How to Screen Record Protected Apps Without Facing a Black Screen

 

When attempting to record screens of certain applications, users often encounter a black screen. This occurs due to security measures implemented by app developers to safeguard content and user privacy. Consequently, recorded videos will result in a black screen.

Although safeguarding content and user privacy is important, it poses challenges when trying to report a bug or create a tutorial for the app, especially if screen recording is the only viable option. The good news is that circumventing this limitation is quite manageable.

In this step-by-step guide, I will outline straightforward and effective methods to screen record protected apps without the output being a black screen.

Also Read: How to Easily Download Restricted Telegram Videos

The Black Screen Issue with Screen Recording

The internet is rife with pirated content, leading to a significant loss in revenue for numerous businesses. To combat this, developers implement Digital Rights Management (DRM) to restrict screen recording of their content. Examples of such services include Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

This concern extends beyond mere revenue protection; platforms like Telegram also utilize DRM to prevent screen recording of private chats, videos, groups, and channels, thereby safeguarding user privacy.

Furthermore, financial apps and those offering paid courses typically do not allow users to record screens.

Disclaimer:
This article does not endorse any illegal use of screen recording. Please obtain consent from the other party if you intend to record someone’s conversation.

How to Screen Record Protected Apps

There are several methods to screen record restricted apps on Android, iPhone, and Windows. Below, I have detailed each approach along with step-by-step instructions.

Screen Record Protected Apps on Android

Method 1: Screen Share to Another Device

If you have an additional smartphone (whether Android or iOS), you can mirror the screen to that device and record it. This is a simple workaround for screen recording protected apps without encountering a black screen.

To facilitate screen sharing, consider using apps like AirDroid Cast or TeamViewer.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Download a screen sharing app on both devices.
2. Mirror the primary device’s screen to the secondary device.
3. Record the screen on the second device while using the protected app on the primary device.

You can also use Google Meet or Zoom, which have screen-sharing features that allow one screen's content to be displayed on another. Here’s the process:

1. Download the Zoom app on both devices.
2. Host a meeting on one device and join it on the other using the meeting ID and passcode.
3. On the primary device with the protected app, find the Share option in the meeting options at the bottom.
4. Tap on Share and select Screen.
5. Click Start Now to share your screen.
6. Start recording on the secondary device while using the protected app on the primary device.

If your secondary device is an Android phone, you can use its built-in screen recording feature. Simply swipe down from the top to access the control panel and select the screen recording icon. For a PC, press Win + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool, then tap the video icon, select the recording area, and click Start Now.

Once the recording begins, open the protected app on your primary device to capture the screen. Stop the recording when finished and enjoy offline access.

Method 2: Modify the Restricted App

On Android devices, you can modify the app to bypass restrictions on screen recording and screenshots, allowing you to capture the screen without encountering a black screen.

While many websites suggest using Tai Chi for this purpose, it can lead to complications. Tai Chi is a closed-source application, meaning the code isn’t publicly available, and information about its developers is limited.

I do not recommend this approach just to screen record a protected app; Method 1 should suffice. However, if you wish to proceed, EdXposed is a better alternative. It is an open-source framework with greater compatibility and a wider selection of available modules.

You can use the DISABLE FLAG SECURE module with EdXposed to bypass screenshot and screen recording restrictions.

Screen Record Protected Apps on iPhone

Since you cannot modify apps on iPhones, the only method to screen record protected apps is by mirroring the screen to a different device and recording that screen.

The secondary device does not have to be an iPhone; it can also be an Android, Mac, or Windows device.

1. iPhone to iPhone Screen Sharing

You can utilize the FaceTime app to share your screen from one iPhone to another. Afterward, begin screen recording on the second iPhone while using the restricted app on your primary iPhone.

Steps:

1. Open the FaceTime app.
2. Initiate a video call with the other iPhone.
3. Once the video call is active, tap on the screen of your primary iPhone to access FaceTime controls.
4. Tap the screen sharing icon and select Share My Screen to share your entire screen.
5. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your second iPhone to open the Control Center.
6. Tap the recording icon to start recording the screen.

If you cannot locate the recording icon in the Control Center, go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls, and tap the “+” icon next to screen recording.

FaceTime provides an easy solution for screen sharing between iPhones, but third-party applications like ApowerMirror, or meeting apps such as Zoom and Google Meet, can also offer this functionality.

2. iPhone to Android Screen Sharing

There is no direct method to cast your iPhone’s screen to an Android device; you will need to install a third-party application like ApowerMirror or AirDroid Cast.

Steps:

1. Download the same screen sharing app on both devices.
2. Launch the app and connect both devices.
3. Use the screen sharing feature to mirror your iPhone’s screen to the Android device.
4. Begin recording the screen on your Android while using the restricted app on the iPhone.

Most Android devices come equipped with a built-in screen recording feature accessible from the control panel. If it is unavailable on your device, download AZ Screen Recorder or XRecorder from the Google Play Store.

3. iPhone to Mac Screen Sharing

Steps:

1. Ensure your iPhone and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to access the Control Center.
3. Tap the Screen Mirroring button.
4. On your Mac, press Shift + Command + 5 simultaneously.
5. Select the record option, choose the area to record, and click Record.

4. iPhone to Windows Screen Sharing

Use ApowerMirror, Zoom, or any compatible software to mirror your iPhone’s screen to a Windows computer. Afterward, press Win + Shift + S on your PC and select the video icon. Choose an area to record and click Start Now.

Screen Record Protected Apps on Windows

Applications implement various security measures to guard against content piracy and enhance user privacy, making it challenging for screen recording apps to bypass all restrictions. While apps like ApowerMirror and iTop Screen Recorder can succeed with many apps, I cannot guarantee that they will work with all restricted applications.

Feel free to explore these applications to determine which ones can successfully screen record protected apps without resulting in a black screen output.

I hope this guide clarifies how to screen record protected apps without encountering a black screen. Which restricted app are you attempting to record? Please share in the comments section below.