Can I record Zoom meetings for free?

Yes. Local recording is free for all Zoom users (desktop only). Cloud recording requires a paid Zoom plan. Alternatively, Convo offers free recording with automatic transcription and notes.

How do I record Zoom without the host knowing?

Zoom's built-in recording always notifies all participants. To record without a visible notification, use third-party tools like Convo which process audio locally on your device.

Where are Zoom recordings saved?

Local recordings save to your computer (default: Documents > Zoom folder). Cloud recordings save to your Zoom account online and can be accessed at zoom.us/recording.

Can I record Zoom on my phone?

Zoom's built-in local recording only works on desktop. Cloud recording can be started from desktop and continues when you join from mobile. Convo supports recording on all devices.

How to Record Zoom Meeting [2026 Guide] - With or Without Permission

Zoom offers two built-in recording methods

Local Recording

Records to your computer's hard drive. Available on all Zoom plans (free and paid).

Free for all users

No storage limits

Desktop only (no mobile)

No automatic transcription

Cloud Recording

Records to Zoom's cloud servers. Requires a paid Zoom plan (Pro, Business, or Enterprise).

Includes transcription

Access from anywhere

Requires paid plan ($15.99+/mo)

Limited cloud storage

How to record Zoom locally

Available for all Zoom users (free and paid plans)

Start or join your Zoom meeting

Open the Zoom desktop app and start or join a meeting. Host permission may be required.

Click the Record button

In the meeting toolbar at the bottom, click the "Record" button.

Select "Record on this Computer"

Choose "Record on this Computer" from the menu. Recording will start immediately.

Stop recording when done

Click "Stop Recording" or end the meeting. Zoom will convert the file (this can take time for long meetings).

Limitations of Zoom Recording

•Cloud recording requires paid Zoom subscription ($15.99+/month)
•Local recordings only work on desktop (not mobile)
•All participants see "Recording" notification
•Large video files consume disk/cloud storage
•No automatic action items or meeting notes
•Must rewatch video to find key moments

There's a smarter way to record Zoom

Skip the video files and get instant meeting notes with AI transcription and action items

Feature	Zoom Recording	Convo
Cost	$15.99+/mo (cloud only)	Free tier available
Recording visible to others
Works on mobile
AI meeting notes
Action items extracted
Storage required	Large video files	Minimal (text-based)