How to Record Games on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Android, or iOS

Ever wondered what the best YouTubers use to record games? How do they save gameplays throughout a game for uploading to video streaming sites such as YouTube? If you are eager to know the answer, this article is for you. There are several methods to record gameplay depending on the console or system you are playing games on. For example, the steps to capture games on the PC is different from that of the Xbox or PlayStation consoles. In this article, we will list almost all of the possible methods for game recording in detail.

We will use the built-in tools, many game recording software, and even some apps for the purpose. If you don’t have any previous experience on how to use such screen recorder programs, be sure to at least give them a try before reading this article. Without explaining too much, let’s directly look at the methods to record a game in different platforms such as PC, Android, iOS, Xbox, PlayStation, etc.

Methods for Recording Games on Different Platforms

Platform	Method	Requirements	Key Features
PC / Windows	Windows 10 Game DVR and Game Bar	Windows 10	Built-in tool with easy access, recording and screenshot options
	Using Game Recorders	Third-party software	Enhanced recording features, compatibility with various games
	High-quality Monitor with Resolution Scaling	High-resolution monitor	Improved video quality, even without a capture card
PlayStation	HDMI Cable & Capture Card	PS4, HDMI cable, capture card	Full-screen gameplay recording, requires additional hardware
	Built-in Controller Recording	PS4 controller	Quick and easy recording, no additional hardware needed
Xbox	Kinect Voice Command	Xbox with Kinect	Voice-activated recording of the last 30 seconds of gameplay
	Xbox Controller Shortcut	Xbox controller	Quick recording via controller shortcut, may require multiple attempts
	Smartphone & Xbox SmartGlass App	Xbox console, smartphone	Record gameplay using a smartphone app, both devices on the same network and internet required
Android	Google Play Games	Google Play Games app	In-app recording feature, quality selection, automatic storage
	Android Screen Recording Apps	Screen recording app	Various dedicated apps with customizable settings for game recording
iOS	ReplayKit (On supported games)	iOS 9 or later device	Integration in supported games for in-game recording
	iOS Screen Recording Apps	Screen recording app	Third-party apps for recording iOS games, similar to Android options

Methods to Record Games on PC / Windows

Windows game recording is quite easy when compared to other platforms. There are numerous methods to record games on PC, with or without software. But most professional gamers utilize third-party recording software such as Mirillis Action! for recording purposes. Because such tools also allow numerous additional functions apart from just recording the game. You can go for such a screen recorder software for recording game screen in Windows PC, or continue reading.

The quality of the recording will be determined by the resolution of your monitor, unless you have a separate capture card. So, choosing a good gaming monitor will take help you to record higher resolution videos of 1080p, 4K, or even 8K. Some newer graphics cards also allow technologies such as resolution scaling. You can use those features to upscale the game recordings even if you don’t have a high-end monitor.

Method 1. Using Windows 10 Game DVR and Game Bar

Unlike previous Windows versions, Windows 10 has a built-in tool namely Windows 10 Game DVR or Windows Game Bap which is an Xbox technology that allows recording videos while playing games. It simply opens up a bunch of tools to help you record games when the Windows + G keys are pressed together.

In some cases, the Windows game bar may not appear in full screen games. In such situations, just switch to the window mode. You can find the game bar there. It may also prompt the action to confirm whether you accidentally pressed the shortcut or not. The Windows Game Bar will look something like this.

In the game bar, you can see the icons for recording and controlling the recordings. Use the Windows key + Alt + R shortcut to start or stop recording. You could change the recording settings as well. It is extremely easy to utilize this tool. In addition, you will also be able to take screenshots on Windows using the game bar. Just use the screenshot icon.

Method 2. Using game recorders

There are numerous Windows screen recorder software out there. Most of them will allow you to record gameplays as well. The perfect examples of some game recorders are Action! and Shadowplay (If you are using an Nvidia GPU.) You can use any of these tools in order to capture your favorite gaming moments and share it with your fans or loved ones.

Methods to Record Gameplay on PlayStation

PlayStation is one of the best gaming consoles out there. With its elegance to provide seamless gaming experience, it has been used by millions of gamers worldwide. No matter how aged you are or how young, if you are a gamer, you should give a try to the PS5 or the earlier in the series.

Coming to the matter, to record the gameplay on a PlayStation, you could utilize any of the following methods. It varies based on your PlayStation version and the available resources.

Method 1. Record gameplay on PS4 using an HDMI cable

For this method to work, you should have an HDMI cable and the capture card. If you don’t have them, skip this method. These are the steps to record gameplay on PS4 with an HDMI cable –

1. Connect your PlayStation 4, HDMI cable, and capture card to the computer.
2. Turning on the PS4 will project it on your computer screen.
3. Now, download and install any of the screen recorder software.
4. As everything on the PS4 is visible on your computer, recording the computer monitor will capture your gameplay.

Method 2. Record PS4 game using Controller

If you don’t have a capture card, it is recommended to go with this method. It doesn’t require any additional resources or cables. We are going to use the built-in PlayStation functionality for the gameplay recording. These are the steps to record PS4 gameplays using the controller –

1. Turn on PS4.
2. Open the game that you need to record.
3. Press the Share button twice to start the game recording. You will be notified by an animation saying the recording has been started.
4. Once you want to stop the recording, long press the same Share button.
5. To save the recorded clip, press the Save Video Clip button (a square button on the game controller.) Now save it to any external storage devices.

Methods to Record Games on Xbox

Just like the PlayStation, Xbox is also a tough gaming console. If you own an Xbox and want to start capturing the awesome gaming moments, these are the methods you can follow.

Method 1. Record Xbox games with Kinect

Kinect is a Microsoft Xbox feature which allows communication between the player and the device without an intermediate controller. It is extremely easy to use this feature to start recording the gameplay.

To record Xbox games with Kinect, say “Xbox, Record That.” Xbox will automatically save the last 30-seconds of gameplay.

This is an awesome feature to help the people who want to record small and awesome moments of their gameplay. For example, if you are playing the FIFA 17 or the PES 2017, and you scored a brilliant goal. Immediately say the magic words and your awesome goal will be saved on your console.

Method 2. Record games using the Xbox Controller

In older versions of the Xbox, Kinect is not there to help you. So, you have to utilize your game controller in order to save the gameplay.

To record games using the Xbox controller, double-tap the Xbox One home button on the controller, then press X.

In most of the cases, this might work. However, some users reported that their consoles have some problems in accepting the shortcut. So, try it a few times before you skip this method.

Method 3. Record Xbox gameplay using a smartphone

The Xbox One SmartGlass app is a nice application available for several smartphone platforms. This is the Android version and this is the iOS version. You can use this app to record games as well. These are the steps to record Xbox gameplay using a smartphone –

1. Download and install it on your smartphone.
2. Then login to the application using your Xbox Live credentials.
3. After that, link the console through the application.
4. After linking your console, it will be visible on the app.
5. Just press the Connect button and select your console. That’s it.

When you play any games on the console, the app will show a record button. Tapping on it will start the game capture.

For this method to work, both your smartphone and the Xbox console should be on the same network and connected to the internet. Also, if you just need a still image, you can read our article on how to take a screenshot on Xbox.

Methods to Record a Game on Android

When it comes to Android gaming, there are several Android screenshot apps available for taking screenshots. We even have an Android screenshot guide if you want to check it out. Few of them may not support full-screen recording or the in-game recording functionality. If so, follow any one of the methods listed below.

Method 1. Record games using Google Play Games

Google recently added a Google Play record feature to the Google Play Games. It allows recording any game screen installed from the Play Store. You can start enjoying this feature hidden in your Android phone. These are the steps to record games using Google Play Games –

1. Open the Google Play Games app (install it if you haven’t already).
2. Go to the My Games option in the menu.
3. Navigate to the Installed tab.
4. Tap on any game that you want to record.
5. You will see a Red recording button near the play icon.
6. Tap on it, and select the recording quality 720p HD or 480p SD.
7. Your recorded clip will be saved to the “Screencasts” folder.

Method 2. Record games with Android Applications

There are several Android applications like Screen Grabber or other dedicated game record apps to start capturing your gaming sessions. Just pick your favorite screen recorder for Android, make sure that it has all the features you need, and start using it.

Methods for Game Recording on iOS

iOS devices are not that good for serious gaming purposes. But yes, if you wish, you could enjoy games on it without any problems. When you are an expert in any game and want to start uploading your gameplay to YouTube, you might have to take a look at these steps.

Method 1. Using ReplayKit (On supported games only)

If you have an iOS 9 or later powered device in hand, you are lucky enough to record the gameplay easily. ReplayKit is a function that allows game developers to integrate screen capture or recording ability into their games. If they have included it in the game build, you will be able to see the recording button anywhere in the game. This is just a possibility. But luckily, a few of the most popular games come with this feature built-in.

Method 2. Record Game Screen Using iOS Applications

Like Android, iOS also has numerous screen recorder apps to help you in the process of recording your gameplays. A few good examples are Screenshot Maker Pro, Screenshot Journal, Screenshot – Frame Maker, etc. You can use any of these applications to record your favorite games on your iPhone or iPad.

It wasn’t so difficult to record games. Was it? If you don’t want to store the recording, you can even just live stream on YouTube.

FAQs