MediaRecorder: error event

The MediaRecorder interface's error event is fired when an error occurs: for example because recording wasn't allowed or was attempted using an unsupported codec.

This event is not cancelable and does not bubble.

Syntax

Use the event name in methods like addEventListener(), or set an event handler property.

addEventListener("event", (event) => {});

onevent = (event) => {};

Event type

A MediaRecorderErrorEvent. Inherits from Event.

Event properties

Inherits properties from its parent interface, Event.

error Read only

A DOMException containing information about the error that occurred.

Value

A function to be called whenever an error occurs during the recorder's lifetime. In addition to other general errors that might occur, the following errors are specifically possible when using the MediaStream Recording API; to determine which occurred, check the value of MediaRecorderErrorEvent.error.name.

InvalidStateError

An attempt was made to stop or pause an inactive recorder, start or resume an active recorder, or otherwise manipulate the MediaRecorder while in the wrong state. This exception can also occur when a request is made on a source that has been deleted or removed.

SecurityError

The MediaStream is configured to disallow recording. This may be the case, for example, with sources obtained using getUserMedia() when the user denies permission to use an input device.

NotSupportedError

An attempt was made to instantiate a MediaRecorder using a MIME type that isn't supported on the user's device; one or more of the requested container, codecs, or profiles as well as other information may be invalid.

InvalidModificationError

The number of tracks on the stream being recorded has changed. You can't add or remove tracks while recording media.

UnknownError

An non-security related error occurred that cannot otherwise be categorized. Recording stops, the MediaRecorder's state becomes inactive, one last dataavailable event is sent to the MediaRecorder with the remaining received data, and finally a stop event is sent.

These errors may occur either directly because of a call to a MediaRecorder method, or indirectly due to a problem arising during the recording process.

Examples

Using addEventListener to listen for error events:

async function record() {
  const stream = await navigator.mediaDevices.getUserMedia({ audio: true });
  const recorder = new MediaRecorder(stream);
  recorder.addEventListener("error", (event) => {
    console.error(`error recording stream: ${event.error.name}`);
  });
  recorder.start();
}

record();

The same, but using the onerror event handler property:

async function record() {
  const stream = await navigator.mediaDevices.getUserMedia({ audio: true });
  const recorder = new MediaRecorder(stream);
  recorder.onerror = (event) => {
    console.error(`error recording stream: ${event.error.name}`);
  };
  recorder.start();
}

record();

Specifications

Specification
MediaStream Recording
# dom-mediarecorder-onerror

Browser compatibility

BCD tables only load in the browser

See also