Video calls have become a regular part of life for many during the past couple years. Zoom is one of the most popular services for meetings, classes, events and more.
You may want to record your Zoom meetings for a variety of reasons:
- Refer back to important discussions or decisions later
- Share a presentation or lecture with someone who couldn‘t attend
- Save special events like virtual parties or conferences to remember
- Review details you might have missed the first time
- Repurpose content for things like tutorials, vlogs and more
Fortunately, the Zoom app makes recording meetings easy — if you know how. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk through everything you need to know to record meetings on an iPhone, including step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting advice.
Overview: Recording Zoom as Host vs. Participant
There are two main methods for recording Zoom meetings on an iPhone:
Host Recording
If you‘re the meeting host, you can record directly in the Zoom app and save recordings to the cloud. This works best, but does require a paid Zoom account.
Pros
- Simple integrated feature
- Saves separate video/audio files
- Cloud backup for easy access
Cons
- Need paid Zoom account
- Limited participant control
Screen Recording
As a meeting participant, you can use your iPhone‘s screen recording capability to capture Zoom. Everyone can do this, but it has more limitations.
Pros
- Works for all iPhone users
- Don‘t need paid Zoom account
- Participants can control
Cons
- Saves one video file
- Only records visible portion of screen
- Eats up device storage
Later, I‘ll cover how to record Zoom meetings using both methods. First, let‘s look at the step-by-step process of recording as a host.
How to Record Zoom Meetings as Host on iPhone
If you have a paid Zoom account tied to your Apple ID, you can record meetings directly within the app. Here‘s how:
Step 1: Start a Zoom Meeting
Open the Zoom mobile app and sign in to your account. Tap the orange "New Meeting" button to initiate a new meeting.
You can also join a meeting started by someone else. Either way, move forward with the steps below once your meeting has started.
Step 2: Begin Recording
To start recording, tap the "More" icon (the three dots in the bottom right corner).
[Insert screenshot showing More icon]This opens an expanded menu. Choose the "Record to Cloud" option here.
[Insert screenshot showing Record to Cloud option]Once you tap this, Zoom will begin recording both audio and video. You‘ll see a small "Recording" indicator light up at the top of your screen so you know it‘s running.
The recording will capture all participants and shared screens from the meeting. Continue running your meeting session as normal.
Step 3. End Recording
When your meeting finishes, tap on the "Recording" status indicator at the top again. This will stop recording and open options to confirm.
[Insert screenshot of Recording stop options]Tap "Stop" to end. Zoom will then process and upload your recording to the cloud automatically.
It may take a few minutes for the file to finish uploading, depending on the length. You‘ll receive email notifications when it has posted.
Now let’s look at how to record meetings as a participant using screen recording.
How to Record Zoom as Participant on iPhone
Any iPhone user can record their Zoom screen through the device‘s screen recording feature without a paid account. Here‘s how:
Step 1: Enable Screen Recording
First, make sure screen recording is enabled on your iPhone. To check, open the Control Center and look for the screen record icon (a circle inside a circle).
[Insert screenshot of screen record icon]If you don‘t see this icon, open Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls and tap the + icon to add Screen Recording.
Step 2. Start Your Meeting
Next, open the Zoom app and join or start your meeting like normal. Once you‘re in the meeting, swipe to access the Control Center again.
Step 3. Tap the Screen Record Icon
This time, tap the screen record icon (the circle inside a circle). A 3-second countdown will appear. You can now swipe back down to return to your meeting.
[Insert screenshot with screen record countdown]The screen recorder will capture everything you do on your iPhone now, including the Zoom call. Proceed with your meeting activities normally.
The recording will only capture your view of the meeting and conversations from your device specifically. So quality depends on your camera, audio, etc.
Step 4. Stop Recording
When your meeting ends, reopen the Control Center and tap the screen record icon again to stop it. Your video will be saved to Photos automatically.
[Insert screenshot reopening screen record in Control Center]The process is quick and easy. But the limitation is that recordings use up local device storage instead of cloud backup. Also, you‘re only capturing your specific feed‘s audio/video.
Now that you know how to record meetings either way let‘s dig into some additional considerations.
Before Recording: Enable Permissions
For best quality recordings via either method, check a few settings first:
- Microphone Access – Check iOS settings to enable Zoom microphone access so all voices are captured.
- Camera Access – Also enable camera access if you want your video included.
- Storage Space – Make sure you have enough local storage for potentially large video files.
Also, keep in mind while recording:
- Charge Level – Low battery could stop a long recording mid-meeting. Plug into a charger just in case.
- WiFi/Cellular – Strong internet connection ensures smooth video feed.
- Distractions – Recording will capture alerts, calls etc so silence other sounds.
After Recording: Accessing Files
Hosts can access cloud recordings for up to 28 days after in Zoom account media settings before they are deleted. You‘ll get email notifications with links to manage these files.
Participants can access screen recordings like other videos from the iPhone Photos app. Tap into your Camera Roll or Albums tabs to find them.
Zoom cloud recordings are typically split into separate video and audio files. iPhone videos save everything together in an MP4 format by default.
Sharing, Editing & Repurposing Recordings
There are lots of great reasons to record your Zoom meetings, from memory-keeping to creating content.
A few ideas for using the recordings:
- Review Details – Revisit parts you may have missed the first time.
- Share Meeting Highlights – Send clips to update team members.
- Create Tutorials – Use screenshots and clips for "How-To" guides.
- Repurpose Content – Use pieces of lectures/events for new projects.
- Enjoy Memories – Download virtual game nights and celebrations.
You can also edit recordings to cut clips or enhance audio:
[Insert links to related editing tutorial articles]Be sure to respect meeting participants by obtaining consent before distributing recordings containing them externally.
There are so many possibilities! With a few easy taps, iPhone users can capture meetings then revisit recordings anytime.
Troubleshooting: Fixes for Common Zoom Recording Issues
While Zoom makes it easy to record sessions, you may run into problems like cutting out mid-session or poor quality.
Here are some troubleshooting tips if your iPhone Zoom recordings aren‘t working right:
Can‘t find recording
- Host cloud recordings may take a few minutes to process before accessing
- Check Photos app Camera Roll or Albums instead of Zoom app
Recording stopped unexpectedly
- Low phone battery can cause recording to stop
- Check for enough device storage space for large videos
- Switch devices or boost signal if internet is spotty
Audio/video quality is bad
- Enable microphone access for sound and camera for video
- Make sure speaker and microphone are unobstructed
- Improve lighting conditions in recording environment
Can only see/hear some participants
- Screen recordings only capture your viewer perspective
- Make sure all participants have enabled audio and video
Refer to Zoom help guides or contact customer support for more troubleshooting assistance.
Conclusion
Understanding the ins and outs of recording Zoom meetings enables productivity and creativity. Whether you‘re capturing meetings for work, school or fun, this guide has all the tips you need to record sessions directly within the iPhone app.
With a few simple taps, hosts can backup important discussions via integrated cloud recording. Participants can also save own feed recordings using screen recording. Just don‘t forget privacy permissions if sharing externally after.
Now you have all the tools to capture special events, meetings, lectures and more with easy Zoom recordings on iPhone!
For related help, check out these Zoom tutorial guides:
[Insert links to related articles on editing Zoom recordings, optimal settings, etc.]