How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways with explanations

Xiaomi Redmi 9 remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even years after its release โ€” and it is not surprising: reliable hardware, up-to-date MIUI firmware and extensive customization capabilities. But many users still do not know about all the ways to create screenshots on this device. Unlike flagships, where functionality is often duplicated, in Redmi 9, some methods are hidden or work in an unobvious way.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to all available ways to take a screenshot, including rarely documented chips (such as creating a long screen or saving without notice), and we will examine not only standard key combinations, but also alternative methods for situations where buttons do not work or the screen is damaged, and at the end we will discuss a comparison table of methods for speed and convenience.

Method 1: Classic button combination (Power + Volume Down)

This is a basic method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 9. It is versatile and works even if gestures or voice assistant are disabled.

  1. Open the screen that you want to fix (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
  2. At the same time, press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left).
  3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.

โš ๏ธ Note: If you press buttons longer than 3 seconds, the smartphone may interpret this as an attempt to turn off or reboot.

Where to look for a screenshot? By default, files are saved to the DCIM โ†’ Screenshots or Pictures โ†’ Screenshots folder. In MIUI 12/13/14, after creating a screen in the top notification bar, a thumbnail with the share and delete buttons appears - this is convenient for quick processing.

Press the buttons at the same time, not alternately.

Make sure there is no confidential information on the screen.

Check the space in memory (minimum 50 MB)

Turn off the "Do Not Disturb" mode to hear the shutter sound-->

Method 2: Three fingers down gesture (the fastest method)

MIUI is a gesture screenshot, which is 2-3 times faster than a button combination, and is ideal for capturing dynamic content (such as video or animations) to activate:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Additional settings โ†’ Buttons and gestures โ†’ Screenshot gestures.
  2. Turn on the switch opposite the screenshot with three fingers.
  3. Test: Swipe three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (as if you were swiping the screen).

๐Ÿ’ก Useful tip: If the gesture doesn't work, check if it conflicts with other gestures (like Swipe down for the notification bar).Redmi 9 sometimes helps to reboot the smartphone after the feature is turned on.

Advantages of the method:

  • ๐Ÿš€ Instant operation โ€“ no delay, like when pressing buttons.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Accuracy: You can screen a specific moment in a video or game.
  • ๐Ÿ–๏ธ Users with thumbs (no need to reach for buttons).

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of screenshots do you use more often?
Power + Volume Down keys
Three-finger gesture
Voice assistant
Quick settings panel
Other

Method 3: Quick settings panel (if buttons don't work)

If your Redmi 9 has a physical button fault or your touch screen is not responsive to gestures, use the notification bar.

  1. Turn the notification bar swipe from top to bottom.
  2. Find a screenshot icon (usually a scissors or a screen thumbnail) If it's not available, tap on Edit (pencil in the upper right corner) and add the widget to the active ones.
  3. Click on the icon โ€“ the smartphone will immediately make a screen of the current screen.

โš ๏ธ Note: In some versions MIUI (For example, 12.5), the screenshot icon may not be available by default. If you don't find it even after editing the panel, update the firmware or use alternative methods.

This method is convenient for:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Users with a cracked screen (if the sensor is partially operating).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Gamers โ€“ do not need to interrupt the game to press buttons.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Those who frequently screen system menus (such as developer settings).

What to do if the screenshot icon is missing from the panel?
If the icon disappeared after the MIUI update, try: 1. Reset the notification panel settings to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management โ†’ Settings (cog) โ†’ Settings Reset. 2. Install a third-party app for screenshots (e.g. Screenshot Easy). 3. Manually add a widget through Settings โ†’ Notification Panel โ†’ Widgets if hidden.

Method 4: Google Voice Assistant or Xiao AI

Few people know, but Redmi 9 supports voice-controlled screenshots through built-in assistants. It's a lifesaver for users with disabilities or when hands are busy. Instructions for two options:

Through Google Assistant:

  1. Activate the assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
  2. Say, โ€œTake a screenshotโ€ or โ€œPhotograph the screen.โ€
  3. Confirm the action (if required).

Through Xiao AI (Chinese Assistant):

  1. Hold the Home button or say โ€œIf Chinese is enabled.โ€
  2. Say: "(literally, "screenshot").

โš ๏ธ Note: The voice method may not work if:

  • Mik access to the assistants is disabled.
  • The smartphone is in the mode of Do not disturb.
  • Unofficial firmware is used without support for Xiao AI.

๐Ÿ”น Key Conclusion: Voice is convenient for taking screenshots on the go, but requires a stable internet connection (for Google Assistant) and setting up screen recording permissions.

๐Ÿ’ก

If Xiao AI doesn't understand the command in Russian, try switching the system language to English and saying "Take a screenshot." In some versions of MIUI, this works.

Method 5: Script with scrolling (long screen)

Redmi 9 can create screenshots of scrolling pages, such as long chats in Telegram or articles in the browser, a feature built into MIUI, but many users don't know about it.

  1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
  2. Immediately after the miniature appears in the notification, tap it.
  3. In the editor that opens, click on the Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
  4. Wait until the smartphone automatically scrolls the page and combines the frames into one file.

๐Ÿ“Œ Important nuances:

  • ๐Ÿ“„ The feature doesnโ€™t work in all apps (for example, itโ€™s not supported on Instagram or TikTok).
  • ๐Ÿ“ Maximum screen length โ€“ up to 10 screens (depending on version) MIUI).
  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ The resulting image is saved in.png format with a resolution of up to 1080ร—20000 pixel.

If the screen is not long, check:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update the app youโ€™re trying to screen (e.g. Chrome or VKontakte).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Reboot your smartphone โ€“ sometimes helps with work failures MIUI.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Enable the option manually: Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Screenshots โ†’ Allow long screens.

Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier, we've put together a table of pros and cons of each method.

MethodSpeed.ConvenienceIt works when there's a fault.Suitable for
Power + Volume Down buttonsโญโญโญโญโญโŒ No (working buttons required)Universal challenges, games
Three-finger gestureโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโŒ No (needs a proper sensor)Quick screens, social media.
Quick settings panelโญโญโญโญโญโญโœ… Yes, if the sensor is working)System menus, faulty buttons
Voice assistantโญโญโญโญโญโœ… Yes, if the microphone is working)Occupied hands, limited mobility
Long screenshot.โญโญโญโญโŒ No.Articles, chats, web pages

๐Ÿ”น Bottom Line: For most Redmi 9 users, a three-finger gesture is optimal, combining speed and convenience. If the gesture is uncomfortable, use a button combination. Alternative methods are suitable for specific tasks (such as screens in games or scrolling.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with these simple functions, sometimes there are problems, and let's look at the common mistakes and how to fix them:

1. Screenshot not saved

Check it out.

  • ๐Ÿ“ Screenshots folder for recording rights (sometimes antiviruses block access).
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Free space in memory (minimum 100 MB required).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Settings of permission for the Screenshots app in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Permits.

2. Shutter sound off.

Include it in Settings โ†’ Sounds and Vibrations โ†’ System Sounds โ†’ Screenshot Sound. If you donโ€™t have an option, install a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher).

3.The three-finger gesture doesn't work

Possible causes:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Conflict with other gestures (turn off Swipe up for home in navigation settings).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Failure MIUI โ€” Helps reset or reset gesture settings.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Outdated firmware โ€“ upgrade your smartphone to the latest version MIUI.

๐Ÿ’ก

If none of these work, check if the Developer Mode is on โ†’ USB Debugging โ†’ Ban screenshots. This option blocks screen creation for security reasons.

Can I take a screenshot of Redmi 9?
No, it's technically impossible. To create a screenshot, the smartphone must be on and unlocked. If the screen doesn't respond, try connecting the device to a PC and using ADB for remote control (requires command line skills).
How to edit a screenshot immediately after creation?
After creating the screen, tap the thumbnail in the notification, the built-in MIUI editor with trimming, drawing and adding tools will open. If the thumbnail does not appear, check the notification settings for the Screenshots app.
Why are screenshots kept in low quality?
In Redmi 9, screenshot resolution depends on the current screen resolution. If you have power saving mode on or below HD+, the quality will deteriorate. To fix: Go to Settings โ†’ Display โ†’ Screen resolution. Select FHD+ (2340ร—1080). Turn off Adaptive Resolution in battery settings.
Can I take a screenshot from the on-screen keyboard?
Yes, but the keyboard will be visible on the screen. To hide it: Open the screen and roll the keyboard (stick down the arrow). Use a three-finger gesture or a screen notification panel. Alternatively, use an external keyboard (e.g., Bluetooth) that is not displayed on the screen.
How to transfer screenshots to a computer?
Methods of transmission: ๐Ÿ”Œ Po Po Po USB-cable in the mode of file transfer (MTP). โ˜๏ธ Through the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive or Telegram). ๐Ÿ“ถ Wi-Fi via apps like Send Anywhere or Xender. To speed up the process, turn on the display of hidden folders on your PC โ€“ sometimes screens are saved to.thumbnails.