Screencasts are incredibly useful for troubleshooting, allowing you to show someone the steps they need to take to solve a technical glitch without you being there in person. You can quickly and easily record your phone or tablet screen in Lollipop with a free app, and no root is required. Here’s how to make an Android screencast. See all Android tutorials.
How to record your screen in Android Lollipop
Step 1. Launch Google Play and search for the free Lollipop Screen Recorder app by Rivulus Studios – we found it at the top of the list of search results. Tap on the app, then select Install and accept the permissions. Tap Open once the app is installed on your phone or tablet. There are alternatives, of course, including Apowersoft’s Android Recorder.
Also see: Android Advisor.
Step 2. The app is very simple, with just three options. The first lets you change the recording resolution. Keep in mind that you’ll be sending the video to someone else, so by reducing the resolution you will be able to reduce the file size.
The second option notes whether the screen will be recorded in portrait or landscape operation. If you want to switch mode you simply turn the device on its side.
The third option lets you enable recording from the microphone, which is not enabled by default. This is a very useful option, since with most Android phones it won’t be obvious which button you have tapped without the recipient also being able to see your finger. By enabling audio you can tell them what you’re pressing as you go along, and they’ll be able to see onscreen the results of each button press. Also see: Best Android phones 2015.
Step 3. Once you’ve selected your options and are ready to begin recording just tap the circular icon at the top right of the screen. The first time you use Lollipop Screen Recorder it will inform you that it will now record everything on your screen. Tap the box for ‘Don’t show again’, then tap Start Now. You can then exit the app and set about recording whatever it is you want to include in the screencast.
Step 4. To finish recording, drag down the notification bar at the top of the screen. Look for a notification that says ‘Recording screen’, with the video resolution below. To stop recording tap Stop.
Step 5. To find your screen recording simply re-open the Lollipop Screen Recorder app and it will be visible on the main screen. If you have a file manager app on your phone you’ll also find it in the ScreenRecordings folder. Also see: Best Android tablets 2015.
Step 6. Within the Lollipop Screen Recorder app you’ll find options to play, share and delete the file. Your sharing options will depend on what other apps you have installed on your phone, but expect to at least find Bluetooth, Gmail and Messaging here.
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Author: Marie Black, Editorial Director
Marie is Editorial Director at Foundry. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she's worked in tech media for more than 17 years, managing our EMEA and LatAm editorial teams and leading on content strategy through Foundry's transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.