Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max have massive global audiences and offer a wealth of high-quality video content. However, to protect copyright, these platforms place restrictions on screen recording. As a result, many users run into issues like black screens, laggy playback, or no audio when trying to screen record videos from these services.
If you're wondering how to screen record protected videos, we’ve prepared a detailed and comprehensive guide to help you successfully record this kind of content, whether you’re using Windows, Mac, Android, or iPhone.
In this guide, we’ll deal with several questions, including:
Protected videos refer to video content that uses digital safeguards to prevent unauthorized copying, recording, or distribution. These protections often include encryption, access controls, DRM (Digital Rights Management), region locks, playback restrictions, and other security measures to ensure the content can only be viewed by licensed users.
Major platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max use various protection technologies to protect their content. Since the videos are encrypted, only authorized apps or players with the correct decryption keys can play them. As a result, regular screen recording tools often fail to capture these videos successfully, leading to issues like black screens or missing audio.
Methods to Screen Record Protected Videos
Here is a comparison of the most effective DRM screen recorder we tested.
Feature
Kingshiper Screen Recorder (Windows/Mac)
Kingshiper Screen Mirroring (Android/iPhone)
Record it! (iPhone)
Ease of Use
Intuitive interface with one-click recording
Easy phone-to-PC mirroring
Simple operation, supports full-screen recording
Recording Quality
High-definition output without black screens
Bypasses the black screen issue on mobile, clear recording
Records apps, games, and allows video reactions
System Compatibility
Windows 7/8/10/11, macOS 10.15 or later
Windows 7/8/10/11, Android 6.0+, iOS 5.0+
iPhone, iPad
Performance
Fatest and most stable
Stable connection with real-time screen
Good
Security
Local software, no privacy concerns
No root required, doesn’t affect system security
Uses official Apple framework for better data safety
Advanced Features
Scheduled recording, mic input, area capture, etc.
Remote control phone from PC
Built-in video editor, FaceCam, and audio commentary
Can You Screen Record DRM-Protected Videos Without Black Screen?
Yes. Users can screen record DRM-protected videos without encountering a black screen. Some streaming giants use digital rights management techhnology to encrypt their video content and block screen recording. So most screen recorders cannot to record these videos properly.
Kingshiper Screen Recorder is a DRM screen recorder without a black screen that will help you record protected video smoothly and clearly. As long as the video is playing on your computer, you can start Kingshiper and record in high quality, without needing any additional plugins or complicated settings.
The software also provides a range of recording options, such as full screen, custom recording, and scheduled recordings. It also enables you to record both audio and microphone sound at the one time. With its intuitive and simple interface, everyone can handle it in seconds.
Key Features:
Record protected videos from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Mac
Support for high-definition recording up to 4K resolution
Record internal system sound and mic at the same time
Choose from full-screen, custom area, or specified window recording, etc
Set up scheduled recordings and use hotkeys for convenience
Step 1. Launch Kingshiper Screen Recorder on your computer. Choose the recording mode, webcam and audio option.
Step 2. Click on the “Prefs”. Here, you can set the video format, quality, resolution, fram rate and more.
Step 3. After that, click on the “Record” button to start the recording. Once finished, you can go to the “Videos” tab to find your recordings.
Disclaimer: This guide is intended for personal and lawful use only. Kingshiper does not endorse or support any infringement of copyright. Please respect intellectual property rights when using this software.
Screen Record Protected Videos Without Screen Black on Android
Android users can screen record DRM protected videos by mirroring their phone screen to a computer. Many paid streaming services block screen recording directly on the phone, but playing the video on your phone and recording it on your computer can effectively bypass this limitation.
Kingshiper Screen Mirroring is an all-in-one screen mirroring software designed for exactly this purpose. It lets you mirror your Android to a Windows computer in a stable and high-quality way. It also features a screen recording tool, so you can use it to record your phone screen on PC.
Let’s see how to record protected videos on Android:
Step 1. Download and install Kingshiper Screen Mirroring on both your Android and computer.
Step 2. Make sure both your Android phone and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 3. Launch Kingshiper on your PC and select the “Android Mirror” mode.
Step 4. Open the app on your Android and scan the QR code shown on the desktop.
Step 5. Once scanned, click on the “Accept” button to confirm the connection. Then, you can see your phone screen on a PC. Click on the “Recording” icon and start screen recording the DRM-protected videos.
Screen Record Protected Videos Without Screen Black on iPhone
For those who are looking to record protected videos on their iPhone that can't be saved directly, no other application is better than Record it! app. It not only supports full-screen recording but also avoids the common black screen issue that often occurs when capturing DRM-protected content.
The standout feature of Record it! is its support for both full-screen recording and picture-in-picture (FaceCam) reactions. This makes it perfect for gameplay, tutorial explanations, or video reactions, where you can record your screen while simultaneously adding footage from your front camera.
What’s more, Record it! is user-friendly and most of its core features are available for free. If you need longer recording durations or enhanced export options, you also have the option to upgrade to the Pro version for more advanced functionality.
If you don’t know how to use it, you can check the steps below.
Step 1. Launch this application on your iPhone device.
Step 2. Tap on the “Record” button. Then, open the “Netflix” app and play the video you want to record.
Step 3. When you’ve finished recording, tap the “Stop” button to stop the screen recording.
Alternatives to Watch Netflix or Other DRM-Protected Videos Online
To watch Netflix and other DRM-protected videos more legally and compliantly, we’ve collected the top 5 most popular free streaming platforms you can consider.
Website
Price
Traffic
Description
Tubi
Free
300 million
Tubi is an ad-supported free streaming platform offering movies, TV shows, cartoons, and documentaries. No registration required. Content includes action, comedy, horror, sci-fi, and more.
Pluto TV
Free
150 million
Pluto TV provides a traditional TV-like channel experience alongside on-demand curated content. It is fully free, funded by ads, with clear channel categories and frequent updates.
Crackle
Free
40 million
Crackle, owned by Sony, offers a large library of movies, original series, and classics. It supports multi-device viewing without membership but includes ads.
Peacock Free
Free
50 million
Peacock, by NBCUniversal, offers a free tier featuring selected series, movies, originals, behind-the-scenes, and sports highlights, with weekly content updates.
IMDb TV (Freevee)
Free
30 million
Freevee (formerly IMDb TV), owned by Amazon, is a free video platform with movies, TV shows, and original shorts. It is ad-supported and available on Fire TV and web browsers.
FAQs on Screen Record Protected Videos
Here are more related questions about screen-recorded protected videos. Keep reading to get more insights.
1Is it legal to screen record DRM-protected videos?
Generally, recording protected videos involves copyright issues. It is recommended to limit use to personal fair use and avoid any commercial distribution.
2Will the screen go black while recording?
Some devices or apps may show a black screen when recording protected content, but using professional tools like Kingshiper Screen Recorder can effectively prevent this issue.
3How is the quality of the recorded video?
Videos recorded with professional screen recording software usually maintain high quality, supporting various resolutions and formats to meet different needs.
The Bottom Line
Recording DRM-protected videos may seem challenging, but with the right methods, you can easily capture and save your favorite content. Whether you're using Windows, Mac, Android, or iPhone, there are effective tools available to help you avoid screen blackouts and complete your screen recording smoothly.
Additionally, using practical tools like Kingshiper Screen Recorder allows you to achieve high-quality video recordings, meeting various viewing and saving needs.
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