You record a perfect demo, play it back, and there's nothing: no voice, no app sound, just silence. A screen recording with no sound on Android is one of the most common problems, and the good news is that it almost always has a simple cause. Work through this checklist from top to bottom and you'll usually find the fix within a few minutes.
First, which sound is missing?
Before changing settings, figure out what kind of silence you have:
- Your voice is missing — a microphone problem.
- App or game sound is missing — an internal (system) audio problem.
- Everything is missing — usually the recorder's sound setting is off.
- Sound is there but very quiet or choppy — a level or performance problem.
Knowing which one you have saves time, because the fixes are different.
How to fix a screen recording with no sound on Android
Work through these six fixes in order. The first two solve most cases; the later ones cover limits built into Android and less common problems.
Fix 1: Check the recorder's sound setting
This is the most common cause. Many recorders remember your last choice, so if you once recorded without sound, every recording since may be silent too.
- In the built-in recorder, tap the Screen record tile (or long-press it) and check the sound option: none, media/device audio, microphone, or both.
- In Cinematic Recorder, check that the microphone and/or internal audio toggles are on before you start, and watch the live mic level meter move when you speak.
Brand-specific menus are covered in our guides for Samsung Galaxy and Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO.
Fix 2: Microphone permission and privacy toggles
If your voice is missing:
- Open Settings → Apps → [recorder] → Permissions and make sure Microphone is allowed.
- On Android 12 and newer, open quick settings and check the microphone access toggle. If it's off, no app can hear the mic.
- Close other apps that might be using the mic: voice assistants, calls, voice notes, or another recorder.
- Check that you're not covering the microphone hole with your hand or case.
Fix 3: Internal audio limits you can't change
If your voice records fine but app sound is missing, the cause may be a limit built into Android or the app itself:
- Android version. Internal audio capture needs Android 10 or newer. On older versions, recorders can only use the microphone.
- Apps that block capture. Android lets apps opt out of audio capture. Many streaming, some banking and some game apps do this, so their sound won't be recorded by any screen recorder.
- Phone calls. Call audio, including WhatsApp and other voice calls on many phones, can't be captured by screen recorders.
These aren't bugs you can fix in settings; they're protections. A simple test: play a YouTube video or local music file while recording. If that sound appears but your target app's doesn't, the app is blocking capture. You can read more about how internal audio works in our guide to recording your Android screen with internal audio.
Fix 4: Bluetooth and headphones
Audio routing can confuse recorders:
- If Bluetooth earbuds are connected, the recorder may try to use their microphone, which can be poor quality or not supported. Disconnect them and test again.
- Some phones route media to earbuds in a way that changes what's captured. Try recording with sound coming from the phone speaker.
- Wired earphones with a mic usually work well for narration, but test once.
Fix 5: Volume, mute and Do Not Disturb
Sometimes the sound is recorded but you can't hear it on playback:
- Check that media volume isn't at zero when you play the recording.
- Internal audio is usually captured at the level the app produces, but if the app itself is muted, there's nothing to record.
- Some phones' DND or focus modes also mute media. Check the mode's sound settings.
Fix 6: Quiet, choppy or out-of-sync audio
If there's sound but it's poor:
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Voice very quiet | Too far from mic or mic covered | Speak 20–30 cm away; check hand position |
| App sound drowns voice | Media volume too high | Lower media volume before recording |
| Crackles or gaps | Phone overloaded | Lower fps/resolution; close background apps |
| Audio drifts out of sync | Heat or heavy load | Let the phone cool; record shorter takes |
Choppy audio often comes with choppy video. If both stutter, see how to fix a laggy screen recording. For better narration overall, read our guide to screen recording with your voice.
Quick checklist before every recording
- Sound source set correctly (mic, internal or both).
- Microphone permission allowed; mic access toggle on.
- Bluetooth earbuds disconnected unless you've tested them.
- App you're showing allows audio capture (test once).
- 10-second test recording played back with headphones.
It takes less than a minute and saves you from re-recording. If you're still stuck, the FAQ on our home page answers more common questions.
FAQ
Why does my screen recording have no sound on Android?
Most often the sound source is set to none, or microphone permission is off. Other causes are apps that block audio capture, an Android version older than 10, or Bluetooth earbuds taking over the mic.
Why is game or app sound missing but my voice is fine?
The app may block internal audio capture, or your phone runs a version older than Android 10. Test with a music file; if that records, the app is blocking it.
Can I record a phone call with a screen recorder?
No. Call audio can't be captured by screen recorders. Recording calls may also have legal rules in your country.
Can I add sound after recording if it's missing?
You can record a voice-over separately and add it in an editor. Missing app sound can't be recovered, so test before important recordings.
Silent recordings are frustrating, but they're almost always fixable in a minute or two. Check the sound setting first, then permissions, then app limits, and you'll be back to clear audio.
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