Screen Recording can come in really handy when you need to show a bug in an app or quickly explain how a certain setting should be enabled on your iPhone or iPad. Also, you cannot record anything that happens on your iPhone or iPad unless the function is working. There are many reasons why Screen Recording is not working as advertised.
For example, it may refuse to record your screen while using certain apps. It may appear grayed out in the Control Center. Maybe you disabled Screen Recording and forgot. Or it may instead result in an obscure ‘Screen recording failed to save’ error message.
If that sounds familiar, here’s what you need to know to get Screen Recording to work properly on your iPhone or iPad.
1. Won’t Work Everywhere
Let’s get this out of the way first – Screen Recording doesn’t work everywhere. Usually this happens when certain apps impose limitations on functionality when playing copy-protected content.
In this case, Screen Recording may not start, the application you are trying to record may pause or freeze, or stopping the recording may result in an error message.
For example, you cannot use Screen Recording while playing music or videos in the Music app. Problems with Screen Recording isolated to a particular application means that this is most likely the cause. Unfortunately, you can’t do anything about it.
2. Reboot Device
If Screen Recording was working fine from the beginning and suddenly stopped working, it may be worth restarting your device. This can help resolve software bugs that prevent Screen Recording from working properly.
To do this, press and hold the Power button for a moment and then perform the Swipe to Power gesture when prompted. On iPhones and iPads with Face ID functionality, press and hold both the Power and Volume buttons instead.
After turning off your iOS or iPadOS device, press and hold the Power button again to restart it. If the cause is a minor technical issue, Screen Recording should work fine.
3. Update iPhone or iPad
It’s a good idea to keep your iPhone or iPad up to date, especially if you run into issues with Screen Recording that require frequent device reboots to resolve. Often times, the latest iOS and iPadOS updates bring major bug fixes and performance improvements that can help fix persistent issues permanently.
To check for and install the latest updates for your device, open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update.
We also recommend that you keep your application library up to date. To do this, long press the App Store icon on your iPhone or iPad and then tap Updates.
4. Add to Control Center
Screen Recording icon missing in Control Center? In this case, you must add it to the Control Center.
Start by opening the Settings app. Tap Control Center, then Customize Controls.
Under More Controls, tap the ‘+’ icon next to Screen Recording. This should put the Screen Recording icon back in Control Center.
5. Check for Restrictions
Is the Screen Recording icon in Control Center grayed out? If so, the feature is probably restricted. Here’s what you need to do to remove the restriction.
Stage 1: Start by opening the Settings app. Tap the option labeled Screen Time, then tap Content & Restrictions. You will need to enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted to continue.
Step 2: Tap Content Restrictions and then navigate to the section labeled Game Recording. Tap Screen Recording to continue.
Stage 3: Tap Allow and then exit the Settings app.
The Screen Recording icon in Control Center should now be active. Just tap on it to start recording.
6. Low Power Mode
‘Screen recording failed to save’ error message when stopping your screen recordings? If you have Low Power Mode enabled, that might be the reason. Low Power Mode restricts certain functions in iOS and iPadOS, which may prevent Screen Recording from properly capturing and recording your screen.
To turn Low Power Mode off, open the Settings app, tap Battery, then turn off the switch next to Low Power Mode.
7. Check Storage
Can’t save your recordings in the Photos app? You should check if storage is the possible issue. To do this, open the Settings app, tap General, then iPhone/iPad Storage. The indicator at the top of the screen should show the amount of free space left on your device.
If you’re running out of storage, follow the ‘Suggestions’ listed on the iPhone/iPad Storage screen to free up some space.
You can also delete or uninstall unnecessary apps yourself. Or you can use these tips and tricks to free up space on your iPhone or iPad.
8. Enable Microphone
Screen Recording can’t capture sounds from your microphone? It can be fixed easily. Just turn on the microphone before starting Screen Recording.
To do this, perform a Tap Tap gesture (long press) on the Screen Recording icon in Control Center and then tap Microphone. You can also do this after you start a recording.
9. Reset All Settings
If you’re still having issues with Screen Recording, consider resetting your iPhone or iPad’s settings. This will likely help fix misconfigured settings that are preventing the functionality from working properly.
However, resetting settings returns all changed settings to their defaults, so consider this as a last resort to fix Screen Recording. See this guide for more details on what to expect when performing a settings reset.
If you decide to go ahead, open the Settings app, tap General, then Reset. Finally, tap Reset All Settings.
Back to Action
Screen Recording is an important function with multiple use cases. Not only does it help you capture great moments on your iPhone or iPad, it also lets you record and share complex processes, send feedback to app developers, and more. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you’re ready to take action right away. Hope the above fixes helped and you are back to work.
Next: Prefer to only record audio on your iPhone or iPad? Try these five apps that we have carefully selected from the link below.
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