How to Record Video with Screen Off on iPhone, Android & PC

"Is there a way to record a video with the screen turned off?"

Have you ever tried to record a video with screen off? People seek for a solution to record a video with screen off for multiple purposes. For example, record something important or sensitive secretly in consideration of security or privacy; or, lock the screen to record a long video without interruption. In this article, we will recommend the best solutions to record with screen off on iPhone, Android and PC.

Can You Record with Screen Off?

Commonly, the video recording process is automatically ended when the screen is locked or turned off on most devices while audio recording can be continued. What’s more, you cannot screen record what's happening on the device with screen off. Fortunately, some third-party camera apps and screen recorder tools make background recording a reality. You can record video and screen with screen off seamlessly.

Now, let's check the solutions to record with screen off on iPhone, Android and PC one by one.

How to Record with Screen Off on iPhone & Android

Method 1. Install an App to Record Videos in Background with Screen Off

In the app store for iOS and Android devices, you can discover multiple camera apps that can break the restrictions allowing you to record a video even when the screen is completely turned off.

How to Record with Screen Off on iPhone

Discreet leverages the black screen technology enabling users to record videos and take photos while your iPhone is locked. You can customize the touch gesture to ensure an intuitive recording experience. All the captured videos are stored in private gallery for security. The app helps secretly record videos with screen off and ideal for capturing special moments in concerts, live events, etc., without distractions.

Here is the step-by-step guide to record a video with screen off on iPhone using Discreet.

Step 1. Install Discreet - Black Screen Camera app from App store.

Step 2. Launch the app and allow the permissions  - camera, microphone and photos - at the start.

Step 3. Tap on Settings. Select recording with black or front camera. Change the output to video and customize other settings as you want.

Step 4. Swipe left to activate black screen mode. Tap on the black screen and it will automatically start recording. Tap again to stop recording.

Step 5. Swipe right to access the Private Gallery. The recorded videos are only stored here, without appearing in public photo gallery.

Notice: Video recording is only available in Pro version. 

How to Record with Screen Off on Android

Camera Background Video Record offers an effective solution to record video with screen off when you moving, biking, etc., to save battery power. The schedule recording feature allows you to set a specific date and time to automatically start and stop capturing videos in background. Also, you can manage and cut the recorded video in the app for later sharing.

After installation, the app to record video with screen off need you to allow some permissions as well, from camera, microphone to storage. Next, follow the steps to record during off-screen.

Step 1. Launch the app and head to REC tab.

Step 2. Select camera and turn on flash/using hard key.

Step 3. Tap on the gear icon to customize settings if needed. You can adjust video size, audio and enable schedule recording.

Step 4. Click Start button to start recording and Stop to stop recording. Otherwise, press the volume up key to start and volume down key to stop. No matter when the screen is turned off, the app can let you record a video continuously.

Notice: Camera Background Video Record is an ad-supported free app. You need to upgrade to Pro version to remove ads.

Method 2. Mirror Mobile Screen to PC and Record Screen with Screen Off

It is difficult to find an app available to record screen with screen off on mobile devices. The only workaround to solve the problem is to use screen mirroring technology and record your phone screen on PC without being disrupted by the off-screen.

iTop Screen Recorder, a powerful screen recorder for Windows, includes a device recording feature that can mirror and record phone screen on PC at one stop. It allows you to capture online videos, live streams, etc., played on your phone while keeping high quality even though your phone screen is turned off.

Please download and install iTop Screen Recorder on your PC. Then, record screen with screen off by following the tutorial below.

Step 1. Launch iTop Screen Recorder > Device and select your device, iOS or Android.

Step 2. Connect your device with your PC with the on-screen instruction.

Step 3. After the connection is successfully built, you can view your phone screen on the desktop. Play what you want to record on your phone.

Step 4. Back to iTop Screen Recorder and click REC button to start recording.

Step 5. Click Done button on the mini control bar to stop recording.

The recorded video is saved to Files > Video. You can play, manage and edit it at will.

How to Record Video with Screen Off on PC

Well, is it possible to record video when computer is locked? Yes.

As a desktop program, iTop Screen Recorder boasts the ability to capture anything on the screen in any situation, for example screen off or computer locked. It is perfect for recording TV shows, full movies or long-running live streams without always keeping attention on the monitor.

iTop Screen Recorder is a beginner-friendly program. You can use it to record with screen off without guesswork.

Step 1. Download and install iTop Screen Recorder on your PC.

Step 2. Play the video you want to record. Open the program and go to Record > Screen. 

Step 3. Select recording area. You can choose to record part of screen, full screen or only the player window. Turn on Speaker to record video with audio.

Step 4. Click REC button to start recording.

Step 5. When you want to stop recording, turn on the screen and click Done button on the mini control bar to stop recording.

You can find the recording in Files > Video. From here, you can access a video editor to enhance the file for better viewing experience.

Why Choose iTop Screen Recorder to Record with Screen Off

iTop Screen Recorder delivers a flawless recording process with the assistant of its valuable features. Let’s unblock the power of iTop Screen Recorder.

• Record video while keeping high quality: iTop Screen Recorder utilizes the leading algorithm to guarantee uncompromising quality. You can record 4K, 1080p videos while keeping vivid images and clear details. 
• Record video with no time limit: iTop Screen Recorder has no time limit on recording. You can record movies/programs/live streams that run long hours with no interruption for free.
• Record protected videos without black screen: The inbuilt enhanced mode makes iTop Screen Recorder become a screen recorder anti block. It can eliminate the black screen when recording a DRM encrypted videos from Netflix, Peacock, Prime Video and other on-demand streaming services.
• Record HD videos with no lag: iTop Screen Recorder leverages hardware acceleration to record HD/4K videos with no lags. It also has a game mode empowering you to record gameplay while playing without fps drops or shuttering.

Conclusion

How to record with screen off? With an available app, you can record videos stealthily when the screen is turned off. On iPhone and Android, special camera apps drive you to record a video in background with no distraction. If you want to record video playing on your phone, try to cast phone to PC and record. On PC, iTop Screen Recorder shows off the ability to record video with screen off while keeping high quality. It is a good choice to record a long video, for example TV shows/movies, hassle-free.