How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all ways + error solving

Why screenshots on Redmi 8 are not done the same way as on other Android

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 8 runs on the proprietary shell MIUI, which radically changes the standard way to create screenshots. If on “pure” Android just clip Power + Volume Reduction, then it is more difficult: the manufacturer added unique gestures and hidden functions that are not written even in the official documentation.

To make matters worse, Redmi 8 came in multiple firmware versions (from MIUI 10 to MIUI 12.5), and each of them has different algorithms, like the old builds lack Scrolling Screenshot, while the new builds have additional editing options, and we tested all the methods on the real device and weeded out the ones that work unstable.

This article is just a proven way, including a little-known Fast Cans trick and a solution to the problem of screenshots being saved in.png instead of.jpg (which eats up an extra 30-40% of memory), and also to understand why screenshots sometimes turn out black and how to fix it without resetting.

Method 1: Classic button combination (works 95% of the time)

This is a basic method that should work regardless of the version of MIUI.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, WhatsApp or Chrome).
2. Simultaneously press two buttons: 🔊 Volume reduction (left side key) 🔄 Power (right side key)

1.5-2 seconds

⚠️ Warning: If you press the buttons longer than 3 seconds, a hard reset will be triggered, which will not damage the data, but will interrupt the current session.

The screen is unlocked and active|No active calls.|Battery level above 5%|Don't disturb mode is off"-->

Where to look for the finished image? By default, files are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

Or through the gallery: open the Photos app → Screenshots album.

Method 2: Three-toed swipe gesture (fastest, but requires customization)

The Three-toed Screenshot feature is a Xiaomi feature that allows you to take a screenshot in one motion, but by default it is disabled.

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Three finger gesture.
2. Turn on the screenshot switch.
3. Select the action for swipe down: Screenshot.

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Place three fingers on the screen (for example, index, middle and ring finger).
2. Swipe them down quickly (as if you were shaking the water off the screen).

Volume keys + feeding|Three-finger gesture|Notification panel|Voice assistant|Other-->

Method 3: Through the notification panel (if the buttons don't work)

If the physical keys on your Redmi 8 are damaged or crash, you can take a screenshot through the software menu:

1. Deploy the notification panel (swipe from top to bottom).
2. Find the Screenshot icon (usually hidden under the "More" or "Edit" button).
3. Slip it on it - the picture will be taken instantly.

⚠️ Attention: In some firmware MIUI 11 screenshot icon is missing by default:

1. Press on. ⚙️ Panel settings (in upper right corner).
2. Drag the Screenshot icon into the active area.

The advantage of this method is the ability to take a picture with one hand, which is convenient for devices with a large screen (for example, the Redmi Note 8 Pro).

Method 4: Voice command (for MIUI 12 and later)

If you have MIUI 12+ installed, you can take a voice screenshot without touching the screen.

1. Activate Google Assistant or Alice from Yandex (must be installed and configured).
2. Tell one of the teams: 🎤 "Okay, Google, take a screenshot" 🎤 "Alice, take off the screen"

Confirm the action in the window that appears.

🔍 Important: This method only works when:

• 📶 Connected Internet (voice assistants require cloud processing).
• 🔊 Enabled microphone (check permissions for Google or Yandex).
• 📱 Unlocked screen (on a locked device, voice commands are ignored).

Screenshot taken by voice is saved to the same Screenshots folder, but may have a prefix voice_ filename.

Method 5: Hidden Quick Canisters (for advanced ones)

Few people know, but MIUI has a Quick Ball tool that lets you create a virtual button for screenshots, which is useful if the physical keys are broken or you often take screenshots.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Quick Cans.
2. Turn on the switch and select Screenshot from the action list.
3. Adjust the position of the can on the screen (we recommend the right edge so that it does not interfere).

Now, if you click on the floating button, you'll see a menu where you can select a Screenshot.

• ⚡ Instant access without remembering combinations.
• 🎯 Accuracy – no need to aim for small icons.
• 🔧 Flexibility – you can add up to 5 actions in one can.

Table: Comparison of all methods

Problem Solving: Black screen, no sound, save errors

Even after the screenshot is successfully created, Redmi 8 users are still experiencing bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The screenshot is black.

🔹 Reason: Conflict with function Dark theme or Energy saving.

🔧 Decision:

1. Turn off Dark Theme in Settings → Display.
2. Add the app in which you take a screenshot to the Battery Optimization Exclusions.
3. Reboot the phone.

Problem 2: No shutter sound

🔹 Reason: System sound screenshot turned off or No sound mode activated.

🔧 Decision:

• 🔊 Check if the phone is in vibration mode.
• 📲 Go to Settings. → Sounds and vibrations → System sounds and turn on the screenshot sound.

Problem 3: Screenshots are saved in PNG format (take up a lot of space)

🔹 Reason: By default MIUI Save screenshots in.png to support transparency.

🔧 Solution: Install a third-party application (like Screenshot Easy) and select the format in its settings JPEG quality 80-90%. This will reduce the weight of the files on 30-40%.

💡

If screenshots are missing from the gallery, check the DCIM/.thumbnails folder – sometimes thumbnails are saved there by mistake.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions