How to Record a Zoom Meeting [3 Easy Ways]

Try Movavi Screen Recorder:

  • Make HD screen recordings

  • Capture Zoom without permission

  • Draw on your recording

Edited by Ben Jacklin
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Zoom is widely used for video conferencing today. But can you screen record a Zoom meeting? This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to record a Zoom call with sound using the built-in feature, desktop and mobile apps.

Editor’s choice: Movavi Screen Recorder

Best way to record Zoom meetings directly to your computer even if you don’t have the consent of all the participants.

Best for Zoom Cloud users: PC built-in Zoom recorder

For licensed users on mobile devices: Mobile built-in Zoom recorder

Movavi Screen Recorder is a handy app for screen recording of Zoom meetings without permission. You can capture video from the screen and webcam or record Zoom meetings in “audio-only” mode. The program also lets you draw on the video while recording and add shapes, arrows, and lines. After you’ve finished recording, you can trim your video and cut out unnecessary fragments. 

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For Zoom Cloud users

PC built-in Zoom recorder

Editor's rating

4.3
/5
Editor's choice

For recording without permission

Movavi Screen Recorder

For mobile devices

Mobile built-in Zoom recorder

Editor's rating

4.2
/5

How to record Zoom meetings with the built-in feature on a desktop сomputer

Best for: Zoom meeting hosts and participants with permission for recording

OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

Using the built-in feature on a desktop is the simplest way for Zoom screen recording. It does not require the user to download any additional programs, and the process is relatively intuitive. The recording function is initiated with a simple process, and the resulting video is automatically saved either locally or in the Zoom cloud.

There are a few drawbacks to recording Zoom meetings with the built-in feature, however. This feature will not provide timestamps, audio transcripts, or participant names. It also requires that permission be granted by the host in order to record. Otherwise, you can use Movavi Screen Recorder, it can record Zoom meeting with no permission, save the recording locally, and you can edit the result right after you’ve finished. Read the full guide to find out how to use it.

Here’s how to record on the Zoom desktop app:

Step 1. Start the Zoom call

Open the Zoom software and click Join or New Meeting.

Step 2. Click the record icon

Hit the Record button to start recording. Hosts and participants will be visibly notified that the session is being recorded. Dial-in participants will receive an audio notification.

Step 3. Click Participants

This will show which participants are recording the meeting.

Step 4. The recording will be automatically converted

After the meeting ends, the Zoom software will convert the file to make it accessible to the user.

Step 5. The folder containing the file will automatically open

The MP4 file is saved locally and can be uploaded to cloud storage or video streaming services.

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How to record a Zoom meeting without permission on a computer

Only the host is allowed to record meetings in Zoom by default. Participants can use the recording feature if the host provides permission. So, can you screen record Zoom meetings without permission? Yes, in this case, you can use third-party apps to record Zoom meetings on a computer.

Best for: recording a meeting without host’s permission

OS: Windows, macOS

G2 rating: 4.5/5 stars, 44 reviews

Movavi Screen Recorder provides a recording feature for video as well as screen capture capability and video editing options, all of which can be exported directly to YouTube and social media sites.

The screen and audio can be recorded separately or simultaneously. Recordings can also be scheduled ahead of time, and a time length can be set. The program can also be set to show keystrokes and mouse movements and even offers an option for drawing on the videos.

Key features:

  • Record your mouse and keyboard
  • Capture your screen in HD and 4K
  • Draw while recording so that viewers don’t miss the most important moments
  • Connect with your team on a whole new level – record your voice as you present on a Zoom call and share the video recap later
  • Grab crisp and clear audio: reduce any unwanted sounds your mic picks up, like traffic noise, wind, or stray chatter 
  • Take screenshots and edit them – add text, arrows, or shapes to highlight important elements
  • Save and share the results with your colleagues to keep your meeting summaries on point

Step 1. Install the software

Install Movavi Screen Recorder on Mac or Windows. For the installation, you’ll need just 280 MB of available hard disk space, and 2 GB more for ongoing operations.

Step 2. Adjust the capture parameters

First, check the Settings menu to customize the recording parameters. Here you’ll find effects for mouse and keyboard, time scheduler, control panel settings, etc. If you have no preferences and you need just a simple recording, you can skip this step.

If you want to include your face and voice, you need to activate Microphone and Webcam. You’ll find these buttons on the main recording panel. To include voices of other participants, enable System Audio, too.

Step 3. Record your Zoom webinar

Start recording by hitting the REC button. The process starts automatically after three seconds. Hit the same icon to stop capturing.

If you want to grab screen captures, use the Screenshot icon.

Step 4. Save the recording and share it with colleagues

When the meeting is over and you have the recording, you can edit the video. You can trim it with Scissors and Trash Can.

Click on the Export button and choose the format for saving. If you want to share the recording with other participants, you can do so right in the preview window using the Share icon.

Can you record a Zoom meeting with built-in features on iOS and Android devices?

Best for: licensed users recording on a mobile device

Recording a Zoom meeting on mobile devices with Zoom’s built-in features is an easy task. The drawback is that the resulting file is saved in the cloud rather than a folder, limiting your control; it also requires anyone joining the call as a participant to obtain permission from the host to record.

Step 1. Start the Zoom call

Open the Zoom app and choose Join a Meeting.

Step 2. Press the More option, then choose Record

Select Record on your Android or Record to the Cloud on an iPhone. This option will begin the recording of the Zoom call. The Recording icon will appear on the screen.

Step 3. End the call when the meeting is finished

Once the call is ended, the recording can be viewed, shared, and downloaded from the Zoom cloud.

Recording Zoom meetings on iPad

Best for: licensed users recording on an iPad

As with other mobile devices, using the built-in features for recording a Zoom meeting on the iPad is a very simple process. Again, anyone joining the call as an attendee will need to procure permission from the host to record the meeting.

Step 1. Start the Zoom call

Open the Zoom app and click Join a Meeting.

Step 2. Tap the More icon

Click the button to see more options.

Step 3. Choose Record to the Cloud

This will begin the recording.

Step 4. Stop the recording when you are finished

Click Recording, then Stop. Your video will be automatically uploaded to the Zoom cloud service.

Where are the Zoom call recordings stored?

When made with the built-in features, recordings of Zoom meetings are stored either locally on your desktop’s hard drive or, for licensed users, on the Zoom cloud.

The recording is stored locally for both paid subscribers and free users when the recording is made on a PC. iOS and Android users cannot save locally, however, and Zoom cloud storage space is limited based on the user’s subscription tier.

How to find Zoom recordings saved on the Cloud

  1. Log onto Zoom.

  2. On the left sidebar, click Recordings.

  3. Find your recording listed under Cloud Recordings.

How to find Zoom recordings saved locally

  1. Log onto Zoom.

  2. On the left sidebar, click Recordings.

  3. Find your recording listed under Local Recordings.

How to find Zoom recordings saved on your computer

  1. Click on your Documents folder (Windows) or Finder (Mac).

  2. Type Zoom in the search bar.

  3. A folder entitled Zoom Meetings will appear.

  4. Find the recording you are looking for and double click it.

How to view Zoom recordings

  1. Open Zoom on your device.

  2. Click on Meetings.

  3. Click Recorded on the left.

  4. A list of recordings will appear.

  5. Select the recording you wish to view.

  6. On the right, choose Play.

How to let a participant record a Zoom meeting

If you are the host of a meeting, you can give any attendant permission to record the call.

  1. Open the Zoom website on your browser.

  2. Log into your account.

  3. On the upper right, choose My Account.

  4. On the left-hand side, choose Recordings.

  5. The recordings settings will open with two tabs: Cloud Recordings and Local Recordings.

  6. At the top-right corner of either of these options, click Settings.

  7. Check the boxes that allow hosts and participants to make a recording of the meeting.

How to enable local recordings

Here’s how to enable local recording:

  1. Go to the Zoom web portal.

  2. Select Settings from the menu.

  3. Open the Recording tab.

  4. Switch on the Local Recording slider.

How to share a recorded Zoom call

If you have a paid Zoom subscription, the platform will send you a link to your recording after the auto-saving to the cloud is complete. Then, you can share it with anyone who needs to see the recording. If you need to find the link again, you can log into your Zoom account, go to the My Recordings page, and click Share under the video to copy the link to your clipboard.

If you don’t have a paid subscription, we recommend you use third-party screen-recording software. For example, when you’re done capturing the call with Movavi Screen Recorder, you’ll have the option to get a cloud link, upload the video to Google Drive or YouTube, or send it directly via email, WhatsApp, etc.

Hard drive or cloud recording: What’s better?

The paid Zoom subscription gives you the opportunity to store your recordings on Zoom Cloud. If you’re considering whether you should get a paid subscription or not, here are some pros and cons to saving your calls to the cloud.

Pros:

  • Ease of sharing (you can get a link in a couple of clicks)

  • Saving space on your hard drive

  • Accessing your recordings from any device

Cons:

  • The cost of the subscription starts at $14.99 a month

  • You need an Internet connection to re-watch your recordings

  • Canceling your subscription will lose you access to all the cloud recordings. They will be permanently deleted from the server in 30 days.

Conclusion

Zoom offers a built-in screen-recording feature, but in order to use it, you have to be a meeting host or a participant with recording permission. If you don’t have permission for recording, you can make use of third-party recording software, like Movavi Screen Recorder.

Movavi Screen Recorder

The perfect way to record anything from your screen

Disclaimer: Please be aware that Movavi Screen Recorder does not allow capture of copy-protected video and audio streams.

Frequently asked questions

Can you record a Zoom meeting if you are not the host?

Only hosts and participants to whom they grant permission can record Zoom calls with the built-in features. If you are not the host of the meeting, you can request permission from the host to make a recording. If this is not possible, you can use a desktop screen recorder to record the call like Movavi Screen Recorder – a powerful solution to record your Zoom meeting and edit the result after you’ve finished.

How do I record a Zoom meeting without permission?

Using Zoom’s built-in recording features is impossible if you do not have the host’s permission. However, a section of this article explains how to record a Zoom meeting without permission by using a third-party desktop screen recorder. You can use Movavi Screen Recorder to record Zoom meetings with no permission and edit them afterwards.

You’ll find an overview of various screen recorders in this article:

When I record a Zoom meeting, where does it go?

A Zoom meeting recording is saved either locally or on the Zoom cloud. Locally stored recordings are saved to your computer’s hard drive and can be found in the Documents folder (Windows) or Finder (Mac). Only licensed users can store on the Zoom cloud.

Does Zoom record your screen or just the meeting?

If you use Zoom’s built-in tool to record the call, it only records the meeting itself. If you use a third-party desktop screen recorder, it may record only the session window or the entire screen, depending on the software’s capabilities and settings. Most desktop screen recorders will capture the whole screen.

Why can't I record my Zoom meeting?

The Zoom built-in recording feature is available to the meeting’s host by default. Meeting participants can record a session if they have permission from the host. Note that on mobile devices, the recording tool is not provided in the free version of Zoom – it comes with a paid plan only. 

Where is the Zoom recording button?

The Record button in Zoom is placed on the control panel. If you don’t see the button there, click More to open additional options. 

How do I know if Zoom is recording?

When the recording starts, all the meeting participants receive a notification that the meeting is being recorded. Participants using the desktop or mobile version of Zoom will see a recording disclaimer on the screen. Users joining by phone will hear an audio notification.

Can you screen record a Zoom meeting?

Yes, you can record Zoom meetings. However, make sure to adhere to the recording consent rules of your state. In some states, one-party consent is enough to record the meeting; in others, you need all the parties to consent.

Is there a way to record a meeting on Zoom?

Sure, there is. You can use Zoom’s built-in tool or a third-party app to save your video calls. To learn more about how to screen-record on Zoom, read the instructions linked below:

Why is the Record button not showing in Zoom?

The Record button will only appear if the host of the meeting permits the recording. If you cannot find the button, it means that you have no technical permission to record the call. So, to record the meeting in Zoom, you’ll have to ask the host of the call for their permission.

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