What’s the Best Way to Record Or Screencast Your Screen In Android?

Want to create videos on your Android device, perhaps to help a friend or relative, or to show how an app you have developed works or you simply want to record your activity in a game or video chat? You need a screen recorder tool.I feel that you will get all the answers to your questions after going through this cool stuff.

Android users have a choice of apps (some of which require root and some which do not), an official ADB method, and even custom ROMs with the facility built in. Let’s find out which option is best for you.

Best Practices for Screen Recording

Recording a screencast can be confusing, even with the right app. So, you should take some time to prepare what you're doing beforehand. 

You should follow this when you try, making sure you're comfortable with the process you're demonstrating. End of the day, if you make it look tough, it won’t be a great video. Similarly, take your time with the video, don’t rush or talk too quickly if your screen recording tool supports audio (most do). If you want to make particular actions , use an app with a pointer toggle, to highlight the part of the display you're using.Otherwise, connect a mouse to your Android device using Bluetooth or USB OTG (On-The-Go).

When you're ready with your planned demonstration, it’s time to hit record… but which app will you use?

SCR Screen Recorder Pro (root)

For many, this is the favourite recording app, offering front camera feature, an indicator to show where you're touching the display, and the ability to choose your audio source and even mute the clip to record audio later.

The final result is a polished, professional-looking clip, although you might want to make sure you’re looking good.

Of course, the anticlimax is that you must have a rooted Android device to use this app. If you choose to root your device (the process differs across models and manufacturers) take care not to brick the device, which would render it unusable.

• Download SCR Screen Recorder Pro
• Download SCR Screen Recorder Free (limited length videos, but all the same features.)

Running Lollipop 5.0? AZ Screen Recorder — No Root

With Android 5.0 Lollipop, screen recording has been built into the Android API, which makes it a whole lot easier for developers to create competent, stable apps.

One such example is the AZ Screen Recorder app, a root-free solution with a largely-attractive floating menu to enable easy screen recording. With a choice of video quality settings, a countdown timer to help you start recording the useful footage, a facecam for reaction shots, and the ability to draw on screen and trim videos, this app has it all. If you're using Lollipop, this is the solution for you.

• Download AZ Screen Recorder

The App-Free Solution: Screen Recording Over Android ADB

If an app doesn’t work for you, the Android SDK — which can be downloaded from developer.android.com/sdk — is required. Using the Android Debug Bridge, which is bundled with the SDK, you can record video via USB. This method works with Android 4.4 and later.

Begin by connecting your phone to your computer via microUSB. Launch the command line, and enter:

adb shell screenrecord /sdcard/FILENAME.mp4

(Remember to change “FILENAME” for the name you want to give the file.)

You can then begin the demonstration on your phone, and when you're done, press CTRL+C. This method will create an MP4 file on your device storage, so copy the completed file to your computer to review and edit.

Screen Recording in a Custom ROM

Sometimes, you don't need to bother installing apps. Seasoned ROM flashers will know that a whole bunch of extras are included in custom ROMs, and very often, screen recorders are among these extras. For instance, OmniROM,has a “cooked in” screen capture app.

So, if you're running a custom ROM, check the notes or have a good look through the options and apps you have installed already. There is a very good chance that screen recording is a cooked in option, and all you have to do is activate it.

How Do You Record Your Screen?

Those are all the best options I found, but maybe I missed something. Now I want to hear from you.

Do you use screen recording apps? Is there one that you favor above all others? Let me know in the comments.