How to record screen on iPhone? Using built-in recorder explained in simple steps – Technology Org

Capturing interesting moments directly from the screen of your phone is a very convenient feature. This function is available on Apple phones as a built-in tool, but still, many users are looking for information explaining how to record screen on iPhone. In this article, you will find instructions on how to do this in simple steps. 

When you know how to record screen on iPhone, sharing information with others becomes even easier. Image credit: Pxhere, CC0 Public Domain

There are in fact two different ways how to record screen on iPhone: one is for static images (screenshots), and the second is to make a video recording where you can, for example, show the sequence of actions to other people.

Below, you will find three different ways to record screen on iPhone: as a screenshot, as a video, and as a PDF file.

How to record static screen (screenshot) on iPhone?

1. First, you need to initiate the screen capture process. There is a key combination for capturing screenshots, and this combination depends on the type of your device, or more precisely, if it has Face ID function, or a Home button: 
   • If your iPhone has Face ID, you need to press simultaneously the side button and volume up button, and then release them in about a second. The side button is located on the right side of the device.
   • If your iPhone has a Home button, you need to press simultaneously the Home button and side button, and then release them in about a second.
2. You are now halfway there. The captured screen should now be displayed in the lower-left corner of the screen. You need to tap the button Done.
3. Finally, you need to choose the location where you wish to put this screenshot. Choose one of the following
   • Save to Photos.
   • Save to Files.
   • Delete Screenshot – selecting this option will remove the recently captured screen from the memory.

And that’s it – you now have successfully finished capturing a static screen and saved it on your device.

NOTE: Saving recorded screens to Photos is perhaps the most convenient option, as the captured images can be later viewed in the Screenshots album using a standard Photos app. If you have the iCloud Photos setting activated, then images also appear in the All Photos album.

How to record screen on iPhone as a video?

You can use your iPhone to record a video of your screen, and there is a built-in tool for that, too. However, using it is different compared to screenshot capture. Here is how you can record the screen on iPhone as a video:

1. First, you need to activate the Screen Recording function. Go to Settings.
2. Select Control Center.
3. Tap a green ‘plus’ sign. This will add the Screen Recording app to your Control Center, and it will appear in Included Controls section.
4. Now, you are all set. Swipe to open the Control Center.
5. Tap the circular grey Screen Recording button. There will be a three-second countdown before an actual recording process starts.
6. To stop recording, swipe to open the Control Center again. Now, the Screen Recording button will be displayed in red. Tap it to stop. Alternatively, you can open the red status bar which is displayed at the top of your screen, and then tap Stop.

You can find and view the recorded screen video in the Photos app.

Do you wish to record screen on iPhone with audio? You may want this if you need to provide additional comments about the things you have recorded on the video. To activate the microphone function, you need to:

1. Long-press the same grey record button in the Control Center.
2. Then, tap the round Microphone button that appears on the lower screen.
3. When turned on, the microphone button will be displayed in red.
4. To disable the microphone, tap the same button again. When inactive, this button is displayed in grey.
5. When you are about to finish recording the screen on iPhone as an audio-enabled video, don’t forget to stop recording the same way as explained above. 

How to record screen on iPhone as a PDF file?

Sometimes, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to record screen on your iPhone as a PDF file. For example, you may want this when you try to capture a webpage, document, or email that is longer than the length of your iPhone screen. In other words, you need to capture a so-called scrolling screenshot, and then save it as a PDF.

Here is what you need to do:

1. Initiate the screen capture process. There are two ways:
   • If your iPhone has Face ID, you need to press simultaneously the side button and volume up button, and then release them in about a second. The side button is located on the right side of the device.
   • If your iPhone has a Home button, you need to press simultaneously the Home button and side button, and then release them in about a second.
2. The captured screen should now be displayed in the lower-left corner of the screen. You need to tap the button Full Page.
3. Decide what to do with the screenshot. There are two scenarios:
   • Save the screenshot:
     • Tap Done.
     • Then, select Save PDF to Files.
     • Choose a location on your device which is the most convenient for you for the purpose of storing saved files.
     • Finally, tap the Save button.
   • Or, you can share the screenshot right away:
     • Tap a rectangle with a small arrow pointing upward.
     • Choose the way of sharing the screenshot. You can select, for example, Mail, Messages, or AirDop.
     • The app will request additional destination-related information (address or contact for sharing).
     • Send the PDF file to those that you wish to share it with.

Wrapping up

Now you know how to record screen on iPhone – obviously, the process is quite simple and can be done in a few easy steps. You just need to know what buttons have to be pressed, and what options can be selected according to your needs.