Introduction: why you need screenshots on a smartphone
Screenshots (or screenshots) have become an integral part of everyday smartphone use, saving important information from correspondence, fixing an error in an app, sharing interesting content from social networks, or simply saving a meme for a story. Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro, despite its budget category, offers several convenient ways to create screenshots, from classic button combinations to innovative gestures.
Many users are unaware that there is more than one method available on their device, for example, not everyone knows about the possibility of taking a screenshot using a three-finger gesture or voice command. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways, including the nuances of working with different versions of the MIUI shell, as well as give tips on editing and managing finished images.
We will focus on the typical issues: why the screenshot is not saved, how to change the file format or where to find pictures if they βdisappearedβ from the gallery.
Method 1: Classical button combination
The most universal and common method is the use of physical buttons on a smartphone, which works on all Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi 8 Pro, regardless of the version of MIUI.
- Open on the screen what you want to fix (message, page in the browser, map, etc.).
- At the same time, press the power button (on/off) and the volume reduction button.
- Hold them for about 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound of the camera and see the save animation.
If done correctly, a screenshot thumbnail with buttons for quick editing or sending will appear at the top of the screen, and on the Redmi 8 Pro, this method works even when the bootloader or custom firmware is unlocked, unless standard MIUI features are disabled.
The buttons don't stick and work properly |
The screen is not locked with a password or a pattern lock |
No confidential information (passwords, bank details) is on the screen |
Battery level above 5% (with a critical charge, screenshots may not be saved)
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A common mistake is holding the buttons too long. If you hold them for longer than 3 seconds, the smartphone may perceive this as a command to reboot or turn off. Also, it is worth considering that some cases may have buttons that are difficult to access β in this case, try other ways.
Method 2: Three finger gestures
One of the most convenient methods, especially when you need to quickly take a screenshot with one hand, the three-finger swipe feature is enabled by default in MIUI 10 and later, but on the Redmi 8 Pro it sometimes needs to be activated manually. Here's how it works:
- Place three fingers (usually index, middle and ring fingers) on the screen.
- Swipe them from top to bottom across the display in one quick move.
- Wait for the sound signal and visual confirmation (miniature screenshot).
If the gesture does not work, check the settings:
- Go to Settings β Additional functions β Gestures.
- Find the screenshot item with three fingers and switch on the switch.
- If necessary, adjust the sensitivity of the gesture.
This method is especially useful if the physical buttons on your Redmi 8 Pro are worn or broken, but note that on some versions of MIUI, gestures may conflict with other features, such as split screen, in which case you will have to choose the priority option in the settings.
Method 3: Voice command via Google Assistant
If you have a problem with buttons or gestures, you can take a screenshot with a voice assistant, which requires some pre-tuning, but then you can take a screenshot in just one sentence.
- Activate Google Assistant (if disabled): Settings β Apps β All apps β Google β Permissions β Enable the microphone.
- Say, OK Google, take a screenshot.
- Confirm the action if required (depending on the security settings).
On the Redmi 8 Pro, this method works steadily, but there are nuances:
- π± Google Apps must be updated to the latest version.
- π Voice input should be enabled in language and input settings.
- π Some firmware will require the Assistant to provide permission to control the screen.
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If Google Assistant doesnβt recognize the command, try alternative phrases like βtake a screenshotβ or βscreenshot.β
The main advantage of this method is the ability to create a screenshot without touching the screen, which is convenient, for example, while cooking or when your hands are busy, but the disadvantage is that it requires an Internet connection (to process a voice command).
Method 4: Through the notification panel
A lesser known, but equally effective, method is to use a quick notification bar, which is suitable for those who prefer a minimum number of actions.
- Deploy the notification panel by swiping your finger from top to bottom across the screen.
- Find the screenshot icon (usually hidden under the additional buttons).
- If there is no icon, click on Edit (the pencil icon) and add it to the panel.
- Slip the icon - the screenshot will be taken instantly.
On the Redmi 8 Pro, this method works flawlessly, but there are a couple of things:
- π The icon may βdisappearβ after updates MIUI β In this case, it needs to be added again.
- π² Some shells (such as those from third-party manufacturers) may block this feature.
What to do if the screenshot icon is not displayed?
The advantage of this method is that it doesn't require remembering gestures or button combinations, but if the notification bar is overloaded with icons, finding the right one can be inconvenient.
Where are screenshots stored and how to edit them
By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro are saved in the Pictures/Screenshots folder (or DCIM/Screenshots in some versions of MIUI).
- π Standard Gallery app (in the album Screenshots).
- π₯οΈ Any file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
- π Connecting the phone to the computer through USB-cable.
For quick editing immediately after the screenshot is created:
- Slip on the thumbnail that appears in the lower right corner of the screen.
- In the open editor, you can crop the image, add text, drawings or blur.
- Save the changes β the original file will be replaced with the edited one.
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Screenshots on the Redmi 8 Pro are saved in.png format with a resolution corresponding to the screen resolution (usually 2340Γ1080 pixels).
If screenshots are not saved, check:
- π± Is there enough free space in the memory of the device.
- π§ Are not permissions for the Gallery or Storage application disabled.
- π οΈ Are there any errors in the file system (reboot or check through Settings will help) β Memory. β Cleanup).
Typical problems and their solutions
Even on a reliable device like the Redmi 8 Pro, users sometimes have difficulty taking screenshots, and let's look at the most common cases and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot not saved | Insufficient memory or failures in the file system | Clear the cache, delete unnecessary files, or reboot the phone |
| Buttons don't respond. | Glutting buttons or cover interferes with pressing | Try other methods (gestures, notification panel) or remove the case |
| Three finger gestures don't work. | Function disabled in settings | Include it in Settings β Additional features β Gestures |
| Screenshots blurred | Screen rendering failures or display damage | Restart your phone or check the screen for defects |
| Voice command is unrecognizable | No Internet or microphone is blocked | Check the network connection and permissions for Google Assistant |
If none of these methods work, consider the more serious reasons:
- π Firmware failure: Try updating MIUI last-minute.
- π οΈ Damage to system files: Resetting to factory settings can help (be sure to back up!).
- π± Hardware malfunctions: if the problem appeared after a fall or moisture, contact the service center.
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If screenshots are kept in low quality, check the screen settings: it is possible that the power saving mode is turned on, which reduces the resolution of the displayed content.
Additional features: long screenshots and screen recording
Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro supports not only standard screenshots, but also advanced features such as long (scrollable) screenshots and screen recording. These tools are useful for capturing long web pages, correspondence or creating educational videos.
How to take a long screenshot:
- Create a regular screenshot in any of the described ways.
- Immediately after the miniature appears, tap it.
- In the editor that opens, select the Scrolling option (or Long Screenshot).
- Wait until the system automatically scrolls the page and combines the pictures.
For screen recording:
- Deploy the notification bar and find the Screen Record icon.
- If it is not, add it through the panel editing.
- Click on the icon, wait for the countdown (3 seconds) and start recording.
- To stop again, tap the icon or use the control panel.
Limitations of long screenshots
Screen video is saved in the Movies/ScreenRecords folder in.mp4 format. Record quality depends on settings: it is 720p by default, but you can zoom in to 1080p in the recording settings.