Best for: Zoom meeting hosts and participants with permission for recording

OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

Using the built-in feature on a desktop is the simplest way for Zoom screen recording. It does not require the user to download any additional programs, and the process is relatively intuitive. The recording function is initiated with a simple process, and the resulting video is automatically saved either locally or in the Zoom cloud.

There are a few drawbacks to recording Zoom meetings with the built-in feature, however. This feature will not provide timestamps, audio transcripts, or participant names. It also requires that permission be granted by the host in order to record. Otherwise, you can use Movavi Screen Recorder, it can record Zoom meeting with no permission, save the recording locally, and you can edit the result right after you’ve finished. Read the full guide to find out how to use it.

Here’s how to record on the Zoom desktop app:

Only the host is allowed to record meetings in Zoom by default. Participants can use the recording feature if the host provides permission. So, can you screen record Zoom meetings without permission? Yes, in this case, you can use third-party apps to record Zoom meetings on a computer.

Best for: recording a meeting without host’s permission

OS: Windows, macOS

G2 rating: 4.5/5 stars, 44 reviews

Movavi Screen Recorder provides a recording feature for video as well as screen capture capability and video editing options, all of which can be exported directly to YouTube and social media sites.

The screen and audio can be recorded separately or simultaneously. Recordings can also be scheduled ahead of time, and a time length can be set. The program can also be set to show keystrokes and mouse movements and even offers an option for drawing on the videos.

Key features:

• Record your mouse and keyboard
• Capture your screen in HD and 4K
• Draw while recording so that viewers don’t miss the most important moments
• Connect with your team on a whole new level – record your voice as you present on a Zoom call and share the video recap later
• Grab crisp and clear audio: reduce any unwanted sounds your mic picks up, like traffic noise, wind, or stray chatter 
• Take screenshots and edit them – add text, arrows, or shapes to highlight important elements
• Save and share the results with your colleagues to keep your meeting summaries on point

Best for: licensed users recording on a mobile device

Recording a Zoom meeting on mobile devices with Zoom’s built-in features is an easy task. The drawback is that the resulting file is saved in the cloud rather than a folder, limiting your control; it also requires anyone joining the call as a participant to obtain permission from the host to record.

Best for: licensed users recording on an iPad

As with other mobile devices, using the built-in features for recording a Zoom meeting on the iPad is a very simple process. Again, anyone joining the call as an attendee will need to procure permission from the host to record the meeting.

When made with the built-in features, recordings of Zoom meetings are stored either locally on your desktop’s hard drive or, for licensed users, on the Zoom cloud.

The recording is stored locally for both paid subscribers and free users when the recording is made on a PC. iOS and Android users cannot save locally, however, and Zoom cloud storage space is limited based on the user’s subscription tier.

How to find Zoom recordings saved on the Cloud

1. Log onto Zoom.

2. On the left sidebar, click Recordings.

3. Find your recording listed under Cloud Recordings.

How to find Zoom recordings saved locally

1. Log onto Zoom.

2. On the left sidebar, click Recordings.

3. Find your recording listed under Local Recordings.

How to find Zoom recordings saved on your computer

1. Click on your Documents folder (Windows) or Finder (Mac).

2. Type Zoom in the search bar.

3. A folder entitled Zoom Meetings will appear.

4. Find the recording you are looking for and double click it.

1. Open Zoom on your device.

2. Click on Meetings.

3. Click Recorded on the left.

4. A list of recordings will appear.

5. Select the recording you wish to view.

6. On the right, choose Play.

If you are the host of a meeting, you can give any attendant permission to record the call.

1. Open the Zoom website on your browser.

2. Log into your account.

3. On the upper right, choose My Account.

4. On the left-hand side, choose Recordings.

5. The recordings settings will open with two tabs: Cloud Recordings and Local Recordings.

6. At the top-right corner of either of these options, click Settings.

7. Check the boxes that allow hosts and participants to make a recording of the meeting.

Here’s how to enable local recording:

1. Go to the Zoom web portal.

2. Select Settings from the menu.

3. Open the Recording tab.

4. Switch on the Local Recording slider.

If you have a paid Zoom subscription, the platform will send you a link to your recording after the auto-saving to the cloud is complete. Then, you can share it with anyone who needs to see the recording. If you need to find the link again, you can log into your Zoom account, go to the My Recordings page, and click Share under the video to copy the link to your clipboard.

If you don’t have a paid subscription, we recommend you use third-party screen-recording software. For example, when you’re done capturing the call with Movavi Screen Recorder, you’ll have the option to get a cloud link, upload the video to Google Drive or YouTube, or send it directly via email, WhatsApp, etc.

The paid Zoom subscription gives you the opportunity to store your recordings on Zoom Cloud. If you’re considering whether you should get a paid subscription or not, here are some pros and cons to saving your calls to the cloud.