Why doesn’t my Mac have screen recording option?

Answered by Willie Powers

There could be several reasons why the screen recording option is not available on your Mac. Let’s explore some possible causes and solutions.

1. macOS Version: The screen recording feature was introduced in macOS Mojave (10.14) and later versions. If you are using an older version of macOS, you won’t have the screen recording option. To check your macOS version, click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “About This Mac.” If you have an older version, consider updating your macOS to a compatible version.

2. Security & Privacy Settings: In newer versions of macOS, screen recording requires explicit permission from the user. If the screen recording option is not available, it’s possible that your browser or application doesn’t have permission to record the screen. To grant permission, follow these steps:
A. Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
B. In the System Preferences window, click on “Security & Privacy.”
C. Go to the “Privacy” tab and select “Screen Recording” from the left sidebar.
D. Make sure that your browser or application is checked in the list on the right side. If it’s not listed, click on the lock icon at the bottom left, enter your password, and then click the “+” button to add the browser or application.
E. Restart your browser or application for the changes to take effect.

3. Restrictions: It’s possible that restrictions have been set on your Mac, preventing screen recording. Restrictions can be set by the system administrator or through parental controls. To check for restrictions, follow these steps:
A. Open System Preferences and click on “Screen Time” or “Parental Controls.”
B. If you see any restrictions enabled, you will need to disable them or modify the settings to allow screen recording.

4. Third-Party Software Conflict: Sometimes, third-party software installed on your Mac can interfere with system settings and disable screen recording. Try quitting or temporarily uninstalling any third-party security, screen-capture, or screen-sharing software to see if that resolves the issue.

5. Hardware Limitations: Older Mac models or certain MacBook models may not support screen recording due to hardware limitations. If your Mac is too old or doesn’t meet the necessary requirements, the screen recording option may not be available. Check the specifications of your Mac model to determine if it supports screen recording.

The screen recording option may not be available on your Mac due to various reasons such as an outdated macOS version, security and privacy settings, restrictions, third-party software conflicts, or hardware limitations. By checking and adjusting these factors, you should be able to enable screen recording on your Mac.