Modern smartphones have long transformed from simple means of communication into powerful multimedia centers capable of not only consuming content, but also creating it. The model Samsung Galaxy A12, despite its budget segment, is equipped with all the necessary tools for full work with the digital space, including the function of capturing display images. Many users are faced with the need to record gameplay, save visual instructions for colleagues, or document an error in the application to contact support.
Fortunately, the company Samsung has integrated a standard utility for recording directly into the shell One UIwhich eliminates the need to install third-party software that often overloads the system advertising. In this article, we will look in detail at how to activate and configure this function, and also consider alternative methods if the standard option is not suitable for you for some reason.
Activating the function through the quick settings panel
The fastest and most convenient way to start capturing an image is to use the notification curtain. However, by default, the icon may be hidden in the additional menu, as the manufacturer tries not to clutter the main interface with rarely used buttons. First, you need to unlock the device and swipe your finger from top to bottom across the screen to open the notification panel completely.
If you don’t see a video camera icon among the main buttons, you need to swipe left or click on the three dots (or the pencil icon) to edit the list. Here is a complete list of available switches. Find the element Screen recording and drag it to the active area so that it is always at hand.
After adding a button, the launch process becomes elementary. One tap on the icon is enough, and the system will offer to select sound settings before starting. You can record video without sound, capture system audio (game sounds, notifications) or add voice through a microphone. This is especially convenient for creating training videos that require voice accompaniment of actions.
⚠️ Attention: When recording conversations in instant messengers or phone calls through the built-in function, the interlocutor may be warned about the recording, or the sound of his voice may not be saved due to privacy policy restrictions Android.
As soon as you click the “Start Recording” button, the screen will appear A small floating widget with a timer and control buttons will appear. It does not interfere with viewing content and can be moved to any corner of the display. To stop the process, just click on the square stop button in this widget or minimize it and find a notification in the status bar.
Setting the quality and capture parameters
The quality of the final video directly depends on the selected resolution and frame rate settings. In the model Samsung A12 the screen has a resolution HD+ (720 x 1560), but the system allows you to select different recording profiles depending on your needs for detail and the amount of free space. By default, the device can offer average values that are suitable for most household tasks.
To access advanced options, you must go to the settings menu of the function itself. This is usually done through a long tap on the recording icon in the quick settings panel or through the Settings → Additional features → Screenshots and recordingsection. Here you will find a quality slider that affects the bitrate and clarity of the picture.
- 📹 High quality: Choose this mode for recording fast-paced games or videos with fine details, where every pixel clarity is important.
- 📉 Medium quality: optimal balance between file size and text readability, suitable for most instructions.
- 📦 Low quality: use only if there is a critical lack of free memory or for quickly sending videos to instant messengers.
It is also worth paying attention to the frame rate setting. The standard value is 30 frames per second, which ensures a smooth picture that is familiar to the human eye. If your device supports higher values, you can try increasing this setting, but remember that this will increase the CPU load and file size.
Before recording a long video, be sure to clear your RAM by closing unnecessary applications. This will prevent possible “freezes” and slowdowns of the image during capture.
Recording internal sound and announcer's voice
One of the most popular functions when creating content is the ability to control the audio stream. The system One UI based Android provides flexible tools for audio mixing. Before each recording starts, a pop-up window appears where you need to select an audio source.
The “Mute” mode is useful when you want to record a visual, for example, to demonstrate the application interface, but do not want random notifications or background music to appear in the video. The “Media and System” mode captures all the sounds that the phone plays: music, effects in games, keyboard sounds.
If you plan to comment on your actions, select the “Media and Microphone” mode or simply “Microphone”. In this case, the device will record ambient sound through the built-in voice recorder. The recording quality in this case depends on the environmental conditions and the distance to the voice source.
| Sound mode | What is being recorded | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| No sound | Video only | Quiet interface demonstrations |
| Media | Sounds of applications and games | Gameplay, music reviews |
| Microphone | User voice and noise around | Video comments, lectures |
| Media + Microphone | System sound + Voice | Full tutorials |
It is worth considering that when the microphone is activated, the system can automatically reduce Adjust the volume of media content to make your voice heard more clearly. This is a behavior of noise reduction algorithms that cannot be completely disabled in the standard menu.
☑️ Check before recording audio
Using third-party recording applications
Despite the presence of a built-in tool, some users prefer to install specialized software from the store Google Play. This may be due to the need for more fine-tuning, drawing on top of the screen in real time, or integration with cloud services. Popular applications like XRecorder or AZ Screen Recorder offer functionality that goes beyond the standard.
The main advantage of third-party solutions is the presence of a built-in video editor. Immediately after stopping recording, you can trim extra seconds, add music, add text or transitions without switching to a separate gallery. In addition, such applications often allow you to display the front camera in the form of a small window on top of the recorded screen.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party applications often require extensive data access permissions and may contain intrusive advertising. Carefully study the permissions before installation and give preference to trusted developers.
When using external recorders, it is important to monitor the “over other applications” permission. Without this right, the app will not be able to correctly capture an image or display its controls. This setting is usually requested upon first startup and leads to the system security menu.
However, it is worth remembering that the operation of third-party software creates additional load on the battery and processor. On a level device Samsung A12 simultaneous operation of a heavy game and a background recording process can lead to heating of the case and reduced performance.
Why is built-in recording better for the battery?
The built-in utility works at the system level and is optimized specifically for the hardware of your Exynos processor, while third-party applications use common APIs, which is less effectively.
Where the recorded video files are stored
After the screen capture procedure is completed, the file is automatically saved to the internal memory of the device. The user does not need to specify the save path manually; the system does this using a standard protocol. You can find the footage in two main ways: through the “Gallery” application or through the file manager.
In the application Gallery a separate album with a name is created Screen recordings or “Screen recordings”. This is the most convenient way to view, since here the video is immediately available for editing, trimming and sharing. The system automatically sorts files by creation date, which makes it easier to find recent entries.
If you need to find a file to transfer to a computer or archive, use the file manager. The path to the directory usually looks like this: Internal memory → DCIM → Screen recordings. This folder stores all videos captured by both the built-in tool and many third-party apps.
- 📂 File format: by default, videos are saved in the format
MP4, which is supported by all modern players and social networks. - 💾 File size: one minute of recording in high quality can take from 10 to 30 megabytes, depending on the dynamics of the picture.
- 🗑️ Auto-delete: the system does not delete files automatically, they will take up space until you decide to erase them manually.
It is recommended to periodically check this folder and delete unsuccessful duplicates so as not to clog the device’s memory. This is especially true for models with a small amount of built-in storage, where every gigabyte counts.
Screen recording files take up space in the same way as regular videos from the camera, so keep an eye on the free space in the “Memory” section.
Solving common problems and errors
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the button recording is inactive or the video is recorded without sound. Most often, the problem lies in the limitations of a particular application. Some banking apps, streaming services like Netflix or secure instant messengers block the ability to capture the screen for security and copyright reasons.
In such cases, instead of a video, you will receive a black screen or a message that recording is not possible due to the security policy. This is not a malfunction of the phone, but is implemented at the app code level of the applications themselves. It is impossible to bypass this limitation using standard means.
Another common problem is low frame rate or “ragged” video. This can happen when resource-intensive tasks are running simultaneously. Try lowering the recording quality in the settings or closing background applications before you start capturing.
⚠️ Attention: If the screen recording feature completely disappeared from the menu after a system update, check whether it is disabled in the “Advanced Features” section. In rare cases, you may need to reset the Quick Actions panel.
It is also worth considering that when the battery charge is low (less than 15%), the system may forcefully disable the recording function or prevent it from being activated in order to save energy for the main functions of the phone. In this case, connecting a charger will solve the problem.
What to do if the video slows down during playback?
Try playing the file through a third-party player, such as VLC. If the video runs smoothly there, then the problem is in the standard Gallery player, and not in the quality of the recording.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to record the screen during an incoming call?
No, when an incoming call arrives, the system automatically pauses screen recording or stops it completely to give priority telephone conversation. After the call ends, recording does not resume automatically.
Is notification sound recorded if the “Media” mode is selected?
Yes, in system audio capture mode, all audio signals will be recorded, including messenger notifications, keyboard sounds and system clicks. If you want a clear video, it is better to select the “Silent” mode.
Is there a time limit for one recording?
There is no time limit. The recording will continue until you manually stop it or until the free space on the device’s internal storage runs out.
Why can’t I be heard in the recording when I turn on the microphone?
Make sure that you do not cover the microphone hole with your finger while playing or using the phone. Also check in the privacy settings whether the Screen Recording application has permission to use a microphone.