If you need a no-fuss screen recorder for Android, ADV Screen Recorder is one of the long-standing choices. It’s light, easy to use, and aimed at people who want quick recordings without rooting their phone or wrestling with complicated menus. Below I explain what it does, how to use it, strengths, common issues, privacy/permissions to watch for, and whether it’s still worth trying in 2025.
What is ADV Screen Recorder?
ADV Screen Recorder is an Android app from developer ByteRev that records your phone screen using Android’s built-in recording APIs (no root needed). It offers basic to intermediate features: start/stop recording, pause, draw on the screen while recording, use the front camera overlay, and a small built-in editor for trimming. The app has been around for years and remains popular because of its simplicity and low resource needs.
Key features (quick list)
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Record screen without rooting the device. (Google Play)
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Two recording engines (default and advanced) — advanced allows pause/resume and more control. (Reddit)
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On-screen drawing: draw or write on the screen while recording to highlight things. (Uptodown)
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Front/back camera overlay so you can show your face while capturing the screen. (Reddit)
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Built-in editor for simple trimming and adding text/banners. (Screencapture)
These features make ADV good for quick tutorials, game clips, app demos, and voice-over how-tos.
How to use ADV Screen Recorder — step by step (simple)
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Install the app from Google Play (search “ADV Screen Recorder”). (Google Play)
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Open the app and grant permissions it asks for (screen capture permission, microphone if you want voice, and optional camera access for overlay). (adv-screen-recorder.en.aptoide.com)
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Choose your recording engine: Default for simple one-shot recording, Advanced if you want pause/resume and more options. (Reddit)
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Tap the record button — a floating control appears that lets you start/pause/stop and access the draw tool and camera overlay. (Uptodown)
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After stopping, use the built-in editor to trim the clip or add simple labels, then save or share. (Screencapture)
Pros — why people like it
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Lightweight and fast: small APK size, quick to launch and start recording. (adv-screen-recorder.en.aptoide.com)
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No root required: works on Lollipop and above using standard Android APIs. This makes installation and use straightforward. (adv-screen-recorder.en.aptoide.com)
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Useful live tools: drawing and camera overlay are very handy for explainer videos or showing taps/gestures in real time. (Uptodown)
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Free core features: basic recording is free; ads and optional in-app purchases unlock extras. (Google Play)
Cons and common complaints
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Ads & in-app purchases: the free version shows ads and pushes “Turbo/Pro” upgrades for extra features or to remove ads. If you want no ads, you may need to pay. (Google Play)
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Occasional stability issues on some phones: users sometimes report recordings stopping unexpectedly or compatibility quirks with newer Android versions; this is common with many third-party recorders. You may need to try the advanced engine or tweak settings. (YouTube)
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Permissions and privacy: the app asks for microphone and camera permissions if you use those features — as with any recorder, be mindful of what you capture. Also check the app’s privacy policy if you’re concerned about data. (adv-screen-recorder.en.aptoide.com)
Permissions & privacy — what to watch for
ADV needs the screen capture permission (the standard Android prompt that appears when you start recording). If you use voice recording, it will request microphone access; for face overlay it asks camera access. Third-party download sites list many permissions, so it’s safest to install from the Google Play Store and read the permissions there. If you’re downloading APKs from other sites, check the source carefully. (Google Play)
Tips for getting the best recordings
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Use the advanced engine if you want pause/resume and more stable results on certain devices. (Reddit)
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Turn on Do Not Disturb before long recordings to avoid notification interruptions.
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If you see lag, lower the resolution or frame-rate in settings — smaller files and smoother captures.
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Test a short clip first to confirm audio/video sync before recording long tutorials.
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Use the drawing tool sparingly (or practice) so on-screen annotations look smooth.
Alternatives worth considering
ADV is great for quick jobs, but if you need advanced editing, cloud upload, or better performance on desktops, consider alternatives: built-in Android screen recorder (newer phones), AZ Screen Recorder, Mobizen, or desktop tools like OBS Studio (for PC). For many casual creators, ADV hits the sweet spot of simplicity vs features. (Screencapture)
Is ADV Screen Recorder still worth it in 2025?
Yes — if your priority is a straightforward mobile recorder with live drawing and camera overlay, ADV remains a solid choice. It isn’t the most feature-packed editor, but for quick tutorials, game clips, and how-to videos it’s fast and convenient. If you need professional editing, higher bitrates, or cloud workflows, you’ll need to pair it with a desktop editor or use a higher-end recorder. (Adv Screen)
Final thoughts
ADV Screen Recorder is a practical, no-friction tool for anyone who wants to capture their Android screen without rooting or a steep learning curve. It balances useful live features (draw, camera overlay, pause) with a light footprint. Just be mindful of ads, permissions, and occasional device-specific quirks — test before you record something important.