Screen recording captures sound by default on most devices, but you need to check your settings to be sure

When you record your screen, audio is usually included — your computer or phone picks up whatever is playing through your speakers or microphone at that moment. But "by default" does not mean "always". Some recording tools turn audio off by default, some let you choose before you hit record, and some require you to enable it in settings first. The only way to know what you are actually capturing is to look at your device's recording settings before you start.

What gets recorded depends on what you are recording from. If you are capturing a video playing on your screen, the audio from that video records. If you are recording a video call, both the other person's voice and your own microphone input record (if you have the microphone turned on). If you are recording a silent process like a spreadsheet, nothing records unless you have a microphone plugged in and actively speaking.

Key Takeaways

  • Most screen recording tools capture audio automatically, but some require you to turn it on in settings before you start recording.
  • Check your recording settings on your device before you hit the record button — do not assume audio is on or off.
  • The audio that records is whatever your device's speakers or microphone are picking up at that moment, including background noise.
  • If you do not want to record audio, you can usually disable the microphone or audio input in your recording settings.

How to check audio settings on Windows

On Windows 10 and 11, the built-in screen recording tool is called Xbox Game Bar. Press Windows key + G to open it, then look for the recording controls. Before you start recording, click the microphone icon — if it has a line through it, your microphone is off and no audio will record. If the icon is solid, your microphone is on and audio will record.

If you are using a third-party tool like OBS Studio or Camtasia, the audio settings are usually in the main settings menu or in a separate audio tab. Look for options labeled "Microphone", "Audio Input", or "Audio Devices". You can usually choose which microphone or audio source to record from, or turn audio off entirely by selecting "None".

How to check audio settings on Mac

On Mac, the built-in screen recording tool is in the Screenshot app (or use Shift + Command + 5). When you open the recording options, you will see a dropdown menu that says "Microphone". Click it and choose which microphone you want to record from, or select "None" if you do not want audio. The setting stays where you left it, so if you recorded with audio last time, it will try to record with audio again unless you change it.

If you are using a third-party tool, check the preferences or settings menu for audio input options. Most Mac recording tools let you choose between your built-in microphone, an external microphone, or no audio at all.

How to check audio settings on iPhone and iPad

On iPhone and iPad, screen recording is in Control Center. Swipe down from the top right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) and press and hold the screen recording icon. A menu appears with an option for "Microphone Audio". If the microphone icon is highlighted in red, audio will record. If it is gray, audio will not record. Tap the icon to toggle it on or off, then tap "Start Recording".

The microphone setting resets each time you close Control Center, so you have to check it every time you record if you want to be certain whether audio is on or off.

How to check audio settings on Android

Android does not have a built-in screen recording tool in all versions, but most recent Android phones have one in the Quick Settings menu. Pull down the notification shade twice to open Quick Settings, then look for "Screen Recorder" or "Record Screen". Tap it, and a menu usually appears with options for audio. Some phones let you choose between "Internal Audio" (sound from apps), "Microphone" (your voice), or both. Others have a straightforward toggle for audio on or off.

The exact menu varies by phone manufacturer — Samsung, Google Pixel, and other brands each have slightly different layouts. If you do not see audio options in the main menu, look for a settings gear icon or a "More Options" button within the recording interface.

What audio actually gets recorded

When you turn audio on, your device records whatever is coming through your speakers or microphone at that moment. If you are recording a YouTube video, the video's audio records. If you are recording a Zoom call, both the other person's voice and your own voice (if your microphone is on) record. If you are recording a silent app and your microphone is on, you will record background noise — traffic, keyboard clicks, people talking nearby.

You cannot selectively record only the app audio and not your microphone, or vice versa, on most built-in tools. If you need that level of control, you will need a third-party tool like OBS Studio (Windows and Mac) or Audacity (for audio editing after recording). These tools let you choose exactly which audio sources to include and adjust their volume separately.

Why audio might not record even when you think it is on

If you turned audio on in settings but nothing recorded, check these things first: your microphone might be muted at the hardware level (look for a mute switch on the microphone itself or in your device's sound settings). Your device's volume might be turned all the way down. The app you are recording might have its own audio muted — for example, if you are recording a browser tab, that tab might have audio disabled in the browser's tab controls. Or your microphone might not have permission to record — check your device's privacy settings and make sure the recording app has microphone permission.

On Windows, also check that your default recording device is set correctly. Go to Settings > System > Sound, scroll down to "Advanced", and click "Volume mixer". Make sure the app you are using for recording is not muted there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record screen audio without recording my microphone?

Most built-in screen recording tools do not separate these — you either record both or neither. If you need to record only the app audio, use OBS Studio (free, Windows and Mac) or Camtasia (paid, all platforms). These let you choose which audio sources to include.

Will background noise record if my microphone is on?

Yes. If your microphone is enabled and on, your recording will pick up everything it hears — typing, talking, traffic, fans. If you do not want background noise, either turn the microphone off or record in a quiet space.

Does screen recording capture audio from a video call?

Yes, if your microphone is on. The other person's voice comes through your speakers (and records), and your own voice records through your microphone. If you do not want to record yourself, turn off your microphone before you start recording.

What if I recorded something and forgot to turn audio on?

You cannot add audio to a recording after the fact using built-in tools. You would need to re-record, or use video editing software like DaVinci Resolve (free) or Adobe Premiere to add a separate audio track if you have one.

Do I need permission to record someone else's voice?

That depends on where you live. Some places require everyone in a conversation to agree to being recorded, while others only require one person to know. Check your local laws before recording a call or conversation with another person.