Modern Xiaomi Redmi smartphones have become an integral part of digital life, allowing you to instantly capture an important moment, save correspondence or fix an error in the application. However, users often face a situation where conventional methods do not work, or you need to take a picture of a non-standard shape. Knowledge of all available ways to create screenshots greatly expands the functionality of a device running MIUI or the new HyperOS.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at how to take screenshots on Redmi using various methods, including hidden system functions. You will learn how to set up automatic screenshot saving, use a timer for delayed shots, and solve typical software problems. To instantly create a screenshot on most Redmi models, use a simultaneous short press of the buttons Volume Down and Power.
Classic methods of creating screenshots
The most common and reliable way to capture the contents of a display is to use a physical combination of buttons. This method works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones, regardless of the version of the operating system. You need to press the volume down and the screen lock button simultaneously. It is important to press them synchronously, but not hold them too long so as not to cause the switch-off menu.
If you don't get it the first time, try changing the rhythm of the pressing, the system should make a characteristic sound of the camera shutter, and at the top of the screen will appear a thumbnail of the image taken. In some cases, especially on older versions of Android, you can use a long press of the menu button "Home" if it is present on the device body.
There is also an alternative for three-button navigation devices, where you need to simultaneously press the Menu button (three bars) and the Home button (square or circle, depending on the model), a method less popular because of its inconvenient nature, but can be a lifesaving option if the side buttons are damaged or locked.
Handling gestures and swipes
For those who prefer to control without using physical keys, Xiaomi offers a convenient feature of creating screenshots with three fingers. To activate this mode, you need to swipe three fingers from top to bottom in the center of the screen. This action instantly creates a snapshot of the current image, which is especially convenient when using a smartphone with one hand.
The configuration of this feature may vary depending on the firmware version. In the new HyperOS interfaces, the path to settings is as follows: go to Settings → Additional settings → Screenshots. Here you can turn on the option “Three fingers” and even set up the action to double tap on the screen.
Sometimes users complain that the gesture doesn't work, which may be because in certain applications, such as games or bank clients, the feature is blocked for security reasons or to avoid accidental clicks, and in such cases it is better to switch to the classic method with buttons.
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If the three-finger gesture does not work, check whether the "Guns" or "Gloves" mode is turned on, which changes the sensitivity of the touchscreen.
Use of notification curtains and buttons
Another quick way to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi is to use the control panel. Swipe from top to bottom to open the notification curtain, and find the Screenshot icon. It can be hidden in the second quick settings window, so you may need to swipe left or right. Clicking on this icon will instantly save the image to the gallery.
For the sake of constant use, you can put the screenshot button on the home screen or in a floating window, which is especially true for people with disabilities or for those who take many screenshots throughout the day for work. In the Quick Settings editing menu, just drag the icon to the active area.
Some models support screenshots through the side menu of applications. By activating the Sidebar feature in the settings, you will access a list of frequently used applications and tools, including the screenshot button, anywhere in the system.
Advanced functions: scroll and timer
One of the most useful features in the MIUI shell is the ability to take long screenshots. Once you've taken a regular screenshot by any means, a thumbnail will appear in the corner. Press the "Scroll" button under the image. The system will automatically scroll down the page, combining several frames into one long picture.
This feature is essential for saving correspondence in messengers, web pages or long contact lists. The process will stop automatically when it reaches the end of the page, or you can interrupt it manually by touching the screen. The quality of the final image remains high, making it easy to read the text even at a strong zoom.
Also in the user arsenal is a delayed screenshot with a timer, which allows you to prepare the screen for the picture, for example, open a pop-up menu or fold the keyboard. To activate, select the appropriate option in the editing menu of the screenshot or through the voice assistant.
☑️ Checking the screenshot settings
Voice control and assistants
Xiaomi smartphone owners can use Google Assistant or Xiao AI (depending on the region) to take screenshots without touching the screen. Just say “Take a screenshot” or “Ok Google, screenshot” and the device will perform the request. This is convenient when the hands are busy or the screen is contaminated.
To work with voice control, you need to make sure that the microphone is working correctly and the settings allow the use of voice commands to control the system. In some regions, Xiao AI may not support Russian, so it is better to use the standard assistant from Google, which is integrated into the system by default.
Voice control also allows you to combine commands, such as saying "Take a screenshot and send it to Telegram," which will greatly speed up the process of sharing information, but it is worth remembering that in applications with enhanced data protection, voice requests can be ignored by security systems.
Where are the screenshots stored?
Image editing and processing
Once you've created a screenshot, it offers editing, and Xiaomi's built-in editor has powerful functionality: you can cut edges, add text, draw arrows, or blur sensitive information, allowing you to share only the right part of the image, hiding personal data.
You can use third-party applications to do more processing, but embedded tools are often enough. You can resize the canvas, add a watermark with the phone model or the time of creation. All changes are saved either as a copy or overwrite the original, depending on your choice.
It is important to note that when editing screenshots with sensitive information (passwords, SMS codes), it is better to use the blur function, rather than just black-painting, since the original data can sometimes be restored by software methods.
Table of comparison of methods
To make it easier to choose the best way to capture screenshots on Redmi, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand which method is best for a particular situation.
| Method | Speed. | Convenience | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons (Loudness + Power) | Tall. | Average. | Always. |
| Three-finger gesture | Very high. | High. | Requires customization |
| Notification curtain | Medium | Low. | Always. |
| Voice command | Low. | High. | Demands the Internet. |
Solution and settings
Sometimes users find that screenshots are not saved or the image quality is low. First of all, check the free space in the internal memory of the device. If the memory is full, the system will not be able to create a new file. Also make sure that the settings allow the application "Gallery" or "System Services" access to the storage.
If screenshots are black in certain apps (such as Netflix or banking apps), this is normal Android security behavior that protects content from copying, and it is impossible to circumvent this restriction with standard means without root rights, which is not recommended for ordinary users.
In the case that screenshots stopped taking after the firmware update, try resetting the interface settings or clearing the Screenshot app cache through the application management menu, often solving software conflicts.
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If screenshots are not saved, 90% of the time the problem is solved by cleaning up the internal memory or restarting the smartphone.
Security and confidentiality
When creating screenshots, it is important to keep personal data safe: Screenshots containing confirmation codes, passwords or correspondence can get into the cloud services or be accidentally sent to the wrong recipient. Always check the contents of the image before sending.
⚠️ Note: Incognito or banking applications can block screenshots from being taken, and trying to take a picture in such applications can result in black images or the app being blocked.
⚠️ Note: Do not store screenshots of passport data or card codes in a shared gallery without protection. Use the Hidden Album feature in the Xiaomi Gallery settings to protect sensitive files with a password or fingerprint.
Clean your screenshot folder regularly of unnecessary visual debris, not only will it free up space, but it will also speed up the gallery, and you can use the built-in cleaning tools in the Security app to automate the process.