How to Record on Zoom?

Click the Record button in the meeting toolbar at the bottom of the Zoom window, then choose Record on this Computer or Record to the Cloud. The keyboard shortcut is Alt + R on Windows or ⌘ + Shift + R on Mac.

Can you record a Zoom meeting? Yes — if you're the host or co-host, or if the host has given you permission. Zoom notifies everyone when recording starts, both with an on-screen banner and an audio announcement, so it can't be done secretly.

Recording as the host:

1. Start or join the meeting as host.
2. Click Record in the toolbar at the bottom.
3. Choose Record on this Computer (local) or Record to the Cloud, if your plan includes cloud recording.
4. A "Recording..." indicator appears in the top-left corner.
5. Use Pause to stop temporarily (this keeps everything in one file) or Stop to end it.
6. When the meeting ends, Zoom converts and saves the file. Don't shut your computer down during conversion.

Recording as a participant: You need the host to grant permission.

• Ask the host to click Participants, hover over your name, click More, and select Allow to Record Local Files.
• Once granted, the Record button appears in your toolbar.
• The host can revoke it at any time.
• If they won't grant it, your alternative is your operating system's screen recorder — but tell the other participants, since recording people without their knowledge is unlawful in many places.

Local vs. cloud recording:

Where do Zoom recordings go? Local recordings save by default to a Zoom folder in your Documents, organised into a subfolder per meeting:

• Windows: C:\Users[YourName]\Documents\Zoom
• Mac: /Users/[YourName]/Documents/Zoom

Each folder contains zoom_0.mp4 (video), an M4A audio file, and a chat transcript if there was one. You can change the location in Settings → Recording → Local Recording → Store my recordings at.

Cloud recordings are found by signing in at zoom.us → Recordings → Cloud Recordings, where you can download, share, or delete them. Note that cloud storage is limited by your plan and older recordings may be auto-deleted, so download anything important.

Recording on mobile: the iOS and Android apps only support cloud recording, which requires a paid plan. Tap More (⋯) → Record to the Cloud.

Useful settings to check before an important recording (in Settings → Recording):

• Record a separate audio file for each participant — invaluable for editing or podcasting.
• Optimize for third-party video editor.
• Record video during screen sharing and place video next to the shared screen.
• Add a timestamp to the recording.
• Automatic recording — starts recording as soon as the meeting begins, so you can't forget.

If the Record button is missing: you're not the host and haven't been given permission; recording is disabled at the account level by an administrator (common at workplaces and schools); or your Zoom app needs updating. Account-level restrictions can only be changed by the account owner in the web portal under Settings → Recording.

A legal note: consent laws for recording conversations vary by country and by US state. Zoom's automatic notification covers disclosure in most situations, but if you're recording something sensitive, get explicit agreement first.