How to Record a Webex Meeting

Webex is a popular video conferencing platform organizations use to host virtual meetings, webinars, and other online events. One of its most useful features is the ability to record meetings.

According to a 2023 survey by Zippia, 26% of U.S. employees work remotely, and 16% of companies exclusively hire remote workers. This shift to remote work has made recording virtual meetings increasingly important.

So, how do you record a Webex meeting? 

Key Takeaways

• Webex allows the meeting host to record sessions directly by clicking the “Record” button in the control bar, capturing audio, video, and screen activity. 
• For added flexibility, third-party apps like Wave can record and provide searchable transcripts, helping capture details without manual recording permissions.
• Wave automatically transcribes, summarizes, and allows easy keyword searches within meeting content, ensuring no critical details are missed during meetings.

Common Ways to Record Webex Meetings

Here are the most common ways to record Webex meetings:

Using the Built-In Recording Feature as the Host

Webex provides a simple recording option if you are the meeting host. Just click the “Record” button at the bottom of the meeting window to capture audio, video, and screen-sharing activity. The recording is saved to your Webex account or computer, depending on your plan and settings.

Asking the Host to Record If You Are a Participant

Participants cannot initiate a recording directly in Webex. However, you can request the host to record the meeting on your behalf. Once the recording is available, the host can share the file with you via a download link or upload it to a shared drive.

Using a Third-Party Tool for AI-Powered Recording and Transcription

Innovative apps like Wave offer seamless integration with Webex to automatically record, transcribe, and summarize meetings. These AI-driven solutions eliminate the need for manual recording and provide accurate, searchable transcripts and summaries to help you quickly find and review important information.

Recording Your Screen and Audio with a Screen Capture Tool

If you cannot access Webex’s recording feature or a specialized app, you can use a screen recording tool to capture your meeting. Many devices have built-in screen recording capabilities, such as the Game Bar on Windows or QuickTime Player on Mac.

Third-party software like OBS Studio or Camtasia also offers robust screen and audio recording options. However, this method may not provide separate audio tracks or AI-generated transcripts like purpose-built tools.

How to Record a Meeting on Webex

Step 1: Start or Join a Webex Meeting

To record a Webex meeting, start a new meeting, or join an existing one. If you are the host, simply start the meeting as usual.

As an attendee, join the meeting via the invitation link provided by the host. To record, you need permission from the host. This is typically granted to attendees designated as alternate hosts or presenters.

In most cases, the host is responsible for recording the meeting. However, if you have been given recording privileges, you can follow the same steps as the host to start and manage the recording.

Before proceeding, ensure you have the latest version of the Webex app installed on your device. This will facilitate access to all recording features and options.

Once the meeting commences, locate the recording controls and begin capturing the session.

Step 2: Locate the Recording Option

Once you have joined the Webex meeting, find the “Record” button within the meeting controls. This button is typically located in the main control bar at the bottom of the Webex window.

If you do not see the “Record” button, check under the “More” or “…” menu. The recording option may be nested within this dropdown menu.

The recording button’s exact location may vary slightly depending on your device and Webex version. However, it will always be clearly labeled and accessible from the main meeting screen.

Step 3: Start Recording

After locating the “Record” button, click it to begin recording the meeting. A visual indicator (a red recording icon or a message) will appear to confirm that the recording has started.

Once the recording begins, Webex captures all audio, video, and screen-sharing activity and notifies the participants that the meeting is being recorded.

It is good practice to inform all attendees that the meeting will be recorded so that everyone is aware and consents to being recorded.

Step 4: Stop Recording

Click the “Stop” button within the recording controls to stop recording. This button will be in the same area as the “Record” button you used to start the recording.

Upon stopping the recording, Webex will process and save the recorded file. The processing time may vary depending on the length of the recording and the size of the file.

After processing, the recording will be saved to your chosen location based on your account type and preferences.

Step 5: Access and Share the Recording

After the meeting, you can access the recorded file from the location you specified during the recording process. This may be your local computer storage or the Webex cloud.

To share the recording with others, locate the saved MP4 file on your computer and share it via email, file-sharing services, or by uploading it to a shared drive.

Alternatively, you can access the recording from your Webex account and use the provided sharing options, like using a shareable link or downloading the file to distribute.

When sharing the recording, ensure you follow your organization’s policies and procedures for handling meeting recordings, especially if the content is sensitive or confidential.

How to Record a Webex Meeting on Mobile Devices

You can also record Webex meetings using the mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. This is a convenient option when you are on the go or away from your computer.

On iPhone and iPad:

1. Open the Webex app and join or start a meeting.
2. Tap the “More” button (three dots) at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select “Record” to begin recording the meeting.
4. To stop recording, tap “More” again and choose “Stop Recording.”

The recording will be saved to your Webex cloud account if you have a paid subscription. Otherwise, it will be stored locally on your device.

On Android:

1. Launch the Webex app and enter the meeting.
2. Tap the “More” button (three dots) at the bottom of the screen.
3. Choose “Record” from the menu to start recording.
4. To stop recording, tap “More” again and select “Stop Recording.”

Android recordings are saved to your device’s local storage or Webex cloud account, depending on your subscription.

For Local Recordings:

When prompted, save the recording directly to your computer or mobile device. The file will be stored in a default location, such as the Documents folder on Windows or the Webex app’s local storage on smartphones.

Tip: Create a dedicated folder for your Webex recordings to keep them organized and easily accessible.

Benefits of Recording Webex Meetings with Wave

Recording your Webex meetings with Wave offers many benefits.

Imagine stepping into a meeting without worrying about scribbling down notes. Wave’s AI-powered recording and transcription features take care of everything. As your meeting unfolds, the system captures every spoken word, converting it into a precise written record. 

This frees you from manual note-taking, allowing you to fully engage with your colleagues and contribute meaningfully to the discussion. Wave ensures you do not miss a single detail by handling the documentation in real-time.

Once the meeting ends, Wave delivers a well-crafted summary with the most significant points and action items. It distills even the longest conversations into clear, actionable takeaways. 

Instead of wading through hours of meeting content, you can immediately understand the core outcomes and prioritize your next steps. This feature is handy for staying organized, helping you quickly update team members who missed the meeting, or reminding yourself of essential follow-up tasks.

Navigating through your meeting content is equally intuitive. With searchable transcripts, you can type in a few keywords and jump straight to the exact moment you want. 

Do you need to recall a crucial decision or clarify a point from a discussion? Wave’s search functionality makes pinpointing the information you need easy, eliminating the time-consuming process of replaying entire recordings. 

This capability transforms your meeting transcripts into an accessible and valuable resource, perfect for project management, reviews, or future planning.

What truly sets Wave apart is the ease and flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional recording tools that require host permission or complicated setups, Wave allows you to record seamlessly without any additional permissions. 

You do not have to request privileges from the meeting organizer or navigate through confusing software options. This means you can capture meetings whenever necessary, without restrictions or delays.

Wave combines the power of automation, AI insights, and user-friendly features to transform your Webex meeting experience, making it easier to stay organized and informed.

Tips for Recording Webex Meetings

Here are helpful tips for recording Webex meetings:

1. Inform Participants That the Meeting Will be Recorded

Let attendees know in advance that the meeting will be recorded to ensure everyone is comfortable and aware.

2. Test Your Recording Setup Before the Meeting

Ensure your recording settings are configured correctly, and test the recording function before the meeting to avoid technical issues.

3. Use the Right Recording Layout

Webex has various recording layouts, like Active Speaker, Thumbnail, and Content Only. Select the layout that best captures your meeting content and participants’ needs.

4. Optimize Audio Quality

Check that your microphone is connected correctly and configured to capture clear audio. Consider using a headset to minimize background noise if multiple participants are speaking.

5. Minimize Distractions During Recording

Choose a quiet location for the meeting and ask participants to mute their microphones when not speaking to reduce background noise and improve the overall recording quality.

6. Avoid Multitasking

During the recording, focus on the meeting content and minimize interruptions. Close unnecessary applications and turn off notifications to prevent disruptions.

7. Leverage AI-Powered Transcription and Summarization

Streamline your post-meeting workflow using AI-powered tools that automatically transcribe your Webex recordings and generate concise meeting summaries. These tools save time, improve accuracy, and make searching and sharing information from your recorded meetings easy.

Final Thoughts

Recording Webex meetings is a simple yet powerful way to capture and preserve important meeting content. By following the steps outlined above and using AI-powered tools for automatic transcription and summarization, you can ensure that your Webex meetings are effectively recorded and easily accessible for future reference.

Wave makes Webex recordings more accessible and useful. The AI Note Taker simplifies capturing, transcribing, and summarizing your meetings. Elevate your Webex experience with Wave. 

Download the Wave App now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Record a Webex Meeting as a Participant?

Generally, only the host or co-host can record meetings. Participants need recording permissions granted by the host.

How Do I Access My Webex Meeting Recordings?

Access your recordings from your Webex account dashboard or your computer, depending on where they were saved.

Are Webex Meeting Recordings Secure?

Webex uses encryption to secure your recordings. Ensure you follow best practices for sharing and storing sensitive information.

Can I Edit My Webex Meeting Recordings?

You can use video editing software to edit your downloaded recording files, allowing you to trim or modify the content as needed.

How Can I Use AI to Take Meeting Notes in Webex

Use Wave to automatically transcribe and summarize your Webex meetings.