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On a supported Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, open Quick settings, tap Screen recorder, choose what to record for sound, then tap Start recording. When the countdown ends, the device captures the screen until you pause or stop. If the button is missing, add it from Quick settings’ edit controls. The feature and its options vary by model and software; Samsung also excludes calls and some protected content from recording.
How to start a screen recording
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick settings, also called the Quick panel on some devices. Swipe down again if you need to expand it.
- Tap Screen recorder. If it is not visible, open the panel’s edit controls and add the Screen recorder button.
- Select a sound option offered on your device. Samsung’s US guide lists None, Media, and Media and mic; available choices may differ by model and software.
- Tap Start recording. After the countdown, use the floating controls to pause or stop.
Samsung’s instructions are available in its US Galaxy screen recording guide and its Galaxy screen recording support page.
How to show your face or annotate the screen
Add a selfie-video overlay
On supported devices, tap the front-camera or person control in the recorder’s floating controls to add a selfie-video overlay. This control is not available on every model. Samsung specifically says the Galaxy Tab A8 does not support the overlay in Screen recorder.
Draw on the recording
Use the pencil control to annotate while recording, if your device offers it. Samsung notes that drawing mode prevents interaction with games, videos, or navigation options while you are writing, so it is best for demonstrations that do not require controlling those items at the same time.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Choose recording sound, quality, and touch indicators
Samsung’s US support page describes settings for sound, selfie-video size, showing taps or touches, save location, and recording quality. The quality choices listed there are High (1080p), Medium (720p), and Low (480p). These are available settings, not a guarantee that every Galaxy model offers all three; check the Screen recorder settings on your device.
Choose a sound option before starting. None records without sound, Media captures device media audio, and Media and mic includes microphone audio when that option is provided. The reviewed Samsung guidance does not establish external-microphone compatibility, so do not assume a particular external mic will work.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
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Where Galaxy screen recordings are saved
Check Gallery first. If the video is not there, open My Files and look under Internal storage > DCIM. Samsung’s guides note that the precise folder and save-location controls can vary, so a recording may be in a different location if your device exposes a save-location setting.
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Samsung describes Screen recorder as available on phones and tablets with One UI 2 or later, while warning that availability varies by model. Its US support list includes Galaxy S10 through S25, Note10 and Note20, Z Fold and Z Flip families, Tab S6 through Tab S11, Tab A8, Tab A9+, Tab A11+, and selected A-series phones including A25 5G, A35, A54 5G, A53 5G, A52 5G, and A32 5G. Regional support pages list newer families and do not always match one another exactly. A family name or software version alone is therefore not a guarantee: check whether Screen recorder appears in Quick settings on your specific device. Samsung’s US support page and Gulf support guide provide regional model information.
Rank #3
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
What Screen recorder cannot capture
Samsung US Support states: “Screen recorder will not record phone calls, VOIP calls, or video calls.” Some apps may also block screen recording because of copyright restrictions. If recording produces a black screen or omits particular content, the app may be protecting it; the built-in recorder cannot override that restriction.
Duration and file-size limits also depend on the software generation described by Samsung’s Gulf guide: Android 10 with One UI 2.5 is limited to one hour or 4 GB; Android 11 with One UI 3.0 or later has no file-size or recording-time limit according to that guide. These are version-specific statements, not a promise about every current model or every recording condition. See Samsung’s Gulf guidance on recording limits.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
If Screen recorder is missing or a recording is hard to find
- The tile is hidden: open Quick settings’ edit controls and add Screen recorder.
- The tile is not available to add: Samsung says availability varies by model. Check your exact model and software against the support information for your region; the One UI version by itself does not confirm support.
- The video is not in Gallery: look in My Files under Internal storage > DCIM, then check any save-location setting available on the device.
- Sound, selfie video, or quality options are absent: Samsung says controls vary by model. Use the options actually shown in your recorder settings.
- Content is missing or black: some apps block recording for copyright protection, and calls are not recorded by this feature.
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