Modern smartphones have turned into powerful multimedia centers, allowing not only to consume content, but also to create it. One of the most requested features today is the ability capture an image from the display real time. Users often wonder how to make a screen video with sound on Android in order to record gameplay, save a video tutorial, or demonstrate a bug in the application.
Previously, these purposes required obtaining root access and installing complex third-party utilities that often worked unstable. However, starting with Android 10, Google has implemented a native tool Screen Recorder right into the system. This significantly simplified the process, making it accessible to the average user without the need for deep technical knowledge.
However, even with a built-in function, many are faced with the problem of the lack of an audio track on the final video. The reason lies in the incorrect setting of the sound source before starting recording. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the nuances of the configuration so that your result is high-quality and complete.
Built-in recording capabilities in modern versions of Android
Starting with Android 10 and especially in Android 11, the screen recording function has become a de facto standard for most manufacturers. It is usually accessed through the quick settings panel, which is called up by swiping down from the top edge of the screen. If you don't see the video camera icon right away, you may need to click the edit button (often looks like a pencil) and drag the desired widget into the active area.
When you first start, the system will ask for permission to record media files and, critically, to access the microphone or system audio. It is at this stage that the foundation of the future file is laid. If you ignore the audio source settings, you risk getting “silent” video. Modern shells from Samsung, Xiaomi and OnePlus offer advanced settings right in the launch interface.
It is important to understand the difference between capturing system sounds (what plays in the phone's speakers) and the user's voice. For gameplay or recording YouTube videos, you need the first option, and to create a tutorial with comments, you need the second or a combination of both. The choice depends solely on your current tasks.
Setting the sound source: system audio and microphone
The most crucial moment is selecting the correct sound source in the menu before starting recording. In the standard Android interface, when you click on the record button, a pop-up window with settings appears. Here you will see the item Sound or Sound source. Clicking on it reveals three main options, each of which has its own usage characteristics.
The “Media Sounds” or “System Sound” mode captures all audio streams played by the device. It's an ideal choice for recording games, watching movies, or demonstrating how apps work. In this mode, external noise is not captured, resulting in crystal clear track quality. However, if you try to say something while recording, the viewer will not hear it.
Microphone mode ignores the internal sounds of the device and records only what is picked up by the smartphone's external microphone. This is useful if you're making a video call or recording your reaction to what's happening on the screen, but don't want notification sounds or music from the app to appear in the video. The sound quality in this case greatly depends on the surrounding environment.
The third option, available on many devices, is “Media sounds and microphone”. This is a universal solution that allows you to record both gameplay and your comments in real time. It is worth considering that in this mode, the volume of system sounds can be automatically reduced by the system so that your voice can be heard more clearly.
☑️ Preparing to record with sound
Step-by-step guide: how to start recording correctly
To be guaranteed to receive a video with sound, follow a clear algorithm of actions. First, unlock your smartphone and open the app or game you plan to record. Do not start recording directly on the desktop if the desired content is not there, as this may confuse the viewer.
Swipe down to open the notifications and quick settings panel. Find the icon Screen recording. If it's not there, click on the pencil icon or the three dots to edit tiles and add it from there. After clicking on the icon, the preset menu will appear.
In the window that appears, find the sound settings section. Make sure the source you want is selected (for example, Media sounds). Also check the resolution and frame rate if these options are available in your firmware version. For smooth pictures in games, it is recommended to select 60 FPS.
Click the "Start" button or Start. You will have a countdown (usually 3 seconds) to collapse the menu and get to the desired position in the application. During recording, a floating control panel may appear on the screen, through which you can pause or end the process.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using system audio recording mode, any incoming calls or notifications may interrupt the audio stream or be recorded with distortion. It is recommended to activate the Do Not Disturb mode in advance.
Third-party applications for advanced recording
Despite the power of the built-in tools, some users prefer to use third-party software to get additional functions. Apps like XRecorder, AZ Screen Recorder or Mobizen offer tools for drawing on the screen, adding a webcam (Picture-in-Picture), and more flexible bitrate control.
When installing such apps from Google Play be sure to grant them all requested permissions, especially access to audio recording. In the settings of the application itself, find the section Audio Source and select Internal Audio. On older versions of Android (below 10), this item may not be available without root access.
Many advanced recorders allow you to adjust separate volumes for the microphone and system sound already during the recording process or during post-processing. This makes it possible to balance levels so that the game's music doesn't drown out your voice. Also, such applications often have a built-in video editor for quickly trimming the excess beginning and end of the video.
Why can third-party applications work better?
Some phone manufacturers (for example, Huawei or Honor in certain regions) cut out the system audio recording function from their shells due to licensing restrictions. Third-party applications sometimes work around this limitation by using special audio stream capture methods available in the Android API.
Audio problems and solutions
Even with proper configuration, users may experience a lack of sound in the finished file. One of the common reasons is an application conflict. If you have an instant messenger open with an active voice call or a voice recorder running, the system may block access to the audio channel for the screen recorder.
Another common problem is related to DRM content protection. When you try to record video from streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ or banking applications, the screen may turn black and the sound may turn off. This is not a fault of your phone, but built-in protection against piracy, which cannot be bypassed using standard methods.
It is also worth checking the physical condition of the microphone if you are recording voice. Dirt in the holes or a case blocking the microphone can make the recording quiet and unintelligible. To record system audio, the microphone state does not matter, since the capture is a digital stream.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No system audio | Source selected “Microphone” | Switch to “Media sounds” in settings |
| Black screen when recording | DRM protection in the application | Recording of such applications is prohibited by the security policy |
| Quiet voice on background of the game | Volume imbalance | Use the "Media and microphone" mode and speak louder |
| Recording is interrupted | Lack of RAM | Close background applications before starting recorder |
Where to find and how to edit recorded video
After recording is completed, the file is automatically saved to the device gallery. Usually a separate folder is created with the name Screencasts, ScreenRecords or Screen recordings. The path to the file may differ depending on the manufacturer: often this is internal memory in a directory DCIM or Movies.
For basic editing (trimming the beginning and end), the built-in editor in the Gallery is sufficient. You can open the video, click the Edit button, and select the trim tool. This allows you to remove the moment of setting and pressing the “Stop” button, making the video more presentable.
If more complex processing is required, for example, overlaying text, transitions or changing the bitrate, it is better to use specialized applications like CapCut or InShot. They allow you to import a file from the screen and overlay additional audio tracks or effects on top of it.
Before starting long-term recording, free up at least 1-2 GB of memory. High definition videos (1080p and above) take up a lot of space, and a sudden lack of space can lead to file corruption.
Technical requirements and performance impact
Screen recording is a resource-intensive process that puts a strain on the CPU and GPU. On budget smartphones, this can lead to lower frames per second (FPS) in games. If you notice that the game starts to slow down during recording, try lowering the video resolution in the recorder settings from 1080p to 720p.
It is also important to monitor the temperature of the device. Long-term recording in high quality can cause overheating, which will lead to throttling (a forced reduction in processor frequencies) or even a recording crash. In hot weather or when using cases with poor heat dissipation, take breaks.
Bitrate plays a key role in the quality of picture and sound. Too low a bitrate will make the video “soapy” and the sound tinny. The optimal value for most tasks is considered to be the range from 8 to 12 Mbit/s. For professional content, you can raise it to 16-20 Mbit/sif storage space allows.
⚠️ Attention: Functions and menu names may vary depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). If you do not find the described settings, check the official help for your specific phone model.
The quality of the final recording depends not only on the recorder settings, but also on the performance of the smartphone at the time of recording. Closing unnecessary applications before starting guarantees a stable FPS.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is there no sound when recording a screen, although the settings are correct?
Most often the problem is that the media volume was turned to zero when recording started. Make sure your phone is not in silent mode. Also check if you are using Bluetooth headphones, which may intercept the audio channel and not transfer it to the recording.
Is it possible to record a conversation in WhatsApp or Telegram via screen recording?
Technically, this is possible if you select the audio source “Microphone”. However, the quality will be poor as the microphone will pick up the sound from the speaker. Direct recording of internal call audio is often blocked by Android security for privacy reasons.
How much space does one minute of screen recording take up?
The file size depends on the resolution and bitrate. At 1080p and 60 FPS settings, one minute of recording can take up 50 to 100 MB. For 4K recording, this figure increases many times over, so keep an eye on your available space.
Is notification sound recorded during video?
Yes, if the source is set to System Sound or Media & Microphone, all notification sounds, calls and messages will be recorded to the track. To avoid this, turn on Do Not Disturb mode before you start recording.
How to record the screen on old Android (versions 9 and below)?
On versions below Android 10, there is no built-in system audio recording function. You'll need to install a third-party app from the Play Store and perhaps grant it special permissions via your computer (ADB) to capture internal audio, or be content with recording only through the microphone.