> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.screendesk.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.screendesk.io/request-screen-recording/developer-tools/console-logs.md).

# Console logs

Console logs capture what your app wrote to the browser console during the session. This is the fastest way to debug client-side failures without asking customers to open DevTools.

<figure><img src="https://3820804400-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfW6XSzJSKsNyZnOkSJPt%2Fuploads%2FEh6TzXUzt2tyUZ1oi1Z0%2FCleanShot%202026-02-10%20at%2015.29.35%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=cc2a0c6e-e9e7-4d4f-8f55-9d45fc72b3ba" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Availability

Console logs are captured for widget-based recordings when enabled by an admin.

You typically need:

* The Screendesk widget installed on your site
* Console logging enabled in workspace settings

{% hint style="info" %}
Console logs start capturing after you enable the feature. Older recordings won’t be backfilled.
{% endhint %}

### Enable console logs (admin)

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Install the widget (if needed)**

Console capture relies on the Screendesk script on your site.

See [Installing Screendesk script](https://docs.screendesk.io/~/revisions/pAg2d5GCwbZlpJ20UTRh/request-screen-recording/developer-tools/installing-screendesk-script).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Turn on console capture**

Go to **Settings → Console Logs**.

Enable **Enable Console Logs**.

<figure><img src="https://3820804400-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfW6XSzJSKsNyZnOkSJPt%2Fuploads%2FNzBXeRj31TNcJi0DoMzT%2FCleanShot%202026-02-10%20at%2015.30.26%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3a0b2725-b7eb-4ccd-a8c7-926fe81ec816" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Verify on a test recording**

Create a new test recording. Then confirm you see a **Console** tab on the recording.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Where to find console logs

1. Open a recording.
2. Click the **Console** tab.
3. Use search and level filters to narrow down noise.

### How to use console logs (fast workflow)

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Find the first real error**

Start with **Error** entries. Ignore repeated follow-on errors at first.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Correlate with the video**

Jump to the timestamp. Watch what the user did right before the error.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Escalate with the right payload**

Include:

* Error message
* Stack trace
* Timestamp
* Recording link
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

<details>

<summary>Common patterns (with examples)</summary>

**Uncaught TypeError**

```
TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'user')
```

Usually a frontend bug or missing data. Escalate with the stack trace.

**CORS blocked**

```
Blocked by CORS policy
```

Usually a server header or environment mismatch. Pair this with the failing request in network logs.

**Failed resource / 404**

```
Failed to load resource: the server responded with a status of 404
```

Usually a bad URL, missing asset, or wrong environment.

**Deprecation warnings**

These are rarely the direct cause. Track as tech debt unless they block the flow.

</details>

### Console logs vs. network logs

Use console logs when:

* UI breaks and you suspect frontend code
* You need stack traces and error context

Use network logs when:

* Data doesn’t load
* You need status codes, payloads, and responses

See [Network Logs](https://docs.screendesk.io/~/revisions/pAg2d5GCwbZlpJ20UTRh/request-screen-recording/developer-tools/network-logs).

### Privacy and security

{% hint style="warning" %}
Console logs can include sensitive data (tokens, IDs, and internal state). Limit access.
{% endhint %}

Recommended practices:

* Restrict access to technical roles.
* Redact secrets before sharing outside your org.
* Avoid copying full logs into public tickets.

### Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>I don’t see a Console tab</summary>

Check these in order:

1. Console logging is enabled in **Settings → Console Logs**.
2. The Screendesk widget is installed on the page being recorded.
3. You’re testing with a new recording (no backfill).
4. Browser extensions aren’t blocking the widget.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Console logs are empty</summary>

This can be normal. Some apps don’t log anything unless there’s an error.

Try reproducing again, or add targeted logging in your app for the failing flow.

</details>

<details>

<summary>There are too many logs</summary>

Filter to **Error** first. Then search for the API endpoint or feature keyword.

If this is persistent, reduce verbose debug logs in production builds.

</details>

### Related pages

* [Network Logs](https://docs.screendesk.io/~/revisions/pAg2d5GCwbZlpJ20UTRh/request-screen-recording/developer-tools/network-logs)
* [System Info](https://docs.screendesk.io/~/revisions/pAg2d5GCwbZlpJ20UTRh/request-screen-recording/developer-tools/system-info)
* [Installing Screendesk script](https://docs.screendesk.io/~/revisions/pAg2d5GCwbZlpJ20UTRh/request-screen-recording/developer-tools/installing-screendesk-script)


---

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```
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```

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