Experiencing screen recording issues on your iPhone can be quite frustrating. This feature, although handy for capturing tutorials or memorable moments, can sometimes fail to work. To fix this, start by ensuring Screen Recording is enabled in your Control Center.
There are also a few troubleshooting steps you can take if this doesn’t work. Force restarting your device often resolves minor glitches. If that still doesn’t help, check if your iPhone has any content restrictions that might be blocking the screen recording function.
For those using iOS 11 or earlier, there might be additional steps needed, like disabling and re-enabling screen recording in the game center section of your settings. These simple checks and adjustments can often resolve the issue and get you back to recording seamlessly.
iPhone Screen Recording Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It
Screen recording on iPhone is a handy feature to capture your screen activity, but sometimes it may stop working. If you’re facing issues with iPhone screen recording not working, follow this step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
Common Reasons Screen Recording May Not Work
- Screen Recording Not Enabled: The screen recording button might not be added to Control Center.
- Restrictions or Screen Time Settings: Parental controls or Screen Time limits may block screen recording.
- Insufficient Storage: Low available storage can prevent recording.
- Software Bugs or Outdated iOS: Outdated iOS or bugs can cause malfunction.
- App Restrictions: Some apps disable screen recording due to privacy or security reasons.
- Microphone Permission Issues: If you want to record sound, microphone access might be disabled.
- Temporary Glitches: Minor software glitches can interfere with recording.
How to Fix iPhone Screen Recording Not Working
1. Check if Screen Recording Is Enabled in Control Center
- Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls (or just Control Center in iOS 14+).
- Make sure Screen Recording is included in the “Included Controls” list.
- If not, tap the green + button next to Screen Recording to add it.
2. Check Restrictions and Screen Time Settings
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap Allowed Apps and ensure Screen Recording is allowed.
- If restrictions are on, disable or adjust them accordingly.
3. Free Up Storage Space
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Delete unnecessary files, apps, or media to free up space.
4. Restart Your iPhone
- Sometimes a simple restart fixes glitches.
- Power off your iPhone, wait a few seconds, then power it back on.
5. Update iOS to the Latest Version
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Download and install any available updates.
6. Check Microphone Access (If Recording Audio)
- When starting screen recording, press and hold the record button in Control Center.
- Ensure the Microphone Audio is turned on if you want to record sound.
7. Test Screen Recording in Different Apps
- Some apps block screen recording for privacy reasons (e.g., banking apps, Netflix).
- Try recording on the Home screen or in different apps to see if it works.
8. Reset All Settings (If Problems Persist)
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- This resets preferences but doesn’t delete data.
9. Restore iPhone as a Last Resort
- Backup your iPhone and perform a factory reset.
- Restore from backup or set up as new.
Additional Tips
- Avoid using screen recording during phone calls or FaceTime, as it may not work.
- If you use third-party apps for screen recording, ensure they’re updated and compatible.
- Check online forums or Apple Support for device-specific issues.
Summary
If your iPhone screen recording isn’t working, start by enabling the feature in Control Center and checking restrictions. Free up storage, update iOS, and restart your device. If needed, reset settings or restore your iPhone. Most issues can be resolved with these steps, letting you capture your screen smoothly again.
Sources:
- iGeeksBlog: 9 Ways to Fix Screen Recording Not Working on iPhone and iPad
- Apple Community: iPhone Screen Recording Doesn’t Work
- Coolmuster: How to Fix iPhone Screen Recording Not Working
- CopyTrans: Fix Screen Recording Not Working – 2025 Guide
Key Takeaways
- Enable Screen Recording in the Control Center.
- Force restart the device to fix minor glitches.
- Check for any content restrictions in settings.
Troubleshooting iPhone Screen Recording Issues
If your iPhone screen recording isn’t working, there are several things you can check and fix. This section covers software updates, restarting your device, managing your storage, adjusting your settings, and reviewing content restrictions.
Checking for Software Updates
It’s crucial to keep your iPhone’s software up-to-date. Sometimes, older software versions can prevent certain features, like screen recording, from functioning properly.
To update your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Updating iOS can often fix bugs and improve your device’s performance.
Restarting Your iPhone
A simple restart can often solve many issues. If your screen recording feature isn’t working, try restarting your iPhone first.
To restart, press and hold the power button until you see the “slide to power off” slider. Slide it to turn off your device. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.
Managing Your Storage
Low storage space can also cause problems with screen recording. If your iPhone doesn’t have enough storage, the recording might not work.
To check your storage, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Here, you can see how much space is available and delete unnecessary apps or files to free up space. Ensure that you have enough available storage for the screen recording feature to operate.
Reviewing Screen Recording Settings
Sometimes, the screen recording feature may be disabled in the Control Center. Ensure that it is enabled.
Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls. Find Screen Recording and tap the plus (+) icon next to it. This adds the screen recording button to your Control Center, allowing easy access.
Inspecting Content & Privacy Restrictions
Content and privacy restrictions can also block screen recording. To check if these restrictions are causing the issue, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Ensure that screen recording is allowed. If restrictions are enabled, you may need to adjust them to allow screen recording. This is especially important if there are parental controls or other restrictions set up on the device. Make sure all necessary permissions are enabled to allow screen recordings.
