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How to record a meeting on Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams

Recording is one click on every platform, if your plan and your admin allow it. Asking first is the part people skip.

Guide6 min readUpdated The Shin teamRecording and consent Zoom Google Meet Microsoft Teams
In short
  • Zoom: local recording on the free plan; cloud recording on paid plans.
  • Google Meet: recording is for eligible paid Workspace editions; files go to Drive.
  • Teams: recording and transcription follow your organisation's policy; files go to OneDrive or SharePoint.
  • Always say you're recording, and why, before you start.

Zoom

  • Free Basic plan: local recording to your computer, meetings capped at 40 minutes for groups (MeetGeek).
  • Paid plans: cloud recording, plus optional transcript and AI summary.
  • How: click Record and choose this computer or the cloud. Participants see a recording indicator.

Google Meet

  • Who can record: recording is available on eligible paid Workspace editions, not free personal accounts.
  • How: open Activities → Recording (or the recording control) and start. The file is saved to the organiser's Drive.
  • Consent: admins can require participants to consent before recording starts (Google).

Microsoft Teams

  • Who can record: depends on your Microsoft 365 plan and admin policy; guests usually can't.
  • How: More → Record and transcribe → Start recording. Files are stored in OneDrive or SharePoint and linked in the meeting chat.

How to ask

A simple script: "Do you mind if I record this so I can listen properly instead of typing? I'll only use it for my notes, and I'm happy to stop any time." Wait for a yes. If anyone hesitates, don't record. Laws differ by country and state; see our consent guide and the India guide.

After recording

  • Store recordings somewhere access-controlled, not in a public link.
  • Delete what you don't need. A recording you keep forever is a liability as much as a record.

Questions people ask

Can I record a Zoom meeting for free?
Yes, locally to your computer on the free Basic plan. Cloud recording requires a paid plan.
Can I record Google Meet on a free account?
Recording is available on eligible paid Google Workspace editions, not on free personal accounts.
Where are Teams recordings saved?
In OneDrive or SharePoint, linked from the meeting chat, depending on your organisation's settings.
Do I need permission to record a meeting?
Often, yes. Some places require everyone's consent. Asking everyone is the safe and respectful default.

Sources

  1. Zoom pricing 2026: Basic plan and recording (MeetGeek)
  2. Require explicit consent for Take notes, recordings and transcripts — Google Workspace Updates
  3. Intelligent recap for calls and meetings — Microsoft Learn

Checked 11 November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Write to master@theshin.ai.

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