If you’ve ever wanted to record your iPhone screen — to create a tutorial, share a gameplay clip, or show a friend how to do something — you’re in luck. Apple’s built-in screen recorder makes it simple. You don’t need to download any apps or connect to a computer; everything is already built into your iPhone.
In this iPhone screen recording tutorial, you’ll learn how to screen record on iPhone, how to enable it in Control Center, how to record with audio, and which are the best free screen recorder apps for iPhone if you want extra features like editing or voiceovers.
Why You Might Need to Screen Record on iPhone
Screen recording is one of the most underrated tools on an iPhone. You can use it to:
- Create quick tutorials for friends, colleagues, or clients
- Capture gameplay highlights or reactions
- Record app bugs or technical issues for developers
- Save Instagram Stories or TikToks (respecting copyright, of course)
- Walk someone through a process visually instead of explaining it via text
Whatever your reason, the process is quick and takes less than a minute to set up.
How to Enable Screen Recording on iPhone (Control Center Setup)
Before you can start recording, you must add the Screen Recording control to your Control Center.
Here’s how to enable screen recording on iPhone step-by-step:
- Open Settings → Control Center
On your iPhone, tap “Settings” and scroll until you see “Control Center.” - Add Screen Recording
Tap the “+” next to Screen Recording to add it to your Control Center list. - Access Control Center
On iPhones with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner.
On iPhones with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. - Start Recording
Tap the Record button (a solid circle). After a 3-second countdown, recording begins.
That’s it — you’ve just activated the built-in recorder. Once you stop recording, the video automatically saves to your Photos app under Recents or Screen Recordings.
How to Screen Record on iPhone With Audio
By default, screen recordings don’t include external sound. But you can easily record your voice or system audio too.
Here’s how to screen record on iPhone with audio:
- Swipe down to open Control Center.
- Press and hold the Record button (don’t just tap it).
- Tap the Microphone icon at the bottom of the pop-up. It will turn red when active.
- Tap Start Recording.
Now, your iPhone will capture both screen activity and sound from the microphone.
💡 Pro Tip:
If you’re recording app audio (like music or in-app sounds), leave the microphone off. For voiceovers or tutorials, keep it on.
iPhone Screen Recording Tutorial (iOS 17 & iOS 18)
If you’ve upgraded to iOS 17 or 18, the steps are even easier and smoother.
- Swipe down for Control Center
- Long-press the Record button
- Toggle on/off microphone as needed
- Start recording
Once done, tap the red bar at the top of your screen and confirm Stop. The video will be saved automatically.
Editing Tip: Open your recording in the Photos app, tap Edit, and trim the start or end to remove extra seconds.
Best Free Screen Recorder for iPhone
The built-in recorder is excellent, but if you need advanced options — such as adding annotations, webcam overlays, or sharing links — you might want to try one of the best free screen recorder apps for iPhone in 2025:
1. Dubb
Dubb is not just a recorder — it’s a full video creation and sharing tool. Record your screen or camera, automatically generate a landing page, and add a call-to-action (like “Book a Meeting”).
Features:
- Record iPhone screen or front camera
- AI script writer and teleprompter
- Built-in landing pages and CTAs
- Cloud sharing via email or SMS
Dubb is perfect for professionals who want their screen recordings to generate results, not just views.
2. Record It!
Simple and reliable for quick recording.
- Add commentary and webcam overlay
- Edit and trim recordings
- Upload directly to YouTube
3. DU Recorder
Another powerful and free option.
- High-quality 1080p recording
- Livestream support
- Screen and camera capture
These apps are great alternatives if you need extra flexibility beyond the built-in iPhone recorder.
Screen Recording Tips and Best Practices
Recording your screen is easy — but recording it well takes a few smart habits:
- Plan Before You Record
Write a quick outline or use a teleprompter (like Dubb’s AI writer) to stay concise. - Use Airplane Mode
Avoid unwanted notifications popping up mid-recording. - Check Storage
Screen recordings can consume large amounts of space, especially at 1080p. - Keep Your iPhone Charged
Recording drains battery quickly. Plug in when possible. - Mind Privacy
Avoid showing personal data, messages, or sensitive screens in your recording. - Record in Landscape Mode
For tutorials or gameplay, landscape mode provides better viewing on larger screens.
Common Problems and Fixes
1. Screen Recording Option Missing
If you don’t see the record button in Control Center, go back to Settings → Control Center → Add Screen Recording.
2. No Sound in Recordings
Open Control Center, hold down the record button, and ensure Microphone Audio is turned on.
3. Overheating or Lagging
Close background apps and lower brightness. Long recordings can cause temporary heat buildup.
4. Storage Full
Delete old screen recordings or offload them to iCloud, Google Drive, or Dubb’s cloud dashboard.
FAQs About iPhone Screen Recording
Q: Does screen recording capture phone calls?
A: No. Apple restricts call recording for privacy and legal reasons.
Q: Can I record with Bluetooth audio devices connected?
A: Yes, but results vary. Some Bluetooth headsets don’t transmit mic audio during screen recording.
Q: How long can I screen record on iPhone?
A: There’s no time limit other than your available storage and battery life.
Q: Where are iPhone screen recordings saved?
A: They’re automatically saved in the Photos app → Recents → Screen Recordings.
Conclusion: Record, Create, and Share Like a Pro
Now you know how to screen record on iPhone, how to enable it in Control Center, and how to record with audio.
Whether you’re making tutorials, gameplay videos, or product demos, the iPhone’s built-in recorder and free apps like Dubb make it effortless.
If you want to take your recordings further — add text, CTAs, or share them instantly — try Dubb. It’s the best free screen recorder for iPhone that helps turn simple videos into powerful communication tools.