Why do screenshots on the Redmi Note 8 Pro do differently than on other smartphones?
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, with its MIUI shell, offers users not only powerful hardware (Meditek Helio G90T processor, 6-8 GB of RAM), but also unique ways to take screenshots. Unlike “pure” Android, where screenshots are made with a standard combination of buttons, 5 alternative methods are available here – from classic to hidden MIUI functions.
The main feature of the model is the presence of an infrared sensor for gesture control, which allows you to take screenshots even with broken physical buttons. However, not all users know that on the Redmi Note 8 Pro you can set up the creation of screenshots with a triple touch on the screen or a voice command through the Google Assistant. In this article, we will analyze all the ways, from basic to advanced, including solving typical problems (for example, when screenshots are saved in.png format with artifacts).
Important: the instruction is relevant for all versions of MIUI (12, 13, 14) and firmware - both global (Global ROM) and Chinese (China ROM).If your smartphone runs on custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience), some methods may not work.
Method 1: Classic button combination (Power + Volume Down)
The most versatile method that works on 99% of Android devices, including the Redmi Note 8 Pro.
- Open the screen you want to capture (like a WhatsApp dialog or a page in Chrome).
- At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
- Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the save animation.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Long-term button retention can cause the switch-off/reset menu. If this happens, try pressing faster or use an alternative method.
Shutter sound |
A thumbnail appears in the lower right corner |
File saved in the gallery in the folder Screenshots|
No artifacts in the image (blurring, stripes)
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Where do you look for screenshots? They're saved by default in the folder:
Internal memory → DCIM → ScreenshotsOr through the Gallery app: open the album "Screenshots".
Method 2: Three-toed swipe gesture (only for MIUI 12 and later)
Xiaomi’s signature feature is to swipe screenshots with three fingers across the screen, a method that is convenient when it is difficult to reach buttons with one hand (for example, on the big screen of the Redmi Note 8 Pro with a diagonal of 6.53 inches).
How to turn on:
- Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
- Activate the Three-toed Swipe switch.
- (Optional) Set the swipe direction down or up.
How to use:
- 👆 Swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the screen (by default).
- 🎯 The gesture must be smooth but fast - otherwise the system will recognize it as an accidental touch.
- 📁 The screenshot will be saved automatically, the thumbnail will appear at the bottom of the screen.
💡
If the gesture doesn't work, check if the protective glass or cover is blocking it. Try to swipe your fingers closer to the center of the screen, not around the edges.
Method 3: Screenshot through the Quick Settings Panel
A little-known but useful method is to use the screenshot icon in the notification curtain, which saves you when the physical buttons don't work or the gesture is turned off.
Step-by-step:
- Turn the notification bar swipe from top to bottom.
- Find the screenshot icon (usually hidden under the button) ⋯ or edit).
- Slip on it – the smartphone will immediately take a screenshot.
If the badge is not:
- 🔧 Click Edit in the curtain.
- 📱 Drag the screenshot icon to the active area.
- 💾 Save the changes.
Power + Volume Down| buttons
Three-toed swipe |
Quick settings panel |
Voice assistant |
Another way.-->
Method 4: Voice command via Google Assistant
For those who prefer to control a smartphone with their voice, this method works even when the hands are busy or the screen is locked (if Okay Google is on in any state).
How to set up:
- Make sure that the smartphone has Google Assistant installed (download to the Play Market, if remote).
- Activate voice control: Settings → Google → Settings for apps → Search, Assistant and Voice → Voice assistant.
- Turn on the "Hey Google" option.
How to take a screenshot:
- Say, "Okay, Google, take a screenshot."
- Confirm the request (if required).
- File saved in a standard folder.
What if the assistant doesn't recognize the team?
Method 5: Screenshot via computer (ADB or Mi PC Suite)
If the smartphone screen does not respond to touch, USB-debugging is enabled, you can take a screenshot via a PC. This method is also useful for taking pictures without notifications (for example, for hidden dialogues).
Option 1: Through ADB (for advanced users):
adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.pngThe file will be stored in the internal memory of the smartphone.
Option 2: Through Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi):
- 🖥️ Install the program from the official website.
- 📱 Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to the USB (Enable File Transfer).
- 📸 In the program interface, select "Screenshot".
💡
ADB-The method requires a preliminary debugging setting USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer mode, then turn on Debugging by USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
Table: Comparison of all ways to create screenshots
| Method | Difficulty | It works on a locked screen. | Demands the Internet. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power + Volume Down buttons | ⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Universal but uncomfortable with broken buttons |
| Three-toed swipe | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Requires settings in MIUI |
| Quick settings panel | ⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | The badge can be hidden by default |
| Voice command | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes (if "Okay Google" is enabled") | ✅ Yes. | It only works with Google Assistant. |
| Through PC (ADB/Mi Suite) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | Requires pre-configuration |
Typical problems and their solutions
Even on a reliable device like the Redmi Note 8 Pro, users have difficulty taking screenshots.
⚠️ Note: If screenshots are saved in.webp instead of.png, this means that the option "Squeeze Screenshots" is enabled in the.png format. MIUI. Turn it off in Settings. → Additional settings → Optimization → Screenshot compression.
- 🔇 No shutter sound: Check if the system sound is turned off in Settings → The sound or not activated mode "Do not disturb".
- 🖼️ Screenshots blurred: It's a bug MIUI When shooting dynamic content (video, games) try to take a picture 1-2 seconds after the animation stops.
- 📂 No files saved: Make sure your device has enough memory (minimum) 50 Clear the folder. DCIM/Screenshots old-file.
- 🔒 Three-toed swipe not working: Update MIUI until the latest version or reset your gesture settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting gesture settings.
If none of these methods work, the reason may be:
- 🛠️ Damaged firmware: Fly your smartphone through the Mi Flash Tool.
- 🦠 Virus Software: Check your device through Google Play Protect or Malwarebytes.
- 🔧 Restrictions of Rights: Some corporate firmware has screenshots blocked by security policies.