How to Record Video Calls on Mac (incl. FaceTime)

Recording a video call on your Mac lets you keep a copy of important meetings, interviews, or catch-ups with family. This guide covers the built-in macOS screen recording tool, which works with FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and most other video apps. You’ll also learn how to capture system audio (the other person’s voice) using a free utility, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

What You’ll Need

• A Mac running macOS Mojave (10.14) or later – this includes the Screen Recording feature.
• For audio: the built-in microphone (records your voice and the room) or, for clean system audio, a free driver like BlackHole or Loopback (trial).
• Enough free storage space – a 1-hour call can use about 1–2 GB depending on resolution.
• Permission to record – you must enable Screen Recording for the app you use to start the recording (e.g., QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar).

Step-by-Step

1. Enable Screen Recording permission. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS) → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording. Toggle on the app you’ll use to start the recording – usually QuickTime Player or Screenshot (the system tool). If the app is already open, quit and reopen it after enabling.
2. Decide on audio capture. If you only need your own voice and ambient sound, you can use the built-in microphone. To record the other person’s voice clearly (without echo), install a virtual audio driver like BlackHole (free, open-source) or Loopback. After installing, you’ll select it as the audio input in the recording app.
3. Start the call first. Launch FaceTime or your video conferencing app and start or join the call. Make sure the window you want to record is visible and not minimized.
4. Open the screen recording tool. Press Shift + Command + 5 on your keyboard. This brings up the on-screen controls at the bottom of the screen.
5. Choose your recording area. You have two options:
   • Record Entire Screen – captures everything, including the menu bar and other windows.
   • Record Selected Portion – drag a rectangle around just the video call window. This is usually better for privacy and file size.
6. Select the microphone. In the same control bar, click Options. Under Microphone, choose your built-in mic (e.g., “MacBook Pro Microphone�) or the virtual audio driver (e.g., “BlackHole 2ch�) if you installed one. If you pick BlackHole, you’ll also need to set your video app’s output to BlackHole – see Tips below.
7. Start recording. Click the Record button (the circle icon). A small stop-sign icon appears in the menu bar (top right) to indicate recording is active.
8. Stop recording. When the call ends, click the stop icon in the menu bar, or press Shift + Command + 5 again and click the square stop button.
9. Save the file. A preview thumbnail appears in the bottom-right corner. Click it to open the video, or right-click to save it directly. By default, recordings are saved to your Desktop with a name like “Screen Recording 2025-01-01 at 10.00.00.mov�.
10. Trim the video (optional). Open the file in QuickTime Player, then go to Edit → Trim to cut off the beginning or end.

Common Mistakes

• Recording the wrong screen. If you have multiple monitors, make sure you select the one showing the call.
• No audio from the other person. This happens when you use the built-in microphone only – it picks up your voice but not the remote audio. You need a virtual audio driver to capture system sound.
• Echo or feedback. If you use speakers and a mic, the other person hears themselves. Use headphones to avoid this.
• Forgetting to enable Screen Recording permission. If the tool says “Unable to start recording� or records a black screen, the permission is off.
• Recording the entire screen when you only need the call. This creates larger files and may capture private notifications.

Tips

• Use BlackHole for clean audio. Install BlackHole from its official site, then in your video app (e.g., FaceTime, Zoom) set the output to “BlackHole 2ch�. In the screen recording tool, set the microphone to the same BlackHole. This records the remote audio without echo.
• Test before the real call. Do a short recording with a friend or a test call to ensure both your voice and theirs are captured.
• Keep an eye on storage. Check available disk space before a long call. You can lower the recording resolution by choosing a smaller recording area.
• Use the “Record Selected Portion� for privacy. It hides other windows and reduces file size.
• Mute notifications. Turn on Do Not Disturb to prevent notification sounds from being recorded.

Troubleshooting

• Recording shows a black screen. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording and ensure the app you’re using (e.g., QuickTime Player) is enabled. If it is, turn it off and on again, then restart the app.
• No audio at all. Check the microphone selection in the recording tool’s Options. If you’re using a virtual driver, make sure it’s selected and that your video app’s output is set to the same driver.
• The recording stops unexpectedly. This can happen if the screen locks or the Mac goes to sleep. Adjust your energy settings: System Settings → Battery (or Energy Saver) and set “Turn display off� to “Never� during recording.
• File is too large. Use a smaller recording area or lower the resolution in the video app. You can also convert the .mov to .mp4 using a free converter to reduce size.
• FaceTime audio is missing after using BlackHole. You may need to set the system output back to your speakers after recording. Also, ensure BlackHole is installed correctly – check its installation guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to record a FaceTime call? Laws vary by location. In many places, you must inform the other party that you are recording. Always get consent before recording a call, especially for business or legal purposes.

Can I record a FaceTime call with the built-in screen recording? Yes, the built-in tool records the video and your microphone, but it will not capture the other person’s audio unless you use a virtual audio driver like BlackHole.

Does the other person know I’m recording? No, macOS does not notify the other party. You are responsible for informing them if required by law.

Can I record a call without installing any extra software? Yes, you can use the built-in screen recording with your Mac’s microphone, but you’ll only get your own voice and ambient sound, not the remote audio.

Where are my recordings saved? By default, they are saved to your Desktop. You can change the default location in the screen recording tool’s Options → “Save to�.

Can I record a call that is already in progress? Yes, you can start the screen recording at any time during the call. However, you’ll only capture from that moment onward.

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