How to Record a Zoom Meeting without Permission on Phone, Windows, and Mac

For genuine reasons, you may want to record Zoom meetings without permission, and that may not be possible if you are not the host of a meeting or you just do not think it necessary to let everyone know you are recording. People quietly record Zoom meetings to catch up on information when they are not stable in the meeting or in a seminar where the speaker speaks too quickly but they want to write down some points. From company meetings to classes, there are legitimate reasons to record a meeting discreetly, and here are some options to consider.=

Table of Contents

1. Systems screen recorder
2. Third-party screen recorder
3. Zoom Chrome extensions
4. Other Free tools to consider

1. System screen recorder for Phones, Windows, and Mac

I.  Mobile Phones

Usually, people use screen recorders, and there are different options for mobile phone recording and laptop users.

Hence, if your phone or tablet has a screen video recording option, you can launch it to record the ongoing session. The advantage of this option is that it is easy to use without complications.

Unfortunately for this option, it only records what goes on on your screen; hence, you cannot minimize a tab or an app to do something else unless you are on the Zoom screen where the session is going on. If you use products such as Samsung, you have the option to record the screen without a voice or to pick the voice recording option as well.

Sometimes, you may also choose to record from your device or use the device's microphone to record audio. This method is seamless, with no notification to the parties in the session that there is an ongoing recording.

Some phones (make and models) offer a countdown timer before recording commences, while some don’t. Some also offer an on-screen ‘stop recording’ option while some don’t.

Screen Recorder Overview:

• They are easy to use
• Phone screen recorders offer flexibility
• You can record your meeting with them, but you cannot leave the screen
• It is power consuming
• Functions and features of recorder depends entirely on phones

II. Windows

Windows 10 users, however, can use the Game Box screen recorder. It is possible to record your screen if you use Windows 10. You have to first launch the Game Bar or Xbox app, minimize it in the background, and open your Zoom meeting screen.

Press Windows Icon + G, and the recording icon will come up. You must enable the gaming features on the app for it to work. It opens the recording panel for you to start recording. You can also use Win + Alt + R to end or the on-screen record button, and that is the end.

With the shortcut, you may not need to launch the Xbox app in the background. This option works for Windows 10 and above. Your Windows will be recorded in 'Videos/Captures' in 'Game DVR' in the Xbox app.

Game Bar Screen Recorder Overview:

• Systems app, there is no need to worry about compatibility and viruses
• Dynamic to use with shortcuts
• Limited functions
• No editing option

A video guide to record your screen on Windows 10

III. Mac

1. Press CMD + Shift + 5.
2. Choose a recording option.
3. To stop recording, click the Recording Icon on top of the screen or from the taskbar.

When you press CMD + Shift + 5, the first three options are screenshot options. The next icon allows you to record an entire screen, and the following one lets you capture what area of the screen you want to record.

You can choose to set a timer and countdown for when your recording begins, or you can start recording immediately. You also have the option to capture audio from your MacBook or an external mic, or even without sounds.

There will be a recording icon on the top of your screen, towards the right corner, that will show that the screen recording is ongoing. With the advanced option on the screen capture toolbar, you can choose the location to save your video; otherwise, it will save on the desktop with a default name.

Mac Screen Recorder Overview

• Systems app, there is no need to worry about compatibility.
• Dynamic to use with shortcuts
• More flexible than Windows, you can set what part of the screen to record and use a timer.
• No editing option

Here’s a video Guide:

2. Record Zoom Meeting Without Permission with Third-Party Screen Recorder Apps

1. Using Movavi Screen Recorder to Record Zoom Meeting

It is possible to record a Zoom meeting if you are not the host if you are using third-party apps, but not with the Zoom meeting recorder. Of course, there are Chrome extensions for Zoom that you can use to record or save videos, but they may not give you as much control as the Movavi screen recorder for Windows and Mac OS.

The advantage of this tool is that you can record without requesting the host's permission or sending notifications to the participants, and it offers the option for both local and cloud storage. The Movavi screen video recorder can record both video and audio separately too, and you have the flexibility of choosing your output format.

To use this option, download and install the program. With Movavi Screen Recorder, set up recording preferences. Once you click "screen recording," a countdown timer will begin for you to return to the exact screen you want to record.**

This product also has mobile app variants that you can get on the Play Store and the Apple Store.

Movavi Screen Recorder Overview

• Movavi is a big player in the market and can be trusted
• Works for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android
• You can set output format
• Offers option for local and cloud storage
• The premium is more satisfying

Here is a video guide

2. VideoSolo Screen Recorder:

Much like every other tool discussed so far, the VideosSolo Screen Recorder will record a Zoom meeting without permission, and also includes some smart features. It offers free and premium versions.

You can set the region of your screen you want to record and the desired mode to capture video and audio, video only, or audio only. It also allows you to record your Zoom meeting screen from your iOS and Android devices on your PC.

Users can trim, compress, or do some video editing with the tool once the recording is complete. What makes this tool versatile is that while using it on your PC, you can select an area of your screen you want to have recorded. It means you can partition your screen, recording your seminar while you are also doing something else on the same PC. You can also auto-schedule your recording time.

Download and install VideoSolo Recorder. You can follow prompts, thereby seeing what to do and the features to enjoy.

VideoSolo Recorder Overview:

• You can select an area of the screen to record.
• You can enjoy multiscreen.
• Can separately record video and audio
• Can schedule recording and stoppage times.
• Can switch to the last recording mode
• Can select audio mode, whether from Windows, system sound, or the microphone
• You can trim the video after recording.
• It is mostly a paid app (the trial version is very limited)

Here’s a video guide to record a meeting with VideoSolo

3. Record Zoom Meeting without Permission with Wondershare DemoCreator

The Wondershare DemoCreator is another perfect tool to record a Zoom meeting without the permission of the host or notifying team members. With respective installers for Mac and Windows, you can use this app on both OSes.

Wondershare DemoCreator  allows Zoom attendants to record an ongoing meeting (audio and screen) without permission and allows hosts to share their presentations with Zoom. It offers the possibility of high-quality outputs, including formats and frame rates. It offers editing and advanced recording features. It has an AI face recognition feature, which you can use to track your face and cover it with an avatar if you do not want your face to show in the video.

Wondershare DemoCreator Overview:

• Can record multiple screens
• Allows hosts to share screens and presentations
• Has advanced recording and editing features
• Has an AI face tracker
• Offers transcript
• Allows simultaneous (or optional) recording of screen, system audio, webcam, and mic.
• Compatible with Mac and Windows OS
• Allows meeting annotation
• Free version is limited to only 15 minutes
• May have too many unnecessary features for a simple on-screen recording

Here is a video Guide

4.VLC Media Player

Since many people already use VLC Media Player already on their computer, they can just go ahead to use this.

All you have to do is launch the app and press Ctrl + C (alternatively, click the media icon at the top left of the app screen and choose "Capture Mode").

You will see a drop-down menu, which by default may be on Direct Show. Pick 'Desktop' and set other things you may want to do. It should be as simple as that. If not, you may see this video for more practical steps. As an open-source app, this option is free, but you can only record everything on your screen

VLC Media Player Overview:

• It's a versatile app that most people have

• It has customizable hotkeys.

• You can control the recording easily.

• You cannot select what part of the screen to record

• You have no editing options or scheduler

• The only way to stop recording is to manually visit the app and stop recording

• The voice quality isn't the best

• Free

  
  

Here is a video guide:

3. Record Zoom Meeting without Permission with a Web Browser Extension:

Loom Screen Recorder

There are many Zoom extensions for Chrome that you can use to maximize your online meetings, but Loom is a must-have if you want to record online meetings without the host's permission.

Loom for Chrome is a screen recorder extension, but you can also use it as a desktop app. Visit the Chrome web store (link) and search for Loom. You will see the Loom screen recorder and capture.

Once installed, it will appear under extensions in the top right corner of your web browser, and once you click it, it prompts you to log in. Once ready, click "Launch," and you will be able to access Zoom. Get into your Zoom meeting with the details.

Click on the Loom recorder once the meeting is on, and click the icon again to end your recording.
The Chrome extension will give you the option to record the entire screen, a window, or a Chrome tab. Choose your Zoom window or tab, and you can start recording. Once done, checkmark your video, and it is saved for you to watch and review or even edit.

Loom Screen Recorder Overview:

• It is easy to use

• It can conserve your device's memory since it is an extension

• You can select what windows or even tabs to record

• You only have the option to record the voice coming from the screen

• Nice interface with a library for recorded files

• Free plan is limited to 5 minutes but teachers with educational account can get up to 45 free minutes of recording.

  
  

Here is a video Guide

There are other options like this on the Chrome Web Store; you can discover them and use them in mostly similar ways.

4. Other Free Tools to Record Zoom Meeting without Notification or Permission

• Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder
• ShareX
• Clipchamp (30 minutes limit)
• OBS

Final Thoughts

The three best options overall are to use the system’s screen recorder, a third-party application screen recorder, and/or a Chrome extension screen recorder. The most trusted option for recording a Zoom meeting without permission are screen recorders, and the quality of voice and picture resolution are ideal.

Note: Ensure you have legal grounds to record a video with people’s faces and voices. Some countries require permission and verbal consent for you to record other people's voices, and you can be sued if you violate such a thing. Hence, ensure that you do not misuse recorded meetings.

Once you record a Zoom meeting without permission and are done with it, you should trash the file permanently. Do not take chances with the information falling into the wrong hands.