Android: Screencast without root - is that possible?

Without root rights, the screencast under Android is only possible from Android 4.4 aka KitKat. This practical tip shows you how to use the function.

Prepare your computer and smartphone with Android 4.4 or higher

If you have a smartphone with Android 4.4 or higher, you can film the screen content of your mobile phone together with a PC. To do this, follow the steps below.

• First download and install the ADB drivers from the CHIP site.
• You also need the ADB tools, which you can also download from CHIP. Then install these too.
• Activate USB debugging on your smartphone now. To do this, go to the "Settings" menu, select "Via phone" and tap "Build number" seven times. The new item "Developer Options" now appears in the Settings menu. Select this and check the "USB debugging."

Record screencast with ADB tools

Once you have made the necessary settings, connect your mobile phone to the computer via USB.

• Then start py_cmd.exe in the installation folder of the "Minimal ADB and Fastboot" software. A command line window should open.
• Enter the command "adb shell screenrecord /sdcard/Test-Aufnahm.mp4" here. When you press Enter, the recording starts. End this by pressing [CTRL] + [C]. The film is then stored directly in the smartphone's main memory.
• Recordings of up to three minutes are possible. You can find further setting options with the appendices: -bit-rate [value] to change the bit rate. -size [width] x [height] to configure the resolution. --time-limit [seconds], which shortens the recording time to less than three minutes.

Best method: screen capture via Android app

With the Android tool "Recordable" you can record your screen without root rights. If you still have root rights, you don't even need a PC. Read here how recording works in connection with a computer and without root.

• First download "Recordable" from the Playstore. As stated in the app, go to the website "recordable.mobi/install" on your PC.
• Here you can download the right software for your PC, whether Windows, Mac or Linux. Then install it and start the program. Connect your smartphone to the PC when Recordable notifies you. Finally, you can disconnect your cell phone from the PC.
• Now you can take pictures of your screen until the next restart of the android without you needing root rights. Recording starts automatically when you minimize the app and ends when you open it again.

Screen recording with Android 5.0 Lollipop

Since Google released the Android update 5.0 called "Lollipop", you finally save yourself the hassle of setting up apps. Here's how:

• For example, download the "Lollipop Screen Recorder" app from the PlayStore and install it.
• When you open the app, you still have the option of activating the recording of the sound through the microphone or just taking the picture.
• With a tap on the round symbol in the upper right corner, the recording starts and runs smoothly until you open the app again and end the recording by tapping the character again. You can now play the video directly in the app.

The principle was tested under Windows 7 and a Google Nexus 5. You can read about how to create screencasts on your computer in the next practical tip.