Modern Honor brand smartphones running on the Android operating system are equipped with powerful tools for creating content. One of the most popular features is the ability to record what is happening on the display in real time. This is necessary for gamers to record the passage of levels, bloggers to create training videos, or ordinary users to save important correspondence and instructions.
Previously, for these purposes it was necessary to install third-party applications, which often contained advertising or reduced the performance of the device. Today, Huawei and Honor engineers have integrated high-quality data directly into the Magic UI and MagicOS system shell. You no longer need to look for dubious APK files, since the standard tool ensures stable operation and high picture quality. screencaster directly into the Magic UI and MagicOS system shell. You no longer need to look for dubious APK files, since the standard tool provides stable operation and high image quality.
In this material we will look in detail at how to activate recording, adjust the sound and resolution parameters, and also look at the nuances of working on different models of the line. Understanding the intricacies of the system recorder will allow you to avoid common mistakes, such as the absence of an audio track or a blurry image of the final file.
Activating the built-in recorder through the control panel
The fastest way to start capturing an image is to use the notification shade. This method is universal for most models, including the series Honor Magic, Honor X and budget devices of the series Lite. Just swipe from top to bottom of the screen to open the quick settings panel, where the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and flashlight switches are located.
Among the icons you need to find an icon with the name Screen recording or Screen Recorder. The icon usually looks like a video camera with a recording point inside. If you don't see it in the first row, swipe right or click on the pencil (edit tiles) to drag the desired element into the active zone. This action instantly starts a countdown before the start of recording.
After clicking on the icon, a floating control menu will appear on the screen. It contains pause, stop and microphone buttons. It is important to note that the interface may differ slightly depending on the firmware version Magic UI 4.0, 5.0 or new MagicOS 7.0. However, the operating logic remains the same for the entire brand ecosystem.
Some users are faced with a situation where the button is simply missing. In this case, check if it is hidden in the additional tile editing menu. Also make sure your device is not in power-saving mode, which could block background video capture processes.
If you record video frequently, add the Screen Recording icon to the very top row of the notification bar for instant access without unnecessary swipes.
Customize recording settings: sound, quality and gestures
Before you start creating content, it is critical to correctly configure your capture settings. By default, the system may record videos with no sound or low bitrate, which will ruin the viewing experience. To change the settings, you need to go to the application menu Dictaphone or click on the gear in the floating recorder window.
Particular attention should be paid to the sound source. The system offers three main options, each suited to specific use cases. An incorrect choice will result in viewers not hearing the game effects or your voice.
- 🎤 Microphone: records only external sounds and your voice, system sounds (music from the game) will not be heard.
- 🔊 System sounds: records only the audio played by the smartphone, your voice and room noises will not be heard into the recording.
- 🎙️ Microphone and system: ideal for streams and comments, combines the internal audio stream and the user's voice.
You can also select the resolution and frame rate in the settings. For social networks like TikTok or Instagram Reels, it is enough to set the value 720p at 30 fps. If you plan to upload material to YouTube in high quality, choose 1080p or 2K (if the display supports it) and 60 fps for a smooth picture.
The latest versions of the shell have added a gesture recording function. You can set up triple taps on the screen with two fingers to start and stop recording. This frees your hands from having to reach for the notification shade during fast-paced games or demos.
Recording gameplay and using GameAssistant
For gamers, Honor has provided a special tool - GameAssistant (Game Assistant). This overlay is automatically activated when you launch applications from Game Center or manually added games. It provides advanced recording capabilities that are not available in standard mode.
When you enter a game, a small bar or icon appears on the side of the screen, swiping on which opens the assistant menu. There is a record button here, which is optimized to minimize FPS drops. The system prioritizes processor resources for the game, ensuring smooth video footage even in heavy projects like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile.
In game mode, the function of disabling notifications and calls is also available so that the recording process is not interrupted by pop-up messages from instant messengers. This is critical for creating clean content without unnecessary interface elements.
⚠️ Attention: When recording heavy 3D games at 1080p and 60 fps, the smartphone can heat up significantly. It is recommended to remove the protective case for better heat dissipation or lower the graphics settings in the game itself.
Another useful feature is the ability to draw on the screen while recording. The GameAssistant menu has a Pencil tool that allows you to highlight important points right during gameplay. These annotations are saved in the final video file.
☑️ Preparing to record the game
Third-party applications: when standard functions are not enough
Despite the wide functionality of the built-in tools, in some situations users may require specific software from the store Google Play. This is relevant if you need to overlay a webcam on top of the screen (picture in picture) or broadcast live to several platforms at once.
A popular solution is the application XRecorder or AZ Screen Recorder. They offer an advanced video editor built right into the app interface, allowing you to trim videos, add music and text captions immediately after stopping recording. However, it is worth remembering that third-party software consumes more battery resources.
Installation of such apps requires permission to access the screen and microphone. In Android 10 and above settings, the system may limit audio capture in some protected applications (for example, Netflix or banking services) regardless of which recorder you use. This is protection against content piracy.
If you decide to use third-party software, carefully monitor the permissions. Some free versions of applications may collect telemetry or show intrusive advertising when recording is stopped. Always check the ratings and reviews before installation.
Where recordings are stored and how to manage them
After completing a video capture session, the file is automatically saved to the internal memory of the device. The standard directory path usually looks like Internal memory → Movies → ScreenRecords. In some firmware versions, the folder may be called Screenshotsif videos and screenshots are combined into one category.
Access to the footage can be obtained through a standard application Gallery. It created a separate album “Screen Recordings”, where all videos are sorted by creation date. A basic editor is also available here for trimming the beginning and end of the video in order to remove the moment when the recorder is turned on and off.
To free up disk space, it is recommended to periodically transfer large files to a computer or cloud storage. High-definition videos take up a lot of space: one minute of recording in 1080p can weigh from 50 to 100 MB, depending on the dynamics of the picture.
| Option | Low quality (480p) | Medium quality (720p) | High quality (1080p) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size in 1 minute | ~15-20 MB | ~40-50 MB | ~80-120 MB |
| CPU load | Minimum | Average | High |
| Suitable for | Instructions, diagrams | Social networks (Stories) | YouTube, reviews |
How to find hidden folders with recordings?
If you do not see the ScreenRecords folder, connect phone to the PC and turn on the "File Transfer" mode. Sometimes system albums are not displayed in the gallery due to the .nomedia file, which can be deleted through the file manager.
Solving common problems and errors
Users sometimes experience that the recording ends by itself or the file turns out black. Most often this is due to a lack of RAM. The Android system forcibly closes the recorder process to free up resources for the active application. Before recording, close all unnecessary tabs and apps.
Another common problem is the lack of sound when selecting the "System sounds" mode. Make sure the media volume is not turned down to zero. Also check if there are any Bluetooth headphones connected that may be intercepting the audio stream while the recorder is trying to record audio through the speaker.
In rare cases, on devices with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, the screen recording function may not work correctly due to the lack of necessary system drivers. In such a situation, the only way out is to use a PC and apps like Scrcpy to capture images via a USB cable.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface and location of items may vary depending on the regional firmware version and device model. If you do not find the described setting, use the search in your phone settings.
Recording stability directly depends on the free space on the drive. When the memory is more than 90% full, the system may block the creation of new video files.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to record the screen during a phone call?
No, Android system restrictions prohibit simultaneous recording of screen and audio during voice calls for privacy reasons. The video will be recorded, but there will be no sound.
Why does the recording turn out black in some applications (banks, Netflix)?
This is DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Secure content apps block image capture at the system level to prevent piracy. It is impossible to bypass this using standard means.
How to record a screen with sound on Honor without root access?
Starting with Android 10, the built-in Honor recorder allows you to record system sound without obtaining root access. Just select the sound source "System sounds" in the settings before starting recording.
How long can you continuously record video?
There are no technical time limits, recording lasts until the free disk space runs out or the battery runs out. However, files larger than 4 GB may not be supported by the file system if it is not formatted in exFAT.