Why Can’t I Screen Record? Everything You Need to Know

Screen recording has become more essential than ever. Whether you're capturing movies, recording gameplay, saving online seminars, or creating tutorials, the ability to record your screen is a powerful tool for both productivity and entertainment.

However, what happens when your screen recording doesn’t work as expected, especially on your computer or Android device? Don’t fret, because we’ve got you covered. In this article, you can learn why you can’t screen record, how to fix it, and introduce other alternatives to make your screen recording smoother than ever. Are you ready to fix this issue? Let’s get started!

Part 1. Why Can’t I Screen Record?

There are no known specific reasons why you can’t screen record; however, there are a few things that might be causing the issue. Sometimes, it could be a simple setting that was overlooked, a system limitation, or an app restriction that prevents recording from working properly. These issues vary depending on the device you’re using and can stem from both software and hardware factors. With this, check the possible reasons below to help you figure out the next step:

Device Restrictions: Some apps, especially on Android and iOS, block screen recording for privacy or copyright reasons. Streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime, for example, often disable recording to prevent piracy.

Storage Space: Your device may not have enough storage to save the recording. Screen recordings, especially those in high resolution, can consume a large amount of space.

Outdated Software: An outdated operating system or screen recording app may lead to bugs or compatibility issues. Always ensure that your software is up to date.

Permission Settings: Your screen recorder may not have the necessary permissions, such as access to your microphone or screen. Check your device settings and enable any required permissions.

Background Apps or Overload: Running too many apps at once can cause your device to lag or crash during screen recording. Try closing unused apps and restarting your device before recording.

Hardware Limitations: Older devices may not support screen recording features smoothly, especially when recording at high resolutions or frame rates.

Part 2. Troubleshooting Screen Recording Not Working on Windows

Screen recording on Windows is now an essential thing, especially if you want to record a video on your screen, your gameplay, etc. However, there are just moments that are inevitable, just like I can’t screen record problems, and the best way to fix this is by using a third-party screen recording tool like the FVC Screen Recorder.

FVC Screen Recorder is a professional and dedicated screen recording tool. While this can’t directly solve why you can’t screen record, this tool is the perfect alternative to help you easily screen record on your computer. Now, what the users can enjoy with this screen recording tool is its ability to capture almost any activity on your screen.

Main Features:

• Record screen activity for tutorials, gameplay, video conferences, and lectures.

• Record video with system sound, microphone voice, or both.

• Add a webcam overlay while recording gameplay or presentations.

• Mirror and record iPhone or Android screens on a computer.

• Take screenshots, including scrolling window captures.

• Draw or annotate on the screen during recording using tools like brush and pencil.

• Edit and trim recordings before saving.

• Export videos in popular formats like MP4, MOV, MKV, and AVI.

• Save audio recordings in MP3, M4A, WMA, FLAC, and more.

Part 3. Fix Screen Recording Not Working on Mac

Just like Windows, macOS also happens to experience screen recording issues but don’t fret! There are quick solutions to help you easily fix that, most especially when you can’t screen record on your computer.

Ensure that the Screen Recording is Enabled:

In Mac, some tools need to be enabled first, especially those that are capable of screen recording. It means that you need to manually grant apps permission to record your screen. To do this, go to System Settings, Privacy & Security, and Screen Recording, and make sure the screen recording app is enabled. After that, you may need to restart the app after enabling it.

Check Your Available Storage:

If your Mac is running low on storage, it may prevent screen recordings from being saved. This is one of the reasons why you can’t screen record. To do this, open your Apple Menu, go to About This Mac, and then Storage to check your disk space. After that, you can free up space if needed to help fix the issue.

Check for Systems Update:

In case you forgot to update your macOS system, maybe it’s now time to check on it because maybe it’s the cause why you can’t screen record. To update your system, go to the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and click on System Preferences. From there, choose Software Update. This will allow you to perform any available updates, and then you can try screen recording again.

Part 4. Solve Screen Record iPhone Not Working

Why can’t I screen record on iPhone? It is another frustrating issue. Imagine screen recording a video on your iPhone, and suddenly it doesn’t work or from the very start, it really doesn’t work. Fortunately, this issue is usually caused by a few simple factors and can often be fixed without much hassle. Below are the quick methods that you can use to help fix this issue:

Add Screen Recording to Control Center:

Make sure that the Screen Recording icon is added to your Control Center. If it’s missing, swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen and check if the button appears. If not, go to Settings, navigate to Control Center, and look for Customize Controls, then tap the plus next to Screen Recording to add it back.

Update Your iPhone:

Another common quick fix that is often underestimated is updating your iPhone. Just like with Mac devices, your iPhone needs to stay updated for features to function properly. If your iOS is outdated, it may cause apps or system tools like screen recording to malfunction. To update your iPhone, go to Settings, tap General, then go to Software Update and install any available updates before trying again.

Check Storage Space:

Low storage can prevent screen recordings from being saved. If your iPhone’s internal storage is almost full, your screen recordings may fail silently. To check your storage space, go to Settings, tap General, and go to iPhone Storage. From there, check your available space and delete unnecessary files or apps to free up space.

Part 5. Fix Screen Recording that Stopped Working on Android

Just like on iPhones, there are moments when you can’t screen record on Android devices, especially when the built-in screen recorder fails to start, stops mid-recording, or doesn’t save the file properly. This issue can stem from low storage, outdated software, or disabled permissions. Fortunately, there are easy ways to resolve these problems and get your screen recording function back to normal. Below are some practical methods you can try.

Check Storage Space:

Low storage is a common reason why screen recordings fail to save or even start. This has been repeatedly mentioned since the start. Now, to check your storage space in Android, go to Settings, and proceed to Storage. If you're running low, delete unused files, apps, or large media to free up space, and try recording again.

Restart Your Device:

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches that affect screen recording functionality. Press and hold the Power button, select Restart, and check if the recorder works properly after the reboot.

Update Your Software:

Outdated Android versions may cause compatibility problems with your device’s built-in or third-party screen recorder. To update your software, go to Settings, then tap on System, and look for the Software Update. From there, install the latest version of Android to improve performance and fix bugs.

Part 6. FAQs on Fixing Screen Recording Problems

Conclusion

Now that you know why you can’t screen record on your computer or on your mobile phone and the possible solutions to help you fix it, you can confidently troubleshoot the issue whenever it happens. From checking permissions and storage to updating your software or switching to a more reliable screen recorder, these quick fixes can save you time and frustration. If the built-in tool still doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to try a third-party app like FVC Screen Recorder to keep your screen captures smooth and uninterrupted.