Recording a Zoom meeting saves the video, audio, and shared screen so you can rewatch or share it later. There are two types: local recording (saves to your computer, free) and cloud recording (saves online with a shareable link and auto-transcript, paid plans only). This guide shows how to record on laptop and phone, and what to do if the Record button is greyed out. Cloud recording requires a paid Zoom license — National IT Service supplies these in India with GST invoice.
Step 1 — Check you have permission to record: Only the host, or a participant the host has allowed, can record. If you're not the host, ask them to click Participants > (your name) > "Allow to Record". If the Record button is greyed out, you don't have permission yet.
Hosts: enable recording in advance under Settings > Recording in the web portal
Zoom notifies everyone when recording starts — required for consent
Step 2 — Start recording (laptop): In the meeting toolbar, click "Record". If you have a paid plan you'll be asked "Record on this Computer" (local) or "Record to the Cloud". Choose one. A red "Recording" indicator appears at the top. Use Pause/Stop in the toolbar as needed.
Cloud recording is best for sharing — it gives a link + transcript
Local recording saves an MP4 to your Documents/Zoom folder after the meeting
Step 3 — Record on a phone: On mobile, recording is cloud-only and needs a paid plan. Tap the "More" (…) button in the meeting and choose "Record to Cloud". The recording processes after the meeting and appears in your Zoom web portal under Recordings.
Mobile local recording is not supported — you must use cloud recording
Keep the app open; leaving the meeting stops the recording
Step 4 — Stop and find your recording: Click "Stop Recording" or just end the meeting. Local recordings convert to MP4 automatically and open a folder when done. Cloud recordings appear at zoom.us > Recordings within a few minutes, with a shareable link, passcode, and searchable transcript.
Cloud recordings can be set to auto-delete or require a passcode to view
Download cloud recordings if you need a permanent local copy
Step 5 — Share the recording: For cloud recordings, click "Share" next to the recording in your portal, set access (anyone with link, or signed-in users), add a passcode if needed, and copy the link. For local recordings, upload the MP4 to Google Drive/YouTube and share that link.
Add a passcode for confidential client or HR recordings
The auto-transcript makes recordings searchable — great for training
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record a Zoom meeting for free?
Yes — local recording (saving an MP4 to your computer) is available on the free plan when you're the host on desktop. But cloud recording (online storage, shareable link, auto-transcript, and mobile recording) requires a paid plan: Pro, Business, or higher. National IT Service supplies paid Zoom licenses in India with GST invoice.
How do I record a Zoom meeting if I'm not the host?
You need the host's permission. Ask them to open Participants, click your name, and select "Allow to Record". Once granted, the Record button becomes active for you. Without permission, you cannot use Zoom's built-in recorder.
How do I record a Zoom meeting on my phone?
On mobile, only cloud recording is available and it needs a paid plan. Tap the "More" (…) menu in the meeting and choose "Record to Cloud". The file appears in your Zoom web portal under Recordings after the meeting.
Where are my Zoom recordings saved?
Local recordings save to your computer (default: Documents/Zoom) as an MP4. Cloud recordings save online — go to zoom.us, sign in, and open "Recordings" to view, download, share, or transcribe them.
Why is the Record button greyed out?
Either you're not the host and haven't been given recording permission, or recording is disabled in your account settings. Hosts can enable it at zoom.us > Settings > Recording. If cloud recording is missing entirely, your account is on the free plan — upgrade to unlock it.
Need cloud recording, transcripts, and shareable links? Upgrade to a paid Zoom plan — WhatsApp National IT Service, authorised Zoom partner in India, GST invoice.