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

Why you need screenshots on Redmi 9A and what to do if they are not saved

Screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 9A are not just a way to save important information, but also a tool for communication, work or even proof in controversial situations. For example, you can fix an error in the application, save a payment confirmation or share a funny moment from the game with friends. However, many users experience screenshots either not being obtained the first time or disappear from the gallery.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to capture screenshots on Redmi 9A, including the classic button method, gestures in MIUI and alternative options through the notification panel. You’ll also learn where screenshots are saved, how to find them if they’re gone, and what to do if the phone doesn’t respond to taps. All instructions are tested on MIUI 12.5, MIUI 13, and MIUI 14 firmware – relevant to the Redmi 9A in 2026.

Before you go into practice, check if there is enough free space in the phone's memory.If the Redmi 9A has less than 500MB left, the system can automatically delete screenshots or other temporary files. To avoid this, clear the cache or transfer the photos to the memory card.

Method 1: Classic – Power and Volume buttons

This is the most reliable and versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 9A. You don’t need any additional settings — just remember the combination of buttons. However, there is a caveat: if you press out of sync or hold the keys too long, instead of a screenshot, you can turn off the screen or reboot.

Instructions:

1. Open the screen you want to lock (for example, a page in the browser or a chat in the messenger).
2. Press and hold the power button (right) and the volume down button (left) for 1-2 seconds at the same time.
3. Release the buttons when you hear the camera shutter sound or see an animation of a screenshot (a white rectangle at the edges of the screen).

If the picture didn't work out:

• 🔄 Try pressing buttons faster – a delay of more than 2 seconds can cause your phone to turn off.
• 📱 Make sure the screen is not locked (on the locked screen screen screen, screenshots do not work).
• 🔋 Check if the battery is discharged – with a charge level below 5%, some functions are not available. MIUI switch off.

Screen unlocked

Free memory (minimum 500 MB)

The power and volume buttons don't stick

The sound is on (to hear confirmation)-->

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 9A Long-term holding of power and volume buttons can trigger an emergency call menu (e.g. in EU countries).If this happens, just click "Cancel" and try again.

Method 2: Three-finger gesture – quick screenshot without buttons

MIUI's signature feature is the ability to take screenshots with a simple hand movement, which is convenient if the power or volume buttons on your Redmi 9A don't work well (for example, due to wear and tear), but the default gesture is turned off, so you need to activate it first.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Activate the switch next to the "Three finger screenshot" item.
3. (Optional) Choose whether you want to save screenshots in the gallery or just in the clipboard.

How to use:

• 👆 Place three fingers (usually index, middle and ring fingers) on the screen.
• 📲 Swipe down the screen in one quick move (as if you were swiping down).
• 🎯 Release your fingers when the screenshot animation appears.

If the gesture doesn't work:

• 🧹 Make sure there are no greasy spots or protective film on the screen – the sensor may not recognize touch.
• 🔄 Try to swipe your fingers with a little more force or at a different angle.
• 📱 Restart your phone – sometimes sensor failures are solved by a simple reboot.

💡

If the gesture works by accident (for example, when scrolling through the tape in social networks), turn it off or reduce sensitivity in the screenshot Gesture settings → Sensitivity.

Method 3: Notification panel – an alternative for lazy people

If you're uncomfortable remembering button combinations or gestures, you can take a screenshot through the Quick Settings Panel, which works on all versions of MIUI, but requires a Screenshot icon in the curtain. If it's not there, it's easy to add.

How to add a screenshot button to the curtain:

1. Open the notification bar (click down from the top of the screen).
2. Click on the Pencil (or Edit) icon in the lower right corner.
3. Find the “Screenshot” list and drag it to the active area (up).
4. Save the changes by clicking "Done".

How to take a screenshot:

• 📱 Open the screen you want (like a WhatsApp dialog or a page in Chrome).
• 🔽 Swipe down to open the notification bar.
• 📸 Click on the Screenshot icon (usually looks like scissors or a serif rectangle).

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ No need to remember button combinations.
• ✅ It works even if one of the physical buttons is broken.
• ✅ You can take a screenshot with one hand (comfortable for large screens).

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware may not have the Screenshot icon in the Quick Settings list, in which case use alternative methods or install a third-party app (e.g. Screenshot Easy).

Where are the screenshots saved and how to find them

By default, all screenshots on Redmi 9A are saved in the DCIM → Screenshots folder (or Pictures → Screenshots in some versions of MIUI).

If you connect Redmi 9A to your computer, you can find screenshots along the way:

Internal memory → DCIM → Screenshots


or




Memory Map → Pictures → Screenshots

On Redmi 9A with MIUI 14 firmware and later, screenshots are saved by default in PNG format at 720×1600 pixels (an aspect ratio of 20:9). This means that the files will weigh slightly more than JPEG, but without loss of quality. If you need to save space, use conversion apps (for example, PNG to JPG).

What to do if screenshots are not available

If neither method works, the problem may be a software failure or hardware malfunction.

1. Check the physical buttons: Press the power and volume button separately, they should work clearly without jamming. If the buttons are soft or not pressed, you may need to replace (repair costs for the Redmi 9A are 500 to 1500 rubles).
2. Update your firmware: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. If a new version of MIUI is available, install it — this can solve problems with gestures or buttons.
3. Reset your gesture settings: Open Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Reset. This will return all gestures to factory settings.
4. Check permissions: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Gallery → Permissions. Make sure Storage and Camera are enabled.

If the problem persists, try using third-party screenshot apps (like Screenshot Touch or Super Screenshot) that don’t require root rights and often work even when system functions fail.

Additional chips: Scrolling screenshot and editing

Redmi 9A features Scrolling Screenshot (or Long Screenshot) that allows you to capture the entire web page or chat, even if it doesn’t fit on a single screen, which is convenient for saving long Telegram dialogues or articles in the browser.

How to take a long screenshot:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the lower right corner, click on it.
3. In the editor that opens, tap the “Scroll” icon (two arrows down).
4. Wait until the phone automatically scrolls through the page and combines screenshots.
5. Save the result by clicking "Done".

Also in MIUI built-in basic editor screenshots, where you can:

• ✏️ Cut edges (tool “Cadration»).
• 🎨 Add text or drawings (hands, markers).
• 🔍 Blurring part of the image (useful to hide personal data).
• 📤 Share immediately after editing (button "Send»).

If the built-in editor isn’t enough, install Photo Editor or PicsArt from Google Play.They support layers, filters, and other advanced features.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 9A