How to Record Gameplay On An iPhone: 3 Applicable Way

When playing large games on a computer, open the built-in Snipping Tool. Alternatively, use Windows' built-in Game DVR or any third-party screen recording software you've downloaded to capture the entire gameplay process.

But don't forget about another significant gaming format—mobile games. Can you record gameplay on a phone's small screen while playing, just like on a large monitor?

Absolutely! Similar to computers, you can use either built-in tools or third-party software. This guide will cover both methods for how to record gameplay on an iPhone, plus introduce a novel solution: connect your phone to a computer and record the phone's screen directly from the computer.

Let's dive in and explore.

Part 1. How to Record Gameplay On An iPhone Using The Built-In Tool

As we have already mentioned in the previous section, NVIDIA screen recorder aka NVIDIA ShadowPlay, its core purpose is to record game footage, adjust computer settings, and help users update their graphics card drivers. Xbox on Windows is very similar in function and nature.NVIDIA ShadowPlay uses the H.264 video codec to capture high-quality, dynamic gameplay. While recording, you can also live stream the gameplay on platforms like Twitch.

When iPhone users think of screen recording, the first thing that comes to mind is undoubtedly the Screen Recording feature. It's usually right there in your phone's Control Center, represented by a circular dot icon.

So the simplest method is to open the game you're playing, then activate this feature to start recording directly.

Without further ado, let's dive into how to record gameplay on iPhone using Screen Recording.

Step 1. Unlock your iPhone and launch the game you want to record. Then swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center.

Step 2. Look for the circular recording symbol. Tapping it will trigger a short three-second countdown, then the screen capture begins automatically. Before you start, a pop-up may appear—here you can decide whether to include microphone audio. This is useful if you want to narrate while playing.

Step 3. To end the session, open Control Center again and tap the red icon. The video will be instantly saved in the Photos app, ready for you to watch or share.

Note: If the Screen Recording option isn’t visible in Control Center, go to Settings > Control Center, then add Screen Recording to your shortcuts.

Make sure your device has enough free storage before recording longer gameplay sessions.

We have to admit that the Screen Recording tool is a great feature. Built right into the phone's system, it requires no download or installation, is completely free, has no watermarks, no recording time limits, and launches quickly. However, if you want picture-in-picture effects—overlaying your gameplay reactions onto the screen recording—or need more advanced editing tools for your recordings, Screen Recording falls short.

Its functionality is quite limited, and the features available in the Photos app are also sparse, making it suitable only for very basic recording tasks.

If you need to record instructional guides for publishing on platforms, we still recommend opting for a more professional app.

Part 2. Dedicated Screen Recorder On iPhone

As mentioned earlier, if you find the built-in Screen Recording feature insufficient for recording gameplay on iPhone, it's time to explore some third-party professional screen recorders.

This guide has compiled three of the most worthwhile apps for you to try, and we'll introduce each one in this section.

Record it!: Screen Recorder

Record it!: Compared to the standard Screen Recording app, Record it! goes beyond capturing desktop videos and game demos. It adds the ability to record with voice-over commentary or a reaction video window. And note this! The recording window isn't limited to a standard rectangle. Record it!: Screen Recorder lets you customize the shape, position, and size of your reaction window, ensuring you create the perfect picture-in-picture effect for videos uploaded to YouTube or TikTok. (Plus, quick sharing to YouTube helps you out).

Don't want to show your face? As mentioned earlier, this game recorder also lets you add pure audio voiceovers. Furthermore, this recorder provides a full suite of basic video editing tools, including trimming, adding filters, adjusting playback speed, changing backgrounds, rotating, and more.

Screen Recorder: Go Record

Looking for a tool with no recording time limits? Check out Screen Recorder: Go Record. It supports unlimited gameplay recording. Even more impressive, this recorder delivers such high-quality output that it can even reach 4K resolution and 60fps frame rates.

Also worth mentioning is its background recording feature. This means you don't have to keep your phone on the recording interface—you can switch to handle multiple tasks.

DU Recorder

I'm a gaming streamer. How to record gameplay on iPhone with sound in real time?

Then DU Recorder is undoubtedly the best choice for you. First, it offers basic screen and front-facing camera recording capabilities, plus a full suite of editing tools including cropping, adding text, filters, effects, stickers, and more.

Here's the best part: DU Recorder supports live streaming your recordings to various platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch.

Part 3. Can You Record Gameplay On iPhone From PC Or Mac

Is recording gameplay on your phone screen only possible on the phone itself?

Considering this question, we have a fresh approach for you. Yes, you can certainly record your phone's screen from your PC—you just need the right tool. Plus, recording on a higher-resolution screen might even yield better visuals.

FVC Screen Recorder is the perfect software to meet your needs. It connects your iPhone and PC via WiFi, allowing you to start recording directly from your computer screen.

Key features

• Record iPhone or Android phone content on your computer.

• Capture both your computer screen and webcam footage.

• Schedule recording tasks in advance.

• Offer a full suite of basic editing tools for trimming, merging, and enhancing captured videos.

Now, let's explore how to use FVC Screen Recorder to capture content from your iPhone.

Step 1. Download and install FVC Screen Recorder on your PC. Start by clicking the Phone Recorder option on your computer.

Step 2. Next, choose iOS Recorder.

Follow the instructions shown on-screen—ensure both your iPhone and the computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for a stable link.

Step 3. On your iPhone, swipe down to access Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring, select Screen Recorder from the list, and wait until the devices pair successfully.

Part 4. FAQs of How to Record Gameplay On An iPhone

Conclusion

This article summarizes three solutions for how to record gameplay on an iPhone.For basic recording needs, choose the built-in Screen Recording tool—though its functionality is limited and it doesn't support recording from the phone's front camera. For more flexible options and creative features, try third-party apps. To achieve higher clarity and a larger screen view, consider using FVC Screen Recorder to capture your phone's screen from your computer.