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Loom Not Recording

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Ongoing Windows, macOS, Chrome Updated November 13, 2026Based on 5 user reportsHow we research

Quick answer

Loom usually fails to record because of an outdated app, missing OS permissions, a weak upload connection or a corrupted install. Restart, update or reinstall, and check permissions first.

Most likely fix: Restart and update

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Restart and update

    1. Restart your computer
    2. In the desktop app click the ... menu at top right and choose Updates
    3. For the extension, update Chrome at chrome://settings/help and restart it
    Did this fix it?

  2. 2. Check macOS permissions

    1. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security
    2. Enable Loom under Microphone, Camera, Accessibility and Screen Recording
    3. Also enable Chrome if you record through the extension
    4. If options are greyed out, unlock with the lock icon, then restart the Mac
    Did this fix it?

  3. 3. Windows: enable the fallback recorder

    1. Open the Loom desktop app settings
    2. Under Video & audio turn on Use fallback recorder
    3. Make sure your microphone input device is not disabled in Windows sound settings
    Did this fix it?

  4. 4. Reinstall

    1. Uninstall the Loom desktop app and restart
    2. Download the latest version from loom.com/desktop
    3. For the extension, remove it at chrome://extensions, restart Chrome and reinstall
    Did this fix it?

  5. 5. Try the other recorder

    1. If the desktop app fails, record with the Chrome extension, or the reverse
    2. Test upload speed at speedtest.net; Loom needs at least 5 Mbps up
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

Start Recording does nothing or is greyed out, controls do not appear, or the recording fails partway.

Why it happens

  • Missing macOS permissions for Microphone, Accessibility or Screen Recording
  • Outdated desktop app or Chrome
  • Upload speed under 5 Mbps
  • Disabled input device (Windows)
  • GPU recording issues on Windows
  • Known macOS desktop bugs with recording controls

This guide also covers

  • loom not working
  • loom not recording
  • loom start recording greyed out
  • loom cant record
  • loom desktop app not working

Still not working?

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