Screen recording captures sound by default on most devices, but only if you turn the audio setting on before you start recording

When you record your screen, the audio that plays through your speakers or headphones can be included in the video file — but it is not automatic everywhere. On Windows, macOS, and most phones, you have to choose whether to record system audio, microphone audio, or both. If you do not check this setting before you hit record, your video will be silent, and you cannot add sound afterward without re-recording.

The reason this matters: if you are recording a tutorial, a video call, or anything where people need to hear what is happening, a silent video is useless. Checking your audio settings takes 10 seconds and saves you from recording the whole thing twice.

Key Takeaways

  • Screen recording software records video by default but requires you to turn on audio capture separately — it does not happen automatically on most devices.
  • You can record system audio (what plays from your speakers), microphone audio (your voice), or both at the same time.
  • The audio setting must be enabled before you start recording; you cannot add sound to a silent video afterward without re-recording.
  • Different devices and apps have different audio options, so check your specific tool's settings before you begin.

How to enable audio on Windows screen recording

Windows 10 and 11 come with a built-in screen recorder called Xbox Game Bar. To record with sound, open the app you want to record, press Windows key + G to open Game Bar, then look for the microphone icon in the recording panel. Click it to turn on your microphone. If you want to record system audio (the sound from your speakers), click the speaker icon instead.

If you are using third-party software like OBS Studio or Camtasia, the audio settings are usually in a menu labeled "Audio" or "Settings." Look for checkboxes next to "Microphone" and "System Audio" or "Desktop Audio." Check both if you want to record your voice and the sound from your screen at the same time. Save these settings before you start recording.

How to enable audio on Mac screen recording

macOS has a built-in screen recorder in the Screenshot app. Press Shift + Command + 5 to open it, then click "Record." Before you start, a small menu appears with audio options. Click "Microphone" to choose whether to record your voice, or leave it set to "None" if you only want video. If you want system audio (sound from your Mac's speakers), you will need third-party software like ScreenFlow or QuickTime, because the built-in tool does not capture it.

If you use QuickTime, open the app, go to File > New Screen Recording, and click the arrow next to the record button. A dropdown menu shows microphone options. Select your microphone to record your voice, or select "None" to record video only.

How to enable audio on iPhone and iPad screen recording

On iPhone and iPad, screen recording is in Control Center. Swipe down from the top right (or up from the bottom on older models) to open Control Center, then press and hold the screen recording icon. A menu appears with a microphone toggle. Turn it on to record your voice along with the screen. This is the only audio option — you cannot record system audio from apps on iOS or iPadOS.

After you turn on the microphone toggle, tap "Start Recording" and wait three seconds for the countdown. Your voice will be captured along with everything on your screen. When you are done, open Control Center again and tap the recording icon to stop.

How to enable audio on Android screen recording

Android's built-in screen recorder is usually found in Quick Settings. Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to open Quick Settings, look for "Screen Recorder" or "Screen Record," and tap it. A menu appears with audio options — usually "Microphone only," "System audio only," or "Both." Choose what you need before you tap "Start" or "Record." The exact wording and location varies by phone manufacturer, so check your device's manual if you cannot find it.

Some Android phones do not have a built-in screen recorder. If yours does not, you can download a third-party app like AZ Screen Recorder or Mobizen from the Google Play Store. These apps have their own audio settings, usually in a menu you access before recording starts.

What to do if your recording came out silent

If you recorded your screen and there is no sound in the video, the audio setting was off when you started. You will need to record again. Before you do, go back to your recording software and check the audio settings one more time — make sure the microphone or system audio option is actually turned on, not just visible in the menu.

Some people turn on the audio setting but forget to unmute their device or check that their microphone is not blocked. On Windows and Mac, open your system sound settings and make sure the microphone is not muted. On phones, check that you did not accidentally enable "Do Not Disturb" or "Silent Mode," which can prevent audio from being recorded. Then record again with the audio setting confirmed as on.

Recording both your voice and screen audio at the same time

If you want to record yourself talking while also capturing sound from your screen (like in a tutorial where you narrate over a video), you need to record both microphone and system audio together. On Windows, enable both the microphone and speaker icons in Game Bar before you start. On Mac with ScreenFlow, you can select your microphone in the audio settings and ScreenFlow will mix it with system audio automatically.

On phones, iOS records microphone audio only, so you cannot capture both your voice and app sounds at the same time with the built-in tool. Android phones with "Both" audio option will record your microphone and system audio together. If your phone does not have this option, you will need a third-party app that supports dual audio recording.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add sound to a video after I record it if I forgot to turn on audio?

Not without re-recording. You cannot extract audio from the original recording if it was never captured. You would need to use video editing software to add a new audio track, but that track would be separate from the screen action and would not sync properly. It is faster to record again with audio turned on from the start.

Why is my microphone recording but I cannot hear myself in the video?

Your microphone is probably muted at the system level. On Windows, right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and open "Sound settings," then check that your microphone is not muted. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Sound > Input and make sure your microphone is selected and the volume is not at zero. On phones, check that Silent Mode is off.

Does screen recording use a lot of battery on my phone?

Screen recording uses more battery than normal phone use because it is constantly processing video and audio. Recording with audio on uses slightly more battery than video alone, but the difference is small. If battery is low, plug in your phone before you start recording, especially if you plan to record for more than a few minutes.

What if I want to record system audio but my device does not support it?

Built-in screen recorders on iOS do not capture system audio at all. On Android, if your phone does not have a "System audio" option, download a third-party app like AZ Screen Recorder, which usually includes this feature. On Windows and Mac, the built-in tools support system audio, but if you need more control, OBS Studio is free and works on all three platforms.

Can I record a video call with sound?

Yes, if you enable system audio before you start recording. The video call app will play audio through your speakers, and the screen recorder will capture it along with the video. If you also want to record your own voice, enable the microphone setting too. Check your call app's settings first — some apps notify the other person when you are recording.