This guide covers how to record video during a service attempt right inside ABC Mobile, plus the best practices for doing it professionally, safely, and in line with our requirements. Three steps: record, review, submit. Video is kept on file for 7 years. Wi-Fi is recommended for upload.
Why we record and how to carry yourself
Video recordings support documentation, accuracy, and service verification. Always record professionally, respectfully, and with safety as the top priority.
Keep a professional, calm, and non-confrontational demeanor at all times.
If a resident seems hesitant or concerned, politely reassure them of the purpose of the recording.
Safety comes first. Do not escalate a tense situation. If conditions feel unsafe, disengage and prioritize your personal safety over documentation.
Always give notice and get consent
Important: In many states you are legally required to give notice that you are recording, and the other party must consent. ABC asks you to do this every time. The app will also prompt you to disclose. Use a calm, neutral tone.
Start recording at the very beginning of the attempt so you capture the interaction and the context. As the party comes into view, say:
"Just so you are aware, I'm recording this for accuracy."
If consent is not given
Stop recording immediately if someone clearly says they do not consent, or if they are unable to consent (for example, a minor).
Confirm out loud that you have stopped: "No problem, I've stopped the recording and it will be deleted."
Do not resume recording that encounter, or if you return to that address.
When to end recording
End the recording once the interaction is complete and you have turned to head back to your car. Do not continue recording beyond the scope of the service attempt.
1. Before you start
Make sure your phone is charged.
Make sure ABC Mobile is updated to the latest version.
Make sure your phone's operating system is up to date.
Check your connection. If you are not on Wi-Fi, that is okay, you can still record. Uploading just works best on Wi-Fi (see Section 4).
Know your state's consent rules before recording audio along with video. The app will prompt you to disclose.
Good to know: you do not need an internet connection to record. The video saves on your phone first and uploads afterward, whenever a connection is available.
2. Recording video on the job
Open the job in ABC Mobile. From your job list, tap the job you are serving to open the Job Details screen.
Tap the three-dot menu (More Options) in the bottom-right corner of the Job Details screen.
Select "Capture Video." The camera screen opens.
Read the Disclose Recording prompt, then tap "Begin Recording." The app reminds you to clearly state that you are recording once the party is in view. Say it aloud, then tap Begin Recording.
Record the serve, and use Picture-in-Picture to keep serving. The camera fills the screen by default. Tap the Picture-in-Picture icon (bottom right, next to the flash) to shrink the camera into a small floating window. You can then go back to the Job Details screen and continue your serve while recording continues in the corner. When you are done, tap the video, then the red Stop button.
Tap "Submit" or "Discard." The Submit Video screen shows the length and confirms it will upload in the background. Tap Submit to attach it to the job, or Discard to start over.
Tip for a clean recording: hold the phone steady and try to capture the recipient's face and the moment of service clearly. If you are not happy with it, tap Discard and go back through the three-dot menu to capture again.
Already use a bodycam, or recorded outside the app? You can attach that footage instead of capturing in-app. Tap Upload Video in the same three-dot menu and select your clip. The announce-and-consent step still applies while you record.
3. Submitting the video with your job
Finish the rest of the job form (time, address confirmation, notes) as you normally would. You are still required to take your photos.
Tap "Submit Job." The video is attached automatically. You do not need to upload it separately.
Watch for the upload status. A small progress indicator shows the video uploading in the background. You can move on to your next job while this happens.
You do not have to wait at the location for the upload to finish. Once you tap Submit, ABC Mobile keeps uploading even while you drive to your next stop.
4. Wi-Fi vs. cellular upload
Video files are large, so where and how you upload matters.
Connection | What happens | Recommendation |
Wi-Fi | Fastest, most reliable upload, uses no cellular data. | Best option whenever available. |
Cellular (4G/5G) | Works, but slower and uses mobile data. | Fine for occasional use, check your data plan. |
No connection | Video is saved on your phone and queued. | Upload resumes automatically once you are back online. |
If you want your phone to upload only over Wi-Fi and never use cellular data: go to More > Preferences > Upload Settings and toggle on "Wi-Fi Only Uploads." Videos will then wait for Wi-Fi before uploading.
5. Troubleshooting
Upload is stuck or stalled: check you have an active connection; open the job and check upload status (it may just be slow on a weak signal); if stuck more than 15 to 20 minutes, move to a stronger signal; as a last resort, close and reopen the app and the upload resumes.
Recording won't start: make sure ABC Mobile has camera and microphone permission; make sure you have free storage; force-close and reopen the app, then try again.
Video looks blurry or dark: use Retake before submitting. Once submitted, the video becomes part of the case record.
Phone ran out of storage mid-recording: free up space, then try again. Recordings cut short by storage will prompt you to retake before submitting.
Still stuck? Contact Process Server Support with the job number and a description of what happened. Do not manually delete or resubmit the job yourself.
6. Quick reference checklist
Check storage and app version before heading out.
Record, review, then confirm or retake.
Submit the job as normal, the video attaches automatically.
Let the upload run in the background, no need to wait around.
Prefer Wi-Fi. Switch on Wi-Fi Only Uploads in Preferences to enforce it.
If an upload fails, let it auto-retry. Contact Support if it keeps failing.