FIX QuickTime Screen Recording Not Working [6 Solutions]

Jane Zhou updated on Jun 13, 2024 to EaseUS RecExperts

More than a media player, QuickTime Player allows seamless screen recording and video recording. But is your QuickTime not working? If yes, you are not alone; many have faced similar issues, and there could be various reasons behind them. In this blog, we delve into these reasons and solutions for them.

More than a media player, QuickTime Player allows seamless screen recording and video recording. But is your QuickTime not working? Is QuickTime screen recording no audio? If yes, you are not alone; many have faced similar issues, and there could be various reasons behind them. In this blog, we delve into these reasons and solutions for them.

Why is QuickTime Screen Recording Not Working?

While the exact issue may differ from system to system, some common problems cause QuickTime not to record sound on screen recording!

  • 🔦An outdated version of Quicktime may not be compatible with the current macOS version, so an upgrade is needed. 
  • 🎨Unless macOS allows an application to use hardware, it will not be able to do it. QuickTime may not have enough permission to record.
  • 🎯Most of the apps use a default microphone every time they are used. Ensure that a correct microphone is being used to record. 
  • 📸There could be a temporary glitch which a simple restart can fix.

QuickTime Screen Recording Not Working Solutions

We have picked each possible problem and provided the solution to fix the QuickTime not working issue.

🛠️Method 👍User Experience
Use QuickTime Alternative It is excellent to quickly start recording without depending on built-in features or software with more customization.
Update Software It's easy to do and valuable when a significant update is due.
Check Security & Privacy Setting It's needed to allow the software to record but needs admin permission. 
Enable the Keyboard Shortcuts Allows to start recording quickly
Check QuickTime Settings Confusing if you haven't experimented enough
Check Sound Input Settings This is important if you want to ensure sound recording in the videos.

Method 1. Use a QuickTime Alternative

If you are unhappy with Mac's QuickTime Screen player, then it is time to switch to a better alternative. EaseUS RecExperts allows you to capture high-quality video hassle-free. This software boasts exciting features, including.

  • Record screens with both microphone and system audio.
  • Allow for high-quality filming with a webcam, making it easy to create picture-in-picture videos.
  • Save your recordings in up to 13 formats, such as MP3, MP4, and more
  • Schedule recording in advance to start automatically at a specific time

Hit the below button to get the best QuickTime alternative.

Method 2. Update the Software

Apple provides regular updates for all products and services to troubleshoot problems, such as QuickTime audio recording errors automatically.

Step 1. Open QuickTime Player on Mac. From the top left corner, tap on QuickTime Player and check for the last update.

Step 2. Pending updates will pop up on the screen, and you can install them.

Once done, restart your Mac and check if the error persists.

Method 3. Check Security & Privacy Settings

Some security & privacy settings on your Mac might be causing issues such as the control disappearing, black screen, and Mac screen recording not working. Follow these steps to check if you have the correct settings.

Step 1. Select the infamous Apple icon> System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.

Step 2. Select the Screen Recording Option on the left side of the screen. You will find QuickTime on the right side.

Step 3. Check whether the software has permission to access the microphone.

Step 4. If there is no permission, select the lock symbol at the bottom. Enter your password and check the box before the QuickTime Player icon to enable microphone use.

Method 4. Enable the Keyboard Shortcuts

When you want to enable the Screen Recorder tab, press Command+Shift+5, it will start recording the screen, but if it doesn't work, check whether the shortcut is enabled.

Step 1. Open Spotlight Search by clicking Command+Spacebar. On the search bar, enter System Settings and press Return.

Step 2. On the left menu, click on the Keyboard option.

Step 3. On the right side of the pop-up screen, you will find Keyboard Shortcuts.

Step 4. It will take you to another pop-up window. From the left menu, click on the Screenshots tab.

Step 5. You will find the shortcuts next to the Screenshot and recording options.

Step 6. If the shortcut is not enabled, select the checkbox on the left to allow it to. You also have the option to modify the shortcut by simply clicking on the shortcut and changing it.

Step 7. Once you have made all the changes, click Done. Close the window and check whether the QuickTime Screen Player is working.

Method 5. Check the QuickTime Settings

It could be possible that the Microphone is not selected as the audio input device within the application. Here are the simple steps to choose the suitable audio input device within the application.

Step 1. Launch QuickTime > File > New Screen Recording to start a new activity.

Step 2. Check on the downward arrow next to the options button. After that, select the Built-in Microphone option.

Start recording and check if the issue is resolved.

Method 6. Check the Sound Input Settings

If, even after enabling the QuickTime Player audio setting, you face the issue, then something may be wrong with the sound input settings.

Step 1. Click on the Apple icon >System Preferences > Sound> Input.

Step 2. Select MacBook Air Microphone; below, you will find the volume option.

Turn on the volume to ensure your Mac can catch the input sound.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have highlighted the fundamental problems and their detailed solution to resolve the QuickTime not working issue. But if you are looking for a recording experience that is easy and high quality, we suggest you invest in an alternative like EaseUS RecExperts. This application has many powerful features and can also be downloaded for free.

Frequently Asked Questions?

1. Why isn't my Mac screen recording working?

Mac screen recording may not work due to insufficient permissions, outdated software, or conflicts with third-party apps. To resolve, check permissions, update macOS, and close conflicting apps to ensure a successful screen recording.

2. How do I grant QuickTime access to screen recording?

To grant QuickTime access to screen recording on a Mac, navigate to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Screen Recording. Then, check the box next to QuickTime Player to allow it to record your screen.

3. Why is the screen recording grayed out on QuickTime PlayerMac?

The reason why QuickTime screen recording is greyed out is due to insufficient permissions. To resolve this, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Screen Recording, then ensure QuickTime Player is enabled for screen recording.

4. Why did my screen recording not save?

Low storage, interrupted recording, or incorrect settings are reasons your screen recordings are not being saved. Ensure you have sufficient storage, record without interruptions, and confirm your save location and settings to resolve this issue.