iPhone Screen Recording iOS 11: How to Use It
iPhone screen recording on iOS 11 lets you capture video of your screen with audio, and you turn it on by adding the Screen Recording button to Control Center, then tapping it to start and stop. This guide walks you through the exact steps, what you can record, common problems, and how to get the best quality.
What Screen Recording Is in iOS 11
Screen recording was introduced as a built-in feature in iOS 11 (released September 2017). Before that, you needed third-party apps, a computer, or a jailbreak to capture the screen. With iOS 11, Apple added a native tool that records everything that appears on the display—apps, games, web pages, settings, and even the home screen—into a standard video file stored in your Photos app.
The feature is especially useful for:
- Showing someone how to do something on their iPhone
- Capturing a bug or error to send to support
- Recording gameplay or a live video stream
- Making a quick tutorial or demo for work or school
iOS 11 also lets you record audio from the microphone, so you can narrate what you’re doing. This is optional—you can record silent screen video if you prefer.
How to Turn On Screen Recording (iOS 11)
Screen recording is not on by default in iOS 11. You have to add it to Control Center first. Here’s how:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Control Center.
- Tap Customize Controls.
- Scroll down to Screen Recording (under “More Controls�).
- Tap the green + button next to it.
Once added, you’ll see a small circle icon (a filled dot inside a ring) in Control Center. To open Control Center, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen on an iPhone with a Home button, or swipe down from the top-right corner on an iPhone without a Home button (iPhone X and later).
How to Start and Stop a Recording
Starting a recording is simple:
- Open Control Center.
- Tap the Screen Recording button (the circle icon).
- A 3-second countdown appears, then recording begins. You’ll see a red bar or red timer at the top of the screen.
To stop, you have two options:
- Tap the red bar at the top of the screen, then tap Stop.
- Open Control Center again and tap the now-red Screen Recording button.
The video is saved automatically to your Photos app under the “Recents� album. You can also find it in the “Videos� album or by searching “screen recording.�
Recording Audio (Microphone On/Off)
By default, iOS 11 screen recording does not capture your voice or any sounds from the microphone. To include audio:
- Open Control Center.
- Press and hold (or 3D Touch, if your iPhone supports it) the Screen Recording button.
- A small menu pops up with a Microphone Off option.
- Tap the microphone icon to turn it on (it will show “Microphone On�).
- Tap anywhere outside the menu to close it, then tap the Screen Recording button to start.
Note: With the microphone on, the recording will pick up your voice and any background noise, but it will not capture internal app sounds (like music playing from Spotify) unless you also play them through the speaker. iOS 11 does not support recording internal audio from apps—that came later in iOS 13. So if you want to record a video with music from an app, you’ll need to play it out loud and use the microphone.
Where Files Are Saved and How to Share
Recordings are saved as .mov files in the Photos app. You can find them in:
- Photos → Albums → Recents
- Photos → Albums → Videos
To share a recording, open it in Photos, tap the Share button (a square with an up arrow), and choose AirDrop, Messages, Mail, or save to Files. You can also edit the video using the built-in Photos editor (trim, add filters, adjust exposure).
Common Problems and Fixes
Here are the most frequent issues people run into with iOS 11 screen recording:
- No Screen Recording button in Control Center – Go to Settings → Control Center → Customize Controls and add it. If it’s already there, try restarting your iPhone.
- Recording stops immediately – This often happens when your iPhone is low on storage. Check Settings → General → iPhone Storage.
- No audio in the recording – Make sure the microphone is turned on (press and hold the Screen Recording button). Also check that the phone isn’t muted and the volume is up.
- Video is black or blank – Some apps (like Netflix, Disney+, or banking apps) block screen recording for copyright or security reasons. This is not a bug; the app simply prevents it.
- Recording is blurry or low quality – Screen recording captures at the screen’s native resolution. If you have a low-end iPhone, the video may look pixelated. Also, make sure you’re not zoomed in or using a low display zoom setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does screen recording work on all iPhones with iOS 11?
Yes, any iPhone that supports iOS 11 (iPhone 5s and later) can use screen recording. The feature is part of the operating system, so it works the same on all compatible models.
Can I record my screen while using FaceTime or a phone call?
Yes, you can, but the other person may not be aware they’re being recorded. Also, some apps (like FaceTime) may show a black screen or block recording due to privacy protections. Always get consent before recording a call.
How long can a screen recording be?
There is no time limit. The recording continues until you stop it, or until your iPhone runs out of storage. A long recording can quickly fill up your storage, especially on older iPhones with limited space.
Can I record internal audio (like music from an app) in iOS 11?
No. iOS 11 only records external audio through the microphone. Internal audio recording was introduced in iOS 13, so if you need that, you’ll need to update your iPhone to a newer iOS version (if your device supports it).
Will screen recording drain my battery?
Yes, screen recording uses more battery than normal use because it’s encoding video and possibly audio. It’s best to keep your iPhone plugged in if you plan to record for a long time.
Can I edit a screen recording in the Photos app?
Yes, you can trim the start and end, add filters, adjust exposure, and even rotate the video. For more advanced editing, you’ll need a third-party app.
Alternatives to Built-in Screen Recording
If you need more features than iOS 11 offers, consider these options:
- QuickTime on a Mac – Connect your iPhone to a Mac with a Lightning cable, open QuickTime, and choose “New Movie Recording.� You can then record the iPhone screen with audio from the Mac’s microphone.
- Third-party apps – There are many screen recording apps on the App Store that offer features like facecam overlay, annotation tools, and internal audio recording (on newer iOS versions). However, be cautious: some apps may not be reliable or may require subscriptions.
- Jailbreak tweaks – Not recommended, as jailbreaking voids your warranty and can compromise security.
For most users, the built-in iOS 11 screen recording is sufficient. It’s free, easy to use, and produces high-quality video. Just remember to add the button to Control Center first, and you’ll be recording in seconds.
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