How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all the ways (including hidden)

Taking screenshots on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected problems: Some can’t find saved shots, others don’t work standard keyboard combinations, and others do not even suspect that alternative methods exist. This article closes all the gaps from basic methods to little-known MIUI chips that work even on custom firmware.

We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 9 (M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS models) with MIUI 12.5-14 versions, so the instructions are relevant regardless of the updates. We focused on typical errors, such as why screenshots are kept in low resolution or how to return the feature after resets. If your smartphone “gluts” and refuses to take screenshots, at the end of the article there is a section with the diagnosis of problems.

1. Standard method: button combination

The classic method works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 9. Here the main thing is the synchrony of the press, otherwise instead of a screenshot, you either lock the screen or activate the voice assistant.

Algorithm:

• 📱 At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
• 🎯 Hold them exactly 1 second – no longer necessary, otherwise the smartphone will start to reboot.
• 🔊 You will hear the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is on) and see the save animation in the upper right corner.

Where to look for a screenshot? By default, files are saved to the DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots folder. If there is no folder, check Gallery → Albums → Screenshots. On MIUI 14, images can be automatically duplicated in Google Photos if sync is enabled.

💡

If the power button is broken, use the virtual control panel in Settings → Special features → System management → Power button.

Screenshot by gesture (only for MIUI 12+)

The Screenshot Gesture feature appeared in MIUI 12 and works on all Redmi Note 9 models, but is disabled by default, its main advantage being the ability to take a picture with one hand without using physical buttons.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gesture.
2. Activate the switch and select one of the options: 🖐️ Three-finger swipe down (most reliable). 👆 Three-finger tap (can be triggered by accident).

How to take a screenshot:

• 📲 Open the screen you want (such as a chat in Telegram or a page in Chrome).
• 👌 Swipe down from top to bottom with three fingers (without pause!).
• ✅ The picture will be saved automatically, and at the top of the screen will appear editing panel.

⚠️ Warning: If the gesture doesn't work, check if it conflicts with other features (such as Smart Assistant or One-Hand Mode.

3. Voice assistant (for MIUI 13/14)

Few people know, but the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 allows you to take screenshots with your voice — without touching the screen — which is convenient if your hands are busy or your buttons are faulty. The feature works through the built-in voice assistant Xiao AI (even if you don’t use it).

Instructions:

1. Activate the assistant: 🎤 Hold the button at home (on the screen) for 2 seconds. 🗣️ Or say “OK Google” if you’re setting up Google Assistant.

• 📸 «Take a screenshot»
• 🖼️ «Screenshot»
• 📱 «Take a picture of the screen»

Features of the method:

• ✅ It works even on a locked screen (if the option is enabled in the assistant settings).
• ❌ Does not save screenshots in Google Photos automatically.
• 🔧 Requires an Internet connection for the first setup (language packs downloaded).

4. Quick settings panel (for MIUI 14)

The latest versions of MIUI 14 have the ability to take screenshots directly from the notification bar, which is handy if the physical buttons are worn out or you prefer a minimalist approach.

Step-by-step:

1. 📱 Swipe your finger down to open the notification bar.
2. 🔍 Find the Screenshot icon (it looks like a scissor or a rectangle with a camera). If it's not there, click Edit (the pencil in the upper right corner) and add the widget manually.
3. 🖼️ Slip on the icon – the picture will be taken instantly.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 It does not require memorizing key combinations.
• 🔹 It works in any application other than secure applications (e.g. banking).
• 🔹 Allows you to immediately edit the screenshot (short, draw, add text).

Annex side: when standard methods do not work

If the built-in features of Redmi Note 9 They refuse to take screenshots (for example, because of custom firmware or system glitches), third-party utilities will come to the rescue. 5 popular applications and selected the top-3:

The best apps for screenshots:

• 📱 Screenshot Easy – Supports page scrolling, saving in PDF, It has a built-in editor with filters.
• 🖼️ Screen Master – can shoot video from the screen and take screenshots on the timer.
• 🔧 Super Screenshot – Optimized for Xiaomi, does not require root rights.

How to install and configure:

1. Download the app from Google Play (links above).
2. When you first start, grant permissions: Settings → Applications → Permissions → [Application Name] → “Screen Recording”
3. 🔘 Turn on the floating button (the “Floating Button” option) for quick access.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g., banking or Netflix) block screenshots for security reasons. USB rooting.

Install the app from the official store |Give permission to record the screen |Disable battery optimization for the app |Check compatibility with MIUI-->

6. Advanced chips: Screenshots of scrolling pages and videos

Standard methods allow you to capture only the visible part of the screen. But what if you want to save a long chat on WhatsApp or an article in Chrome? On the Redmi Note 9, there are two ways:

Method 1: Built-in Scrolling (MIUI 12+)

• 📱 Take a regular screenshot (by any method).
• 🔍 After the miniature appears in the upper right corner, tap it.
• 📜 Select the option “Scroll Capture” (or “Scroll Capture»).
• ✅ Wait for automatic scrolling and save a long screenshot in PDF or PNG.

Method 2: LongShot App (for complex cases)

• 📲 Install LongShot for Screenshot from Google Play.
• 🎯 Start the app and select Auto Scroll & Stitch».
• 🖼️ Follow the instructions on the screen – the application will scroll the page and connect the pictures.

To record video from the screen:

• 🎥 Use the built-in Screen Recording function in the notification panel (on the MIUI 14).
• 🔧 Or set it up. AZ Screen Recorder – it supports watermark-free recording.

💡

Built-in scrolling doesn't work in all apps, like Instagram or TikTok, because of privacy policies.

7. Problem Solving: Why Screenshots Are Not Saved or Retrieved in Black

If screenshots are not created or are saved in a distorted form, the problem lies in the system settings or application conflict.-5 causes and ways of eliminating them:

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery

• 🔍 Check the folder. DCIM/Screenshots File Manager (for example, Mi File Explorer).
• 🔧 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes MIUI It doesn't update the media base.
• 📁 If you don’t have a folder, create it manually and restart the Gallery.

Problem 2: Black screen instead of screenshot

• 🔒 This is normal for secure applications (banks, encrypted messengers).
• 🔄 Try to take a picture through debugging. USB (PC required).

Problem 3: Low quality screenshots

• 📏 Check the screen resolution in Settings → Display. → Screen resolution (should be) FHD+).
• 🔧 Turn off Adaptive Brightness – it sometimes compresses colors.

Problem 4: Screenshot gesture doesn't work

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🔧 Reset your gesture settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting gesture settings.

Problem 5: Buttons don't respond

• 🛠️ Check the physical condition of the buttons (contamination, mechanical damage).
• 🔧 Enable virtual buttons in Settings → Display. → Full-screen display → Gesture management.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi Note 9

⚠️ Warning: The second method requires superuser rights and may disrupt the system.