Recording Won't Start or Record Button Not Working (Troubleshooting Guide)

If you're having trouble starting a recording, this guide covers common issues and solutions. Below are several possible symptoms and how to resolve them.

Nothing Happens When I Press the Record Button

When you click the Record button but nothing happens, and no recording area appears:

• Ensure you are signed in to your Zight account.

• Try restarting the application completely.

• Reboot your computer to clear any stuck processes.

• Check if any screen recording permissions need to be re-authorized (especially after OS updates).

Screen Doesn't Turn Grey or Allow Me to Select Area

If the screen does not dim (or "go grey") after pressing Record:

• This may indicate that screen recording permissions have been lost or revoked.

• On macOS, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording and make sure Zight is enabled.

• On Windows, ensure no other application is blocking the screen capture.

• Some virtual desktops or multiple monitor setups may interfere — try disconnecting additional displays temporarily.

Cannot Select Recording Surface

If you are unable to select any portion of the screen after clicking Record:

• Verify that your app window isn't hidden or minimized.

• Confirm that your display arrangement hasn’t changed (e.g. undetected external monitors).

• Re-grant accessibility permissions (macOS only): System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility.

Record Button is Greyed Out or Unresponsive

If the Record button itself appears greyed out:

• This may indicate you are not signed in or that the app is waiting for an update to complete.

• Check for available app updates.

• Sign out and sign back in.

Recording Hangs or Freezes on Start

If recording freezes or gets stuck when you initiate capture:

• Make sure no other recording or screen sharing applications are running in the background.

• Try reinstalling the Zight application.

• Check your internet connection, especially for cloud-based recording.

Common Language Customers Use (Covered by this Article)

• "Record button not working"

• "Record button unresponsive"

• "Screen doesn’t go grey"

• "Cannot select recording surface"

• "Nothing happens when I click record"

• "Recording doesn’t start"

• "Recording window does not appear"