Screen recording behavior depends on your device, operating system, and whether you explicitly enable microphone or system audio input. On iPhone and iPad running iOS 14 or later, and on macOS Catalina or later, the built-in screen recorder can capture system audio, including FaceTime output, only when you have turned on system audio capture; by default it captures no audio, or records microphone input only if you enable the microphone toggle.
If you record with the microphone off and system audio disabled, a FaceTime call will not be captured. If you enable system audio on compatible devices, both sides of the call can be recorded through the device speakers or headphones. This verified explainer outlines exactly how these settings work and practical steps to get the behavior you expect.
How Screen Recording Handles Audio on iOS
Default behavior and options
On iOS 14 and later, the built-in screen recorder lives in Control Center. Tapping the Screen Recording button gives a single press, or a long press for additional options. The key choices are:
- Record without microphone: captures nothing from the call
- Record with microphone: captures room sound and your voice, but not system audio
- Record with system audio (available on supported devices): captures audio played by the device, including FaceTime, Music, and other apps
When you enable microphone alongside system audio, you may hear a brief audio check tone during setup. This confirms the routing is active, but actual call audio is only recorded if system audio capture is supported and turned on.
Supported devices for system audio recording
Not all devices support system audio in the screen recorder. In general, iPhone 8 and later, most iPad models from 2017 onward, and recent iPod touch models can record system audio. To verify availability, open Settings → Control Center → Customize Controls and check whether Screen Recording includes the system audio toggle. If it does, you can turn it on; if it does not, your device cannot capture FaceTime audio via screen recorder.
How Screen Recording Handles Audio on macOS
Default behavior and options
On macOS Catalina 10.15 and later, the Screenshot app allows recording of the screen and audio sources. When you start a new screen recording:
- No microphone is captured unless you select a microphone input
- System audio is captured only when you explicitly choose a window or monitor that includes app audio
FaceTime calls play audio through the system output device. If you select the entire screen or a specific window and ensure the Record microphone option is off, the recording includes the FaceTime audio routed to your speakers or headphones. If you select a microphone instead, you record what is heard in the room rather than the clean digital call stream.
Security and prompts
macOS will prompt you the first time you record system audio to confirm microphone and screen recording permissions. Grant access only on trusted machines, because screen recordings can capture sensitive information. After granting, you can choose audio sources from the Record menu bar and stop recordings with the same interface.
Practical Steps to Record FaceTime Audio
To capture a FaceTime call intentionally and legally, follow these steps for your platform. Remember that call recording laws vary by jurisdiction; in many places you must notify and obtain consent from all parties before recording any conversation.
On iOS (with supported device):
- Open Settings → Control Center → Customize Controls
- Add Screen Recording if it is not present
- Open Control Center and long press the Screen Recording button
- Turn on Microphone and, if available, confirm that System Audio is enabled
- Start FaceTime and begin the recording
On macOS:
- Open the Screenshot app (macOS Catalina or later) from Applications
- Click Record from the menu bar and choose Record Entire Screen or a Selected Portion
- In the options, select the microphone only if you want room audio; leave it off to capture system audio
- Choose the window or monitor that contains the FaceTime call
- Click Record and start your call
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Recording phone calls and video chats may be subject to wiretapping and privacy laws. In jurisdictions that require two-party consent, recording a FaceTime call without informing participants can be illegal. Even where one-party consent is sufficient, best practice is to announce the recording and obtain permission. Screen recordings also capture visual content, which may involve additional privacy considerations.
Summary Table: Audio Capture Modes
| Mode | Captures FaceTime Audio | Captures Room Microphone | Works on Supported iOS | Works on Supported macOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No audio | No | No | All devices | All Macs |
| Microphone only | No | Yes | All devices | All Macs |
| System audio | Yes | No | Selected iPhone/iPad | macOS Catalina+ with window selection |
| Microphone + system audio | Yes | Yes | Selected iPhone/iPad | macOS Catalina+ |
Bottom Line
Screen recording can include FaceTime audio when system audio capture is explicitly enabled on compatible devices, or when you select a microphone input on macOS. If audio capture is not enabled, the call will not be recorded. Always verify your settings before recording and ensure compliance with local laws and the consent of the people in the call.
FAQ
Reader questions
Will my FaceTime audio be in a screen recording if I do nothing?
No. By default, the recorder captures no audio on iOS unless you add the system audio toggle; on macOS it captures only what you explicitly select. Without enabling system audio or a microphone, a FaceTime call is silent in the recording.
Can the other person hear that I am recording?
Not from the recording device itself. However, you should disclose the recording as a matter of ethics and law. Some platforms may provide on-screen indicators when microphone or camera access is active, but these do not signal system audio capture.
Does Wi‑Fi or cellular connectivity affect system audio recording?
Connectivity does not change local audio routing. As long as audio plays through the device speakers or selected output, system audio capture can include it in the recording regardless of network type.
What if I do not see a system audio toggle?
Your device or OS version may not support it, or Control Center may not have been customized to include Screen Recording with the extra option. Update iOS/macOS and, on iOS, add Screen Recording to Control Center to see the system audio switch.