In this guide
Use your phone's screen recorder and choose device or media audio; add the microphone only if you want your own voice. Stop and play the saved video to verify the sound. Some apps restrict capture, and a screen recording is a video file.
To record internal audio on Android, open the phone's screen recorder and choose device or media audio before starting. Include the microphone only if you also want your voice. Stop the recording and play the saved video to confirm the sound was captured; apps and phone models can restrict which audio is available.
Internal audio means sound produced by the device, such as audio from an eligible app. A microphone recording captures sound in the room. Android screen recording creates a video, so an audio-only file requires a separate extraction step.
Choose the right audio source
| What you need | Starting setting | Check in the saved recording |
|---|---|---|
| Sound from a supported app | Device audio on Pixel, or Media on a supported Galaxy. | The intended app audio is audible, not just silence. |
| App sound plus your commentary | Enable device or media audio and the microphone where offered. | Both sources are present and your voice is understandable. |
| A spoken voice memo | Use a microphone recorder instead of a screen recording. | Input level and room noise; see how to record audio on Android. |
| A phone conversation | Use an eligible call-recording feature and obtain agreement. | Screen recording is not a reliable substitute; see the Android call guide. |
Record device audio on a Google Pixel
- Open Quick Settings. Swipe down twice from the top and tap Screen record. If it is missing, look through the available tiles or use the edit control to add it.
- Choose device audio. In the screen-recording options, enable Record device audio or choose the device-audio source offered by your version. Enable the microphone separately only if you also want external sound or commentary.
- Start and capture. Choose the screen or app scope offered, start recording, and wait for the countdown. Play the audio you are authorized to record.
- Stop and review. Use the screen-recorder notification to stop. Open the saved video in Photos, turn up playback volume and listen for the intended device audio and, if selected, your voice.
Google's Pixel screen-recording guide documents Quick Settings, the device-audio and microphone controls, and stopping from the notification. Labels can vary with Android version.
Record media audio on a Samsung Galaxy
- Open the Quick Panel. Swipe down and select Screen recorder. If the tile is not visible, expand the panel and check its available buttons.
- Select the sound setting. Choose Media for device media sound or Media and mic when you also want microphone input, where these options are available.
- Start and stop recording. Start the recording, capture the permitted content and tap Stop when finished.
- Play the saved video. Find it in Gallery and check that the intended sound is present. Recheck the selected audio setting if the result contains only your microphone or no audio.
Samsung's Galaxy screen-recorder guide lists None, Media and Media and mic as sound choices. Features and labels depend on the device and software version; not every Android phone offers the same controls.
Save internal audio without the screen video
If the built-in recorder saves a video and you need an audio file, first check that the video contains the intended sound and that you are permitted to use it. For a compatible short recording:
- Locate the actual video file. Find the saved screen recording in Photos, Gallery or Files. A share link is not necessarily the local file.
- Open the converter. The Saturalabs video-to-audio converter accepts supported local MP4 or MOV files up to five minutes and 50 MiB. Decoded audio must be mono or stereo, the output must fit 50 MiB, and codec support depends on the browser.
- Prepare and check the output. Choose WAV or MP3, prepare and preview it, then download it. The converter runs locally and exports the mixed soundtrack; it does not remove a voice or select among multiple audio streams.
If the screen recording uses an unsupported container or codec, or is too long or large, use a compatible editor or export a shorter permitted clip first. MP3 is re-encoded and can add delay or padding. The Android audio-extraction guide covers more ways to prepare and verify the file.
Why is the recording silent?
- The microphone was selected instead of device audio: Start a new short test and select the device or media source. A room microphone can pick up speaker sound, but it is not the same as a direct device-audio recording.
- An app restricts capture: Some apps or content may prevent audio recording. Test with content you own or are authorized to record; do not assume the setting overrides an app's restrictions.
- Playback is muted: Check phone volume and the saved video's playback controls. Compare with another known-audible file.
- Your voice is missing: If commentary is required, enable the microphone source where offered, check permission and record a brief test before the full session.
- A call participant is missing: Screen recording may not capture call audio. Use a supported call-recording method where available and obtain participants' agreement.
Common questions
Can I record internal audio without recording video?
Some apps or devices may offer an audio-only option, but the built-in workflows described here save a screen video. If appropriate, extract a separate audio file from a compatible authorized recording afterward.
Does device audio include the microphone?
Not necessarily. Pixel and Galaxy controls distinguish device or media sound from microphone capture. Choose the combination you need and verify the saved result.
Can I record any app or song?
No. Capture availability and permission to reuse content are separate questions. Follow the app's rules and obtain any rights or participant agreement needed for your intended use.