Yes, Zoom can record to the cloud, but only on Pro, Business, Education or Enterprise accounts, and only when the host, or a co-host, starts the recording. Basic accounts can record to their own computer instead. Cloud recording is switched on in the Recording settings of the Zoom web portal.
Yes, if your account type and your role allow cloud recording
It comes down to two checks: what kind of account you're on, and whether you're running the meeting. Here's how the two recording types compare.
| Cloud recording | Computer recording | |
|---|---|---|
| Accounts | Pro, Business, Education or Enterprise | Basic and above |
| What it captures | Video, audio and chat text | Saved to a Zoom folder in Documents |
| Mobile app | Listed in the requirements | Not supported on iOS, iPad or Android |
On a Basic account, computer recording is your route. Files save by default to a Zoom folder in Documents on Windows, Mac and Linux, which is fine for a quick call you want to keep on your own machine.
Switching cloud recording on for your account
You need a licensed user, and account owner or admin rights to change settings at account or group level. Then:
- Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
- Go to Admin Center, then Settings, then the Recording & Transcript tab.
- Turn on the Cloud Recording toggle.
- If you want it on for some people only, set it at group or user level instead.
While you're there, look at the optional settings: automatic recording, a passcode to view recordings, a deletion period, saving chat messages and adding a timestamp. Automatic recording is handy if you always forget to press the button on client calls. A passcode is worth switching on if you share recording links with clients, and a deletion period stops old files piling up on the account without anyone deciding to keep them.
Why the option is greyed out
If cloud recording looks greyed out for a user or group, it's been locked at a higher level. The fix has to be made at group or account level, so you'll need whoever runs the account to change it. Clicking harder won't help.
Where the files end up
The host views cloud recordings in the web portal. Individual users see their own on the Recordings & Transcripts page, under the Cloud recordings tab. Account owners and admins can see every recording on the account under Recording and Transcript Management.
One detail that confuses teams: if a co-host starts the recording, it only appears in the host's list, not the co-host's. So if you co-host a client's session, ask the host for the file, because you won't find it in your own list.
Deleted something by mistake? It sits in the trash folder in the web portal for 30 days, and after that it's permanently deleted within 24 hours.
Download anything you can't afford to lose
Zoom Support, on its page about enabling cloud recording, explains the risk most people never think about. If an account that could create cloud recordings is downgraded, you lose access to them until you resubscribe, and after 30 days they're set to be deleted. Your archive of webinars and client calls lives or dies with that account, so download the ones you need to keep.
If Zoom isn't your meeting tool
Microsoft Teams stores recordings of most non-channel meetings in the organiser's OneDrive, while channel meeting recordings go to the team's SharePoint site.
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For step-by-step recording either way, see my guide on how to record a Zoom meeting, and if you're weighing up tools, my roundup of video conferencing software.
My verdict on cloud versus local
If you're on an account that allows it, record client calls to the cloud. You'll get video, audio and chat in one place, you won't fill your laptop, and co-hosts can start it if you forget. Then make a habit of downloading anything important each month, because the cloud copy is only as safe as the account.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a Basic Zoom account record to the cloud?
No. Cloud recording is listed for Pro, Business, Education or Enterprise accounts. Basic accounts can record to the computer.
Who can start a cloud recording?
The host and co-hosts. Co-host recordings appear only in the host's list in the web portal.
Can I record to the cloud from my phone?
The cloud recording requirements list the mobile app for Android or iOS, while computer recording isn't supported on mobile.
Where do I find a cloud recording?
In the web portal under Recordings & Transcripts, on the Cloud recordings tab.
Can I get a deleted cloud recording back?
Yes, from the trash folder within 30 days. After that it's permanently deleted within 24 hours.
