How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its MIUI interface sometimes confuses users, especially when it comes to basic features like taking a screenshot. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to take a screenshot on the Redmi 9A (including the 9AT and 9A Sport models), and also solve typical problems: why screenshots do not save, how to change the format or find pictures in the gallery.

Important: the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12, 13 and 14 (including global and Chinese firmware versions).If you have a different shell (for example, HyperOS on new models), some methods may not work, we will warn you about this separately.

Method 1: Classic button combination (always working)

The most reliable method that is guaranteed to work even if the touch screen is turned off. On the Redmi 9A, you need to simultaneously clip the screenshot:

  • ๐Ÿ”˜ Power button (right) +
  • ๐Ÿ”ฝ Volume down button (left).

Hold both buttons for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is on) and see the animation of the screenshot. On some firmware, the screen will blink for a split second - this is normal.

Make sure the buttons don't stick | Check that there are no banners on the screen with notifications | Turn off the case if it blocks the buttons | Remove the glove (if you use) - touch buttons may not work

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What do you do if you don't? Possible reasons:

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Contaminated buttons โ€“ wipe them with an alcohol napkin.
  • โšก Battery discharge (less than 5%) โ€“ smartphone can ignore pressing.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Broken Physical Buttons โ€“ Try Other Ways From This Article.

โš ๏ธ Attention: On Redmi 9A With custom firmware (like LineageOS), this combination can cause a reboot menu. + Volume up.

Method 2: Three-finger gesture (quickly, but you need to adjust)

MIUI has a hidden screenshot function with three fingers across the screen, which is disabled by default, so let's activate it first.

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Additional functions โ†’ Gestures.
  2. Select the screenshot with three fingers.
  3. Turn on the switch and select the gesture direction (usually down).

Now to take a screenshot:

  1. Open the screen you want (for example, a WhatsApp chat or a page in your browser).
  2. Place three fingers on the screen and swipe down (as if you swipe down).
  3. Wait for the beep and the save notification.

Advantages of the method:

  • โšก Instantly, you donโ€™t need to look for buttons.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Works in games (unless the gesture conflicts with the control).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ You can adjust the gesture direction (up/down/left/right).

โš ๏ธ Attention: If you have a low-sensitivity shield, the gesture may not work. Try swiping your thumbs with high pressure or calibrate the sensor in the settings.

Classic buttons | Three-finger gesture |Voice assistant |Fast settings panel |I don't know how to take screenshots

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Method 3: Quick settings panel (if the buttons are broken)

If the physical buttons on Redmi 9A donโ€™t work, you can take a screenshot through the notification curtain:

  1. Open the screen you want to capture.
  2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
  3. Swipe down again to open the full panel.
  4. Find the Screenshot icon (usually a scissors icon or a zipper rectangle icon).
  5. Slip it on it - the picture will be taken instantly.

If the icon is missing:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Click on Edit (pencil in the upper right corner of the panel).
  • ๐Ÿ” Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.

Pros of the method:

  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Does not require working physical buttons.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ It works even with the sound off.

Cons:

  • โฑ๏ธ Longer than a button or gesture.
  • ๐Ÿšซ In some games, the notification curtain is blocked.
How to return the missing icon "Screenshot" in the curtain?
If the icon is missing after the MIUI update, reset the notification bar settings: Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset App Settings. Once you reboot, the icon will return to the list of available ones.

Method 4: Voice command (for lazy people)

If you have Google or XiaoAI (Chinese firmware) enabled, you can take a screenshot with your voice:

  1. Activate Assistant: For Google Assistant: Say OK, Google or hold the Home button. For XiaoAI: Hold the Power button (in Chinese firmware).
  • ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Take a screenshot (in Russian).
  • ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Take a screenshot (English).

Important: The voice method only works if:

  • ๐Ÿ”Š The microphone for the assistant is enabled (Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Permits โ†’ Microphone).
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Internet access (to process commands on servers) Google/Xiaomi).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery level above 15% (otherwise, the assistant may ignore the command).

On Redmi 9A with MIUI 12.5 firmware and below, voice commands for screenshots may not work due to performance limitations. Update the software or use other methods.

Method 5: Script with scrolling (long pages)

If you want to save an entire web page, chat or list (such as call history), use the Scrolling Screenshot feature:

  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, tap it.
  3. In the editor that opens, select the Scrolling icon (two up and down arrows).
  4. Wait until the smartphone automatically scrolls the screen and connects the frames.
  5. Click Ready to save a long shot.

Limitations:

  • ๐ŸŒ Not all apps (for example, Instagram or banking apps) are blocked).
  • ๐Ÿ“ Maximum screenshot length โ€“ up to 10 screens (depending on firmware).
  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Quality may deteriorate when staff are connected.
AnnexSupports scrolling?Notes
Chromeโœ… Yes.It works in Reader Mode (F12 โ†’ Reader Mode)
WhatsAppโœ… Yes.Only in chat rooms, not in status.
Telegramโœ… Yes.Doesn't work in secret chat rooms.
InstagramโŒ No.Blocked by the application policy
PDF-readerโš ๏ธ Partially.Depends on the application (Foxit works, Adobe Acrobat does not)

Where to look for saved screenshots?

By default, all screenshots on Redmi 9A are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

How to get there:

  1. Open the Gallery app (flower icon).
  2. Go to the Albums section.
  3. Find the Screenshots folder (or Screenshots in English firmware).

If the screenshots are not displayed:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update the gallery: Pull the screen down at the very top of the album list.
  • ๐Ÿ” Check Hidden Files: In the Gallery, click on three dots โ†’ Show hidden files.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Use File Manager: Open Explorer and follow the path above.

โš ๏ธ Note: If you are using Redmi 9A to the computer and included file transfer mode (MTP), Screenshots could be automatically copied to folder DCIM/Screenshots Check it if the pictures are missing from your smartphone.

๐Ÿ’ก

To automatically upload screenshots to Google Photos, open the app, go to Settings โ†’ Backup and enable the option for the Screenshots folder.

Frequent problems and their solution

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved.

Decisions:

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Check the permissions for the Screenshot app in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ Screenshot. โ†’ Permits.
  • ๐Ÿ—ƒ๏ธ Make sure your phone has enough memory (at least 50MB of free space is needed).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Restart your phone โ€“ sometimes the system processes โ€œhangโ€ block the saving.

Problem 2: The screenshot is black.

This is what happens when you try to take a picture:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ In a game with cheat protection (for example, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire).
  • ๐Ÿฆ In the banking application (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.).
  • ๐Ÿ“บ V DRM-Protected Video (Netflix, Disney)+).

The solution is no โ€“ it is a security limitation for Android.

Problem 3: Incorrect colors in the screenshot.

If the image is too dark, green or with artifacts:

  • ๐ŸŒˆ Check the color mode in Settings โ†’ Screen. โ†’ Screen Colors (should be Standard).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Turn off night mode or blue light filter.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Restart your phone โ€“ sometimes the graphics driver will crash.

๐Ÿ’ก

If screenshots are taken but not displayed in the gallery, try using a third-party viewing app (like QuickPic or Simple Gallery). MIUI Does not automatically update the media base.

Can I take a screenshot of the Redmi 9A?
No, it's not technically possible. A screenshot is a "photo" of the current state of the screen, and when the phone is off, the display is not active. Alternatively, turn the phone on, unlock it, and take a picture in any of the ways described.
How to change the format of the screenshot from PNG to JPEG?
By default, Redmi. 9A saves screenshots in PNG (without loss of quality, to convert to JPEG: Open the screenshot in the gallery. Click Edit โ†’ Save as. Select the format. JPEG and quality (90% recommended for balance of size and quality) JPEG You will need root access or a third-party app like Screenshot Easy.
Why do screenshots take up so much space?
Screenshots on Redmi 9A remain in authorization 720ร—1600 pixels (partial ratio) 20:9). Every shot weighs. 1โ€“3 MB format PNG. To reduce the size: ๐Ÿ—œ๏ธ Convert to JPEG (see above). ๐Ÿ” Cut off unnecessary parts through the gallery editor. โ˜๏ธ Upload screenshots to the cloud (Google Photos compresses images automatically).
Can I take a screenshot with an S-Pen or a stylus?
The Redmi 9A doesn't support the S-Pen (it's an accessory for Samsung). However, if you have a passive stylus (like for drawing), you can use it to: Three-finger gesture (if the stylus is recognized as a finger); tap the screenshot icon in the notification curtain; For precise control, you'll want to use your fingers.
How to take a screenshot in safe mode?
Safe mode has all third-party apps disabled, but the system functions are working. To take a screenshot: Use a button combination (Power + Volume Reduction) or open the notification curtain and click on the Screenshot icon. Three-finger gesture and voice commands in safe mode are not working.