To record a Zoom meeting, click the Record button on the meeting toolbar as host or co-host. Recordings save to the cloud on paid plans or locally on free plans. Convo records any Zoom meeting on any plan with AI transcription, summaries, and action items.
How to Record Zoom Meetings
Local vs cloud recording, how to record as a participant, auto-recording setup, and what to do when the Record button is missing.
Quick answer: Click the Record button in Zoom's toolbar. Choose "Record on this Computer" (free, saves locally) or "Record to the Cloud" (paid plans, includes transcription). Only hosts and co-hosts can record by default — participants need the host's permission.
Local vs cloud recording
Zoom is the only major platform that offers both local and cloud recording. Here's how they compare:
Local Recording
Saves MP4 video, M4A audio, and VTT captions to your computer.
Cloud Recording
Saves to Zoom's servers. Access from anywhere via web portal.
Step-by-step: Record locally (free)
Works on the Zoom desktop app. You must be the host or have recording permission from the host.
Start or join your meeting
Open the Zoom desktop app and begin your meeting as the host.
Click the Record button
Find it in the toolbar at the bottom of your screen.
Select "Record on this Computer"
Recording starts immediately. You'll see a red indicator in the top-left corner.
Stop when finished
Click Stop Recording or end the meeting. Zoom converts the raw files to MP4 automatically — this may take a few minutes.
Documents → Zoom → [Meeting Name] [Date]. Each recording produces three files: an MP4 video, an M4A audio-only file, and a VTT caption file.How to record a Zoom meeting as a participant
By default, only the host and co-hosts can record in Zoom. Participants see a greyed-out Record button unless the host grants permission.
Option 1: Ask the host for recording permission
- Ask the host to open Participants panel
- Host clicks More (•••) next to your name
- Host selects "Allow Record"
- You'll see a notification and the Record button becomes active
The host can revoke this permission at any time during the meeting.
Option 2: Screen recording (no permission needed)
Use your operating system's screen recorder. Works independently of Zoom's permission system.
Mac (QuickTime)
Press Cmd + Shift + 5, select the Zoom window, click Record. Note: QuickTime doesn't capture system audio natively — use BlackHole (free) for audio.
Windows (Xbox Game Bar)
Press Win + G, click Record (or Win + Alt + R). Game Bar captures system audio by default.
Option 3: Convo (AI meeting notes)
Instead of recording, Convo captures audio locally on your device and generates AI transcripts, summaries, and action items. No Zoom permission needed, no bot joins, no recording notification. Works whether you're the host, co-host, or a participant.
How to auto-record Zoom meetings
Hosts can set meetings to record automatically so you never forget to hit Record.
- Go to zoom.us/profile/setting and sign in
- Navigate to Settings → Recording
- Toggle on "Automatic recording"
- Choose "Record on the local computer" or "Record in the cloud"
Auto-recording starts as soon as the meeting begins. All participants will still see the recording notification.
Comparison: all recording methods
| Feature | Zoom Local | Zoom Cloud | Screen Recording | Convo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Free trial | |||
| Works for participants | With permission | With permission | ||
| AI transcription | ||||
| AI summaries & action items | ||||
| Video recording | ||||
| Invisible to participants | ||||
| Works on mobile | ||||
| Cost | Free | $13.33+/mo | Free | Free trial, then $14.99/mo |
| Try free for 7 days → |
Troubleshooting
Record button is greyed out or missing
You're likely a participant without recording permission. Ask the host to click Participants → More (•••) next to your name → Allow Record. If you're the host and it's still greyed out, check your Zoom settings at zoom.us/profile/setting → Recording and ensure local recording is enabled.
Recording has no audio
Check that your microphone and speaker are selected correctly in Zoom Settings → Audio. If using screen recording on Mac, QuickTime doesn't capture system audio natively — use BlackHole (free) as a virtual audio driver.
Zoom is still converting the recording
After you stop recording or end the meeting, Zoom converts raw files to MP4. This can take several minutes for long meetings. Don't close Zoom until the conversion finishes — you'll see a progress bar. If it seems stuck, check that you have enough disk space.
Can't find the cloud recording
Cloud recordings take time to process. Check zoom.us → Recordings in the web portal. If nothing appears after an hour, your plan may not include cloud recording (Pro plan or higher required).
A note on consent
Zoom's built-in recording notifies all participants with a visible indicator and an audio announcement. If you use screen recording or a third-party tool, other participants won't be notified — but recording laws still apply. Many states and countries require all-party consent before recording a conversation. For a full breakdown, see our guide on recording consent and legality.
FAQ
Related guides
Skip the recording. Get the notes.
Convo captures transcripts, summaries, and action items automatically — no video files to manage, no host permission needed.
Download for MacSources & References
- Zoom Help Center - Local Recording
- Zoom Help Center - Cloud Recording
- Zoom Help Center - Recording permissions