Yes, a free account can record, but only to your computer with the Zoom desktop app for Windows, macOS or Linux. Phones can only record to the cloud, which needs a licensed Pro, Business or Enterprise account.
| You are | On | Option | Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host, free account | Windows, macOS, Linux app | Computer recording | Nothing extra |
| Host, paid account | Windows, macOS, Linux app | Computer or cloud | Cloud: Pro, Business or Enterprise license |
| Host or co-host, paid account | iOS or Android app | Cloud only | Paid license |
| Host, free account | iOS or Android app | Not available | Computer recording isn't supported on phones |
| Participant | Any | Whichever the host allows | The host's permission |
Free account, on a computer
Computer recording is "available to both free and paid subscribers."
- Start the meeting as host.
- Click Record in the meeting toolbar. If a menu opens, choose Record on this Computer.
When the meeting ends and conversion finishes, the files are in your default Zoom recording folder, which opens automatically. Don't close the laptop or shut down until conversion finishes; Zoom says an interrupted conversion can leave the files corrupted and unrecoverable.
On a phone
Computer recording isn't supported on iOS, iPad or Android. The phone route is cloud recording: start or join as host or co-host, tap More, then Record, then Start recording. Cloud recording requires a licensed user on a Pro, Business or Enterprise account. A free account has no phone option.
Cloud recording on a computer
In the desktop app: More, Record, then Record to the cloud. It also works in the Zoom Web App. Only hosts and co-hosts can start one. Afterward the recording appears under Recordings & Transcripts in the Zoom web portal and in Zoom Hub. Processing usually takes about twice the recorded length, occasionally up to 24 hours. A recording started by a co-host shows up only in the host's list.
As a participant
Participants can't just hit Record. The host has to record the meeting or give you that ability. The host opens the Participants list, clicks More beside your name and picks Allow Record. Some accounts are set so participants can start a computer recording without asking. For a cloud recording, the host can make you a co-host instead.
Record is missing or grayed out
On your own account, turn it on in the Zoom web portal: profile picture, Settings, Recording tab, Record to computer files. If the toggle is grayed out there, it's locked at the group or account level and an admin has to change it. Admins find the account setting under Account Settings, Recording & Transcript.
Sources
- Zoom Support — Enabling or disabling computer recording (checked Nov 8, 2026)
- Zoom Support — Starting a cloud recording (checked Nov 8, 2026)
- Zoom Support — Starting a computer recording (checked Nov 8, 2026)