How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all ways with detailed instructions

Screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 8 smartphones are taken in seconds, but not all users know about all the available methods. Some are used to using the classic combination of buttons, some prefer gestures, and some do not even suspect that you can take a screenshot with a voice command. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to create screenshots on Redmi 8, including little-known chips and solutions to typical problems.

The feature of this model is that it supports both standard methods (buttons + gestures) and proprietary MIUI features that simplify the process. For example, it uses a three-toed swipe down, which many users accidentally activate without realizing what the function is, and we'll tell you how to use it consciously, and how to bring back classic control if gestures interfere.

Important: The manual is suitable for Redmi 8 on any version of MIUI (including global and Chinese firmware), but some methods may require pre-tuning.

1. Classical method: button combination

The most reliable and versatile method is the use of physical buttons, which works even if the touch screen is not responding, and is also suitable for screenshots in games where gestures can conflict with controls.

To take a screenshot:

1. Open the desired screen (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
2. At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound and see the screenshot animation.

⚠️ Note: If you press buttons longer than 3 seconds, the smartphone can reboot to Fastboot mode or shut down. on Redmi 8 this is especially true because of the sensitive buttons.

Once created, the screenshot will appear in the gallery in the Screenshots folder and in the notification bar, from where it can be quickly edited or shared. If the animation does not appear, check:

• 🔊 Shutter sound is included in Settings → Sounds and vibrations → The sound of the camera shutter.
• 📱 The buttons are not stuck (on Redmi 8 often clogged dust under the power key).
• 🔄 System sounds are not disabled in Do Not Disturb mode.

2. Three-finger gesture: a quick swipe

MIUI offers a convenient alternative, swiping three fingers down, which is especially useful if physical buttons are worn out or you often take screenshots with one hand.

By default, the gesture can be turned off, so you can activate it.

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Turn the switch on the Three-toed swipe down.
3. (Optional) Set up a reverse swipe to scroll through long screenshots.

Now to take a picture:

1. Place three fingers on the screen (for example, index, middle and ring fingers).
2. Swipe them down quickly (as if you were swiping the screen).
3. The screenshot will be saved automatically.

💡 Tip: If the gesture works accidentally (for example, when scrolling through the feed in social networks), reduce sensitivity in the same settings or turn off the function.

3. Voice command via Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant enabled (or Alice from Yandex), you can take a voice screenshot, which is convenient when hands are busy or buttons are not available.

Instructions for Google Assistant:

1. Activate the assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
2. Say, “Take a screenshot” or “Photograph the screen.”
3. Confirm the action (if required).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI voice screenshots are blocked for security reasons:

• 🔒 Check the permissions for Google in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Special access → Screen recording.
• 🔄 Update Google Assistant to the latest version.
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes helps to reset the restrictions.

For Alice from Yandex, the algorithm is similar, but the command sounds like “Alice, take a screenshot.” Note that this method may not work in some applications (for example, in banking or with protected content).

4. Long screenshot (scroll)

Redmi 8 supports long screenshots — snapshots of scrolling pages (such as chats in Telegram or articles in the browser) — which are built into MIUI and do not require third-party apps.

How to take a long screenshot:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the lower right corner of the screen, click on it.
3. In the editor that opens, tap the “Scroll” icon (two arrows down).
4. Wait until the smartphone automatically scrolls the page and connects the frames.
5. Save the result.

📌 Limitations:

• 🚫 Does not work in apps with dynamic content (such as TikTok or Instagram Stories).
• 📄 Maximum length – about 5 screens (depending on the application).
• 🔒 In some banking applications, the function is blocked.

Annex: when standard methods are insufficient

If the built-in methods are not suitable (for example, you need to delay the creation of a screenshot or annotation), you can use third-party utilities.

⚠️ Note: When installing third-party apps for screenshots:

• 🛡️ Check the permissions – the utility should only request Screen Recording and Warehouse.
• 🔍 Avoid programs with suspiciously broad rights (e.g. access to the Internet) SMS or contact).
• 📱 After use, turn off screen recording in security settings.

💡 Tip: If the app doesn’t see screenshots, check if the battery optimization for it is disabled in Settings → Battery and productivity → Optimizing the battery.

6. Problem Solving: Screenshots are not saved or taken

Sometimes Redmi 8 users find screenshots not being created or disappear, and consider the typical causes and ways to address them:

Problem 1: Screenshots are taken but not saved in the gallery.

• 📁 Check the folder. DCIM/Screenshots via file manager.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes MIUI doesn't update the gallery.
• 🛠️ Clear the cache of the Gallery app in the settings.

Problem 2: The buttons don’t respond to the press.

• 🔋 Check battery power – at levels below 5%, some functions are blocked.
• 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (click the power button) → Restarting in Safe Mode).
• 🛠️ Update. MIUI last-minute.

Problem 3: The three-finger gesture doesn't work.

• ⚙️ Make sure the function is enabled in the settings (see Section 2).
• 🧹 Clear the System Interface Cache MIUI In Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Show system-based → Launcher.
• 🔄 Reset your gesture settings to standard.

Critical information: On Redmi 8 with firmware below MIUI 12, the three-finger gesture may conflict with the Smart Assistant feature. To fix this, turn off Smart Assistant in the security settings.

7 Where screenshots are stored and how to manage them

By default, all screenshots on Redmi 8 are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

They can be managed in several ways:

• 📁 Through the Gallery: Screenshots folder (sorted by date).
• 🔍 File Manager (for example, Mi File Manager or Total Commander).
• ☁️ Google Photos (if synchronization is enabled).

💡 Organizational advice:

• 🏷️ Use tags in Google Photos for quick search.
• 🗑️ Clean your folder regularly – screenshots can take up gigabytes of memory.
• 🔒 For confidential photos, use the Protected folder in MIUI (set up in the gallery → Settings → Secure folder).

If screenshots are needed for the job, consider automation:

• 🤖 Set up. IFTTT MacroDroid to automatically upload screenshots to the cloud.
• 📤 Enable automatic sync with Google Drive.

💡

Check your screenshot folder regularly, which can clog up your smartphone memory. For example, 1,000 screenshots take up an average of a screenshot. ~500-700 MB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 8