Ranking updated
Screen recording apps in 2026
You may not need an app at all: iPhone records the screen from Control Centre, and Android from the Screen record tile in Quick Settings, both with sound and saved to your photos. For more, Record It! on iPhone trims the video and adds a face-cam reaction, and AZ Screen Recorder on Android adds an editor and livestreams. Details below.
How we picked: we started with what the phone already does, from Apple’s and Google’s own help pages, then added apps whose own store descriptions show what they add on top: editing, a face cam, commentary.
Recording the screen without an app
On iPhone, open Control Centre and tap Screen Recording; long-press it to turn the microphone on. Stop from the button at the top of the screen, and find the video in Photos. Some apps do not allow recording audio or video. On Android, swipe down twice from the top, tap Screen record in Quick Settings (add the tile if it is missing), choose whether to record sound and show touches, and tap Start; the video is in Photos.
When an app is worth it
Record It! starts recording in one tap on iPhone and iPad, then lets you trim, add a face-cam reaction and record audio commentary over the video. AZ Screen Recorder records the Android screen with sound and adds a video editor and livestreams.
| Option | Best for | Platforms | Price | Records sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Screen Recording (iPhone) | quick recording, no app needed | iOS | built in | yes, microphone on by long-press |
| Built-in Screen record (Android) | quick recording, no app needed | Android | built in | yes, chosen before start |
| Record It!App Store | trimming, face-cam reactions, commentary | iOS | free to download | yes |
| AZ Screen RecorderGoogle Play | recording with an editor and livestreams | Android | free to download | yes |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an app to record my phone screen?
No: iPhone has Screen Recording in Control Centre and Android has a Screen record tile in Quick Settings. Apps add editing, a face cam or livestreams.
How do I record the screen with sound on iPhone?
In Control Centre, touch and hold Screen Recording and turn the microphone on, then start recording.