How Do You Record a Video on Your Phone: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re asking, “How do you record a video on your phone?” the process is usually straightforward. With the built-in video button under the camera app of most smartphones, there’s no need for a separate camera to record the important moments of your life.

This guide will show you not only how to record videos, but also how to capture your screen and share practical tips to make your videos look their best.

How to Record a Video on Android Phones

Filming videos and phone screen Video recording on your phone is easier than you might think. With the right steps, you can capture both memorable moments and on-screen actions clearly.

How to Record a Video

Recording a video on your Android phone is quick and easy. Just follow these steps to capture clear, high-quality videos with your device’s built-in camera.

1. Open the Camera app and tap “Video”

Open the camera app on your device. Under your camera app, scroll along the bottom of your camera interface until you find the Video tab.

2. Start Recording

After tapping the “Video” button, you can start recording in a portrait or landscape position. Focus your camera on your subject. If you’re recording yourself, you can switch to the front camera or stay at the back camera.

3. Stop Recording

Once you’re done recording, tap the stop button. You can find and review your saved videos at the Files app or the Gallery app. You can trim them if your edit feature allows. For more advanced editing options, you will need to install a third-party app such as Filmora.

How to Record Your Phone Screen

At some point, what you want to record may not be in front of you but on your screen. In this case, you may wonder, “How to record phone screen video?” Screen recording is helpful if you want to create a tutorial for someone or record a video on your screen. Here’s how to do it:

1. Navigate to Quick Settings

Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the quick settings panel. Swipe right until you find the “Screen Record” icon. Most modern Android phones offer this built-in feature. If your device is not powered by Android 11 or a later version, you will need to download a third-party app from the Google Play Store.

2. Click the Pencil Icon If Missing

If the Screen Record icon is missing, tap the pencil icon to view all the quick settings of your Android device. Scroll down until you find the Screen Record and tap to add the tile. Hold and drag the Screen Record tile to the top of your main tiles for quick navigation in the future.

3. Tap the Screen Record Tile

Tap the “Screen Record” tile. You can then select the “Record audio” and “Show touches on screen.”

4. Enable Audio and Touch Options

Toggle “Record audio” if you want to include audio in your screen recording. Select “Device audio” to include only the audio from your device. Select “Microphone” to include audio from external sources such as your voice. Select “Device audio and microphone” if you want to include both. Then toggle “Show touches on screen” to include your interactions during the screen recording, especially if it’s for tutorial purposes.

5. Tap “Start”

Tap “Start” below the “Record audio” and “Show touches on screen.” A countdown will display at the top of your screen, typically for 3 seconds. Then your device will start screen recording everything that is shown on your screen.

6. Stop Recording

When you’re finished, swipe down from the top of your screen and tap “Stop” within the quick settings panel. Your recording will be saved automatically to your phone’s default video folder.

7. View Your Recording

Tap the notification that appears after recording to view your video, or open your gallery or file manager app. The video is usually stored in a folder called “Movies” or “Screen Recordings.”

8. Edit Your Recording

Tap the Edit icon to trim your video and tap Save. If your phone’s editing features allow, you can also crop, adjust colors, apply filters, add text, or adjust the length. Some modern phones even feature built-in AI editing, so you don’t need to install a third-party app. Editing ensures that you hide the unnecessary parts of your screen that were captured on the recording, especially if you’re going to send it to someone. After editing, save a final copy in your preferred quality and format.

Tips for Filming Video with Your Phone

Knowing the answer to the question, “How do you record a video on your phone?” is one thing. But applying the filming techniques is another thing. Even the best Android model can produce poor clips if you don’t know any filming techniques. Here are tips for filming a video:

1. Find A Good Location

The setting of your video has a big impact on its overall look and feel. Select a spot that is clean, uncluttered, and free from distracting backgrounds that might take attention away from your subject. Quiet locations also help reduce unwanted noise in the audio. A well-chosen location makes your video recording on android phone look more professional and polished.

2. Make Use of Natural Lighting

When you record video on an Android phone, lighting also affects the quality of your video output. Position yourself well so light falls on your subject rather than behind them. Avoid harsh shadows or silhouettes. When you’re indoors, choose a window or soft lamp to illuminate the scene instead of relying on overhead bulbs.

3. Keep Your Shots Steady

Stability is one of the techniques you need to master when learning how to record video on an Android phone. Shaky clips are distracting and lower the overall quality of your work. Hold your device with both hands close to your body, or use a tripod for recording in longer periods. Gimbals are another option if you often move around while recording.

4. Check and Clean Your Lens

Smudges and dust can cause blurriness that is only noticeable after playback. Before you start, wipe the lens of your phone camera with a clean cloth to ensure sharp detail. This habit takes only seconds but prevents the disappointment of wasted recording.

5. Choose Horizontal Orientation

Filming sideways captures a wider field of view, which is better for most platforms and displays. Vertical clips may work for social media like TikTok or Instagram, but horizontal orientation is more versatile for editing and sharing. With a landscape view, it is flexible to be cropped into a portrait. Always plan the orientation of your video recording according to your purpose.

6. Pay Attention to Sound Quality

Poor audio can ruin even the clearest video. Choose a quiet location when possible and speak directly toward the microphone. For higher quality, consider an external mic, especially if you record tutorials or interviews. If you’re recording an event, concert, or someone talking, avoid talking or making sounds while filming.

7. Keep Your Shots Clear

When filming subjects from afar, avoid digital zoom. It often makes videos grainy. Some HONOR Phones with AI Super Zoom allow you to capture distant scenes clearly, with 15x to 50x zoom. This feature helps you stay in place while still getting crisp, detailed footage for concerts, sports, or outdoor adventures.

Conclusion

In this article, you’ve learned how do you record a video on your phone. Most modern phones have a built-in video button, and some, like HONOR models, offer advanced features to improve recording quality. Knowing basic filming techniques can help you capture sharper, more professional-looking videos, and with practice, you’ll feel confident recording anything.

FAQs

How do you take a video of your screen?

You can take a video of your screen by using the built-in screen recorder on your phone. To do this, swipe down from the top of your screen to open the quick settings panel, then look for the Screen Record icon. Once you tap it, you can choose to record audio and show touches before starting. The recording will capture everything happening on your display until you stop it. The video is then automatically saved in your gallery.

What is the best way to record a video?

The best way to record a video on your phone is by using the default camera app in good lighting and with a stable grip. Hold your phone horizontally for a widescreen view and keep your hands steady. Choosing a quiet location improves sound quality, while enabling higher resolution in your settings ensures clearer footage. Some devices, such as HONOR Phones, have built-in smart camera features that secure stability, auto-lighting, and crisp video.

Does every phone have a screen recorder?

No, not every phone has a screen recorder. Phones running Android 11 or later usually come with a built-in screen recording feature in quick settings. However, older models may require downloading a third-party screen recording app from the Google Play Store. If your device doesn’t show the option, you can install apps like X Recorder to screen record.

Does Android have a built-in phone recorder?

Yes, most newer Android phones have a built-in screen recorder. It is located in the quick settings panel and allows you to capture both video and audio directly from your screen. This built-in tool is reliable, easy to use, and removes the need to install extra apps. If you don’t see it, click the pencil icon on your quick settings to add the feature or install a third-party app.

How can I record a video that’s playing on my phone?

You can record a video that’s playing on your phone by using your phone’s built-in screen recorder. Navigate to your quick settings panel, customize the audio settings, and press start. After recording, swipe down from the top of your screen and press the stop button. The video will be saved to your gallery, where you can trim, crop, or edit it later if needed.

Source: HONOR Club