Xiaomi Redmi A3 (2026) has become one of the most popular budget devices due to the balanced characteristics and branded shell MIUI. However, even experienced users sometimes have difficulties with basic functions, such as creating screenshots. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to take a screenshot on the Redmi A3, including hidden chips and bypass typical errors.
It is important to understand that methods may vary depending on the firmware version. At the time of writing (2026), the Redmi A3 runs MIUI 14 (Android 13 Go Edition), but some users have already received an upgrade to HyperOS. We will consider both versions of the software, and also give recommendations for cases where standard keyboard shortcuts do not work.
If you’ve used other brands’ smartphones before (like Samsung or iPhone), the usual gestures may not work. Don’t worry, Xiaomi has several alternatives that are not widely known.
Method 1: Classical button combination
The most reliable and versatile method is the use of physical buttons, which works on all versions of MIUI and HyperOS, including the Redmi A3.
To take a screenshot:
- Open the desired screen (for example, a page in the browser or a chat in the messenger).
- At the same time, press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left).
- Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the save animation.
⚠️ Warning: Not to be confused with pressing the power button for a long time, it will trigger the switch-off/reset menu.If you have a magnetic lock case, make sure it doesn't block the buttons.
The screen is unlocked and active|The buttons are not locked with a case|The sound is not turned off (to hear confirmation)|Free memory (minimum 50 MB)-->
Where to look for a finished screenshot? By default, the pictures are saved in the folder:
/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/Or through the gallery: open the Photos app → Screenshots album.
Method 2: Three-finger gesture (hidden function)
Many Xiaomi users don’t know that the settings are a handy gesture for taking screenshots, which is especially useful if the physical buttons are not pressed well or you want to take a picture with one hand.
To activate the function:
- Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
- Find the screenshot with three fingers and switch on the switch.
- (Optional) Set the direction of travel — it's the default wire down, but you can choose left/right.
Now to take a screenshot:
- Place three fingers on the screen (for example, index, middle and ring finger).
- Then, quickly swipe them down the display (as if you were shaking off the water).
- Wait for the beep and the save notification.
💡 Useful advice: If the gesture doesn’t work, try it:
- 🧹 Clean the screen of fat and moisture (the touch sensor may not recognize the fingers).
- 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes sensor failures interfere with gestures.
- ⚙️ Reduce the sensitivity of the gesture in the settings (if it works accidentally).
Power and volume buttons | Three finger gesture | Voice assistant | Other ways-->
Method 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:
- Activate the assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
- Tell the command to “take a screenshot” or “take a screenshot.”
- Confirm permission to access the screen (when you first use it).
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi A3 with Android Go Edition, voice assistant can be limited:
- 📥 Install the full version of Google App from Play Market.
- 🔊 Include in the settings Settings → Annexes → Google → Permits → Special access → Screen recording.
- 🌐 Check your internet connection – without it, voice commands are not processed.
Why can’t the voice screenshot work?
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
Each method has its pros and cons, and we've put them together in a table to make it easier for you to decide:
| Method | Speed. | Reliability | Convenience | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power buttons + volume | ⚡ Instantly. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ (two-handed) | All situations |
| Three-finger gesture | ⚡ Quickly. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (occasionally) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (one-handed) | Watching videos, playing games |
| Voice command | 🐢 2-3 seconds | ⭐⭐ (depends on the Internet) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (free-hand) | When buttons are not available |
| Notification panel | ⚡ Quickly. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ (need to swipe) | Frequent screenshots |
Important! On the Redmi A3 with HyperOS, the three-finger gesture can conflict with other features (like the Split Screen). If the screenshot fails, check the priority of the gestures in the settings.
Problem Solving: Screenshot is not saved
Sometimes a screenshot is taken but doesn't appear in the gallery, and here are the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:
- 📁 Folder full: Delete old screenshots or transfer them to a memory card. check the free space in Settings → Warehouse.
- 🚫 Application restrictions: Some programs (e.g. banking or Netflix) block screenshots for security reasons.
- 🔄 System failure: Reboot your phone. If the problem recurs, clear the gallery cache (Settings) → Annexes → Photo Photo → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
- 📱 Firmware error: On Redmi A3 s MIUI 14.0.4.0 was a bug that saved screenshots to a hidden folder.
If the screenshots disappear after creation:
- Check the Pictures/Screenshots/ folder through the file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager).
- Make sure that you do not enable automatic backup in Google Photos and then delete the originals.
- Turn off battery optimization for the Photo app (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).
💡
If screenshots are saved in low resolution, check the screen settings. Go to Settings → Display → Resolution and select HD+ (720p) over LD (480p).
Alternative methods: for advanced users
If the standard methods are not suitable, you can use additional tools:
- 🖥️ ADB-Connect your phone to your PC and execute: Adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png The file will be saved in the root folder of the storage.
- 📱 App side: Install Screenshot Touch or Screen Master from Play Market. They offer advanced features (e.g. screenshots of scrolling pages).
- 🎮 Developer Mode: Enable Debugging by USB and use programs like Vysor to manage from a PC.
⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB or third-party utilities risk disrupting the system above.Do not install applications from unknown sources - this can lead to data leakage or virus infection.
💡
On the Redmi A3 with Android Go Edition, some screenshot apps may not work due to the limitations of the lightweight version of the OS.