Screen Recording is now a feature available in almost every smartphone and can affect a user’s experience with a device substantially.

It facilitates the creation of short clips which might help showcase a bug or a guide to help older relatives navigate their devices — its unique use cases are vital. Hence, when such a feature does not function as intended, it can be quite a hassle.

Thus, this article lists three methods you should try if the native screen recording feature on your iPhone or iPad is not functional. If you were unaware of how to use this feature, do not worry, we have also detailed how you can enable Screen Recording and use it to your advantage.

Keep in mind, if attempting to record content protected by copyright laws, your iPhone or iPad may pause or cancel the recording.

Before reading further, make sure to perform common troubleshooting steps like restarting your device or updating it to the latest available software version.

Also read: How to remove a device from your Apple ID?

Method 1: Lift Screen Time Restriction

Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad and follow the steps listed below.

• Locate and tap on the Screen Time subsection.
• Next, tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
• Now, tap on Content Restrictions.

• Enter Screen Time Passcode — if you have it setup.
• Scroll down to Game Centre subsection and locate Screen Recording.
• Tap on Screen Recording and select Allow.

If you have forgotten your Screen Time Passcode, you can use your Apple ID to regain access to Content Restrictions by following the steps listed in this support article by Apple.

Also read: How to transfer photos and videos from iPhone to Windows PC?

Method 2: Free up Storage

This method is straightforward; lack of storage means you cannot store any more files on the device, including screen recordings. Therefore, freeing up space is vital.

To do this, check your iPhone or iPad’s storage within the Settings application to decide what data needs deletion.

Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad and follow the steps listed below.

• Locate General subsection.
• Now, tap on iPhone Storage or iPad Storage.
• Select applications, images or files from the options listed and free up space.

Also read: How to sync iPhone to iPad?

Method 3: Reset All Settings

The steps listed here may help sort issues created by background settings which could be preventing Screen Recording from working.

This method will clear your Home Screen layout, network settings, and other system settings. None of your data — contacts, photos and so on — will be affected.

Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad and follow the steps listed below.

• Locate General subsection.
• Scroll down and tap on Reset.
• Select Reset All Settings.

If this method does not help, you can attempt a Factory Reset by selecting Erase All Content and Settings. This method will return your iPhone or iPad to its factory condition.

Also read: What is Display Mirroring on iPhone and iPad? How does it work?

How to enable Screen Recording?

Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad and follow the steps listed below.

• Scroll down and locate the Control Centre subsection.
• Activate Access Within Apps.
• Scroll down to locate Screen Recording under the More Controls subsection.
• Tap on the plus ‘+’ icon next to it.

Also read: How to turn off Siri Suggestions?

How to use Screen Recorder on iPhone or iPad?

Open an application or remain on the Home Screen on your iPhone or iPad and follow the steps listed below.

Note: As mentioned earlier, accessing copyrighted content will pause or cancel the attempted recording.

• Access Control Centre by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen.
• To record the microphone input — skip, if not required — long press on the screen recorder icon in the control centre and toggle on the microphone option.
• Now, press the Screen Recorder icon and wait for its three-second timer to run out.

Once the recording begins, you will see a red coloured pill in the top-right corner on your iPad’s screen or a similar-looking glyph around the time indicator in the top-left corner of your iPhone’s screen.

Also read: How to answer iPhone calls on other Apple devices?