Android 16 adds the ability to record content displayed on an external screen connected to your smartphone via HDMI. However, there are some limitations.
Android 16 beta 3 has been available for a few days and we're starting to discover new hidden features with this update. We already reported that a window minimization button appeared on tablets to minimize an application rather than closing it, this version also introduces the possibility of natively recording video of what is happening on an external screen connected to the smartphone.
Android Authority noticed that an option “Record HDMI screen” is now offered when the user wants to use the screen recording option. This disappears when the mobile is disconnected of the external screen. An external screen recording is encoded and saved in the same way as a recording of the screen of their Android device. The external monitor identifier is added to the file name to differentiate video captures of the mobile screen from those of a monitor.
Recording a monitor screen with Android 16
This feature of Android 16 currently has certain limitations. For example, it is not possible to use it with a screen mirroring application. It is also not offered when broadcasting the screen with the Cast function. There are also no plans to let the user capture the screen of the smartphone and the monitor simultaneously; a choice must be made. The source does not specify whether this new feature is available when the smartphone is connected to the external display via USB-C.
Since Android 15, it has been possible to take screenshots of the monitor connected to your mobile. Google therefore seems to be accelerating support for this type of experience. We can even imagine that in the future, it will be possible to invoke Gemini or use the Surround function to search from your external display.
The stable version of Android 16 is expected for June 2025. We should know more about its availability and new features to coming at the Google I/O conference on May 20, 2025.
Source: Android Authority
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