How to Download Microsoft Teams Recording – Fastest Methods Explained

Downloading a Microsoft Teams recording is simple once you know where the file is stored and what permissions you have. In today’s discussion, I’ll show you how to download Microsoft Teams recording from OneDrive, SharePoint, and the meeting chat step by step.

Where Does Microsoft Teams Store Meeting Recordings?

Downloading a Teams recording is simple when you know the exact location where it is stored, and the steps are also different for each location. So, first, it is mandatory to know where Teams stores recordings, i.e.

#1. Channel Meetings

If you recorded a meeting inside a Team, such as a department or project Team, the recording is stored in:

1. Open the SharePoint site linked to your Microsoft Team.
2. Open the specific Team Site where the channel files are stored.
3. Now, click on Documents to open the document library.
4. Inside the Documents library, open the Channel Folder that matches the channel where you recorded the meeting.
5. Inside that, click on the Recordings folder to access the meeting video.

#2. Non-Channel Meetings (Private or Scheduled Meetings)

For all other meetings, including ad-hoc calls, recordings are stored in:

OneDrive > Recordings folder

I’ve noticed this difference confuses users because the download option depends on where the file is stored. But you don’t need to get confused, because in the section below, I’ll explain each method to save the recording locally, depending on where it is stored: SharePoint, OneDrive, or the meeting chat.

Also read: Microsoft Teams Chat Missing

How to Download Microsoft Teams Recording?

Below are all the ways to download a meeting recording, depending on the type of meeting and your access level.

#Method 1. From OneDrive

This applies to private or non-channel meetings:

1. Open OneDrive in the browser or desktop app.
2. Navigate to the Recordings folder.
3. Locate the meeting file, for example, Meeting Recording.mp4
4. Click the three dots to open the menu.
5. Select Download.

I prefer this method because OneDrive loads faster with clear download options.

#Method 2. Via SharePoint

If a meeting is held within a channel, then this trick will help you. So:

1. Open Microsoft Teams.
2. Navigate to the Team and then the Channel where the meeting is stored.
3. Click the Files tab.
4. Open the Recordings folder.
5. Find the recording, click the menu, and choose Download.

In large organisations, SharePoint permissions can prevent you from downloading files. In that case, contact the admin for access.

#Method 3. How to Download Microsoft Teams Recording From the Meeting Chat

You can download a recording directly from the meeting chat if your permissions allow it:

1. Open Teams and go to Chat.
2. Open the chat for the meeting.
3. Locate the recording card.
4. Click Open in OneDrive or Open in SharePoint.
5. Click Download.

Teams does not store the actual recording file; the recording always opens from OneDrive or SharePoint.

Related article: Migrate Teams Chat from One Account to Another

#Method 4. Download as the Meeting Organiser

If you are the meeting organiser, you have full access and can always download the recording directly:

1. Open the meeting chat.
2. Click Open in OneDrive or SharePoint.
3. Download the file.

How to Allow Others to Download Microsoft Teams Recordings?

Sometimes, team members cannot download the recording, which is usually due to permissions. To grant download access:

1. Open the recording in OneDrive or SharePoint.
2. Click Share.
3. Open Manage Access.
4. Add users and set permissions to:
   • Can Edit
   • Or can view with download permission, depending on your configuration.

How to Disable Auto-Expiration of Teams Recordings

If your organisation frequently needs to retain recordings, disabling auto-expiration will be helpful. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
2. Go to Teams Admin Center.
3. Open Meetings.
4. Select Meeting Policies.
5. Open Recording and Transcription.
6. Turn off Auto-delete recordings.

This ensures that recordings remain available until manually deleted.

How to Download Microsoft Teams Recording from Android or iPhone

You cannot download a recording directly from the Teams mobile app, but you can do it through OneDrive.

1. Open the OneDrive mobile app.
2. Navigate to the Recordings folder.
3. Tap the menu for the recording.
4. Select Download.

On Android, the file saves to your Downloads folder. On iPhone, it stays in OneDrive unless exported manually.

Additional resource: Microsoft Classic Teams End of Life

Author’s Verdict

Downloading a Microsoft Teams recording is straightforward once you understand where your recordings are stored and what permissions you need. Personally, I find OneDrive-based downloads easier and faster. Now that you know how to download Microsoft Teams recording, you can opt for any discussed methods, according to your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long are Teams recordings available?

Typically 120 days by default, though admins can adjust this setting.

• Can guests download the recording?

Yes, if the organiser grants permissions.

• Can I download a recording someone else made?

Yes, but:

• Only if you are the organiser
• A presenter with edit permissions
• Someone the owner has shared access with