Screen recording on your OnePlus 13 is a fantastic way to capture tutorials, save memorable moments from video calls, or share your gaming highlights. The feature is built right into OxygenOS 15, so you don't need to download anything extra to get started. Here's exactly how to use it.
Access the Screen Recorder
Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to pull down the full Quick Settings panel. Look for a tile labeled Screen Recorder. If you don't see it immediately, tap the pencil icon to edit your tiles and drag it into your active panel from the list below.
On the OnePlus 13, the icon looks like a small video camera with a red dot. I'd start by checking here first, as it's the fastest way to begin a recording.
Start Your First Recording
Tap the Screen Recorder tile. A menu will pop up from the bottom of your screen. This is where you configure your audio. You can choose to record System sound (audio from your apps and games), System sound and microphone, or Microphone only.
You'll also see a toggle to Show touches on screen. Turning this on is great for tutorials, as it displays a white circle wherever you tap. Once you've made your selections, just tap Start and a three-second countdown will begin.
Record with Your Voice and Game Audio
For narrated guides or gameplay commentary, select the "System sound and microphone" option before you hit start. This captures both the audio from whatever app you're in and your voice through the phone's microphone. It's the best setting for creating engaging, explanatory content.
Just be mindful of your surroundings, as the mic will pick up ambient noise too. I've found using headphones with a built-in mic can help with audio clarity.
Stop and Save Your Video
When you're finished, you have two easy ways to stop. You can swipe down to see the ongoing notification and tap the Stop button. Alternatively, look for a small floating red icon, usually a circle or a video camera symbol, and tap that.
Your recording will automatically save to your Gallery app. You'll typically find it in an album called "ScreenRecordings" or within the main camera roll, sorted by the most recent date.
Edit and Trim the Video
Open the Gallery app and find your new screen recording. Tap on it, then look for an Edit button. The built-in editor lets you trim the start and end points, which is perfect for cutting out the countdown or any fumbling after you stopped.
For more advanced edits, like adding text or music, you can use Google Photos or a dedicated video editor. The OnePlus 13's powerful processor handles editing these video files smoothly.
Configure Recording Quality
For more control, open your Settings app and go to Additional settings > Screen recorder. Here, you can adjust the video resolution and frame rate. Higher settings like 1440p at 60fps look incredible but create much larger files.
If you're just recording for a quick social media clip, 1080p at 30fps is usually perfect. This menu is also where you can change the default audio source if you find yourself always picking the same option.
Understand Recording Limitations
Due to copyright protection, most premium video streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video will block screen recording. You'll typically see a black screen or an error message in the recording.
Similarly, secure apps for banking or digital payments will often disable recording for your safety. For everything else, browsers, games, social media, and most other apps, it works without a hitch.
Share Your Creations
Once your video is ready, open it in the Gallery and tap the share icon. You can send it directly via messaging apps, email, or upload it to platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. For very long recordings, consider trimming them first to make sharing easier.
The fast USB-C port on the OnePlus 13 also makes it quick to transfer large video files to a computer if you need to do more detailed editing there.
Explore Third-Party Recorder Apps
If you need features like live drawing on screen, scheduled recordings, or more advanced audio controls, check the Google Play Store. Apps like AZ Screen Recorder or Mobizen offer a wider set of tools.
Just remember to grant the necessary permissions when you first open them. Using the original OnePlus charger can help if you're doing long recording sessions, as it prevents the phone from slowing down due to low battery.
