How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways + secret chips

Xiaomi Redmi 9 remains one of the most popular budget devices even years after its release — and it’s no wonder: reliable hardware, long support for MIUI updates and a lot of useful features. But many users still don’t know how to quickly take a screenshot, especially if the standard keyboard shortcuts don’t work. In this article, we’ll look at all possible ways, from classic to hidden, and also tell you how to edit and save screenshots without unnecessary actions.

It's important to understand that the methods may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. For example, MIUI 12 and MIUI 14 have different settings, but the logic of creating screenshots remains the same. If you have custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS), some features may not be available, which we'll talk about later.

And of course, we'll look at the typical problems: why screenshots don't save, how to change the file format (PNG/JPEG), and what to do if the screenshot turns black. Spoiler: 80 percent of the time, it's the power saving settings or the application rights. But everything in order!

Method 1: Classic button combination (always working)

The most versatile method that is guaranteed to work on any Redmi 9 regardless of the MIUI version is to simultaneously press physical buttons.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
2. Press the power button (right) and the volume down button (left) at the same time.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Note: If the buttons are pressed for too long (more than 3 seconds), the smartphone may interpret this as an attempt to turn off or reboot.

Where to look for a screenshot? By default, all screenshots are saved to the DCIM → Screenshots folder (available through any file manager or gallery). MIUI 13/14 also has a thumbnail notification – click on it to open the editor immediately.

Screen unlocked and active |Finger not closing buttons |Sound not turned off (to hear confirmation) |Enough space in memory-->

Method 2: Three finger gesture (fastest)

Xiaomi's signature feature is the ability to take screenshots with a simple swipe across the screen, a method that is convenient when you hold your phone with one hand and do business with the other (like drinking coffee).

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the option “Screenshot with three fingers” and activate it.
3. Now swipe down the screen with three fingers at the same time (no matter which hand).

💡 Useful tip: If the gesture doesn’t work, check if it conflicts with other features (like Split Screen or Camera Fast Start). MIUI 14 You can even adjust the direction of the swipe - up or down.

Advantages of the method:

• 👆 No need to look for buttons – it works even with a cover.
• 🎯 Accuracy: You can take a screenshot of a specific moment in a video or game.
• ⚡ Faster than the classical method of 30-40%.

Method 3: Voice command (for lazy people)

If you have Google Assistant on or your branded XiaoAI on, you can take a voice screenshot -- it's convenient when your hands are busy.

1. Activate the voice assistant with the phrase “OK, Google” or hold the home button (if XiaoAI is configured).
2. Say “take a screenshot” or “screenshot”.
3. Confirm the action (if required).

⚠️ Note: This method requires an internet connection (to handle voice commands) and may not work in restricted games or applications (such as banking programs). Also make sure the assistant has permission to Read the screen in the special features settings.

Cons of voice:

• 🔇 It does not work in the "Do not disturb" mode»**.
• 🕒 Delay. 1-2 seconds due to the processing of the command.
• 🔒 It may not work in secure applications (e.g. SberBank Online).

Method 4: Quick settings panel (for MIUI 12 and later)

In MIUI 12+, you can add a screenshot button to the notification bar, which saves you if you don't have physical buttons or gestures.

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Slip on the icon "Pencil"** (editing tiles).
3. Find the Screenshot tiles and drag them to the active area.
4. Now one tap on this tile can take screenshots.

🔧 Technical nuance: If the tile disappears after rebooting, reset the notification panel settings in Settings → Notifications → Additionally. → Resetting the control panel.

Advantages of the method:

• 🛠️ It works even with faulty buttons.
• 📱 It can be used horizontally (e.g. in games).
• 🔄 Faster than gesture if the panel is already open.

Editing and saving screenshots

The screenshot is only half the story, and MIUI has a built-in editor that allows you to crop, draw or blur parts of the image right after you've created it.

1. And as soon as you take the screenshot, you'll see a thumbnail at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tools are available in the editor: ✏️ Pen/marker – for drawing or highlighting. 📏 Pruning - to remove the extra edges. 🔲 Blurring – to hide confidential information. 📝 Text — addition of signatures.

"Save"**

Screenshots

Important: If you do not click on the thumbnail immediately, you can find the editor through the gallery - open the screenshot and tap "Edit".

🔹 Format tip: By default, screenshots are saved in PNG (No loss of quality, but larger size. To save space, you can convert them into JPEG through any converter application (for example, PicsArt or Snapseed).

💡

If you want to take a screenshot of a long page (such as a chat or website), use the Scrolling feature in the screenshot editor. It will appear automatically if the screen scrolls down.

Typical problems and their solutions

Sometimes screenshots can't be taken or they're not saved correctly, and let's look at the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

1. Screenshot not saved

Causes and solutions:

• 🗑️ Lack of space: Clear the memory (delete unnecessary files or transfer them to a memory card).
• 🔒 Application restrictions: Some programs (such as Netflix or banking apps) block screenshots for security reasons.
• 🔧 System failure: Reboot your phone or upgrade MIUI last-minute.

2. Black screenshot.

If you get a black screen instead of an image, the energy saving settings are to blame:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Energy Saving Mode.
2. Turn off the mode or add the app in which you take a screenshot to the "Exceptions"**.

3.Gesturals don't work

Check it out.

• ⚙️ Whether Gestures are enabled** in settings (Additional Features) → Gestures).
• 👆 Does the gesture conflict with other functions (e.g., Double touch to wake up»**).
• 📱 No physical damage to the sensor (for example, after a fall).

💡

If none of these methods work, check if system applications (such as MiuiSystemUI) are disabled through the developer settings or third-party utilities like Package Disabler.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 9