If you are a Netflix fan, you would surely like to record your favorite scenes from the screen and share them with your buddies. But have you ever tried it? Fans who have done so would have experienced a black screen that completely blanks out the content from the screen when you attempt a screenshot. Why does that happen, and is there any way to overcome this problem? This article discusses Netflix's black screen issue and how to screen record Netflix without a black screen.

Can you screen record Netflix without a black screen?

Yes, it is possible to record Netflix content without encountering a black screen on both PCs and smartphones. However, this requires specific tools and methods to bypass Netflix's Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection. Below, we’ll outline the process while addressing key considerations.

Key Considerations When Recording Netflix

Device Capability: Ensure your device can simultaneously handle Netflix streaming and screen recording without significant lag.

• Example: A mid-range PC with at least 8GB RAM and a Quad-Core processor is recommended for smooth performance.
• Smartphone: Devices with Snapdragon 700 series or above work well for multitasking.

Potential Limitations:

DRM Protection: Netflix employs DRM (Digital Rights Management) technology to block screen recording. Using regular methods might result in a black screen.

• Workaround: Use screen recording software that bypasses DRM, such as specific plugins or tools with a hardware overlay feature.

Quality Loss: Screen recording typically captures video in lower quality than the original stream.

• Example: A 4K stream might be recorded at 1080p due to screen recording limitations.
• Data Point: Netflix streams consume about 3GB/hour for 1080p and 7GB/hour for 4K; a recorded file may take 30%-50% more space.

Storage Space: Ensure adequate storage before recording.

• Example: A 1-hour 1080p recording might require 1.5GB-2GB of storage.

Legal Considerations:

• Copyright infringement can lead to legal consequences, resulting in penalties or fines.
• Screen recording Netflix content is considered a violation of their terms and conditions and can result in the suspension or termination of your account.
• You must consider the ethical implications of recording and sharing Netflix content, which is meant to be enjoyed within the platform's guidelines.

Q. Why do you see a black screen when screen-recording Netflix?

Netflix implements Digital Rights Management (DRM) to protect copyright violations and prevent unauthorized reproduction or distribution of its content. So, whenever a subscriber tries to screen record Netflix content, DRM encryption blocks the visual output, resulting in a black screen.

Overview of Solutions: Comparison of Tools

We will discuss five workable tools that enable subscribers to screen record Netflix without a black screen. This tabular comparison should simplify things.

Things You Must to Do: Disable Hardware Acceleration

Disabling hardware acceleration on your browsers is crucial for screen recording Netflix without a black screen. Each browser has its specific method. Let’s discuss how to disable hardware acceleration on different browsers.

How to Turn Hardware Acceleration on and off in Chrome

Step 1: Open Chrome and click on “More Options.”

Step 2: Go to Settings.

Step 3: Click on "System."

Step 4: Find "Use Hardware Acceleration When Available." Turn it off.

Step 5: Restart Google Chrome.

How to Turn off Hardware Acceleration in the Mozilla Firefox

Step 1: Open Firefox and click “More Options.”

Step 2: Go to Settings.

Step 3: Scroll down to “Performance” under the “General” Tab.

Step 4: Uncheck “Use recommended Performance Settings.”

Step 5: Disable “Use Hardware Acceleration When Available.”

Step 6: Restart Firefox.

How to Disable Hardware Acceleration in Microsoft Edge

Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge and go to “More Options.”

Step 2: Select Settings.

Step 3: Go to System and Performance.”

Step 4: Disable “Use Hardware Acceleration When Available” under System.

Step 5: Restart Microsoft Edge

Once you have disabled hardware acceleration on your respective browsers, you can start screen recording by pressing "Windows + Alt + R” using Windows Game Bar.

Tip: Safari users do not have any option to manage hardware because it is not based on Chromium.

Workable Tools For Screen Recording Netflix on PC/Mobile

Let’s discuss five workable tools for recording Netflix.

Tool 1: Eassiy Screen Recorder Ultimate for PC/Mac

This option is available for Windows and macOS users and screen record while watching Netflix.

Time Required: Installation and setup ~60 minutes.

Ease of Use: ★★☆☆☆ (Easy but feature-rich).

Notable Features:

• Schedule recordings to start and stop automatically.
• Advanced audio and video configuration.
• Video editing options post-recording.

Steps to Record Netflix Shows with Eassiy

Step 1: Download the Eassiy Screen Recorder Ultimate installation package from the official website. Check your macOS version.

Step 2: Launch the software and select “Video Recorder.”

Step 3: Select “Full” to record the entire screen. Toggle on “System Sound.”

Step 4: Launch Netflix and play your desired movie. Click on “Rec” and wait for the recording to complete. Hit the “Red” button to end the recording.

Step 5: Access the video file in “Recording History.”  

Tool 2: OBS Studio for Windows/Mac

This option is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS users

Time Required: Initial setup ~45 minutes.

Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate, suitable for advanced users).

Notable Features:

• Scene mixing,
• Live streaming,
• Screen recording from multiple sources,
• Apply filters to the camera.
• Chroma keying

Steps to Record Netflix Video via OBS:

Step 1: Download and install OBS Studio. Open the app.

Step 2: Click the "+" symbol at the bottom left of the screen to add a scene.

Step 3: Select “Window Capture” or “Display Capture.”

Step 4: Select “Create a New One” if you choose “Window Capture.”

Step 5: Select Google Chrom (preferably) as the browser to watch Netflix.

Step 6: Click OK and save the changes.

Step 7: Start recording once you see your browser and Netflix on the preview window.

To view the recordings, go to File – Show Recordings.

Tool 3: Rave App for iOS/Android

How to screen record Netflix without black screen on Android? Rave App is available for iOS and Android users.

Time Required: Quick setup

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆ (Easy)

Notable Features:

• Watch videos with friends,
• Chat during playback
• Content sharing by uploading files to Google Drive
• Add subtitles and share for synchronized viewing

Steps to Record:

Step 1: Download and install “Rave” from the App Store (iOS users) or Google Play Store (Android users).

Step 2: Open Rave and log in with your account.

Step 3: Tap the “+” button in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Click “Netflix” and sign in.

Step 4: Choose the movie or show to start a Rave session.

Step 5: Capture the session using your device's built-in screen recording option.

Important Note: 

• For iOS: Swipe down from the top-right corner. Access Control Center. Tap the screen recording option.
• For Android: Depends on the device model. The recording is saved to your phone album.

Tool 4: Using Web Extensions

Browser extensions like FireShot, Nimbus Screenshot, and Loom allow screen recording of Netflix content.

Time Required: Quick setup

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆ (Easy)

Notable Features:

• Record streaming videos,
• Add annotations

How to Using Web Extensions to Record Netflix :

Loom:

Step 1: Install the extension.

Step 2: Log in. Select “Screen only." and set perference of recording.

Step 3: Play Netflix video. Start recording.

Ultimate Tool:  StreamFox for Video Bypass Netflix Black Screen

One-stop Streaming Video Downloader—StreamFox for Video is a one-stop streaming video downloader that is compatible with Windows and macOS.

Time Required: Initial setup ~15 minutes.

Ease of Use: ★★★★★ (Easy).

Notable features:

• Smart downloads up to 4K resolution in multiple video formats
• Supports six major video streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Disney+, MAX, and Hulu
• 10x download speed and batch downloads
• Customize your video and audio output
• Add subtitles in multiple languages

Advantages:

• Saves Netflix videos in HD or higher quality directly to your device, bypassing DRM restrictions.
• Best For: Users looking for a hassle-free, legal method to store Netflix content offline.

Steps to download Netflix and watch offline:

Step 1: Download and launch StreamFox for Video. Select Netflix,

Step 2: Open the in-built Netflix browser and use your user ID and password to sign in.

Step 3: Browse for your desired video or show URL or copy-paste it in the search bar and add to the queue.

Step 4: Customize your video and audio preferences. The video resolution is set at the highest by default. You can change it according to your requirements.

Step 5: Download Netflix content by clicking “Convert All.” You can view the content leisurely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recording Netflix

Q. Is it useful to record Netflix content directly with your phone's built-in recording function?

Netflix's DRM protections make it unwieldy to record its content directly using your phone's inbuilt recording function. You get a black screen without any visual output. The best way to do this is to use third-party software tools and the methods described in this article to screen-record Netflix.

Q. Why do you see the "Couldn't capture screenshot" message on the phone?

Netflix protects its content from copyright infringement by using DRM protection. It prevents unauthorized recording or distribution of its content. Therefore, you get the message, “couldn’t capture screenshot,” when you attempt to capture any video on Netflix.

Q. Is it illegal to screen-record Netflix on a phone?

While screen recording Netflix on your phone without permission violates Netflix's terms and conditions and infringes copyright laws, it is not entirely illegal. You can screen-record Netflix for offline viewing or sharing with friends. However, screen-recording Netflix for profit is illegal.

Conclusion

Netflix has strict policies that prohibit screen recording its content for profit. Its DRM protections ensure you encounter a black screen when screen recording Netflix. However, if you ask the question, can you screen-record Netflix? The answer is yes. We have discussed five workable tools that teach you to screen record Netflix without a black screen.