Wondering can you record on a Smart TV? Yes, it’s entirely possible but the method that you need to use depends on the brand and capabilities of your smart TV.
In addition, there are ways of recording that require external devices so let’s learn more to check what we can do at home!
The simplest way to record on a smart TV is by using the in-built DVR functionality and recording Live TV, movies, or TV shows using USB storage.
In addition, recording on smart TV is also possible via a set-top box or streaming device or service with capturing.
Let’s unwrap the most-important question first!
How Can I Record TV Shows to Watch Later?
The first and general requirement for recording TV shows on a smart TV to watch later is to have storage to save the recordings.
There are multiple ways of acquiring storage so let’s review all possible ways to record on smart TV and watch the content later:
- Use a USB Stick (Storage) + In-built TV DVR
- Install a set-top-box for Live TV recording
- Use a streaming device with a recording option
- Download streaming apps + cloud recording
- Use remote access apps to record over the internet
Important:
Old TV models that are not “smart” hence can’t connect to the WiFi and do not have in-built recording settings.
In addition, it’s best to check the user manual of your TV to determine whether you can record locally, or if you need an additional device in the setup.
Can You Record on a Smart TV? – Best Possible Ways!
Try as many methods from this guide as possible!
1. Record Smart TV on a USB stick!
Many, if not all, smart TVs have the option to start recording the currently played (or selected) broadcast, live TV, or any show or movie.
However, the recorded footage has to be stored somewhere so the USB stick has to be connected to one of the USB ports on the TV.
Important: Format the USB drive to FAT32 on a Windows-operated machine!
Record on USB – Smart LG TV:
- Plug the USB stick into the TV USB port.
- Using the remote, go into the LG TV Guide.
- Highlight and select the show you wish to record.
- Select the Menu option icon next to the title.
- Use the “OK” button on the remote to select.
- Select the “Record” option to start recording.
Record on USB – Samsung TV:
- Connect the USB stick to the Samsung TV.
- Start streaming the TV show for capturing.
- On the remote, press the “Record” (Rec) button.
- The Samsung TV will scan for the USB.
- Tap on the Proceed button to start recording.
Record on USB – Smart Sony TV:
- Connect the USB to the USB port on the Sony TV.
- On the remote, press Home, then System Settings.
- Then choose Recording Set-up > HDD Registration.
- Follow the on-screen steps to start recording on USB.
Note: The recorded footage will be then saved in the connected USB view recording you need to navigate to your TV USB drive from the menu.
2. Use a Set Top Box Receiver
In case you didn’t know you can record a live TV program by connecting an HDMI set-top box to your smart TV.
Then based on the input signal (live channels) you would be provided with the option to record, pause, replay, and save footage on your connected TV Box.
Here are some TV boxes that support recording:
- Sky Q UHD
- Virgin TV 360
- Freesat 4K TV Box
- Humax AUra
- Manhattan T2-R
Info: Connecting any of these cable boxes to your smart TV, instantly provides you with the function to record any live show, movie, or title.
In addition, these set-top boxes come with inbuilt storage that allows for saving quite a lot of footage before you need to extend the storage.
3. Use a Streaming Device!
One of the best ways to record content on your smart TV is to connect a streaming device that supports the recording function.
Some of these devices are Amazon Fire TV, Roku stick and more so let’s explore how to record content when using a streaming device.
Record Content on Fire TV:
- Use the Channel Guide to select a show.
- Press the Menu button on the Alexa remote.
- Select Record to start the recording session.
- Choose to record 1 episode or the entire season.
Note: The Firestick does not support scheduled recordings and all recording options can be managed in Settings > Live TV > Sources > Recast > Default Recording Options.
Record Content on Roku stick:
The only way to capture content on Roku is through an online service that provides an option for capturing as well as a DVR since Roku does not have in-built storage.
In most cases, these online clouds are on a monthly subscription but deliver everything necessary for capturing.
4. Use Remote Access Apps!
In case you’re still wondering can you record on a Smart TV, there is a pretty clever way to capture content from your smart TV screen.
This method would work on Live TV, application streams, and even capture your TV menus.
To achieve such recording freedom we need a remote access app, that would bring the TV screen on our mobile phones.
The Requirements?
Your TV has to be “smart” and hence have a content store from which you can download AnyDesk or TeamViewer (remote access apps).
In addition, both your devices need to be connected to the internet, and the network doesn’t need to be the same for both devices.
Note: For your mobile device, the cellular internet would also work, as well as sharing hotspots to the smart TV.
How Does it Work?
You need to install AnyDesk or TeamViewer app on both your smart TV and your smartphone.
Both apps are free and are supported on Android TVs, streaming stick’s content stores, or can be downloaded via “rooting” your device to install the .apk.
The next step is to connect to the remote access app on the TV, using our smartphone using the provided (by the app) user ID and then confirm from the receiver device.
Then the screen of your smart TV will appear on your smartphone screen, also with controlled access to the TV.
Note: AnyDesk and TeamViewer are both available for iOS and Android!
The Ultimate Goal?
When we can see the screen of your smart TV on a smartphone or tablet, we can use the mobile feature to record the device’s screen, hence the TV screen.
- On Android – Swipe down to bring up the Quick Menu, and tap on Record to start
- On iOS – Swipe up or down for Quick Access and tap on Record to begin
Info: You are now recording the screen of your mobile, but when the content from the smart TV is displayed, the goal is achieved.
Shortly you would have a saved recording on your mobile, directly from the content that your TV was streaming at the time.
How to Record on LG Smart TV – All You Need to Know!
How to Record a Current Program?
While streaming, press the Q.Menu (1, 2, 3) button from the remote control to display the Screen Remote.
Then, choose the Screen Remote to see the Progress Bar and be able to select “REC” which would begin recording.
Tip: Press the “OK” button (wheel) to display information about the recording.
How to Stop Recording on LG TV?
While recording the “REC” button changes to the “Recording Stop” button, which you need to highlight and select to stop capturing.
How to Replay Captured Content?
Again, press the Q.Menu (1, 2, 3) button to bring up the Screen Remote, then access the Progress Bar and then select Recorded TV.
This will check for footage in a connected USB drive or the internal storage of your LG TV as per the preset configuration.
How to Delete LG TV Recordings?
In the Recorded TV, you will find a list of all recordings and you can select any of them, followed by the Delete/Protection button.
Then you’ll be asked whether you want to delete the content or mark it as “protected” against automatic deletion.
Info: The automatic deletion appears as per the LG TV recording settings, essentially when the storage fills up and the old contents are replaced with new ones.
Quick Recap:
Now that we know you can record on a Smart TV, we’ve learned that this is possible via the in-built DVR function of the TV + a USB stick.
Alternatively, record smart TV using a streaming app with capturing functions and cloud storage provided by the supplier.
Read Next: How To Delete Recordings On DIRECTV? Complete Steps
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.