Do you want to save a clip of your gameplay, create a tutorial video, or show a friend how to change a specific setting?
Your iPhone 13 can handle all of this without the need to install any additional apps, but using a feature already built into the iOS operating system. This guide will show you how to screen record on iPhone 13 with or without audio, and how to resolve common recording glitches effortlessly.
1. How to Add Screen Record on iPhone 13
Before you can record anything, you need to add the Screen Recording button to your Control Center. On some phones, this button is already present, but many users will need to add it themselves.
Fortunately, adding the screen recording feature on an iPhone 13 is very simple and takes less than a minute.
- Step 1: Open Settings.
- Step 2: Tap Control Center.
- Step 3: Find Screen Recording.
- Step 4: Tap the (+) button that appears next to Screen Recording to add it.
Once you have added it, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open the Control Center; you will see a small circle inside another circle. That is the Screen Recording button.
You only need to add this button once, and it will remain there until you remove it.

2. How to Screen Record on iPhone 13 (With or Without Audio)
Once you have added the shortcut, exploring how to screen record on an iPhone 13 is quick and straightforward. You can capture just the system audio or record your own voice through the microphone simultaneously.
Recording the Screen (System Audio Only)
If you only want to record internal device audio such as game sound effects or app audio without capturing ambient background room noise, use this method:
- Open the Control Center.
- Tap the Screen Recording icon.
A 3-second countdown will start inside the button, giving you time to close the Control Center before recording begins. Once active, a red status pill or clock indicator will appear in the top-left corner. Ensure that your media volume is turned up if you don’t want your recorded video to be very quiet.
Keep in mind that not every app allows its audio or video content to be recorded. Some streaming services and protected apps may block recordings or produce a black screen.
Notifications may also appear in the video, so consider enabling Focus or Do Not Disturb before you begin.
Recording with Your Voice (Microphone Audio)
If you want to create a video tutorial, record commentary, or capture your voice during a video call, you’ll need to enable the external microphone input:
- Open Control Center
- Press and hold the Screen Recording icon until a pop-up menu expands.
- Tap the Microphone toggle at the bottom of the pop-up so it turns red and reads Microphone On.
- Tap Start Recording. After the 3-second countdown, your iPhone 13 will capture both screen display actions and external voice audio.
3. How to Stop and Find Your Recording
After capturing the content you need, it’s time to stop the recording and check that your video has been saved successfully.
Stop Screen Recording
There are two simple ways to stop recording on your iPhone 13.
- Method 1: Tap the red status bar at the top of your screen, then tap Stop.
- Method 2: Open the Control Center and tap the Screen Recording button again.
Your iPhone will stop capturing the screen and save the video automatically. Just remember to wait a moment before navigating away if you’ve just finished a long recording.
Find Screen Recording
By default, your iPhone saves screen recordings to the Photos app.
- Open Photos.
- Go to Collections or the relevant media section, depending on your iOS version.
- Open Media Types and select Screen Recordings, if available. Alternatively, check your recent videos in the library.
- Tap the video to play it, trim its length, edit it, or share it.
If the recording doesn’t appear immediately, give it a few seconds and check again. This is also a good time to verify that you have enough free storage space for future recordings.
4. iPhone 13 Screen Recording Not Working? Try These Fixes
If screen recording fails, the problem may be related to Control Center settings, storage, microphone permissions, or app restrictions. Try out these simple solutions:
Screen Recording Button is Missing
Open Control Center and check whether the Screen Recording control has been added. If it is missing, customize Control Center to add it.
The exact process depends on your iOS version. If necessary, restart your iPhone and check again.
Screen Recording Won’t Start
Make sure your iPhone is responsive and has enough free storage. Close any unresponsive apps, restart your device, and try recording again.
If the problem continues, check whether a restriction under Screen Time or device management is preventing your screen recording.
Screen Recording Has No Sound
If your voice is missing, press and hold the Screen Recording icon in Control Center and turn on the Microphone before starting. If the system audio is missing, test another app because some apps actually restrict audio capture.
Also, make sure to play the saved video at an audible volume to check the result.
Screen Recording Stops Unexpectedly
Long recordings require substantial storage, particularly when capturing games or high-motion content.
Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage and free up space if needed. Close unnecessary apps, keep your iPhone adequately charged, and avoid recording in an environment where the device becomes excessively hot.
Read more: How to Record Incoming Call on iPhone Without App (2026 Guide)
5. FAQs
How to screen record on iPhone 13 Pro Max?
You can follow the same steps to screen record on iPhone 13 Pro Max. The iOS operating system, Control Center layout, and screen recording options are completely identical across the entire lineup, including the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Where do my screen recordings go?
Your recordings are automatically saved right in the Photos app. Check your recent videos or look for the Screen Recordings category under Media Types. From there, you can watch, trim, edit, or share your videos with ease.
How long can I screen record on iPhone 13?
There is no hard software time limit imposed by iOS. Your iPhone 13 will continue recording until you manually stop it, run out of available internal storage space, or run out of battery. Longer videos consume more space, so check your available storage and battery before recording an extended session.
6. Conclusion
Mastering how to screen record on iPhone 13 makes sharing information, making video tutorials, and saving digital moments effortless.
By enabling the tool in your Control Center and choosing whether to include microphone audio, you can capture high-quality video content in seconds. Try these simple steps today to start recording your iPhone screen like a pro.
Read more: How To Reverse A Video On iPhone
