How to Screen Record on iPhone with Internal Audio

Screen recording on an iPhone is an incredibly useful feature for capturing gameplay, app tutorials, or saving important moments from a video call. But many users wonder how to do this while retaining high-quality internal audio from the device. Whether you’re teaching someone how to navigate an app or want to save a clip with the original sound, ensuring the internal audio is recorded makes all the difference.

TLDR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)

To screen record on your iPhone with internal audio, make sure the Screen Recording feature is enabled in Control Center. Then, long-press the Screen Recording icon and ensure that the Microphone is turned off and “Device Audio” is recorded automatically. Keep your device’s audio powered on and the ringer switched to ring mode. For capturing app sounds or media, make sure the sound is playing through the device at the time of recording.

Understanding Screen Recording on an iPhone

Apple introduced the built-in Screen Recording feature with iOS 11, allowing users to capture what happens on their screen without needing third-party apps. But capturing internal audio—audio from the iPhone itself—can be tricky if the right settings are not selected.

Many users mistakenly believe that turning on the Microphone captures internal audio. However, this feature only records external, ambient sound. To capture true system audio (like in-game music, app sounds, or media playback), you must ensure the Microphone is off, letting iOS natively capture internal sound.

Step-by-Step: How to Screen Record with Internal Audio

1. Add Screen Recording to Control Center
   First, verify that the screen recording button is available in the Control Center.
   • Go to Settings > Control Center
   • Scroll down to More Controls and tap the green plus icon next to Screen Recording
2. Open Control Center
   On iPhone X or newer models, swipe down from the upper right corner. On older iPhones, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
3. Long Press on the Screen Recording Icon
   Rather than tapping it immediately, press and hold the screen recording button to open recording options.
4. Turn Mic Off and Use Internal Audio
   A small microphone icon will appear. Ensure it’s turned off if you intend to record internal audio only. If the Mic is on, it will record both internal and external sounds, including background noise.
5. Start Recording
   Tap Start Recording. After the three-second countdown, your iPhone will begin recording both the screen and any internal audio as long as it’s playing through the device.
6. Play Audio From App or Media
   Play music, podcast, game audio, or any other media during the recording process. Keep volume on and ensure your device isn’t in Silent Mode (check the side switch).
7. Stop Recording
   Stop the recording by tapping the red bar or timer at the top of your screen, then selecting Stop. Your recorded video will be saved in the Photos app.

How to Ensure Internal Audio is Captured

Some apps might not allow their internal sound to be recorded due to DRM (Digital Rights Management) protections. If you try recording from certain streaming apps like Netflix, audio might be restricted. However, for games, tutorials, and most open-source media apps, the sound plays and records seamlessly.

Check the following:

• Mute switch is turned off (ringer enabled)
• Volume is turned up
• Do Not Disturb mode is OFF to prevent interruptions
• The app in use does not block screen capturing or audio recording

If you’re unsure, conduct a short test by recording a YouTube video through Safari or the YouTube app and examining the playback in the Photos app afterward.

How to Record Gameplay with Internal Audio

Gamers often want to capture both visuals and real-time sounds for walkthroughs or Let’s Play videos. The iPhone makes this easy with the built-in recorder.

Before starting:

• Launch the game and ensure sound effects are turned on
• Check volume level
• Close other apps that may interrupt

Then follow the same screen recording steps listed above. Once finished, you can find and edit your gameplay in the Photos or iMovie app.

Editing Screen Recorded Videos

After recording, you might want to trim, adjust, or enhance the video. The built-in Photos app allows basic video editing:

• Open the video
• Tap Edit in the upper right corner
• Use the sliders to trim the start or end
• Apply filters, crop, or rotate if necessary

For more advanced edits like adding background music, inserting overlays, or voice commentary, apps like iMovie, LumaFusion, or InShot provide professional tools directly on your device.

Troubleshooting: Audio Not Being Captured

If your recording lacks sound, try the following:

• Ensure the volume was on during recording
• Make sure the app permits screen/audio capturing
• Restart your iPhone and try a test clip
• Update your iOS to the latest version

Some users have reported that switching the Microphone on and off during the setup process helps reset audio routing. If persistent issues occur, consider resetting your device settings via Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Using Third-Party Apps for More Features

While Apple’s built-in screen recorder covers the basics, power users may opt for third-party tools that offer extended control, like overlays, annotation tools, or stream recording. Apps such as:

• DU Recorder
• Record it!
• ScreenFlow (Mac + iPhone combo)

These apps may allow you to select audio sources, schedule recordings, and export in higher resolutions. If you’re planning to do frequent or professional screen captures, such platforms may be worth exploring.

FAQ: Screen Recording on iPhone with Internal Audio

Q: Can I record audio from internal apps like YouTube or Safari?

A: Yes, most internal audio from native apps like Safari or YouTube is recorded as long as the microphone is off and volume is on.

Q: Why is my screen recording silent?

A: Ensure your iPhone is not on silent mode and volume is up. Also, verify that the microphone is off if you want only internal audio.

Q: Can I record FaceTime or Zoom calls with audio?

A: You can record video but internal audio may not always be allowed due to privacy restrictions. Use external recording tools if permitted.

Q: Will turning on the microphone ruin internal audio?

A: No, but it will mix external and internal sounds. For pure internal audio, keep the mic off.

Q: Does screen recording notify other users, like in Snapchat?

A: Yes, some social media apps will notify the sender if their content is recorded. Be mindful of privacy and app policies.

Capturing your iPhone screen with internal audio is easier than ever with the built-in tools in iOS. With a few settings tweaks and considerations, anyone can create high-quality tutorials, gameplay videos, or shareable content with full audio fidelity.