With so many meetings happening online, being able to rewatch or save your Zoom recordings has become essential whether it’s a team sync, client call, or training session. But if you’ve ever received a shared recording link and wondered, Can I download this?, the answer depends on how it was recorded and shared.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- How to download cloud recordings from a shared link
- How to access and share locally recorded meetings
- What to do if you run into errors
How share permissions affect downloading recordings
Before downloading anything, check the recording’s share settings.
If the host shared the recording with view-only permissions, you’ll only be able to stream it and not download. To allow downloading, they need to enable the “viewers can download” option when sharing.
Always make sure the share link explicitly mentions download access before you try to save the file.
How to download a cloud recording from a shared link
Many meetings are recorded to Zoom’s cloud, which makes sharing and downloading simple, as long as the host allows it. Cloud recording is available only for paid Zoom users on Pro, Business, or Enterprise plans. When you choose Record to the Cloud, Zoom saves your meeting’s video, audio, and chat in the cloud so you can download or stream it later.
Once the meeting has finished processing, you can access, share, or download the files directly from a shared link.
On desktop
- Click the shared link to open the recording in your browser.
- Under the video player, click Download.
- A dialog box will appear. Select Save to choose where to store the MP4 file.
- Once downloaded, the file will appear in your chosen folder and can be played like any video.
You can also check for recordings shared with you in your Zoom admin space.
On mobile
Zoom’s mobile experience doesn’t offer direct downloads. If you open a shared cloud recording link, you can watch it in your browser, but saving it locally requires a workaround.
To save it to your device:
- Open the link in your browser or Zoom app.
- Tap the Share icon.
- Select Save to Files or a cloud app like Drive, depending on your device.
If you don’t see a download option, the host likely disabled it.
💡 Tip: Cloud recordings can only be created by the meeting host or co-host, not participants. If you’re on a free plan, you’ll need to use computer recording instead, which saves the meeting to your local device.
How to download and share a locally recorded Zoom meeting
Local recordings are stored directly on the host’s computer, not in Zoom’s cloud. That means they can’t be shared through a Zoom link or uploaded back to the Zoom cloud. To share them, the host needs to upload the MP4 file to a third-party service. It’s frustrating, but it’s the only way to share a locally recorded meeting.
If you’re the host
- Find the file on your computer
- Open the Zoom desktop app.
- Go to Calendar and filter for Recorded meetings (available in version 6.0 or higher).
- Select the meeting, then click the folder link under the recording thumbnail.
- By default, Zoom saves local recordings here:
- Windows: C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\Zoom
- Mac: /Users/[Username]/Documents/Zoom
- Linux: home/[Username]/Documents\Zoom
- Upload the MP4 to a cloud platform
- Use services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Vimeo.
- Set the viewing permissions and copy the shareable link.
- Share the link
- Send the third-party link via email or Slack. Recipients can stream or download the recording directly.
If you’re a viewer
Local recordings can’t be downloaded through a Zoom link. Ask the host to upload the file and share it from a third-party platform.
Why this matters
Local recordings give you control over your files, but sharing them manually is time-consuming. If you need to share or review recordings regularly, consider using a tool like Supernormal, which automatically records and stores meetings online, no manual uploading required.
Troubleshooting common download issues
Sometimes downloading doesn’t go as planned. Here’s how to fix the most common problems:
1. I don’t see a download button
If there’s no download option under the video, the host hasn’t enabled it. Ask them to turn on “viewers can download” in the recording’s share settings.
2. The link says “page not found” or “expired”
This usually means the host deleted the recording or changed the sharing permissions. Contact them and request a new share link.
3. The video won’t play after downloading
Your download may have been interrupted. Try downloading again or use a different browser. If the issue persists, check your internet connection or try playing the file with another media player.
4. I can’t find a local recording on my computer
Zoom saves local recordings in a default folder unless you’ve changed it.
- Windows:
C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\Zoom - Mac:
/Users/[Username]/Documents/Zoom - Linux:
home/[Username]/Documents/Zoom
If it’s missing, search for .mp4 files or check your Trash/Recycle Bin.
5. I only have a local recording, not a link
Local recordings aren’t shareable through Zoom links. You’ll need to upload the MP4 file to a platform like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Vimeo, then share that link instead.
A faster way to manage recordings
Zoom makes it possible to download and share recordings, but it still requires manual setup and file management, especially if you’re juggling multiple meetings.
That’s where Supernormal simplifies things.
- Automatically records and stores your meetings securely in the cloud.
- Creates AI-powered transcripts, summaries, and key takeaways you can search later.
- Lets you share recordings instantly, no downloads or file uploads needed.
If you regularly share meeting recordings, using Supernormal can save you hours every week. It captures every conversation, organizes your notes, and makes collaboration seamless.
For more options, check out our related guides on the best AI notetakers for Zoom.
Key takeaways
- Cloud recordings are easiest to download and share if the host enables viewer downloads.
- Local recordings can’t be shared through Zoom links — they must be uploaded to a third-party service.
- If you run into issues, check permissions and confirm the file hasn’t been deleted or moved.
- For automatic recording, transcription, and easy sharing, Supernormal is the simplest solution.