When your iPhone screen recording fails to save or work properly, the issue typically stems from software restrictions, storage limitations, or system conflicts. The most common error codes (5831 and 5823) indicate either insufficient storage or permission restrictions in Screen Time settings ^[2][8]. Unfortunately, if a recording fails to save, it cannot be recovered—Apple Support confirms this for unsaved recordings ^[1]. However, you can prevent future failures by addressing the root causes through systematic troubleshooting.

Key immediate actions to resolve the issue:

• Check storage space: Delete unnecessary files if your device has less than 1GB available ^[2][6]
• Disable Low Power Mode: This mode restricts background processes, including screen recording ^[1][5]
• Verify Screen Time restrictions: Ensure Screen Recording is set to "Allow" under Content & Privacy Restrictions ^[2][4]
• Update iOS: Run the latest version (e.g., iOS 17/18) to patch known bugs ^[3][5]

Troubleshooting iPhone Screen Recording Failures

Common Causes and Immediate Fixes

Screen recording failures on iPhones are rarely hardware-related; they almost always result from software configurations or resource constraints. The most frequent triggers include storage shortages, incorrect settings, and power-saving modes. Start by addressing these areas before attempting more advanced solutions.

Storage limitations are the primary culprit for error code 5831. iPhones require sufficient free space to save recordings—particularly for longer sessions. Users report failures when device storage drops below 1GB ^[2][6]. To resolve this:

• Navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to check available space
• Delete large unused apps, clear photo/videos, or offload messages with attachments
• For persistent issues, transfer files to iCloud or a computer using tools like CopyTrans ^[3]

Low Power Mode automatically disables non-essential functions, including screen recording. This mode activates when battery drops below 20% or can be manually enabled in Settings > Battery ^[1][5]. Disabling it requires:

• Connecting to a power source or ensuring battery level exceeds 20%
• Toggling off Low Power Mode in Battery settings
• Restarting the device afterward to clear temporary restrictions

Screen Time restrictions frequently block recording functionality without clear warnings. The setting hides under: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Screen Recording ^[2][4]

• Ensure this is set to "Allow" (not "Don't Allow")
• If using Family Sharing, check parent-controlled restrictions
• Some users report needing to toggle this off/on to reset permissions ^[9]

Advanced Solutions for Persistent Issues

When basic troubleshooting fails, deeper system conflicts or corrupted settings may be responsible. These solutions require more technical steps but address underlying iOS problems that standard fixes miss.

Force restarting the device resolves temporary software glitches that standard restarts don't clear. The process varies by model:

• iPhone 8 or later: Press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold Side button until Apple logo appears ^[4][7]
• iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold Volume Down + Side button simultaneously
• iPhone 6s or earlier: Hold Home + Side/Top button

This method clears RAM and resets system processes without data loss ^[7].

Resetting all settings (not erasing content) often fixes recording failures caused by corrupted preferences. This affects Wi-Fi passwords, display settings, and app permissions but preserves personal data:

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset
2. Select Reset All Settings
3. Enter passcode and confirm
4. Reconfigure Screen Recording in Control Center afterward ^[5][9]

For recording crashes or audio issues, microphone permissions and app conflicts are common culprits:

• Check microphone access in Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone for the app you're recording ^[5]
• Some apps (like Spotify or Chrome) block screen recording audio due to DRM protections ^[6]
• Third-party tools like iMyFone Fixppo can repair iOS system files without data loss for persistent issues ^[5]

Software updates frequently include patches for recording bugs. To update:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi and power
2. Go to Settings > General > Software Update
3. Install any available updates (e.g., iOS 17.5 or later)
4. Restart after installation

Apple's update notes often mention "bug fixes for media capture" which include screen recording improvements ^[3][10].