Fix: Screen Recording Error “Feature Not Available” iOS 26

When trying to use the built‑in screen recording tool on iOS 26, some users are being blocked by an error message that reads, “This feature is not available when AirPlay, restrictions, or screen mirroring are active.” This can be particularly confusing when, as one user in an Apple Community discussion noted, you are certain that no AirPlay or mirroring session is active and cannot find the relevant setting under restrictions.

The issue is typically caused by a genuine restriction set in Screen Time, a lingering background process making iOS think AirPlay is active, or a simple software glitch. For a detailed walkthrough of this exact problem, see the guide to fix screen recording error.

Why This Screen Recording Error Happens

iOS is designed to protect user privacy and prevent technical conflicts by disabling screen recording under certain conditions. When you use AirPlay or Screen Mirroring to display your screen on another device, iOS blocks screen recording to prevent a recursive recording loop and to adhere to content protection policies from streaming apps.

The “restrictions” part of the error refers to Screen Time, Apple’s parental‑control and digital‑wellbeing feature. Within Screen Time, you can disable specific system functions, including screen recording. If this restriction is enabled, the feature will be blocked everywhere. The error appears when iOS detects that one of these conditions is met, even if it’s due to a software bug that has incorrectly flagged AirPlay as active.

How to Fix the Screen Recording Error

These solutions will help you verify that no restrictions are active and clear any software glitches that may be causing the error message to appear incorrectly.

1. Manually Disable AirPlay and Screen Mirroring

Even if you don’t think it’s running, a background AirPlay or Screen Mirroring process could be stuck. Manually checking and stopping it is the most direct way to address the error message.

1. Swipe down from the top‑right corner of your screen to open Control Center.
2. Tap the Screen Mirroring icon (two overlapping rectangles).
3. If any device is connected, it will be highlighted. Tap Stop Mirroring at the bottom of the list. Even if nothing appears to be active, tapping this can clear a stuck state.

2. Check Screen Time Restrictions

This is the most common cause of the error. The setting to block screen recording is located deep within the Screen Time menu and can be easy to miss.

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. If it’s off, you can skip to the next solution.
3. If it’s on, tap Content Restrictions.
4. Scroll down to the “Game Center” section and tap Screen Recording.
5. Ensure this setting is set to Allow.

If you suspect the restriction settings themselves might be misconfigured, you can also troubleshoot Screen Time settings for a deeper look.

3. Force Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart may not clear the underlying glitch. A force restart clears temporary system files and can resolve issues where the OS incorrectly believes a process like AirPlay is active.

1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears, then release.

4. Disable Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode reduces or disables certain background activities to save battery. While it shouldn’t block screen recording directly, it can sometimes interfere with system features.

1. Go to Settings > Battery.
2. If the toggle for Low Power Mode is on, turn it off.
3. Try to screen record again.

If the screen still feels sluggish after these steps, you might also want to fix iPad touch issues, as touch‑related glitches can sometimes cascade into other system functions.

5. Remove and Re‑add the Screen Recording Control

Removing and re‑adding the button in Control Center can reset the feature and resolve minor glitches.

1. Go to Settings > Control Center.
2. Find Screen Recording under the “Included Controls” list and tap the red minus (–) button, then tap Remove.
3. Scroll down to “More Controls” and tap the green plus (+) button next to Screen Recording to add it back.

6. Check for an iOS Update

If the issue is a known bug in your current version of iOS 26, Apple may have already released a patch in a subsequent update.

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

   

2. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

After updating, you may also want to ensure that other system notifications are functioning correctly; a quick way to verify this is to fix notification issues.

If none of these solutions work, contact Apple Support for further assistance.