How can I record internal audio on Android?
Internal audio refers to the audio coming from within an Android device, such as game sounds, music playback, or audio from a video app. Recording internal audio allows capturing high-quality audio straight from the source, instead of merely recording it externally through the microphone.
There are a few key reasons why someone may want to record internal audio on their Android device:
- To capture game play with commentary while maintaining high quality in-game sounds.
- To record music tracks or videos while preserving the original audio quality.
- To create tutorials and walkthroughs that include clear audio from apps or games.
However, recording internal audio on Android does require root access to allow apps to capture audio directly from the system. Without root, apps can only record audio through the external microphone.
Requirements
There are two main requirements for recording internal audio on Android:
- A rooted Android phone – In order to enable apps to record internal audio, your Android device needs to have root access. This allows you to grant the necessary permissions. Rooting your phone voids the warranty and has risks, so proceed with caution.
- An app with permission to record internal audio – You’ll need an app designed for internal audio recording that requests permission to do so. Options include apps like Screen Recorder, which allow configuring internal audio sources.
With both of these requirements met, you can then configure the app settings and permissions to enable internal audio recording. Just having a rooted device itself is not enough – you need an app capable of handling the audio data as well.
Root Your Device
Rooting gives you administrative rights over your Android device, allowing you to access features that are usually restricted. While rooting can enable more customization and access on your device, it also voids your warranty and poses some security risks. Proceed with caution and research whether rooting is right for your particular device.
To root popular Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel, you will need to first install a custom recovery like ClockworkMod. This can be done by backing up your device, then using an app like Odin (Samsung) or adb/fastboot (Pixel) to flash the custom recovery. Here is a helpful guide on how to root some popular Android phones: Easily Change Your Android SELinux Mode | How To Guide
Once you have a custom recovery installed, you can install SuperSU or Magisk to root your Android device. Be extremely cautious, as this process can brick your device if done improperly. Make sure to follow step-by-step instructions for your specific make and model. Also be prepared to void your warranty in most cases.
Get an App
There are several excellent apps available for recording internal audio on Android. Some of the top recommendations include:
- Screen Recorder – A free, easy to use app with no ads. Records internal audio.
- Screen Recorder – Records HD videos with internal audio. No watermark or time limit.
- Screen Recorder – Advanced screen recording with face cam and internal audio capture.
These apps will require permissions to access your microphone, storage, draw over other apps, and control media volume. Granting these permissions is necessary to capture internal audio while screen recording. Be sure to download the apps from the official Google Play Store for security.
Grant Permissions
Once you have rooted your Android device, you will need to grant root permissions to the audio recording app in order to allow it to access internal audio. This gives the app elevated privileges to bypass normal Android permissions and record internal audio sources.
To grant root permissions, open the app you want to give access to. Look for a button or option to “Request Root Access” or “Grant Root Permissions.” You may need to enable advanced settings in the app to find this option. Tap the button or toggle to allow the app root access.[1]
Some apps like Kingo Root have a built-in “Grant” option when you open the app menu. Select the app you want to grant access to and enable root permissions.[2] You may need to restart the app for changes to take effect.
Granting root access gives the app the ability to bypass normal Android permissions and access internal audio sources. Make sure to only grant root to trustworthy apps.
Configure Settings
Before recording internal audio, you’ll need to adjust some settings in your recording app. These settings allow the app to access and record internal audio from other apps on your device.
In an app like RECME, go to the settings and enable “Record Internal Audio.” This allows the app to record audio playing internally on your device from other apps.
You may also need to enable permissions for the app to access the microphone and storage. Grant the necessary permissions when prompted so the app can record and save internal audio files.
Additionally, in the app settings you can select the audio format (WAV recommended), bitrate, channels, and sample rate for your recordings. Set these to achieve the audio quality you desire.
Finally, disable any filters or effects that may alter the raw internal audio. You want to record the unprocessed audio directly from the source app.
With the proper settings configured, the recording app will be ready to capture internal audio playing on your Android device.
Start Recording
To start recording internal audio on Android, open the screen recording feature from your Quick Settings panel or shortcut. On most devices, you can swipe down twice from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings, then tap and hold the “Screen Recorder” tile (Source). This will open the recording options.
Tap the microphone icon to enable internal audio recording. You can also configure audio quality settings like mono vs stereo here. Higher quality settings will result in larger file sizes. Once your settings are configured, tap “Start recording” and your internal audio will be captured along with the screen recording (Source).
The screen recorder notification will appear while recording. Tap the notification or open Quick Settings again to stop the recording.
Stop Recording
Once you are finished recording, you will want to properly save and export the file. Most voice recording apps have a stop button or icon to end the recording session. Make sure to tap this when you are done.
The app should automatically save the recording, usually to its own folder or storage area. You can then access it through the app’s library or file manager. Check the app’s settings to configure where recordings are saved by default.
To export the recording, look for a share, export, or send option within the app. This will allow you to save the audio file to your device’s local storage, cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox, or share via email, messaging apps, and more. Common export formats include WAV, MP3, M4A, and FLAC.
For example, Voice Recorder & Audio Editor by TapMedia offers automatic saving of recordings and options to share via Drive, Gmail, and more. While Tape-a-Talk can save recordings to cloud storage providers.
Once exported, you can access the recording files through your device’s file manager or apps like Google Drive. It is important to properly save and export recordings so you can access them later and don’t lose any important audio content.
Legalities
The legality of secretly recording conversations varies by state. According to Audio Surveillance Laws by State, 12 states require consent from all parties being recorded, while 38 states only require consent from one party. These are referred to as “two-party consent” and “one-party consent” states.
In two-party consent states, it is generally illegal to secretly record conversations unless you are one of the people involved. However, there may be exceptions if the recording is being done to collect evidence of criminal activity.
In one-party consent states, it is legal to secretly record a conversation as long as you are an active participant in the conversation. However, it is advisable to check specific laws for your state.
When recording across state lines, the stricter law usually applies. It is best to get consent from all parties if you will be recording someone in a two-party consent state, even if you are in a one-party consent state.
There may also be specific laws regarding recording phone calls, video, conversations in private places, or conversations involving minors. It is important to check local and federal laws before recording any private conversations.
Troubleshooting
Internal audio recording on Android does not always work smoothly. Here are some common issues and potential fixes:
No sound in recording – Double check that you have enabled the setting to record internal audio and granted the recording app permission to access the microphone. Try toggling these settings off and back on again. Ensure your phone volume is turned up loud enough.[1]
App sound not recording – Due to Android limitations, some apps block their audio from being recorded internally. Try recording audio from the native Music app or YouTube instead.root your device for full audio capture capabilities.[2]
If you are still having issues, check for updates to your recording app and Android OS version. You can also try reaching out to the app developer’s technical support, or posting on Android user forums for troubleshooting help from the community.