability to use this feature effectively. Below, we address some common causes and solutions.
Common Reasons Why iPhone Screen Recording Isn’t Working
Understanding why your iPhone screen recording might not be functioning correctly is crucial in resolving the issue. Here are some common culprits that could lead to problems:
1. Disabled Screen Recording in Settings
It’s possible that the screen recording feature is disabled in your settings. Sometimes restrictions put in place for privacy or security reasons can prevent it from functioning.
2. Storage Space Issues
If your device is running low on storage, the screen recording function might fail. Capturing video requires significant space, so ensuring your device has adequate storage is vital.
3. Device Compatibility
Not all iPhones support screen recording, especially older models. Therefore, it is worth checking if your device is compatible.
4. Software Bugs or Glitches
iOS updates can sometimes introduce bugs that affect features like screen recording. If you’ve recently updated your iPhone, it could be a temporary glitch.
5. Restrictions Enabled
If you have set any restrictions on your iPhone, they could prevent access to the screen recording feature. This is particularly common in devices used for education or in corporate settings.
Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting
Before diving into more complex solutions, it’s wise to perform a few quick checks:
- Ensure that your iPhone is up to date with the latest iOS version.
- Restart your device to rule out temporary glitches.
These quick actions can sometimes resolve the issue instantly.
Troubleshooting iPhone Screen Recording Issues
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore detailed troubleshooting steps you can follow to fix the screen recording feature on your iPhone.
Step 1: Check Screen Recording Settings
Begin by checking if the screen recording option is enabled in your Control Center.
Enable Screen Recording
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Control Center.
- Scroll to find Screen Recording. If it’s not included in the “Included Controls” section, tap the green “+” icon to add it.
With the screen recording feature now added to your Control Center, try recording your screen again.
Step 2: Check for Storage Space
As mentioned earlier, sufficient storage is required for screen recordings.
Check Storage Space
- Navigate to Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Select iPhone Storage.
Here you’ll see how much storage space is available. If your storage is low, consider deleting unnecessary files, apps, or media to free up space.
Step 3: Inspect Device Compatibility
Ensure your iPhone model supports screen recording. The feature is available on models running iOS 11 or later. Most devices released in recent years have this capability, but if you’re using an older version, here’s a quick compatibility check:
| iPhone Model | Screen Recording Support |
|---|---|
| iPhone 5 and previous | No |
| iPhone 5S and later | Yes |
Make sure your device model is included in the list to utilize this feature.
Step 4: Inspect Restrictions
If your screen recording is still unresponsive, it might be due to restrictions set on your device.
Check for Restrictions
- Open Settings.
- Tap on Screen Time.
- Select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- If enabled, check the settings under Allowed Apps and ensure that Screen Recording is not restricted.
If you find that restrictions are enabled, modify the settings accordingly to allow screen recording.
Step 5: Reset All Settings
If none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This action will revert all custom and personalized settings back to their factory defaults but will not affect your data or apps.
How to Reset All Settings
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Scroll down to select Reset.
- Choose Reset All Settings. You may need to enter your passcode to confirm.
After performing this step, check if the screen recording feature is functioning correctly.
Updating Your Device’s Software
If your iPhone screen recording is still not working, it could be due to a software issue. Keeping your iOS version up to date is crucial for optimal software performance and feature functionality.
How to Check for iOS Updates
- Open Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Select Software Update.
If an update is available, download and install it to see if the functionality is restored.
Alternatives to iPhone Screen Recording
If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and screen recording is still problematic, consider using alternative applications. There are a number of third-party apps available that can be installed from the App Store. Some popular options include:
- Bandicam
- Apowersoft Screen Recorder
These apps often provide additional features that can enhance your recording experience.
Wrapping Up
iPhone screen recording is an incredibly useful function, and it can be frustrating when it doesn’t work as intended. By following the detailed troubleshooting steps above, you should be able to diagnose and solve the problem effectively.
To recap, make sure to check settings, confirm availability of storage, verify device compatibility, inspect restrictions, and consider resetting all settings if necessary. If all else fails, keeping your software updated or opting for third-party applications can serve as a viable workaround.
In conclusion, embracing these solutions will not only aid in resolving your screen recording issues but also help you maximize your iPhone experience. Whether you’re sharing epic game moments or creating tutorials, you can confidently utilize the screen recording feature once more—happy recording!
What should I do if my iPhone screen recording is not starting?
If your iPhone screen recording isn’t starting, the first step is to ensure that screen recording is enabled in your Control Center. To do this, open the Settings app, navigate to Control Center, and then tap on “Customize Controls.” From there, you can add the Screen Recording option if it’s not already listed. Once it’s added, swipe down from the top-right corner (or swipe up from the bottom on older models) to access the Control Center and tap the screen recording icon.
If the icon is greyed out or unresponsive, check for any restrictions that may be in place. Go to Settings, select Screen Time, and tap on “Content & Privacy Restrictions.” Ensure that screen recording is enabled under the allowed settings. Restart your iPhone to see if that resolves any underlying issues, as sometimes a simple reboot can clear up any glitches preventing the feature from functioning properly.
Why is my screen recording feature not saving videos?
If screen recordings are not saving to your Photos app, first check the storage availability on your device. Navigate to Settings, then tap on General, and select iPhone Storage. If your storage is almost full, try deleting some unwanted files or apps to make space. Once you have sufficient storage, attempt to record your screen again to see if the videos save properly.
Additionally, make sure that you have granted the Photos app the necessary permissions. Go to Settings, scroll down to Privacy, and select Photos. Check if the Photos app is allowed to access and save screen recordings. If the permissions are fine and there’s still no success, try resetting your device settings via Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset All Settings. This won’t erase your data but may resolve any configuration conflicts causing the issue.
What can I do if my screen recordings are turning out with no sound?
If your screen recordings are coming out silent, you might not have enabled microphone audio during the recording session. To activate it, swipe down to open the Control Center, press and hold the screen recording button, and make sure the microphone icon is turned on (it should appear red). Once this is enabled, start your screen recording, and it should capture any external sounds as well as in-app audio.
In case you have enabled the microphone but still experience issues with sound, ensure that the volume levels are appropriate for both your device and the app you are recording from. Sometimes, specific applications have their own audio settings, so check those as well. Also, consider restarting the app or your device to resolve any temporary glitches that may be affecting audio recording.
How can I troubleshoot if screen recording is greyed out?
If the screen recording option is greyed out in the Control Center, it could be due to restrictions imposed on your device. Check for any Screen Time settings that might have disabled screen recording. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, and then ensure that Screen Recording is allowed. Adjust these settings as necessary and exit to see if the issue is resolved.
Another possible reason might be your device’s software. Ensure that your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and check for available updates. Sometimes, updating to the latest software can fix bugs and other anomalies that prevent features like screen recording from working correctly.
Why does my screen recording have a black screen?
A black screen during screen recording frequently occurs due to a glitch within an app that you are trying to record, especially with apps designed to prevent screen captures for privacy or copyright reasons. If you are trying to record a specific app, check if it has known restrictions on screen recordings. Closing the app and restarting it can sometimes resolve this issue.
Also, consider restarting your iPhone to refresh the system. If the problem persists, try recording a different app or your home screen to see if the issue is isolated to that particular app. If other recordings work properly, the black screen is likely due to the original app’s restriction. In such cases, using alternative screen capture methods or software may be necessary.
Is it possible to record calls on iPhone screen recording?
No, recording phone calls using the built-in iPhone screen recording feature is not permitted due to privacy laws and regulations in many regions. Apple takes user privacy very seriously, and therefore, the screen recording function does not support recording audio from cellular calls. If you need to record a call, you will have to look into third-party apps that are specifically designed for that purpose, as they may have their own legal terms for such features.
Always make sure to inform the other party that you are recording the call to comply with local laws governing call recording. Additionally, check the privacy policy of any third-party app you choose to use to ensure that your conversations are handled securely and your data is protected.
What should I do if my screen recording is lagging or choppy?
If you’re experiencing lag or choppy performance during screen recording, it may be due to low performance of your device or resource-intensive applications running in the background. To improve performance, start by closing any unnecessary apps that are open. You can do this by swiping up from the bottom of the screen (or double-clicking the home button) to view your open apps, then swipe them away to close.
Another factor to consider is your device’s storage and memory usage. Check the storage and clear out any unused files to ensure your iPhone is functioning optimally. Sometimes, simply restarting your phone can also help clear temporary files and improve the recording performance. By following these steps, you should see an improvement in the smoothness of your screen recordings.