Your Android phone isn't just a communication device—it's actually a surprisingly capable audio recording studio hiding in your pocket.

With your Android device, you can record a podcast, interview, or even capture the audio playing on your computer.

The gap between professional equipment and your phone's built-in mic has shrunk dramatically. While it won't match a $500 condenser microphone, the right settings can transform your Android's recording capabilities from decent to genuinely impressive.

Whether you want to capture a conversation or enhance a video recording with a natural-sounding voiceover, we'll show you how to record audio on Android devices using built-in tools and third-party audio recording apps.

How to Record a Video and Audio on Android

Yes, you can record audio on your Android device. Use the built-in Voice Recorder app for audio-only recordings or the screen recorder if you want to capture video along with audio. If you need advanced features, you can choose the best recording software for your project from the Google Play Store.

Your phone’s built-in microphone can handle basic recording well, but for professional-quality audio, consider using an external source like a wired or Bluetooth microphone.

Most audio recording apps are free, user-friendly, and offer basic recording and editing tools. They also allow you to export recordings to other services for saving, sharing, or advanced editing.

For example, you can record audio on your Android phone or tablet, then import the recording into Descript to edit, remove filler words, add sound effects or music, and export it in your preferred audio format.

Descript automatically transcribes audio files using AI, allowing you to edit the transcript like a Word document while updating the underlying audio. This results in a polished audio file that you can save, share, or export to various podcast hosting platforms.

Optimizing Video Quality on Android

To ensure high-quality videos on Android devices, adjust the video settings before you start recording. Choose a higher resolution, like 4K, and a higher frame rate, such as 60 FPS, for smoother and clearer footage. Additionally, check the bitrate settings to enhance video quality further. These adjustments may require more storage, so ensure you have sufficient space on your device.

For more tips on optimizing video quality, refer to this guide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Record a Video on Android

Recording audio on an Android device is simple and straightforward.

Follow the steps below to start recording.

Note: These instructions apply to Samsung Galaxy phones but should work with most Android devices. However, menu names and settings may vary slightly.

Step 1: Open the Camera App to Record Video

Find and open the Voice Recorder app on your Android device. If it’s not visible on your home screen or app drawer, go to Settings > Apps and search for 'Voice Recorder.'

Note: Most Samsung smartphones and tablets come with the Voice Recorder app pre-installed. If you can’t find it, download it from the Google Play Store or Galaxy Store.

Depending on your Samsung Galaxy model, you can choose from Standard, Interview, or Speech-to-Text recording modes.

• Standard mode: Offers a simple interface and is ideal for basic audio recording.
• Interview mode: Uses your device's top and bottom mics to capture you and your interviewer/interviewee's voices. It displays dual waveforms—one for each mic—as you record.
• Speech-to-text (STT) mode: Records your voice and simultaneously transcribes it to on-screen text. It has a maximum recording time of 10 minutes. Keep your Android device within 3 inches of your mouth for best results, and speak clearly.

If using Voice Recorder for the first time, you’ll be prompted to grant microphone and audio permissions. Tap 'Settings' to proceed.

Tap 'Permissions.'

Next, tap 'Microphone' and select 'Allow only while using the app' or 'Ask every time.'

Then, tap 'Music and audio' and select 'Allow.'

Step 2: Adjust Your Video Recording Settings

Tap the More button (ellipsis) in the top-right corner of your screen.

Select 'Settings' to access voice recording options.

You can adjust various voice recording settings to customize your experience.

• Recording quality: Choose between Low (64kbps, 44.1kHz), Mid (medium) (128kbps, 44.1kHz), or High (256kbps, 48kHz) recording quality.
• Block calls while recording: The voice recorder app will display a Call reject icon next to the timer during recording, and will automatically reject incoming calls.
• Auto play next recording: Automatically plays the next voice/audio recording.
• Deletion (Recycle bin): Keeps deleted audio recordings on your device for 30 days. If you disable the setting, all recordings in the Recycle bin will be deleted.

Step 3: Tap the Record Button to Start Your Video

Tap the red 'Record' button at the bottom of your screen to start recording.

Note: Depending on your Android device, you may see a 'Record' button or a 'Microphone' icon. For example, on OnePlus devices, tap the Microphone icon to record audio.

If you selected Standard mode, 'Standard' will appear in the top-left corner during recording.

Step 4: Use Pause and Resume While Recording

Tap the 'Pause' button to stop recording temporarily, then tap it again to resume.

Tap the blue 'Bookmark' button to mark important parts of the recording for easy reference during playback.

Step 5: Name and Save Your Video File

When finished, tap the 'Stop' button.

Name your recording when prompted, then tap 'Save.'

Your recording will be saved to your device. Open the Voice Recorder app and tap 'List' to view and play it.

Tap your audio file, then tap 'Play' to listen to your recording.

Step 6: Edit Your Recorded Video

Tap the Edit (pencil) icon at the top to trim unwanted portions from your recording.

Drag the ends of the waveform and tap 'Cut' (scissors icon) to remove unwanted parts.

Step 7: Share Your Recorded Video

Once you’ve finished editing, tap 'Save' to store the changes.

Then, tap More (ellipsis) and select “Share”. Or, long press the audio file and tap Share to share the recording with others on various applications.

Didn't capture the perfect sound? No worries. Descript can help you improve the audio quality of your recording and turn it into professional-sounding audio in just a click of your mouse.

Once you import your file to Descript's editor, navigate to Audio Effects and turn on Studio Sound. Descript will use AI to automatically remove background noise and enhance voices in the recording to make it sound as if you recorded on a professional mic in a studio.

Other professional audio enhancement and editing tools you can find in Descript include:

• Edit directly from the transcript: Delete or copy and paste a word, and your audio will change accordingly. It makes editing your audio as easy as editing a Word doc
• Filler Word Removal: Detects filler words and phrases, which you can remove to make you sound more eloquent.
• AI Voices: Creates a text-to-speech clone of your voice, making it easy to add words to your audio like a document.

Top 3 Apps to Record Videos on Android

Most Android devices have a built-in voice recorder app, but it's pretty limited. You can find dozens of Android apps with more advanced features, like gain control and customizable file formats.

Here are some of our favorites:

Dolby On: High-Quality Video Recording

Dolby On is a free, easy voice recorder app that you can use to capture audio and create quality recordings. Here are some of Dolby On's capabilities: ‍

Key features:

• Record and edit audio using Dolby's advanced technology.
• Import and edit pre-recorded audio files.
• Trim recordings for professional-quality results.

Sound enhancement:

• Automatic noise reduction.
• Dynamic EQ that automatically adapts to the audio.
• Custom audio filters.

Exporting & sharing:

• Export recordings in M4A format (default) or WAV format (Lossless audio option).
• Add studio effects and animated cover art.
• Share directly on social media platforms with audio optimized for that platform.

Download Dolby On on the Google Play Store.

Samsung Camera: Built-in Video Recording

The Samsung Voice Recorder app comes pre-installed in most Samsung smartphones and tablets, but is also available for download on Google Play Store and the Galaxy Store.

Key features:

• Designed for simple audio recordings: voice memos, interviews, or song demos.
• Converts up to 10 minutes of speech to text for convenient transcriptions.
• Built-in editor for trimming recordings and removing unwanted portions.
• Ability to add notes or tags for better organization.

Editing & Sharing:

• Edit recordings and save the edited audio file on your device.
• Playback recordings, share via messaging apps, or store in cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Recording Modes:

• Three recording modes, including speech-to-text.
• Simultaneous transcription of voice notes to on-screen text for easy reference.
• Supports multiple audio formats: MP3, AMR, and WAV.

Download Samsung Voice Recorder on the Google Play Store.

Google Camera: Advanced Video Recording

Google Recorder app is a free audio recording app only available on Google Pixel 2 or newer Pixel phones (including Pixel Fold).

Key features:

• Record up to 18 hours of audio in a single session using your Pixel phone.
• Edit, save, and share recordings directly from the app for effortless use.
• Identify and label different speakers in the audio and detect language for transcription accuracy.

Editing made easy:

• Trim recordings through the transcript interface, ensuring precision in your edits.
• Changes made in the transcript reflect in the audio file without manual adjustments.

You can access saved recordings in Recorder for web on a Windows or Mac computer, then edit and save or share the recording with others.

Download Recorder on the Google Play Store.

Screen Recording Techniques for Android

Screen recording on Android devices is a straightforward process, perfect for capturing tutorials or presentations. Access the built-in screen recorder via the Quick Settings panel. Configure settings to capture audio from the device or microphone, depending on your needs. Initiate the recording with a simple tap, and you'll see a countdown before it starts.

For a detailed guide on screen recording, visit this resource.

FAQs About Recording Videos on Android

Where is the Camera app on my Android phone?

You can find the Voice Recorder app in your Android app drawer. Alternatively, search the Apps option in your mobile phone's settings and search for Voice Recorder. Download a third-party voice recording app from the Google Play Store if you can't find it on your phone.

How do I record a video on my Samsung Android?

To record audio on a Samsung Android device:

1. Open the Voice Recorder app.
2. Tap the Record button and/or Microphone icon to start recording.
3. Tap the Stop button to stop recording.
4. Name and save your audio file.
5. Use the editing tool to edit or trim your audio recording.
6. Save the edited file to your device or share it with others.

Can I record video without audio on Android?

Yes. You can record audio on your Android phone or tablet. Use the built-in Voice Recorder or download a third-party audio recording app from the Google Play Store.

How can I improve the audio quality of my video recordings?

To enhance audio quality, use an external microphone instead of the built-in one. Additionally, employ audio editing tools like Descript to reduce background noise and enhance voice clarity.

What are the best practices for recording videos on Android?

Ensure good lighting, use a tripod for stability, and select high-resolution settings for better video quality. Also, consider using third-party apps for advanced features and editing capabilities. For additional tips, check out this article.