RecBeamPart of Chrome screen recorder
Share a browser tab and tick "Also share tab audio". On Windows you can also share your entire screen with system audio. On macOS, Chrome offers tab audio only.
Quick answer: how to record audio from Chrome
- Sound from a tab (a video, a call, a demo): share the tab and tick Also share tab audio.
- Sound from the whole computer, on Windows: share your entire screen and tick Also share system audio.
- Your own voice: allow the microphone when Chrome asks.
A recorder such as the RecBeam Chrome screen recorder handles all three in one recording and gives you a link when you stop. It is free to start.
What internal audio is
Your microphone records your voice and the room. Internal audio is what the computer itself plays: a video in another tab, a presentation, a product demo. Chrome keeps the two separate, so each one has its own switch.
Method 1: record tab audio
- Start a recording in your screen recorder, for example RecBeam.
- In Chrome's picker, open the Chrome Tab section and select the tab that plays the sound.
- Tick Also share tab audio.
- Press Share, then record.
This is the most reliable way and works on every system Chrome runs on.
Method 2: system audio on Windows
On Windows, choose Entire Screen in the picker and tick Also share system audio. This captures everything the computer plays, including sounds from other apps.
On a Mac
Chrome on macOS offers tab audio but not system audio for screen or window sharing. If you need sound from another app, play it in a browser tab where possible. Capturing other apps' sound otherwise needs a virtual audio device set up in the operating system.
Voice and internal audio together
Allow the microphone when Chrome asks, and share the tab with its audio. Both are recorded. Wear headphones, because speakers playing into an open microphone cause an echo.
What Chrome can and cannot record
| Sound source | Can Chrome record it? | How |
|---|---|---|
| Your microphone | Yes, on every system | Allow the microphone when Chrome asks |
| Audio from a Chrome tab | Yes, on every system | Share the tab and tick Also share tab audio |
| Sound from the whole computer on Windows | Yes | Share the entire screen and tick Also share system audio |
| Sound from other apps on macOS | Not with Chrome's picker | Play it in a browser tab, or use a virtual audio device |
| The audio of a single window | Not offered by the picker | Share the tab or the entire screen instead |
On a Chromebook, tab audio works the same way as on other systems. For the built-in Screen capture tool see how to screen record on a Chromebook.
Need just the audio?
Chrome's picker records video together with sound. To keep only the audio, record as above and convert the recording with the free MP4 to MP3 converter. It runs in your browser, accepts WebM files too and uploads nothing. If you need the recording as a video elsewhere, use WebM to MP4. And if you want to share the recording rather than send a file, a screen recorder extension for Chrome gives you a link.
Fixes
- Tick the audio checkbox before pressing Share. It cannot be added later.
- Check the tab is actually playing sound and the volume is up.
- Record a five-second test and play it back first.
- Still silent? See screen recorder extension not working and the audio steps in how to screen record in Chrome.
Next step: Ready to record? Add the Chrome screen recorder from RecBeam, free to start, or compare it on the best screen recorder extension for Chrome page.
Questions
How do I record audio from Chrome?
Share a Chrome tab and tick Also share tab audio, or on Windows share your entire screen and tick Also share system audio. Allow the microphone if you want your voice too. See the quick answer.
How do I record sound from a Chrome tab?
Choose the Chrome Tab option in the picker, select the tab that is playing the sound and tick Also share tab audio before you press Share.
Is there a Chrome audio recorder extension?
RecBeam is a Chrome screen recorder that records your microphone and tab or system audio where Chrome supports it. It records video with sound; use the MP4 to MP3 converter if you only want the audio. See the Chrome screen recorder.
Can I record internal audio on a Chromebook?
Chrome's tab audio option works on a Chromebook the same way as elsewhere: share the tab and tick Also share tab audio. See screen recording on a Chromebook for the built-in tool.
What is internal audio?
The sound your computer plays, as opposed to the sound picked up by your microphone.
Why is my recording silent?
The share-audio checkbox in Chrome's picker was probably not ticked. It must be ticked before you press Share.
Can I record my voice and tab audio at once?
Yes. Allow the microphone and share the tab with its audio. RecBeam supports a microphone and tab or system audio where Chrome supports it.
Why do I hear an echo?
Your speakers are being picked up by the microphone. Wear headphones.