How to Turn a Built-in Screen Recorder into a Standalone App on Any Android Device

How to Turn a Built-in Screen Recorder into a Standalone App on Any Android Device

Most modern smartphones come with a built-in screen recorder, allowing users to capture their screens without needing third-party apps. However, this feature is often hidden within system settings or only accessible through Quick Settings, making it inconvenient for users who frequently record their screens for tutorials, gaming, or work.

Wouldn’t it be easier if you could launch your screen recorder like a regular app—straight from your home screen? Fortunately, there are multiple ways to make the built-in screen recorder more accessible, whether you're using a Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Realme, OPPO, Vivo, or any other Android phone.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover:

✔ Why the built-in screen recorder is hidden
✔ How to add it to Quick Settings for instant access
✔ Creating a home screen shortcut for the screen recorder
✔ Alternative ways to quickly access the recorder
✔ Using voice commands to open it
✔ Best third-party screen recording apps

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to open your screen recorder effortlessly—just like any other app on your phone.

Why Is the Built-in Screen Recorder Hidden?

Unlike third-party screen recording apps, most built-in screen recorders do not appear in the app drawer or home screen. Instead, they are integrated into the phone’s system settings.

Reasons Why the Screen Recorder Doesn’t Appear as a Regular App

  1. System Integration – It is designed as a core system feature rather than an installable app.
  2. Accessed via Quick Settings – Most phones require you to swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Screen Recorder button.
  3. No App Icon by Default – Since it's not treated as a standard app, it doesn’t have an icon in the home screen or app drawer.
  4. Hidden in System Apps – The recorder is classified as a system utility and is often buried within settings.

While these design choices keep the interface clean, they also make it less convenient for users who frequently record their screens. Let’s go over different ways to make your screen recorder more accessible.

Method 1: Use Quick Settings for Instant Access

The easiest and fastest way to access the built-in screen recorder is by adding it to the Quick Settings panel. Most Android phones already have the screen recorder here, but sometimes it's hidden and needs to be added manually.

Steps to Add the Screen Recorder to Quick Settings

  1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
  2. Swipe down again to expand the full Quick Settings menu.
  3. Tap the edit (pencil) icon or Customize (depending on your device).
  4. Find "Screen Recorder" in the list of available shortcuts.
  5. Drag the Screen Recorder tile into the active Quick Settings area.
  6. Tap "Done" or "Save."

Now, you can start recording your screen with just a single swipe and tap!

✔ Fastest way to access the screen recorder
✔ No need to install additional apps
✔ Works on all Android devices with a built-in screen recorder

Method 2: Create a Home Screen Shortcut Using Activity Launcher

If you want to launch your screen recorder like a normal app, you can use Activity Launcher to create a shortcut.

Steps to Create a Shortcut with Activity Launcher

  1. Download Activity Launcher from the Google Play Store.
  2. Open the app and wait for it to scan your installed system apps.
  3. In the search bar, type Screen Recorder.
  4. Look for an entry with com.android.screenrecorder (or your manufacturer’s equivalent, e.g., com.miui.screenrecorder for Xiaomi).
  5. Tap on it to open the screen recorder.
  6. Tap the three dots menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
  7. Select Create Shortcut, and a new icon will appear on your home screen.

Now, you can launch your screen recorder just like any other app!

✔ Quick access from the home screen
✔ No need to open Quick Settings every time
✔ Works on most Android devices

Method 3: Use Shortcut Maker App

Another way to add a shortcut is by using Shortcut Maker, a simple app that lets you create shortcuts for hidden system features.

Steps to Create a Shortcut with Shortcut Maker

  1. Download Shortcut Maker from the Play Store.
  2. Open the app and go to the Apps section.
  3. Find and select Screen Recorder from the list.
  4. Tap Create Shortcut and place it on your home screen.

✔ Easy to use
✔ No unnecessary features
✔ Lightweight and fast

Method 4: Use Google Assistant to Launch the Screen Recorder

If you prefer voice commands, you can use Google Assistant to open the screen recorder without touching your screen.

How to Use Google Assistant to Start Screen Recording

  1. Make sure Google Assistant is enabled on your device.
  2. Say "Hey Google, start screen recording."
  3. If Google Assistant supports this command on your phone, it will launch the built-in screen recorder.

✔ Hands-free access
✔ No need for extra apps
✔ Works on most Android versions

Method 5: Use Quick Ball or Floating Toolbox for Easy Access

Many phones come with a floating shortcut menu, such as Quick Ball (Xiaomi) or Floating Toolbox (Samsung, Realme, OPPO, etc.).

Steps to Enable Quick Ball or Floating Toolbox

  1. Go to Settings and find Quick Ball (Xiaomi) or Floating Toolbox (Samsung, Realme, OPPO, Vivo).
  2. Enable the feature if it is turned off.
  3. Customize the shortcuts and add Screen Recorder to the list.
  4. Now, whenever you tap the Quick Ball or Floating Toolbox, you can start recording instantly!

✔ No extra app installation needed
✔ Easier access than Quick Settings
✔ Works on most Android brands

Method 6: Install a Third-Party Screen Recorder App

If you need more features than the built-in screen recorder provides, you can install a third-party screen recorder with extra tools.

Best Alternative Screen Recorder Apps

✔ XRecorder – No watermark, high-quality recording, and simple interface.
✔ AZ Screen Recorder – Advanced settings for professional use.
✔ Mobizen Screen Recorder – Great for gaming and live streaming.

Conclusion

Most built-in screen recorders are hidden, but you can easily turn them into an accessible app using the methods above.

✔ Fastest way to access? Add it to Quick Settings.
✔ Want a home screen shortcut? Use Activity Launcher or Shortcut Maker.
✔ Prefer hands-free control? Use Google Assistant.
✔ Need extra features? Install a third-party screen recorder.

With these solutions, you can launch your screen recorder effortlessly, making screen recording faster and more convenient. Whether you’re recording tutorials, gameplay, or presentations, having easy access to your screen recorder will enhance your workflow.

Try out these methods and enjoy seamless screen recording on your Android device!

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