Record your mobile or computer screen with visible touches and simultaneously capture external audio (for example, using the device's built-in microphone or a connected one) has become commonplace: tutorials, gameplaysOnline classes, noise complaints using a decibel meter… the possibilities are enormous. The problem is that each operating system handles it differently, and it's not always clear what audio is actually being recorded.
In this article you will find a very complete and up-to-date guide about how screen recording with audio works in AndroidiPhone, iPad, Windows and Mac, what combinations are possible (internal audio, microphone, both), what limitations each system imposes, what to do if your mobile phone doesn't have a native recorder and how to take advantage of more advanced apps that allow you to mix sound sources, show touches on the screen, record webcam and much more.
How does screen recording work on mobile phones?
The basis of any screen recording with audio is understanding where that sound is coming from.Audio can come from the device itself (internal audio: games, videos, apps), from the microphone (external audio: your voice, ambient noise), or from a mix of both. Modern mobile devices use specific APIs that allow capturing system sound without having to turn the volume all the way up in front of the microphone, but there are restrictions depending on the Android or iOS version and what the apps allow (for example, video streaming apps may block capture).
When you activate a screen recorderYou'll usually see an option to choose the audio source: microphone only, device only, or device + microphone. If you choose microphone only, the recorder captures what comes into that microphone (your voice, your neighbor's drums, a conversation next to you), but not the system's internal audio. If you choose device only, it captures the sound the system plays, without ambient noise. And if you combine both, you get a video of the app or game plus your voice or any surrounding sounds.
Many Android skins also allow you to display touches on the screen. This allows your taps to be clearly visible while you speak. This is especially useful in tutorials and classes. On iOS, iPadOS, and some third-party recorders, you'll need to enable the "show taps" option in the developer settings or within the app itself.
Does screen recording record sound on iPhone?
The iPhone includes a built-in screen recorder It can capture both internal audio and microphone input, but it doesn't always do so by default. Also, if you haven't added the screen recording button to Control Center, you won't even see it. The good news is that setup is quick.
To control whether your iPhone records sound during screenshotsFirst, make sure quick access is enabled: go to Settings > Control Center and add "Screen Recording" to the included controls. From there, you'll be able to start recordings from the top of the screen.
- Step 1: Open the Control Center and tap the Screen Recording icon.
- Step 2: Press and hold the icon to bring up the menu, then tap the option to Microphone to turn it on or off.
- Step 3: Press “Start Recording” to begin; you will see a countdown before recording starts.
- Step 4: When you're finished, stop recording from the red bar or from the Control Center; the video will be saved in Photos.
If you disable the microphone, screen recording on iPhone will only capture internal audio. of apps that allow it (games, videos, etc.). If you enable it, you'll mix the internal track with the voice and ambient noise. In certain streaming apps or copyrighted content, the system may completely block audio or video to comply with rights restrictions.
Does screen recording record audio on Android?
In modern Android, especially from Android 11 onwardsScreen recording is integrated into the system on most brands, and usually allows you to easily choose between device audio, microphone audio, or both. This lets you, for example, record gameplay while providing voice commentary, or record a tutorial where both the app's audio and your explanations are audible.
The general process for checking if screen recording includes audio on an Android mobile It's similar across almost all manufacturers, although the menu design may vary slightly. In short:
- Step 1: Open Quick Settings by swiping up from the top and look for the "Record screen" icon.
- Step 2: Before starting, tap or hold the icon to see the sound options: no audio, microphone only, device sound only, or device + microphone (depending on the version).
- Step 3: Choose the audio source you want to use and click "Start". A countdown of a few seconds will appear.
- Step 4: When finished, stop the recording from the notification or the floating button; the video will be saved in the gallery or the recordings folder.
If your phone has Android 11 or higher and you don't see the screen recording buttonGo to the Quick Settings editing section (pencil icon or “Edit”) and drag the “Screen Recording” tile to the visible area. If your device uses a layer like One UI 2.0 (Samsung), MIUI or HyperOS (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO), ColorOS, etc., the recorder may be hidden in a Tools folder or within its own settings.
On many Android 11+ devices, you can even mix internal and microphone audio. directly. You just have to:
- Open Quick Settings and tap on “Record screen”.
- Activate “Record audio” and select “Device + microphone”.
- Optionally, check “Show taps on screen” to display taps.
- Start recording, and stop it from the notification when you're finished.
If what you want is to capture external audio of something happening around you (For example, if you're recording a decibel meter while your neighbor's drums are playing on screen), you'll need to select "Microphone" as the primary sound source. On many phones, selecting "Device + microphone" still records ambient sound, so the decibel meter app and the external noise will be captured in the same video. The limitation is that some models only allow one sound source, depending on the Android version.
Native screen recorder and quality settings on Android
Android offers increasingly more options for adjusting video and audio quality in the built-in screen recorder. In many custom interfaces, you can set the resolution (720p, 1080p, even 4K in some top-of-the-range models), the frames per second (30-60 fps), and the bitrate, which will determine the size and sharpness of the final file.
On Samsung phones with One UIFor example, the screen recorder is located in the quick panel. If you press and hold its icon, you'll access the settings, where you can choose the resolution (480p, 720p, 1080p), frame rate (from 15 to 60 fps on recent models), and what audio to record: system sounds only, microphone only, or system and microphone. You can also add a floating window with the front-facing camera to appear while recording.
On Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO with MIUI or HyperOSYou have two options: from the "Screen Recorder" app within the Tools folder, where you can configure resolution, orientation (automatic, vertical or horizontal), video quality, sound source (system sound, microphone or mute) and whether touch gestures are shown; or from the Control Center, using the "Screen Recorder" tile and holding it down to enter its settings.
A handy trick if your phone freezes while recording It means lowering the resolution or frame rate. Often, a 1080p video at 30 fps is more enjoyable and stable than a 4K video at 60 fps if your device is struggling. For sharing on WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media, 720p/30 fps offers a very good balance between quality and file size.
If the screen recording button does not appear on your Android device And if you can't activate it from either Quick Settings or the menus, it's likely that your model doesn't include this feature by default. In that case, the most direct solution is to resort to Apps that allow screen recording without root or third-party apps that also often add advanced options such as internal/external audio mixing, visible taps, customizable watermark, or even live streaming.
Advanced apps for screen recording with internal and external audio
When the native recorder falls short or your mobile phone doesn't come with it from the factoryApplications like AZ Screen Recorder, XRecorder, GU Recorder, Mobizen, Screen Recorder, or Internal Audio Screen Recorder are powerful alternatives. Most allow recording without strict time limits, without watermarks in their free versions, and with plenty of configuration options.
AZ Screen Recorder It's one of the most popular: it offers high-quality audio and screen capture, a floating button, pause and resume functionality, a timer, a small windowed front-facing camera, and basic editing tools for trimming the beginning or end of the video. It's very useful for recording gameplay, video calls, or tutorials without having to touch your computer. If you're looking for more app options, you can check out our article on AZ Screen Recorder.
Other notable Android apps for screen recording with audio include:
- XRecorder: A simple interface, a large "Capture Screen" button, and an internal gallery to view the video immediately after recording. It allows you to adjust image quality and sound source.
- Rec: The ability to record in high quality; the free version is usually limited to a few minutes in Full HD, and the paid version extends the duration and options.
- GU Recorder: Advanced features such as slow motion, custom logo overlay, and audio capture from the microphone with volume controls.
- Mobizen: In addition to recording, it allows you to control your mobile phone from your PC and edit the result by adding music and effects without leaving the app.
- Screen Recorder: It offers high-definition video, microphone audio, on-the-fly quality adjustments, and some quick editing options.
Internal Audio Screen Recorder It's primarily designed to capture high-quality internal audio from your device on Android 10 or later, where Google officially enabled system audio recording. On these phones, you can select "internal audio only" to record gameplay or videos without background noise. On Android 9 and earlier, the app typically combines internal audio with microphone recording due to system limitations.
These apps usually also allow you to configure countdown timers, orientation, storage, and themes. (light, dark, automatic), and also includes a built-in player for reviewing and trimming recordings without having to download another tool. However, keep in mind that you shouldn't use them to copy copyrighted content without permission; each country has its own regulations regarding this.
The best screen recorder with external audio on multiple devices: FoneLab Screen Recorder
If you need a solution that works equally well on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and AndroidAnd since it also allows you to record both internal audio and audio from an external microphone, FoneLab Screen Recorder is one of the most complete options. It not only captures the screen, but also the webcam and audio, and even takes still screenshots with its "Snapshot" function.
Among its most interesting advantages There is the possibility of customizing the size of the recording area (full screen or a specific area), choosing output formats for both video (MP4, 3GP, MOV, WMV, etc.) and audio (MP3, AAC, AIFF, among others) and configuring keyboard shortcuts to start, pause or stop recording without having to go to the main window.
The typical process for recording screen and audio on a computer with FoneLab Screen Recorder It involves downloading the program from its official website, installing it, and, once on the main screen, choosing between full screen or a custom size. Then you can activate "System Sound," "Microphone," or both to mix internal and external audio to your liking. Pressing the record button ("REC") will start the recording.
If you want to record the screen of a mobile phone (Android or iOS) with audio Using the computer as a "bridge," FoneLab offers a specific phone recording mode. From the top, you can choose "iOS Recorder" or "Android Recorder," follow the connection wizard (via Wi-Fi or cable, as applicable), and, once connected, activate the speaker option on the device so that the sound reaches the PC and is also recorded.
Screen recording with audio on Android, step by step
Modern Android phones almost always include a screen recorder with audio. as a native feature. This means that for most users, a third-party app is no longer necessary unless they need very specific options. The basic procedure is usually very similar, whether you use a Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, or similar interface.
To record screen and microphone on Android Simply swipe down the notification panel, tap the "Screen Recording" icon, and in the dialog box that appears, activate the microphone. A countdown will then begin, and recording will start; you'll see an indicator in the status bar or a floating button that you can use to pause or stop.
When you stop recordingThe video file will be saved to your phone's memory, usually in a folder called "Screen recorder" or something similar within the gallery or file manager. From there you can play it, share it via WhatsApp, email, social media, or upload it to the cloud.
If you only want to record audio without videoMost Android phones come with a built-in "Voice Recorder" app. Simply open it, press the record button, speak close to the microphone (or an external hands-free device for better quality), pause or stop when you're finished, and save the clip with a name you can easily identify.
Screen recorder with audio for iPhone and iPad
iPhones and iPads share virtually the same system for recording screen with audio.Thanks to iOS and iPadOS. In both cases, the screen recorder is integrated and activated from the Control Center, provided you have previously added it in Settings.
On iPad, screen recording can include both system audio and microphone audio.creating a very complete recording experience. This way you can, for example, give a presentation, draw in an app, and provide voice commentary on everything you do. The process is simple:
- Step 1: Open Control Center on your iPad and tap the “Record Screen” button.
- Step 2: If you want your voice to be heard, make sure microphone audio is enabled by pressing and holding the icon.
- Step 3: The recording will begin; you will see an indicator in the top bar.
- Step 4: When you're finished, stop recording from the bar or Control Center; the video will be saved in the Photos app.
To reduce storage space issues on iPhone and iPadIt's a good idea to check that you have enough storage space before you start, as high-quality recordings can take up a lot of megabytes. If you're going to create several clips, it's best to make shorter recordings and then combine them with an editor if needed.
Screen recording with audio in Windows
On Windows, the most convenient native tool for recording screen with audio It's the Xbox Game Bar. Although it was designed to capture gameplay, it works perfectly with almost any window or game you open, and it also lets you record your microphone.
To use Game Bar as a screen recorder with audioSimply press the Windows + G key combination. An overlay with several panels will open; in the capture panel, you'll see a button with a circle icon to start recording and a microphone icon to activate your voice.
- Step 1: Press Windows + G on your keyboard to display Game Bar.
- Step 2: Click the record button on the capture panel to begin recording the screen.
- Step 3: Activate the microphone using the corresponding icon if you want to add external audio.
- Step 4: When you're finished, stop recording from the control bar; the clip will be saved in the Videos > Captures folder.
Game Bar also allows you to adjust certain options in Windows settings, such as video quality, bit rate and resolution, although it is less flexible than dedicated programs like FoneLab Screen Recorder or editors with built-in capture functions.
Screen recording with audio on Mac
On macOS, the standard tool for recording screen with audio It's QuickTime Player, which comes pre-installed on all Macs. Although it's primarily designed as a media player, it includes a "New Screen Recording" mode that lets you record everything that happens on your desktop and add audio from a microphone.
To record your screen on a Mac using QuickTime PlayerOpen the application, go to the File menu, and select "New Screen Recording." A small bar will appear with a record button and a drop-down menu where you can choose which microphone to use (the Mac's internal microphone or an external one connected via USB or jack).
- Step 1: Start QuickTime Player and, from the File menu, choose “New Screen Recording”.
- Step 2: In the tool's options, select the microphone you want to use for external audio.
- Step 3: Choose whether you want to record the entire screen or just a specific part.
- Step 4: Start recording and, when you're finished, press the stop button on the top bar.
- Step 5: Save the resulting file from the File menu, choosing the name and destination folder.
If you need to mix internal system audio on a MacThings get a bit more complicated, because macOS doesn't allow you to capture it directly without external help. In those cases, you can use third-party tools or virtual audio drivers to "redirect" the system sound to QuickTime or a professional recorder.
Screen and camera recording in Clipchamp (professional and educational accounts)
Clipchamp, Microsoft's video editor, incorporates a screen recording system It's very comprehensive in its professional and educational plans. From the "Record & Create" tab, you can choose various combinations: screen + camera, screen only, webcam only, or even just an audio track.
When you select screen and cameraClipchamp will record the screen you specify and activate the webcam so it appears in a window within the video. If you choose only "screen," the webcam will be deactivated and only the content of the desktop or the selected window will be captured.
By default, audio will also be recorded through the device's microphone.This allows you to narrate what you're doing on screen. If you don't want any sound, simply disable audio input in the recording interface itself. You also have the option to record audio only, leaving both the screen and camera off.
- PASO 1: Open Clipchamp and go to the “Record & Create” tab in the toolbar; select “screen and camera” if you want both.
- PASO 2: When starting for the first time, grant camera and microphone access permissions from the browser window for recording to work correctly.
- PASO 3: Choose the screen, window, or browser tab you want to record and decide whether to include system audio; after the countdown, the recording will begin.
- PASO 4: When you stop, Clipchamp will return you to the editor where you can preview the result, repeat if you are not convinced, or click on "Save and edit".
Clips recorded with Clipchamp are downloaded in WebM format to your computer. And at the same time, they're added to the project in the editor's timeline. If you recorded both your screen and camera, you'll have two grouped files that you can ungroup, mute, move, trim, or combine with text, titles, and other visual elements.
Once you've finished editing, all that's left is to export the video. From the “Export” button in the upper right corner, choose the MP4 format and the desired quality. Clipchamp takes care of the rest, generating a file ready to share.
Showcase touches, adjust design, and quality tricks
Besides choosing the right audio sources, there are several details that make all the difference. In a screen recording: make sure the touches are clearly visible, the orientation is correct, the resolution is not too high for your intended use, and the audio is clear and noise-free.
On Android, enable “Show taps” It's usually found in the recorder settings or developer options. On Samsung and Xiaomi devices, there are also specific settings within the screen recorder to highlight taps and gestures. This is crucial if you want viewers to understand where you're touching at any given moment.
If your recording includes a webcam window (For example, in Samsung, Clipchamp, or apps like AZ Screen Recorder), you can move and resize that little window so it doesn't cover anything important on the screen. In Clipchamp, for example, by selecting the camera clip within the preview, you can drag it to another corner, resize it, or apply effects like picture-in-picture, rotate, or flip.
As for image quality, it's normal for sharing via messaging or social media. It's best to use 720p at 30fps, which offers more than decent results without burning through storage. If your goal is YouTube or a more professional project, 1080p at 60fps is usually the standard, provided your device can handle it smoothly and you have enough space.
For external audio, using a dedicated microphone makes a huge difference.A simple headset with a microphone, a Bluetooth hands-free device, or a noise-canceling lavalier microphone can make your explanations much clearer, especially if you're recording outdoors or in noisy environments.
Ultimately, it's about knowing how to correctly combine audio sources, the type of recorder, and quality settings.You can capture the screen with visible touches and any external sound you need on any device, whether for a commented gameplay, a detailed tutorial, an online class, or even to document neighborhood noises with a decibel meter.
