BobbinRecording people without their agreement can be illegal. Some places require everyone's consent to record a conversation (for example California); others require one party. Your employer, school and the meeting organiser may have their own rules. Always announce the recording and get agreement. This guide isn't legal advice.
Quick answer
- Best: Record → Request to record to this computer. If the host approves, Zoom records to your computer (desktop app) and everyone sees Zoom's recording indicator.
- Host can't be bothered each time? Account settings can auto-approve participants' requests.
- Zoom recording not available (web client, Chromebook, host says no to Zoom recording but yes to you keeping notes)? Record your own screen openly with a screen recorder, after everyone agrees.
Your options as a participant
| Option | Needs the host? | Where the file goes | Others notified by Zoom? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Request to record to this computer | Yes: the host approves (or settings auto-approve) | Your computer (Zoom desktop app on Windows, macOS or Linux) | Yes, Zoom shows its recording indicator |
| Request host to record to the cloud | Yes: only the host can start it; needs a paid Zoom licence | The host's Zoom cloud | Yes |
| Host gives you Allow Record | Yes | Your computer | Yes |
| Your own screen recorder, after announcing it | No Zoom permission, but you need everyone's agreement | Your computer | No: so you must tell people yourself |
How to request permission to record
- In the Zoom desktop app, click Record in the meeting toolbar (or More → Record).
- Choose Request to record to this computer. The host sees an approve/deny prompt.
- If approved, click Record again and choose Record to this computer. Zoom converts the file when the meeting ends.
The host can also grant it without a request: Participants → More next to your name → Allow Record. Computer recording works on Zoom's free Basic accounts too, but needs the desktop app; it isn't available on iOS, iPadOS or Android.
If you host meetings: let people record without asking
In the Zoom web portal, under Settings → Recording, the computer-recording options let hosts and admins allow recording requests from internal participants, external participants or specific domains, and approve them automatically. Admins can lock these settings for the whole account or a group.
When Zoom recording isn't an option: record your screen openly
Ask first. A screen recorder doesn't show the meeting app's own recording notice. Say you're recording at the start, get agreement, and follow your organisation's rules and local law.
Sometimes Zoom's recording simply isn't available: you joined from the web client or a Chromebook, the host's account has recording turned off, or the host agrees to you keeping a copy but doesn't want to manage permissions. With everyone's agreement, a screen recorder can record what your own screen shows. With Bobbin, a free Chrome extension:
- Join from the Zoom web client in a Chrome tab (
app.zoom.us/wc). - Click Bobbin → Record screen, window or tab. Tick Microphone and Tab / system audio; untick Webcam bubble.
- Press Start recording, choose the Zoom tab and keep share tab audio on. On the Zoom desktop app for Windows, share the Entire screen with system audio instead.
- Stop with Alt+Shift+S and download the MP4. It stays on your computer; nothing is uploaded.
Bobbin doesn't hide, join as a bot or record meetings you're not in, and makes no transcripts. On a Mac or Linux, Chrome can't capture the desktop app's sound, so use the web client. More detail: free Zoom and Google Meet recorder extension and record Zoom on a Chromebook.
What to say before you record
Something like: "Is everyone OK if I record this call so I can review it later? I'll keep it to myself and delete it afterwards." Wait for a yes from everyone. If anyone says no, don't record; take notes instead or ask the host to share their recording.
Checked on 26 October 2026 from their own pages: Zoom support: Participant controls in a meeting · Zoom support: Starting a computer recording · Zoom support: local recording · Zoom support: cloud recording · Reporters Committee: Reporter's Recording Guide. Plans and settings change; check the linked page before you decide.
Loom, Vidyard, Tella, Tango, Screencastify, Screenity, Zoom and Slack are trademarks of their respective owners. Bobbin is not affiliated with them. Prices and plan limits from their public pages as of 22 Oct 2026.