How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 7: all working methods + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones thanks to reliable hardware and flexible MIUI firmware. But even experienced users sometimes have difficulties with basic features – for example, how to take a screenshot if the standard button combinations do not work or you need to capture a long page. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to take screenshots on Redmi 7, including hidden MIUI 10-14 chips, and also solve typical problems: a black screenshot, no sound of the trigger and the inability to take a picture in games.

It's important to keep in mind that the methods may vary depending on the firmware version. For example, MIUI 12+ has a three-finger swipe gesture that is not available in earlier versions. We tested all the methods on Redmi 7 with original and custom firmware - the instructions below are 100%. If your smartphone is modified (for example, a Global ROM or EU ROM is installed), some menu items may be called differently - we'll mention this too.

1. Standard method: button combination

This is the most reliable method that works on all versions of MIUI and does not depend on the gesture settings.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (like a WhatsApp dialog or a page in Chrome).
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 characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is turned off, visual animation will appear).

The screenshot will be saved in the gallery in the Screenshots folder or Screenshots.

• 🔄 Check the synchrony of the press – if you press one button first and then another, the system will perceive this as separate commands (for example, the shutdown menu may open).
• 🔊 Enable the sound of the screenshot in the settings: Settings → Sounds and vibrations → System sounds → Screenshot.
• 📱 Clean the buttons – sometimes dust or moisture interferes with the operation (relevant for smartphones older than 2 years).

⚠️ Note: On Redmi 7 with non-original firmware (e.g. LineageOS), this combination may conflict with the reboot function. If the phone starts to reboot after pressing the buttons, use alternative methods from the following sections.

Clear the dust buttons | Check if the shutter sound is on | Make sure the screen is not locked | Turn off the case if it interferes with pressing-->

2. Three-finger swipe gesture (MIUI 12 and newer)

MIUI 12-14 has a handy screenshot gesture that doesn't require pressing buttons to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Gesture for a screenshot.
2. Turn on the switch opposite Swipe three fingers down.
3. Test the gesture on any screen: swipe top-down across the display with three fingers at the same time.

Advantages of the method:

• 🖐️ Physical buttons don’t wear out – it’s important for Redmi 7 with worn-out keys.
• 🎮 Works in games where the button combination may conflict with gameplay (e.g., in the gameplay). PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty).
• ⚡ Faster than the standard method, one movement is enough.

If the gesture doesn't work:

• 🧹 Turn off other gestures in settings that may conflict (e.g., Double-touch to wake up).
• 📏 Check the swipe area – the gesture should start outside the status bar (top notification bar).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes system gestures are reset after a long run.

3. Screenshot via notification panel

This method is suitable for those who do not want to remember button combinations or gestures.

1. Deploy the notification panel by swiping your finger from top to bottom across the screen.
2. Find the Screenshot icon (usually it looks like a scissor or a rectangle with lightning). If it's not there, click on Edit (the pencil in the upper right corner) and add it to active shortcuts.
3. Slap the icon - the picture will be taken instantly.

Features of the method:

• 📱 It works on all versions. MIUI, including old ones (e.g., old ones, MIUI 10 at the 2019 Redmi 7 release).
• 🔧 You can configure the order of icons in the notification panel for quick access.
• ❌ Does not work on a locked screen (unlocking required).

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) may not have a screenshot icon in the notification bar. ADB-commands (section 5) or third-party applications.

4.Voice command (for MIUI 11 and later)

If you have Xiaomi Voice Assistant (or Google Assistant) on, you can take a voice screenshot, which is convenient when your hands are busy or your buttons are not working.

For Xiaomi's Voice Assistant:

1. Activate the assistant by saying, OK, Google or Hi, Mi (depending on the settings).
2. Tell the command: Take a screenshot or a screenshot.
3. Confirm the action if necessary.

For Google Assistant:

1. Make sure that the screenshot option is enabled in Google settings (path: Google Settings → Services → Assistant → Phone).
2. Say, OK, Google, take a screenshot.

Limitations of the method:

• 🗣️ Requires an Internet connection for speech recognition (relevant to offline mode).
• 🔒 Does not work on a locked screen.
• 🎤 It may conflict with other voice commands (e.g., in a navigator).

💡

If the voice assistant doesn’t recognize the command, try to pronounce it more clearly or switch the recognition language to English (Take a screenshot).

5. Screenshot via ADB (for advanced users)

If none of the above methods work (such as broken buttons or sensors), you can take a screenshot via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a connection to a computer, but is guaranteed to work even on “bricks” (faulty phones).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers (you can download from the site) XDA Developers).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 7 to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on your phone screen.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
3. Run the command for screenshot: adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
4. Download the image to your computer: adb pull /sdcard/screen.png C:\screenshot (replace C:\screenshot on the desired path).

This method is the only one that allows you to take a screenshot on a completely broken screen (for example, if the display crashes, but the sensor responds to touch).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn’t show up after the adb device command, check the drivers or try another one. USB-Redmi 7 with unlocked bootloader may require additional on-screen confirmation.

6. Screenshot Problems on Redmi 7 and Their Solutions

Even after following the instructions correctly, Redmi 7 users sometimes encounter errors.

🖼️ Black screen on the screenshot

Cause: Conflict with DRM-protection (e.g., banking applications or Netflix:

• 🔄 Turn off protection in the application settings (if available).
• 📸 Use a different method – for example, Google Assistant sometimes bypasses DRM.
• 🎥 Shoot screen video through Screen recording in the notification panel.

🔇 No sound in the screenshot.

Reasons:

• 🔊 The sound is turned off in the system settings (Settings) → Sounds and vibrations → System sounds).
• 📵 Do not disturb or without sound.
• 🔧 Resetting the sound settings (relevant after the update) MIUI).

🎮 I can't take a screenshot in the game.

Games often block the standard ways to take screenshots.

• 🖐️ Three finger gestures (works 80% of the time).
• 🎤 Voice command via Google Assistant.
• 🖥️ ADB-Team (unless the game blocks debugging).

7. Alternative applications for screenshots

If the built-in MIUI tools don't suit you, you can install third-party utilities.

Before installing third-party utilities, check:

• 🛡️ Permissions – the application must not request access to SMS or contact.
• 📥 Reviews – Avoid programs that complain about viruses or hidden ads.
• 🔄 Compatibility – some applications do not work MIUI system constraints.

💡

The side of the app is convenient for advanced features (e.g. long screenshots), but can conflict with system gestures. Always test them in safe mode before constant use.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 7