Did your iPhone’s Screen Recording stop working after updating to iOS 26? You’re not alone. Many users have reported issues like the button disappearing from Control Center, recordings not saving, or audio missing after the update. The good news: most problems can be fixed at home with a few quick tweaks.
This guide walks you through common problems, causes, and step-by-step solutions so you can get your iPhone’s Screen Recording working again.
Common Problems After iOS 26 Update
- Screen Recording button missing from Control Center
- Recording starts but doesn’t save to the Photos app
- Recording stops after a few seconds or crashes
- No sound (microphone not recording)
- Black screen while recording video-streaming apps like Netflix or Disney+
- Greyed-out Screen Recording icon that can’t be tapped
- Parental or privacy restrictions prevent recording
Why It Happens
- iOS 26 software glitches after updating
- Low storage space is preventing the video from saving
- Screen Time or Content & Privacy Restrictions disabling the feature
- Microphone access denied in Control Center
- Battery Saver (Low Power Mode) is interfering with background recording
- App-level blocks (DRM-protected content)
- Unstable apps or outdated versions
Quick Checks First
Before diving into fixes, check these basics:
- Make sure Screen Recording is in Control Center:
Open Control Center, press and hold on the screen, tap Edit Controls, then tap Add Screen Recording to include it. - Check iPhone storage:
Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage – free up space if storage is nearly full. - Update to the latest bug-fix release:
Go to Settings → General → Software Update – install iOS 26.0.1 or later.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1. Restart Your iPhone
A simple reboot often clears temporary update glitches.
2. Re-enable Screen Recording
Open Control Center, press and hold anywhere on the screen, tap Edit Controls, then remove Screen Recording and add it back to include it again.
3. Turn Off Screen Time Restrictions
- Open Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → App Store, Media, Web & Games → Scroll to screen recording → Choose Allow.
4. Turn On Microphone Audio
- Open Control Center.
- Long-press the Screen Recording button → Tap the Microphone icon to turn it ON.
5. Free Up Storage Space
Delete unused apps, photos, or videos so the recording can save successfully.
6. Turn Off Low Power Mode
Go to Settings → Battery → Disable Low Power Mode.
7. Update All Apps
Open the App Store → Tap Profile → Scroll to Update All to prevent app conflicts with Screen Recording.
8. Reset All Settings (Last Resort)
If nothing else works: Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings.
(This doesn’t delete personal data but resets Wi-Fi passwords, display, etc.)
Black Screen While Recording Certain Apps
Apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video block screen recording because of DRM protection.
This is not a bug—Apple cannot override it.
Troubleshooting Sound Issues
- Confirm the microphone is ON before starting recording.
- Disconnect and reconnect Bluetooth headphones/AirPods if audio isn’t captured.
- Test with a different app to rule out app-specific issues.
Additional Tips
- Try a force-restart if the feature still fails after updates.
- Keep iPhone updated; Apple often fixes glitches in later iOS builds (like 26.0.2 or 26.1).
- If the issue persists, contact Apple Support.
FAQs
1. Why does Screen Recording show a black screen on Netflix?
Streaming services block recording to protect copyrighted content (DRM).
2. Does Screen Recording drain battery faster?
Yes. It uses more power while recording.
3. Can I record FaceTime calls with audio after iOS 26?
Not always. Privacy rules may block the other person’s voice.
4. Where are my recordings saved?
They’re saved in Photos → Albums → Screen Recordings.
Wrap-Up
A broken Screen Recording feature after an iOS 26 update is often caused by minor settings changes or low storage. Follow the steps above to restore it, and keep your iPhone updated for the latest bug fixes.
