30 November 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
Recording the screen of an Android device can be a straightforward process for devices running Android 4.4 (KitKat) and later, thanks to the adb shell screenrecord command. However, users with devices running versions below 4.4 face a challenge, as this command is not supported. This article aims to guide you through the available solutions for screen recording on older Android versions.
Understanding the Limitations
The adb shell screenrecord command is a built-in feature for Android devices starting from version 4.4. It allows users to record their screen directly from the command line. Unfortunately, for devices running versions below 4.4, this feature is unavailable. As such, alternative methods must be employed.
Alternative Solutions for Older Android Versions
Use an Emulator
One effective solution is to use an Android emulator such as the Android Virtual Device (AVD) or Genymotion. These emulators can simulate an Android environment on your computer, allowing you to record the screen using desktop-based recording tools. This approach is particularly useful for developers who are testing apps on virtual devices.
Screen Mirroring Applications
Applications like AirServer can mirror your Android device’s screen to a PC or Mac. Once mirrored, you can use screen recording software on your computer to capture the video output. This method provides high-quality recordings and is suitable for users who do not need to perform the recording directly on the device.
Continuous Screen Recording
To bypass the time limitation on screen recording, you can use a more advanced method with the following command snippet:
./adb exec-out "while true; do screenrecord --bit-rate=16m --output-format=h264 --size 720x1280 --time-limit 180 -; done" | ffplay -framerate 60 -framedrop -bufsize 16M -
This command continuously records the screen in chunks, using ffplay to play the recorded stream. It’s a more technical solution but can be effective for users familiar with command-line operations.
Enhancing Testing with Repeato
For users interested in automated testing, Repeato, a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android, can be an invaluable asset. While Repeato’s primary function is not screen recording, its ability to execute ADB commands seamlessly through script steps can complement any workflow involving screen interactions. This feature is particularly beneficial when precise timing and sequence control of ADB commands are required.
