Understanding how to record a Zoom meeting means you never miss important details, whether you are capturing a lecture, a client call, an interview, or a team standup for people who could not attend. Zoom offers two recording options: local recording, which saves a video file directly to your computer, and cloud recording, which stores the file on Zoom’s servers and is available on paid plans. Both capture audio, video, and any shared screens, and both can be started with a single click.
In this guide you will learn how to record on the desktop app, how to record on mobile (which uses cloud recording), where your files end up, and how to record when you are not the host. Because recording is a host-controlled feature, the host must either record themselves or grant you permission first, so we will explain how that permission works too.
Local vs. Cloud Recording
Choosing the right recording type depends on your plan and how you want to share the file. Local recording is available to everyone, including free accounts, and stores an MP4 on your device. Cloud recording is a paid feature that saves to your Zoom account, gives you a shareable link, and often includes automatic transcripts.
- Free on all plans.
- Saves an MP4 to your computer.
- Not available on mobile.
- You manage storage and sharing yourself.
- Requires a paid plan.
- Saves to your Zoom account.
- Works on desktop and mobile.
- Gives a shareable link and transcript.
How to Record on Desktop
The desktop app on Windows and macOS is the most common way to record. As the host, you have both options available.
- Start or join the meeting as the host (or as a participant with recording permission).
- Click Record in the meeting toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
- If prompted, choose Record on this Computer or Record to the Cloud.
- A red recording indicator appears in the top-left corner to confirm it is running.
- Use Pause if you need a break, then Resume to continue in the same file.
- Click Stop when you are done.
- When the meeting ends, Zoom converts the recording and saves or uploads it automatically.
How to Record on Mobile
Mobile recording is cloud-only, so you need a paid plan to use it on your phone or tablet.
- Join the meeting as host from the iOS or Android app.
- Tap the More button (three dots) in the toolbar.
- Tap Record or Record to the Cloud.
- A recording icon shows at the top of the screen.
- Tap More again and choose Stop Recording when finished.
Where Recordings Are Saved
| Type | Location | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Local (Windows) | DocumentsZoom folder | MP4, M4A |
| Local (macOS) | Home/Documents/Zoom | MP4, M4A |
| Cloud | zoom.us, Recordings tab | MP4 + transcript |
| Mobile | Cloud only | MP4 |
Recording as a Participant
If you are not the host, you cannot record by default. Ask the host to hover over your name in the Participants list, click More, and select Allow to Record Local Files. Once granted, the Record button appears in your toolbar. The host can revoke this at any time.
Troubleshooting Recording Problems
If the Record button is missing, you are likely not the host and have not been granted permission, so ask the host to enable it. If cloud recording is greyed out, confirm your account is on a paid plan. Should a local recording fail to convert after a crash, reopen Zoom and use the prompt to recover it, or double-click the double_click.zoom file in your Zoom folder. If you are low on disk space, local recordings can stop early, so clear room before long sessions. For more tutorials, browse our how-to guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record a Zoom meeting for free?
Yes. Local recording to your computer is available on all plans, including free Basic accounts. Cloud recording requires a paid plan.
How do I record if I am not the host?
The host must grant you permission. They hover over your name in Participants, click More, and choose Allow to Record Local Files, after which the Record button appears for you.
Where do local recordings save?
By default they save to a Zoom folder inside your Documents directory on both Windows and macOS. You can change the location in Zoom’s recording settings.
Does everyone know the meeting is being recorded?
Yes. Zoom displays a recording indicator and plays a notification so all participants are aware. Many places also legally require consent.
Why is Record to the Cloud greyed out?
Cloud recording is only available on paid plans. If it is greyed out, your account is likely on the free tier or cloud recording is disabled in settings.
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