How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: all ways with photos and videos

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is still a popular choice due to its balanced features and support for current versions of MIUI. But even experienced users sometimes have difficulty trying to take a screenshot — especially if they are used to other brands. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to create screenshots on this model, including little-known firmware chips.

It is important to understand that the methods may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (9 to 14) and the modification of the device (global, Chinese or European firmware).We tested the instructions on the Redmi Note 5 with MIUI 12.5 and Android 9 Pie, but most of the methods work on newer / older builds. If your smartphone behaves differently, check the section with the solutions to problems at the end of the article.

Before you go to the instructions, make sure that the phone has enough free memory: screenshots are saved in the Pictures/Screenshots folder in.png format and can take up to 2-5 MB each at a high screen resolution (2160×1080).

1. Classical method: button combination

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones is to press physical buttons simultaneously. On the Redmi Note 5, this is:

• 🔘 Hold the power button (right) + Volume down button (left) during 1-2 seconds.
• 📸 You will hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of saving the screenshot at the top of the screen.
• 📁 The image is automatically saved to the gallery in the Screenshots folder.

⚠️ Warning: If you press the buttons longer than 3 seconds, the phone will start the forced reboot procedure (reboot menu will appear.

This method is reliable, but has disadvantages:

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If you have a case with high sides, try to press the buttons not with the pads of your fingers, but with your nails - it is easier to feel the moment of operation.

2. Three finger gesture (the most convenient way)

MIUI offers a unique feature of creating screenshots with one motion, which is the three fingers running across the screen, and it's disabled by default, so you need to activate it first:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Special features → Three finger gestures.
2. Switch the switch to the on position.
3. Select the Screenshot action (by default, nothing can stand or go back).

Now, to take a screenshot:

• 👆 Place three fingers (usually index, middle and ring fingers) on the screen.
• 📥 Swipe them from top to bottom in one quick movement (as if you were swiping the screen).
• 🎯 Screenshot will be taken instantly, without delay.

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This method is ideal for:

• 📱 One hand (you can hold the phone in the palm of your hand and take a screenshot of the big one) + two-finger).
• 🎮 Games where buttons are occupied by gamepad.
• 🔄 Quickly create a series of screenshots (for example, for instructions).

⚠️ Warning: If the gesture doesn't work, check if it conflicts with other features, such as Smart Assistant or Game Turbo. In games, sometimes you need to turn off performance optimization in the Security settings. → Game Turbo.

3. Screenshot using the notification panel

A lesser known, but no less effective, way is to use a quick panel, which is convenient when you need to take a late-shot (for example, to have time to expand the menu):

1. Open the notification panel by swiping your finger from top to bottom.
2. Find a Screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a zipper rectangle) if it's not there, click Edit (pencil) and add it to the active tiles.
3. In 1-2 seconds, the screenshot will be taken.

Advantages of this method:

• ⏱️ 3-second delay (you can have time to prepare the screen).
• 🔧 No need to remember gestures or button combinations.
• 📊 Works even if hardware buttons are disabled (in No button mode).

Limitation: In some versions of MIUI (e.g. 10 and below), the screenshot button may not be available in the notification bar, in which case use alternative methods or update the firmware.

4.The Google Assistant Voice Assistant

If you have Google Assistant enabled (default activated on global firmware), you can take voice screenshots, which is especially useful when your hands are busy or the screen is dirty.

1. Say OK, Google or hold the Home button (if it's physical).
2. Say the command: Take a screenshot or screenshot.
3. Confirm the action (if required).

⚠️ Note: On the Chinese firmware Redmi Note 5 Google Assistant can be disabled by default:

1. Install Google App from Play Market.
2. Launch the app and go through the voice assistant setting.
3. Turn on the Hey Google option in the Assistant settings.

The voice method has advantages:

• 🗣️ It does not require tactile contact with the phone.
• 🌐 It works in any language (supports Russian).
• 🔍 You can combine with other commands (for example, take a screenshot and send to Telegram).

Cons:

• 🔇 Requires Internet connection to recognize voice.
• ⏳ It works slower than hardware methods (2-3 second-on).
• 📵 Does not work in offline mode or with the microphone turned off.

5. Scrolling screenshot (long screenshot)

The Redmi Note 5 supports a scrolling screenshot feature that allows you to capture the entire screen of a page — such as a long chat, web page or contact list.

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the miniature appears in the upper right corner, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, click Scrolling (an icon with two arrows down).
4. Wait for the phone to automatically scroll through the screen and connect the pieces into one long shot.
5. Press Ready to save the result.

Limitations of function:

• 📜 It doesn’t work in some apps (like Instagram or TikTok due to restrictions) API).
• 🔄 Can “short” dynamic content (such as video or animation).
• 📏 Maximum screenshot length – about 10 screens (depending on the application).

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Long screenshots are saved as separate files in the same Screenshots folder, but marked _scroll_ They can be edited in any graphics editor.

If the scroll function does not appear:

• 🔧 Check if it is included in the settings: Settings → Additionally. → Screenshots → Scrolling screen.
• 📥 Update the firmware to MIUI 11 or later (older versions may not have a function).
• 🚫 Some apps (such as banking) block screenshots for security reasons.

6. Alternative methods and solutions to problems

If none of these methods work, here’s what you can try:

Resetting gesture settings

Sometimes the gesture settings get lost after the firmware update, to get them back to the factory:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Choose Reset gesture settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Use of ADB (for advanced users)

If the touch screen is not working, USB-debugging enabled, you can take a screenshot through the computer:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

The file will be saved in the root folder of the phone under the name screen.png.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

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If screenshots are taken but not displayed in the gallery, check the Pictures/Screenshots folder through a file manager (e.g. Files by Google).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Now you know all the possible ways to create screenshots on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, including rare methods and workarounds for unusual situations. If none of the options worked, check the integrity of the firmware or contact the service center: the problem may be a hardware failure (for example, malfunctioning buttons or screen controller).