Note (September 2026): This article originally said Apple devices could not record their own screens and listed older Dr.Fone prices and a 30-day refund. iOS 11 added built-in screen recording in 2017, and prices and refund terms are updated below.
To record games on iPhone or iPad, use the built-in Screen Recording tool that Apple added in iOS 11: swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, tap the gray Record button, wait for the three-second countdown, then play. Tap the red indicator to stop; the video is saved in the Photos app.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone and iPad have had a free built-in screen recorder since iOS 11, released on September 19, 2017.
- The Record button lives in Control Center; if it is missing, add it to Control Center first.
- To capture your voice, tap and hold the Record button and turn on the Microphone.
- Finished recordings are saved to the Photos app, and some apps might not allow recording.
- Wondershare’s Dr.Fone iOS Screen Recorder is still sold for Windows PCs, but its product page lists iOS support only up to iOS 12 as of September 2026.
If you are an iOS user, then you might have felt the need to have a screen recorder for your device and if not yet, then you might feel in the future. Since iOS 11 (released September 19, 2017), iPhone and iPad include a free built-in screen recorder in Control Center, and third-party tools such as Wondershare’s Dr.Fone iOS Screen Recorder can record the mirrored screen on a PC instead.
YES! It is Wondershare’s Dr. Fone iOS Screen Recorder which can help the iOS users to record iPhone screen easily. This software helps in mirroring the entire iPhone display over the PC or laptop seamlessly and helps in recording whatever displayed on the display of the device.
How to Capture and Record An iPhone Or iPad Screen Video
If you want a direct screen recording, then you can install Dr. Fone iOS screen recorder. Though it is a lengthy process, yet it is worth it. In this article, we will be talking about the iOS screen recorder by Dr. Fone which is actually a complete toolkit for the Android as well as the iOS users. We will be focusing on the iOS screen recorder functionality.
The main function of this program is recovering the data which has been lost or deleted from the device and this will be displayed on the screen after you launch it. But they offer another section, More Tools where you can find the option for iOS Screen Recorder.
To record and capture games on iPhone or iPad, you need a screen recorder: either the one built into iOS and iPadOS or a third-party tool such as Dr.Fone. Screen Recorders are significantly perfect programs for recording and capturing the things on PC which are happening on your smartphone. One of the basic necessities for people who are trying their hands over gaming videos or tutorials is the screen recording app.
Dr. Fone’s iOS screen recorder is one of the best tools provided by this program for recording and capturing screen or games on iPhone or iPad. Also, the screen can be recorded without any wired connections.
Are you excited to know how to get started with it?
Here is how it works.
How to get started?
When this guide was first written in 2016, iPhone and iPad had no built-in screen recorder. That changed with iOS 11, which added a Screen Recording control to Control Center; the built-in method is explained further down this page. Apple still limits what apps can capture on iOS, and Apple’s support page notes that some apps might not allow you to record audio or video. When it comes to security, we all know that how much Apple is concerned.
I am here today with Dr. Fone’s iOS Screen Recorder which is one of the best and most secure ways for recording and capturing games (screen) on iPhone or iPad.
- Download Wondershare’s Dr. Fone from its official website.
- Once after the completion of installation of the software, just follow the steps.
Please Note: Your PC and iPhone or iPad must be connected over to the same Network.
- Launch the software.
- Click on More Tools on the left side.
- Select iOS Screen Recorder.
- Just mirror your device to the PC.
How to do that?
If your iOS device runs on iOS 9 or below, then just open the control center by sliding from the bottom. You have to select the AirPlay option followed by Dr. Fone and turn on Mirroring option. It is so simple. Am I right?
If your iOS device runs on iOS 10, then it is a lot easier for you. Note that, as of September 2026, Wondershare’s iOS Screen Recorder product page still lists compatibility only for iOS 7.1 through iOS 12 and Windows XP through Windows 10, so check compatibility with your current iOS version before paying; on iOS 11 and later, the built-in recorder is the simpler option. Just select AirPlay Mirroring option by sliding from below followed by Dr. Fone.
- After successfully mirroring your iOS device with the PC or laptop, a small rectangular shaped box will appear on the screen of the device which features 2 buttons.
Just use the Circular button in order to start recording and capturing games (screen) on iPhone or iPad. You can use the Square button in order to check what has been recorded. After clicking the Square button, full screen of your iOS device will be displayed on the PC or laptop.
Once after you are done with recording, click Circular button again and there you have the recording. Successfully! You have managed to record and capture games on iPhone and iPad.
Pros and cons of iOS screen recorder
Pros
- Option for restricting the unauthorized access.
- Provides greater value than its price.
- Intuitive and simple UI.
- Supports all iOS devices along with few Window devices as well.
Cons
- Doesn’t support video recording up to high-HD or ultra-HD.
- Free for a limited period.
People don’t afford to lose their vital information and if you are one of them, then you can use this program to record and capture games on iPhone or iPad. It is really simple and easy to understand.
Subscription Packages
Annual Package
When this article was first published, the annual package was listed at $29.95. As of September 2026, Wondershare’s official store lists iOS Screen Recorder at $19.90 for a 1-year subscription on Windows. Prices change, so check the store before buying.
Lifetime Package
Originally listed at $69.95. As of September 2026, the official store lists a lifetime license on Windows at $39.90. Prices change.
Bundled Package
Originally listed at $139.95 for a lifetime license with 15 applications. Bundle pricing for the wider Dr.Fone toolkit varies, so check Wondershare’s store for current options.
As of September 2026, Wondershare states that all Dr.Fone products come with a 7-day money-back guarantee (the original version of this article said 30 days). Before purchasing the app, you can try the free version as well. You can even try other iOS screen recorders including Mirroring360, AirServer, Apowersoft iPhone/iPad Recorder, etc.
Wondershare’s Dr. Fone iOS Screen recorder is one of the best screen recorders which easily record and capture games on iPhone or iPad. You can simply record the live content on your iOS device to PC for replay and sharing. Dr.Fone suits users who want recordings saved straight to a Windows PC; for most people on iOS 11 or later, the free built-in recorder is enough.
How to Screen Record Games on iPhone or iPad With the Built-In Recorder
The built-in iOS screen recorder is the quickest way to record games on iPhone or iPad, because it needs no PC, no cable and no extra app. According to Apple Support, the same steps work on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
- Open the game you want to record and get to the point where you want the clip to start.
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center.
- Tap the gray Record button, then wait for the three-second countdown.
- Exit Control Center and play. The recording captures what is shown on the screen.
- To stop, tap the Screen Recording indicator at the top of the screen, then tap Stop. Alternatively, open Control Center and tap the red Record button.
- Open the Photos app and find the screen recording in your Library.
What if the Record button is missing from Control Center?
Apple’s instructions say that if you do not see the Record button, you need to add it to Control Center first, using the Control Center customization options on the device.
How to Record Game Audio and Your Voice on iPhone
Voice commentary on iPhone and iPad screen recordings depends on the microphone setting. Apple’s steps for recording with audio are:
- Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center.
- Tap and hold the gray Record button.
- Tap the Microphone button to turn it on.
- Tap Record, wait for the three-second countdown, then exit Control Center.
Apple notes that some apps might not allow you to record audio or video, so a small number of games and streaming apps may produce silent or blank recordings. That is a restriction set by the app, not a fault with the device.
Built-In Recorder vs Dr.Fone iOS Screen Recorder
The built-in recorder and Dr.Fone take different approaches: the built-in tool records on the device itself, while Dr.Fone mirrors the iPhone or iPad screen to a Windows PC and records it there.
| Feature | Built-in Screen Recording | Dr.Fone iOS Screen Recorder |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free, part of iOS and iPadOS | Paid; as of September 2026 the store lists $19.90 for 1 year or $39.90 lifetime on Windows (prices change) |
| Where the video is saved | Photos app on the device | On the PC |
| Needs a computer | No | Yes, a Windows PC on the same network |
| Listed iOS support | iOS 11 and later | iOS 7.1 to iOS 12 on the product page (September 2026) |
| Microphone audio | Yes, via the Microphone toggle | Check the vendor’s current documentation |
| Refund | Not applicable | 7-day money-back guarantee, per Wondershare |
Common Screen Recording Problems and Fixes
- No Record button: add Screen Recording to Control Center, as Apple’s instructions describe.
- No voice in the clip: the Microphone was off. Tap and hold the Record button and turn the Microphone on before starting.
- Blank or silent video from one app: Apple says some apps might not allow audio or video recording.
- Recording will not start while mirroring: according to Apple, you can’t record your screen and use screen mirroring at the same time. Stop mirroring first, or use a PC-based recorder that records the mirrored image instead.
- Cannot find the video: open the Photos app and look in your Library.
Tips for Better Game Recordings
- Start the recording a few seconds before the moment you want, then trim the clip afterwards in a video editor.
- Check free storage space before long sessions, because game recordings can become large files.
- Decide on commentary before you start, since the Microphone must be switched on before recording begins.
- For editing on a computer, a desktop editor such as Wondershare Filmora for content creators can cut and caption clips.
For related guides, see how to mirror an iPhone screen with AirDroid Cast, the AnyRec Screen Recorder review for desktop recording, and whether the iPhone 15 changes mobile gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you screen record games on iPhone for free?
Yes. iPhone and iPad have included a free Screen Recording control in Control Center since iOS 11, released on September 19, 2017. No third-party app is needed.
Where do iPhone screen recordings go?
iPhone and iPad screen recordings are saved automatically to the Photos app. According to Apple, you open Photos and select the screen recording in your Library.
How do I record my voice while recording a game?
Open Control Center, tap and hold the gray Record button, and tap the Microphone button to turn it on before you start recording.
Why does my screen recording have no video or sound in some apps?
Apple states that some apps might not allow you to record audio or video. The app controls this, so the device settings cannot override it.
Can I screen record and mirror my iPhone at the same time?
No. Apple says you can’t record your screen and use screen mirroring at the same time. PC-based tools such as Dr.Fone record the mirrored image on the computer instead.
Is Dr.Fone iOS Screen Recorder still available?
Yes. As of September 2026, Wondershare still sells iOS Screen Recorder for Windows, at $19.90 for a 1-year subscription or $39.90 for a lifetime license, with a 7-day money-back guarantee. Its product page lists iOS support only up to iOS 12, so check compatibility first; prices change.
1 Comment
Well you can also do it for free. Try installing AirShou app on your phone, Grant it permission by making it trusted via settings, Start the app and record as much as you want.. Best of all is that it is a free app and can record videos in 1080p quality 😉