How to find Zoom videos

Where to Find Zoom Recordings: Easy Guide, No Fluff

Verified by 4 experts

By default, Zoom recordings can only be stored in two locations: on your computer or in the cloud. Free and paid users can save files locally, but cloud storage is exclusive to paid members.

Let’s explore where do Zoom recordings go, how to access them from different locations, and how to change their storage destination.

Note: The settings in Zoom’s desktop and web versions differ slightly. Certain options may only be available in the web version and not in the desktop app, and vice versa. Pay attention to the guide to ensure you’re looking in the right place for specific settings.

Where Does Zoom Save Recordings on Computer?

All Zoom recordings are saved in the Documents folder by default. You can access them in several ways.

#1. From your computer

The file path varies by operating system:

  • On Windows: Your Computer > Disk C > User > [Your username] > Documents > Zoom.
  • On Mac: Finder > Documents > Zoom.
  • On Linux: Documents > Zoom (similar to macOS).
Where to find a Zoom recording

Each meeting has its folder named using the format “date — time — meeting name.” For example, “2024-12-12 11:11:11 John Doe’s Zoom Meeting.” To avoid generic folder names, consider specifying the meeting name when scheduling — it’ll save you time when searching through hundreds of videos later.

The recording folder will contain 3 or 4 files:

  • .mp4: The video recording (audio and video combined).
  • .m4a: The audio-only file.
  • .txt or .vtt: Transcript (if enabled).
  • conf: A metadata file used by Zoom (do not delete this file).

You’re not tied to this default Documents folder and can save your Zoom files in any other location. Below, we’ll show you how.

#2. From the website

If you often use Zoom in a browser, you may find it easier to access your saved videos directly from there:

  1. Sign in to your account on zoom.com.
  2. On the left pane, select Recordings.
  3. Switch to the Computer Recordings
  4. Click Open next to the recording you want to access.

You’ll be redirected to the folder on your computer.

How to get a Zoom recording from the web version

#3. From the Zoom desktop app

This method is especially convenient if you want to jump to the recordings right after the meeting ends.

  1. Open the desktop Zoom app on any page.
  2. In the bottom right, below the calendar, click Open Recordings.
  3. Go to the Local Recordings tab and select the recording you want.
Where to find local recordings on Zoom

From there, you can go to the local folder on your computer or play the audio from the meeting.

Note: You can access recordings stored locally only from the computer that holds them. If you sign in to the web or desktop app from another computer, you won’t be able to access the locally saved videos.

How to Access Zoom Recordings on the Cloud

Recording Zoom videos to the cloud is only available to Pro users. If that’s you, you get 5GB of storage for video meetings along with some advanced options. Here’s how to find and manage your cloud recordings in Zoom.

#1. From the website

Here’s how to see Zoom recordings from the online platform:

  1. Sign in to your account on zoom.com.
  2. Select Recordings in the left pane.
  3. Go to the Cloud Recordings tab and select the video you want.
Zoom cloud recordings

From here, you can download, share, delete, and more.

#2. From the desktop Zoom app

Desktop has a more clean interface, and if you prefer it, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Zoom desktop app.
  2. On the right side of the screen, below the calendar, click Open Recordings. If you can’t find it, try making the app window wider.
  3. Go to the Cloud Recordings tab and select the video you want.

View, share, download, or manage the recording as needed.

Did you know?

Wondering how long will the basic 5GB of Zoom storage last? It depends on many factors, but we can give a rough estimate:

  • One-hour meeting (video, .mp4): ~200–400 MB
  • One-hour meeting (audio-only, .m4a): ~10–20 MB

This means you could store about 12–25 hours of video recordings or significantly more audio-only files before reaching the limit.

How to Change the Default Location in Zoom Settings

If the default Documents folder isn’t convenient for you, you can set a new location for your Zoom recordings:

  1. Open the desktop Zoom app.
  2. Go to Settings > Recordings.
  3. At the top of the page, click the current file path > Choose a new location.
  4. Select the new location.
Changing the Default Location for Zoom meeting recordings

All future recordings will be saved to the new location. Old videos will stay in the Documents folder unless you manually move them.

But what if you need to save videos in different locations after each meeting? This is often the case if you work with multiple clients and have a separate folder for each of them with the entire interaction history.

To select a new location after each meeting:

  1. Open the Zoom desktop app.
  2. Go to Settings > Recordings.

Check the box next to Choose a location to save the recording after your meeting ends.

Zoom use a different location for each meeting

Can Zoom Recordings Be Stored on a Phone or Tablet?

Zoom allows users to save videos only on a computer or the cloud. Unfortunately, you can’t save a meeting locally on your phone or tablet.

However, the situation is different for Zoom Workplace Pro users. If you have this account type, you can enable meeting recording directly from your phone or tablet. These recordings will go to the Zoom cloud, and you’ll be able to access them from any device by logging into your account.

Are Zoom Meetings Recorded Automatically?

By default, Zoom doesn’t record meetings automatically. However, you can set up automatic recording to begin when the meeting starts:

  1. Log into your Zoom profile in the web application (via your browser).
  2. Go to Settings > Recording.
  3. Find the Automatic Recording option and toggle it on.
Zoom automatically record every meeting

You should know that only the host or a participant who has been granted permission by the host can record a Zoom meeting. When recording starts, a red recording dot appears in the top-right corner of the meeting window. Every participant can see it. This is important so that all participants know they are being recorded and can turn off the camera or leave if they don’t want to be recorded.

Best Practices for Managing Zoom Recordings

Zoom interface is pretty intuitive, and you’ll find most of the features on your own after spending 10 minutes in the settings. Keep in mind that the desktop application and the web platform have different settings, so it’s worth checking both.

Anyway, here are a few ideas that we appreciate and practice ourselves.

Choose the Right Storage for Your Recordings

An annual subscription to Zoom Workplace Pro costs about $160 and includes 5GB of storage. If you record a lot of meetings, this might not be enough. If you’re not tied to Zoom’s storage, consider moving your videos to another cloud service. You may already have one, or you could choose a more cost-effective option. For example, 200 GB on Google Drive costs about $3/mo, while Zoom’s price is $40/mo.

Secure Your Recordings

If you share cloud recordings, make sure they are secure. Set a password for shared videos and limit access to people who really need it. Another great option is to set an expiration date for the link.

Enhance Your Recordings

Zoom offers interesting features for your recordings:

  • Record separate audio files for each participant: This saves you from clicking through the long timeline if you only need to hear from a few speakers.
  • Add timestamps: The actual date and time are embedded in the video recording for clear reference.
  • Keep unconverted recording files: Save the raw video file so Zoom support can help if something goes wrong with the file.

You can configure all these settings in the Zoom desktop application under Settings > Recordings.

FAQ

Is there a way to access Zoom recordings?

Yes, you can access your local recordings on your computer in the Documents > Zoom folder.

If you want to access someone else’s videos, you’ll need a link to the video stored in the owner’s storage.

How to download Zoom recordings?

To download a Zoom recording from the website:

  1. Sign in to your account on zoom.com.
  2. Select Recordings on the left pane.
  3. Find the recording you want and click Download next to it.

To download a Zoom video from the desktop app:

  1. Sign in to your account in the Zoom app.
  2. Click Open Recordings in the lower-right corner.
  3. Go to the Cloud Recordings
  4. Select the recording you want and click the Download button next to it.

How do I access Zoom recordings from someone else?

To access someone else’s Zoom recording, you need them to share it with you. The first option is for the host to send you a link. If the file is password-protected, they must include the password you enter when you click the link.

The second way how to see Zoom recordings is to ask the host for the video file. They can send it to you through cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox or file-sharing platforms. You’ll need to follow the link and watch or download the file.

How to download a Zoom recording without permission?

There is no legal or ethical way to download Zoom files without the host’s permission. As a last resort, you can record the screen if you have view access. However, this may violate privacy or terms of service.

Why can’t I find a Zoom recording?

Make sure you were the host of the meeting, as only hosts or someone authorized by the host can record. Confirm that you clicked the Record button since meetings are not captured automatically by default. It’s also possible that the file is still processing and will appear shortly. If you’re sure the video was on your laptop, check your Trash folder to see if it was accidentally deleted.

Who has access to Zoom recordings?

The owner of a Zoom recording decides who can access it. A co-host may have access if the host granted them permission. Participants and others can only view the video if they have a shared link. For organization accounts, administrators may have access depending on the account settings.

How do I get Zoom recordings to save on my computer?

All recordings are stored on your computer if you have a free account. During a meeting, click More in the lower-right corner and select Record. You can use Pause or Stop as needed. Once the meeting ends, the video will be saved in the Documents > Zoom folder. These settings are usually automatic, but it’s a good idea to double-check. Log in to your account via the web portal, go to Settings > Recordings, and ensure that Record to Computer Files is turned on.

How to watch a Zoom recording without a passcode?

Password-protected Zoom recordings are secure, and there’s no legal or ethical way to view them without the passcode. Always request the password from the host if you need access.

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