Modern smartphones of the brand Honor, running a shell Magic UI or a new one MagicOS, have the widest functionality for creating content. Users often need to capture what's happening on the display: whether it's completing a difficult level in a game, creating a tutorial video, or saving a moment from a video call. Built-in system tools allow you to do this without installing third-party software, which saves battery power and protects personal data.
However, the interface may vary depending on the firmware version and the specific device model. For example, control of functions on Honor 90 may be visually different from the settings on an older model of the series Honor 10. In this article, we will look in detail at all the ways to activate screencasting, adjust quality settings and solve common sound problems.
You will understand where to look for hidden switches and how to set up recording so that the final video does not take up gigabytes of memory, but remains clear. We will consider both standard methods through the notification curtain, as well as advanced options using physical buttons and a voice assistant.
Activation through the quick settings panel
The simplest and most obvious way to start recording what is happening on the display is to use the quick switches panel. This method works on all current models, from budget series Honor X to flagships Magic. You don't need to delve into the depths of the menu, just swipe down from the very top of the screen.
Pull the top edge of the display to open notification curtain. If you don't see the icon you want right away, swipe right or tap the edit button (usually a pencil or settings icon) to expand the full list of available tiles. Find the element with the name Screen recording or Screenshot (sometimes they are combined into a long press menu).
Click on the icon. The system may ask for permission to access the microphone or display on top of other windows - confirm the action. After three seconds, the countdown will begin and a floating timer will appear in the corner of the screen. To complete the process, just click on the button Stop in the same floating window or pull the notification curtain again.
Setting quality and sound settings
Before you start creating content, it is critical to check the quality settings. By default, the system may choose compromise values that are not suitable for publishing on YouTube or sending to colleagues. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Screen Recordingto see the full range of options.
Here you can select video resolution. For most purposes, 720pis sufficient, but if you are recording high-detail gameplay, switch to 1080p or higher if the model allows it. Also adjustable frame rate: 30 fps will ensure smoothness for regular interfaces, and 60 fps is indispensable for dynamic games.
The audio source setting deserves special attention. You can choose to record only system sounds (what you hear through your headphones), only the microphone (your voice and sounds around you), or both sources at the same time. This allows you to create full reviews with comments.
If you are recording a video with a voice commentary, use a headset. This will prevent sound from the speakers from returning to the microphone, eliminating the echo effect.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on file |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p (Full HD) | High quality, medium size |
| Frame rate | 60 fps (for games) | Maximum smoothness, large size |
| Bitrate | 12-16 Mbit/s | Clarity of details without artifacts |
| Format | MP4 | Compatibility with all players |
Use of physical buttons and gestures
It is not always convenient to reach for the top of the large screen, especially if you are holding the phone with one hand or are in a game full screen mode. The developers Honor have provided alternative activation methods through hardware keys. This solution is ideal for gamers who need to instantly start recording a round.
The standard combination for most devices is to simultaneously press the Volume down button and Powerbutton. Hold them for about one second. A menu will appear on the screen where you need to select a recording mode. In some firmware versions, this action immediately starts the process without intermediate menus.
There is also a recording function via knuckle (Knuckle Screenshot), if it is supported by your model. Draw the letter "S" on the screen with your knuckle. The system will automatically highlight the area or start recording the entire screen depending on the gesture settings. This requires a little coordination training.
☑️ Check before recording
Recording internal sound and microphone
One of the most common questions from users concerns why there is no sound in the video or why it is quiet. In modern versions of Android and shells from Huawei/Honor, the security policy requires an explicit selection of the audio source before starting the session. If you choose the wrong option, the video will turn out silent.
When you start recording through the curtain or buttons, a small sound selection menu pops up on the screen. Option Microphone will only record what is happening in the room around you. The System sound option will capture audio from the game or application, but your voice will not be added. For a full stream, select both sources.
⚠️ Attention: When recording system sound in some applications (for example, instant messengers or banking services), the sound may be blocked at the level Android security policies. In such cases, the recording will take place without audio, and this is not a malfunction of the phone.
Make sure that the “Mute” or vibration mode is not activated during recording if you plan to capture system notifications. The volume of the media also affects the signal level in the final file: if you turn down the volume on your phone to zero, the recording may also be quiet or otherwise.
Editing and managing files
After recording is complete, the file is automatically saved in the gallery. However, raw material often requires processing: trimming the beginning and end, overlaying text, or changing the format. The built-in editor in the application allows you to perform basic operations without installing additional software. Gallery on Honor allows you to perform basic operations without installing additional software.
Open the video, press the button Editing (pencil icon). Trim tools are available here to remove extra seconds at the beginning and end of the video. You can also apply filters, add stickers or text captions directly on top of the video sequence.
For more complex editing, for example, mixing tracks or adding transitions, it is better to use specialized applications like CapCut or InShot. They sync with your gallery and allow you to export the result in high quality for social networks.
Where are the recording files stored?
All recorded screens are saved by default in the "Video" folder in the internal memory. The path to the file usually looks like this: /Internal Storage/DCIM/ScreenRecorder. You can change this directory in the application settings if the memory card supports high recording speed.
Solving problems and common errors
Sometimes users encounter that the record button is inactive (gray) or the video is interrupted in the middle. Most often this is due to lack of free space or limitations of a particular application. For example, protected content (DRM) in streaming services like Netflix cannot be recorded - instead of video there will be a black screen.
If recording stops spontaneously, check the energy saving settings. Aggressive battery saving mode can kill the background screencaster process. Add an application to the list of exceptions or allowed background processes in the menu Settings → Battery → Launching applications.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and location of settings may vary slightly depending on the version of Magic UI (4.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0). If you do not find the described item, use the search in the settings by entering the request “Record”.
Also, the problem may lie in the overheating of the device. Long-term screen recording in high resolution creates a serious load on the processor and graphics core. If the phone gets hot, the system can forcefully stop recording to protect components. Let the device cool down before a new session.
The main reason for a black screen when recording protected content is DRM technology, and not a breakdown of the smartphone. It is impossible to get around this using standard means.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to record the screen without sound on Honor?
Yes, it is possible. When you start recording, select the audio source as “None” or simply mute the microphone and system audio from the menu that appears. You can also put your phone into silent mode before starting if only system audio is being recorded.
Why does screen recording stop after 5 minutes?
This may be a limitation of the third-party app if you are not using the built-in feature. The built-in recorder usually has no time limit other than disk space. Check the timer settings in the recording settings or disable auto-lock screen.
How to record the screen in a game without lags?
To minimize lags, reduce the recording resolution to 720p and the frame rate to 30 fps. Close all background applications before starting the game. Make sure that the "Performance" mode is enabled in the battery settings.
Where can I find the saved video after recording?
The files are saved in the system folder DCIM/ScreenRecorder. The fastest way to open them is through the “Gallery” application in the “Screen Recordings” or “Screencasts” album.
Is it possible to broadcast the screen at the same time as recording?
Usually, the built-in tools cannot simultaneously write a file to disk and broadcast the stream to the network - the system uses the encoder for only one task. You will need to use third-party streaming applications that have a local recording function.