4 Ways to Screen Record Protected Video[100% Working]

Can You Screen Record Protected Videos?

Yes, you can screen record protected videos, but it's not always straightforward. Many streaming platforms use DRM to prevent users from copying or recording content. As a result, when you try to record, you might get a black screen or muted audio.

That said, there are some workarounds, like using a screen recorder that bypasses DRM restrictions, disabling hardware acceleration, or even recording through virtual meetings (e.g., Zoom). However, these methods may have limitations in quality, compatibility, or legality. Next, let's check out how they work!

Easiest Way to Screen Record Protected Videos in Windows & Mac

Using a DRM video recorder is the easiest way to capture copy-protected video on Windows or Mac, and EaseUS RecExperts is such a recorder. This screen recorder helps users bypass screen recording restrictions and record protected content smoothly for personal viewing.

Unlike many common recorders that result in a black screen, this tool offers a more stable recording experience even on DRM-protected sites, including Netflix, Clapper DND, Kayo, etc. Plus, there will be no time limit or watermark during your video recording. However, some advanced recording options are only available in the Pro version.

To help you record all protected videos without a black screen, all you need is the below excellent screen recorder. Just hit the button to get it!

Here is a list of steps for recording protected videos via EaseUS RecExperts:

Step 1. Launch the EaseUS RecExperts, and click the downward triangle to find the "Enhanced mode" button that looks like a small TV on the left panel.

Step 2. Select to record the webcam, system sound, or the microphone. You can see popular streaming sites in this interface, including YouTube, Netflix, Vimeo, Amazon Prime, Disney, Hulu, etc. Then, click a site, and you will be lead to its official website.

Step 3. Go back to EaseUS RecExperts and click the "REC" to proceed. The recording will start after a 3-second countdown. You can see a task bar on your screen. Choose the corresponding button on it to pause or stop the recording.

Step 4. When the recording is over, you will be lead to the preview interface where you can view and edit the recorded videos. Here you can eidt, take screenshots from the recording, or, adjust the volume and playback speed as you like.

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Record Restricted Videos Free by Disabling Hardware Acceleration

Another simple trick to screen record blocked videos is to disable hardware acceleration in your browser or media player. Some streaming platforms use this feature to block screen recording and show a black screen. By turning it off, you may be able to bypass the restriction and record videos smoothly using a regular screen recorder, like OBS Studio, Game Bar, or QuickTime.

However, disabling hardware acceleration can help bypass black screen issues when recording, but it's not guaranteed to work on all platforms and may affect video playback performance. It's a quick fix, not a long-term solution.

Here are the steps of screen recording DRM videos:

Step 1. Disable Hardware Acceleration in Your Browser

• Google Chrome: Click the three-dot menu > Settings > System, then toggle off "Use hardware acceleration when available."
• Firefox: Click Settings > Performance, and uncheck "Use recommended performance settings" and "Use hardware acceleration when available".
• Edge: Click the three-dot menu > Settings > System and performance, then toggle off. Use hardware acceleration when available.

Step 2. Open a screen recorder to start recording restricted videos

After disabling the hardware acceleration, you can start recording with a screen recorder.

• For Windows, you can press Win + G to begin recording with Xbox Game Bar
• For Mac, you can capture protected streaming content with QuickTime Player.

Record DRM Protected Video via Zoom

Using Zoom to record DRM-protected videos is a simple workaround that allows you to capture both video and audio by sharing your screen. However, the method has limitations: the video quality may be reduced, especially with high-definition content, and it may not work with all DRM platforms that block screen sharing. Additionally, audio and video sync issues can occur, making it less reliable for professional-grade recordings.

This solution is best suited for casual users who need a quick, free way to capture content for personal use, but it's not ideal for high-quality, large-scale recording.

How to record protected videos on Android and iPhone:

Step 1. Open Zoom and start a new meeting (with just yourself).

Step 2. Click Share Screen and select the window or browser playing the protected video.

Step 3. Make sure to check "Share sound" and "Optimize for video clip".

Step 4. Click Record in Zoom to start capturing the shared screen.

Screen Record Copyrighted Videos with External Phone

This method is free as you don't need to buy any recording software from the market. You only need to prepare an external phone with a camera. When trying this method, the recordings will never show a black screen. 

It's a low-cost method. However, when using this method, ensure the background and light are in good condition. Also, you need to control the noises to ensure the quality of the recording. 

Record DRM protected videos on iPhone or Android via external phone:

Step 1. Prepare one external phone with a camera to record the videos. Fix the camera on the tripod. Also, adjust the recording angle to ensure it captures the complete screen. 

Step 2. After changing the camera position, you can start recording. Remember to perform the protected videos. 

Step 3. Once done, turn off the protected videos and your phone camera. 

Conclusion

Screen recording protected videos is possible, but it comes with technical challenges and legal considerations. Whether you're trying to save content for offline viewing, take notes from a lecture, or create commentary videos, it's important to choose the right method and use it responsibly. Always make sure your actions fall within fair use or platform policies.

🔶 Best for Personal Use & Quality Recording: Use EaseUS RecExperts – great for recording with audio, scheduling, and editing features.

🔶 Best Free & Quick Solution: Try disabling hardware acceleration or using built-in screen recorders on your device.

🔶 Best for Workarounds: Use Zoom screen sharing to bypass restrictions for basic capture needs (with reduced quality).

FAQs About How to Screen Record Protected Videos

Here are some frequently asked questions gathered from the public. 

1. What is a DRM-protected video?

In short, DRM is used to control how and where digital videos are accessed or shared, ensuring content is only used by authorized users in approved ways.

2. Why is the website black when you screen record?

It's possible that you face screen-protected videos. When the videos are under DRM protection, you will see a black screen once you use other recorders to record them. 

3. Does recording a video from the screen violate copyright?

Recording a video from your screen can violate copyright if you share or redistribute it without permission. For personal use, it may be allowed under fair use, but recording premium or copyrighted content is generally against the law. Always check the platform's terms and local regulations.