How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 5: all ways + problem solving

Creating a screenshot on a smartphone is a basic feature that will come in handy for every user. Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2018, is still a popular device due to balanced characteristics and support for current versions of MIUI. However, not all owners know that there are at least 5 ways to take a screenshot on this model – from the classic combination of buttons to hidden features of the system.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of creating screenshots on Redmi 5, including the nuances for different versions of the firmware (from MIUI 9 to MIUI 14), focusing on common errors, such as why the screenshot is not saved or turns black, and learn how to edit the pictures immediately after creation and where to find the saved files.

If you just bought Redmi 5 handheld or upgraded your firmware, some ways may not work the first time. That's okay: MIUI regularly changes the layout of features, and on Xiaomi's budget models, the default gesture controls are sometimes disabled. Don't worry - the article has solutions for all cases.

1. Classical method: Power + Volume Down buttons

The most versatile method that works on all Android devices, including Xiaomi Redmi 5. is suitable for all versions of MIUI and does not require additional settings.

To take a screenshot:

1. Open on the screen what you want to capture (for example, a message in the messenger or a page in the browser).
2. At the same time, press the power button and the Volume Down button.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is on) and see the save animation.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 5 buttons are located on the right side of the device. If you press them too long (more than 3 seconds), forced reboot will work. Optimal retention time - exactly before the visual effect occurs (blinking the screen or icon screenshot in the corner).

Where to look for a saved screenshot? By default, files appear in the gallery in the Screenshots folder.

Internal memory → DCIM → Screenshots

Notification indicator (screenshot icon) is lit

The sound of the shutter appears (if not switched off)

The file is visible in the DCIM/Screenshots folder

The miniature is displayed in the notification curtain-->

2. Trifinal swipe (gesture screenshot)

A proprietary MIUI feature that makes it easier to take screenshots without using buttons. On Redmi 5, this is the default option to activate in settings.

How to turn on the three-finger swipe:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Activate the switch opposite Swipe with three fingers down.
3. (Optional) Enable the screenshot Preview option to edit the picture immediately.

How to make a screenshot with a gesture:

1. Place three fingers on the screen (for example, index, middle and ring fingers).
2. Quickly swipe them from top to bottom on the display (as if you are swiping the screen).
3. Release your fingers after vibration or sound.

💡 Useful advice: If the gesture doesn’t work, check it out:

• 👆 Screen cleanliness – greasy spots or protective glass may interfere with touch recognition.
• 📱 Version MIUI — firmware MIUI 10 may require an update.
• 🔧 Screen sensitivity settings (Settings) → Display. → Sensitivity to touch).

3. Screenshot via notification panel

A less well-known but convenient way is to use a quick bar (notification curtains) if the buttons on the phone are faulty or you prefer visual controls.

Instructions:

1. Open the screen you want (like a WhatsApp dialog or a map in Google Maps).
2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
3. Find the Screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a zipper rectangle) and if it's not there, click Edit (pencil in the upper right corner) and add the widget manually.
4. Slip the icon – the screenshot will be taken instantly.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 9) no screenshot icon in the curtain, in which case use alternative methods or update the firmware to MIUI 11+.

Advantages of this method:

• 🎯 Accuracy – you can take a screenshot at the right time (for example, when playing a video).
• 🔄 Quick access – no need to remember button combinations.
• ⚙️ Flexibility in some versions MIUI You can set the screenshot delay (useful for capturing animations).

4. Voice assistant Google or Xiao AI

If you're uncomfortable using buttons or gestures, you can take a screenshot with a voice command. Redmi 5 has two options: Google Assistant or Xiao AI (Chinese firmware).

Method 1: Google Assistant

1. Activate Google Assistant with your voice (say OK, Google, or hold the Home button).
2. Tell the command: Take a screenshot or a screenshot.
3. Confirm the action (if required).

Method 2: Xiao AI (for Chinese firmware)

1. Hold the Home button or say Xiao AI.
2. Say the command in Chinese: (jiétú - "screenshot").

⚠️ Note: Voice commands may not work if:

• 🔇 The microphone for the assistant in the privacy settings is disabled.
• 🌐 Uses unofficial firmware without Google services.
• 📵 No Internet connection (required to process commands).

💡

If Google Assistant doesn't recognize the command, try alternative phrases like: Take a picture of the screen or Grab a screen. Also check the voice input language in the assistant settings.

5. Delayed screenshot (to capture menus or animations)

Sometimes you need to take a late screenshot — for example, to grab a pop-up menu or animation. On Redmi 5, this feature is hidden in the MIUI settings.

How to turn on the screenshot delay:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot.
2. Activate the screenshot delay option.
3. Select the time of delay: 3 seconds or 5 seconds.

How to use:

1. Press the Power + Volume Down combination (or use a three-finger swipe).
2. A countdown timer will appear on the screen – you will have time to open the desired menu or prepare content.
3. After the time, the screenshot will be taken automatically.

Important: Redmi 5 with firmware older than MIUI 10 may not have a latency option, in which case use third-party apps (e.g. Screenshot Touch from Google Play).

6 Problem Solving: Screenshot is not saved or is obtained in black

Even after doing the right thing, the screenshot may not be saved. Let's look at the common mistakes and how to fix them on Redmi 5.

Problem 1: Screenshot is not saved in the gallery

• 📂 Check the folder. DCIM/Screenshots File Manager – sometimes files are not displayed in the gallery due to cache.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone, it will update your media library.
• 🛠️ Install a third-party file manager (such as Solid Explorer) and check the folder manually.

Problem 2: Black screenshot

• 🎬 If you try to take a picture while playing a video (for example, on YouTube or TikTok), some apps block screen capture by policy. DRM.
• 🔒 Check if Do Not Disturb or Hidden Mode is enabled in the privacy settings.
• 📱 Update the firmware - on older versions MIUI There were bugs with rendering screenshots in some applications.

Problem 3: The button combination is not working

• 🔋 Check if the battery is discharged – at a charge level below 5%, some functions are turned off.
• 🛒 If the buttons are physically damaged, use alternative methods (gestures or notification panel).
• 🔧 Reset button settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset button settings.

💡

If screenshots are no longer saved after the MIUI update, clear the Gallery and Media Store app cache in the settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management).

7. Additional features: long screenshots and editing

Redmi 5 offers advanced screenshot features that many users don’t use.

Long (scrollable) screenshots

They allow you to capture the entire web page or chat in the messenger, even if they don't fit on one screen.

1. Take a regular screenshot in any way.
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the corner of the screen, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, select the Scrolling option (or Long Screenshot).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls the page and connects the snippets.

⚠️ Note: Not all apps work, such as Instagram or Facebook, which may block long screenshots due to platform limitations.

Quick editing

After you have created the screenshot, you can edit it immediately:

• 🖌️ Cut the edges - click on the scissors icon in the toolbar.
• 🎨 Add text or drawing – use Marker or Text tools.
• 🔍 Blurr part of the image – select the Blurring tool and paint over the desired area.
• 📤 Share – Click on the Share icon to send a screenshot to the messenger or cloud.

💡 Useful tip: If you often need screenshots with annotations, install the Markup Hero or Screenshot Touch app – they offer more markup tools.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 5