Screen recording captures audio by default on most devices, but you control which sounds get recorded
When you start a screen recording on your phone, tablet, or computer, the microphone is usually on. That means your voice, background noise, system sounds, and audio from apps all go into the video file unless you turn the microphone off first. On some devices you can choose to record system audio only (sounds from the app or website you're recording) without picking up your voice or room noise.
The exact options depend on what device and recording tool you're using. A phone's built-in screen recorder works differently from third-party apps, which work differently from desktop software. Before you hit record, you need to know what your tool will capture and how to change it.
Key Takeaways
- Most screen recorders capture microphone audio automatically, so you will record your voice and background noise unless you disable the microphone first.
- System audio (sounds from apps and websites) is separate from microphone audio, and some tools let you record one without the other.
- iPhone screen recording captures system audio by default but not your voice unless you tap the microphone icon before recording starts.
- Android, Windows, and Mac all have different default settings, so check your tool's audio options before you begin recording.
- Third-party apps often give you more control than built-in tools, including the ability to record audio from specific apps only.
How audio recording works on iPhone
The iPhone screen recorder (built into Control Center) captures system audio — sounds from apps, websites, and notifications — automatically. It does not capture your voice or room noise unless you enable the microphone. To turn the microphone on, open Control Center, long-press the screen recording icon, and tap the microphone icon to turn it red. When the microphone is on, your voice and background sounds will be recorded along with the app audio.
If you want only the app sounds without your voice, leave the microphone off. If you want to narrate what you're doing, turn the microphone on. There is no option to record your voice without system audio on the built-in iPhone recorder.
How audio recording works on Android
Android's built-in screen recorder (available on most recent phones) records system audio by default and does not record microphone audio unless you enable it. The steps vary by manufacturer — Samsung, Google Pixel, and others have slightly different menus — but the principle is the same. Look for an audio or microphone toggle in the recording settings before you start.
Some Android phones let you choose between system audio only, microphone only, or both. Others give you an on-off toggle for the microphone with system audio always on. Check your phone's screen recording settings to see what options you have. If you're using a third-party app like AZ Screen Recorder or Mobizen, the controls may be different — those apps often let you record audio from specific apps or mute everything except your voice.
How audio recording works on Windows
Windows 11's built-in Xbox Game Bar screen recorder captures system audio (sounds from your screen) by default. It does not record microphone audio unless you enable it. Before you start recording, press Windows key + G to open Game Bar, click the settings icon, and look for audio options. You can usually toggle the microphone on or off and adjust the volume of system audio separately.
If you're using third-party software like OBS Studio or Camtasia, the audio controls are more detailed. You can choose which audio sources to record — your microphone, system audio, a specific app, or a combination — and adjust levels for each one independently. This gives you much more control than the built-in tool, which is why many people use third-party software for anything beyond a quick recording.
How audio recording works on Mac
Mac's built-in screen recording tool (available through Command + Shift + 5) records system audio by default and includes microphone audio if you select it. When you start the recording, a menu appears asking which microphone to use — choose "None" if you don't want to record your voice. The system audio will still be captured.
Like Windows, Mac users often turn to third-party tools like ScreenFlow, Camtasia, or OBS Studio for more detailed control. These apps let you record audio from specific sources, adjust levels in real time, and even add audio after recording is done.
Why you might want to turn audio off
You might record without audio if you're capturing a silent tutorial, a process that doesn't need narration, or a video you plan to add voiceover to later. Recording without audio also means you won't pick up background noise — a barking dog, keyboard clicks, or someone talking in the next room — which can make the video harder to watch.
If you do want audio but want to avoid background noise, record in a quiet space or use a separate microphone closer to your mouth. Some third-party apps have noise suppression built in, which reduces background sound while keeping your voice clear.
Why you might want to turn audio on
Recording with audio lets you narrate what you're doing in real time, which is much faster than adding voiceover later. If you're making a tutorial, demonstration, or walkthrough, your voice explains the steps as viewers watch them happen. System audio alone (without your voice) is useful if you're recording a video call, a song, or an app that produces sound you want to preserve.
The trade-off is that you'll also record whatever else is happening in your room. If you're recording with microphone audio on, find a quiet space or warn people around you that you're recording.
How to record audio from one source only
Built-in screen recorders usually give you a simple on-off choice for the microphone, which means you either get both system audio and microphone audio, or just system audio. If you want more control — for example, recording your voice without system audio, or recording audio from one specific app — you need a third-party tool.
On Windows and Mac, OBS Studio is free and lets you choose which audio sources to record and adjust their levels separately. On iPhone and Android, apps like Adobe Premiere Rush or CapCut let you record screen and audio together, then edit which sounds you keep. These tools take a few minutes to set up but give you much finer control over what gets recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record screen audio without recording my voice?
Yes. On iPhone, leave the microphone off in the screen recording settings — system audio will still record. On Android, Windows, and Mac, disable the microphone toggle before you start. System audio will continue recording unless you specifically turn that off too.
Will my screen recording pick up a phone call?
If you're on a phone call and recording with the microphone on, yes — both your voice and the other person's voice will be recorded. If you record with the microphone off, you'll only get system audio, which usually does not include phone call audio. Test this on your device before recording something important.
Can I record my voice without recording app sounds?
Built-in screen recorders don't offer this option — they record both or neither. Third-party apps like OBS Studio on Windows and Mac, or CapCut on mobile, let you record microphone audio only and mute system audio. This is useful if you want to narrate over a silent recording you'll edit later.
Does screen recording capture audio from Spotify or YouTube?
Yes, if you record with system audio on. The music or video sound will be in your recording. Some apps have copyright protections that prevent recording, but most music and video apps will record their audio normally. Check the app's terms of service if you plan to share the recording publicly.
What if I forget to turn off the microphone and record background noise?
You can edit the audio out after recording using free tools like Audacity or iMovie, or paid software like Adobe Premiere. It's easier to get the settings right before you record, but if you miss it, the audio can usually be fixed in post-production.