QuickTime records audio by default, but only if you choose an input source before you start

QuickTime's screen recording tool will capture sound from your Mac's microphone or another audio input if you tell it to. The moment you open the screen recording menu, you'll see a dropdown next to the red record button. That dropdown is where you pick whether to record audio — and from where. If you don't touch that dropdown, QuickTime records video only, with no sound at all.

The confusion happens because the audio option is straightforward to miss. The dropdown sits right next to the record button and defaults to "None", which means silence. You have to actively change it to "Built-in Microphone" or whatever other input device you have connected. Once you do, audio records alongside your video from that moment forward until you stop the recording.

Key Takeaways

  • QuickTime's screen recording captures audio only when you select an input source from the dropdown menu before pressing record.
  • The audio dropdown defaults to "None", so you must change it to "Built-in Microphone" or another input to record sound.
  • You can switch audio inputs mid-recording by clicking the dropdown again, though the recording continues without interruption.
  • If you record audio and later want to remove it, you'll need to edit the file in a separate video editor — QuickTime itself has no audio removal tool.

How to turn audio on before you record

Open QuickTime and go to File > New Screen Recording. A small window appears with the red record button and a dropdown arrow to its left. Click that dropdown arrow. You'll see a list of audio inputs available on your Mac — usually "Built-in Microphone" at minimum, and possibly USB microphones or other devices if you have them plugged in.

Select the input you want to use. Your Mac will remember this choice the next time you open screen recording, so if you always use the same microphone, you only set it once. Then press the red button to start recording. Audio will now record alongside your screen.

What happens if you forget to set audio before recording

If you start recording without changing the dropdown from "None", your video will have no audio track at all. You cannot add sound to the file afterward using QuickTime — the app has no audio editing features. You would need to use a separate video editor like iMovie, Final Cut Pro, or a free tool like DaVinci Resolve to add audio later, and even then you'd be layering new sound over silence rather than recovering what wasn't captured.

The best approach is to check the dropdown every time before you record, especially if you're recording a presentation, tutorial, or anything where your voice matters. It takes two seconds and saves you from re-recording later.

Switching audio inputs while recording

You can change which input device QuickTime uses even after recording has started. Click the dropdown menu again while the recording is running, and select a different input. The recording continues without stopping, and audio from the new input will be captured from that point onward. This is useful if you start with your built-in microphone and then plug in a USB headset mid-session.

However, you cannot mute audio or turn it off once recording has begun — you can only switch to a different input source. If you need to pause audio capture, you would have to stop the entire recording, which also stops the video.

Why audio quality matters when you choose your input

The microphone you select affects how your recording sounds. Your Mac's built-in microphone works in a pinch, but it picks up keyboard noise, fan noise, and other background sound from your computer. If you're recording a tutorial or presentation, a USB microphone or a headset with a dedicated mic will give you much clearer audio with less background noise.

Test your chosen input before you record something important. Open QuickTime, select the input from the dropdown, and do a short test recording of yourself speaking. Play it back and listen for clarity, background noise, and volume level. If the audio is too quiet, you may need to adjust your microphone's input level in System Preferences > Sound > Input before you record again.

Exporting your recording with audio intact

Once you've finished recording with audio, QuickTime saves the file as an .mov file by default. The audio is embedded in that file. When you share or move the recording, the audio travels with it — you don't need to do anything special to keep the sound.

If you need to convert the file to a different format like MP4, go to File > Export As and choose your format. QuickTime will re-encode the video and audio together into the new file. The audio quality remains the same as what you recorded; exporting doesn't improve or degrade it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record my screen and my microphone at the same time with QuickTime?

Yes. Select your microphone from the audio dropdown before you press record. Your voice and the screen activity will both be captured in the same file. If you want to record system audio (like music or app sounds) instead of your microphone, you'll need a third-party tool — QuickTime only records microphone input or nothing.

What if I want to record video but not audio?

Leave the audio dropdown set to "None" before you start recording. QuickTime will capture only the video. You can change this setting anytime before you press record, so if you accidentally set an audio input, just click the dropdown again and select "None".

Does QuickTime record system sounds like app notifications or music?

No. QuickTime's screen recording only captures audio from a microphone or external input device. It cannot record the sounds your Mac is playing internally — music, notifications, video audio, or anything else coming from your speakers. For that, you need a different tool like ScreenFlow or Camtasia.

Can I edit or remove audio from a QuickTime recording after I save it?

QuickTime itself has no audio editing tools. To remove, trim, or adjust audio in your recording, you'll need to open the file in a video editor like iMovie or Final Cut Pro. Those apps let you mute sections, lower volume, or delete audio entirely while keeping the video intact.

Why does my microphone audio sound so quiet in my QuickTime recording?

Your Mac's microphone input level may be set too low. Go to System Preferences > Sound > Input, select the microphone you're using, and check the input level slider. Drag it toward the right to increase sensitivity. Do a test recording to hear the difference before you record something important.