How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 7A: all the ways from standard to hidden

The Xiaomi Redmi 7A is still one of the most popular budget smartphones due to its reliability and simple MIUI shell. But even such a proven device has nuances — especially when it comes to creating screenshots. Depending on the firmware version, the state of the buttons or installed applications, standard methods may not work. In this guide, we will not only analyze all official methods, but also show workarounds for non-standard situations, from broken buttons to stripped-down versions of MIUI.

You will learn how to take screenshots with physical keys, gestures, voice commands, and even ADB (if your smartphone is connected to a PC). Separately, we will focus on common mistakes — for example, why screenshots are not saved in the gallery or black bars appear. At the end of this article, you will find a unique life hack for owners of Redmi 7A with an unlocked bootloader that allows you to take screenshots even on a locked screen.

1. Standard method: button combination

This is the most reliable method that works on all versions of MIUI, from the very first to the last.

1. Open on the screen what you want to capture (web page, message, settings, etc.).
2. Press the power button (right) and the volume button (left) at the same time.
3. Hold them for 1–1.5 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is on) and see the save animation.

Screenshots will be saved to the DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots folder (depending on the MIUI version).If the folder doesn't show up, check the hidden files in the file manager.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 7A With worn buttons, only one click can be triggered (for example, turning off instead of a screenshot.

If the button combination does not work:

• 🔧 Check if the screenshot sound is turned off in Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Systemic sounds.
• 📱 Make sure there are no dialog boxes on the screen (such as rights request or low charge notifications).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes system processes MIUI «Floating blocks the creation of screenshots.

2.Gesturals in MIUI: how to take a screenshot without buttons

Xiaomi has added an alternative way to capture screenshots to MIUI, using a three-finger swipe down gesture, which is especially useful if you don’t have physical buttons working or prefer to control your smartphone with one hand.

To activate the function:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the screenshot with three fingers and switch on the switch.
3. (Optional) Enable Preview to edit the screenshot immediately after you create it.

Now, to take a screenshot:

1. Place three fingers on the screen (no matter which one you can use the index, middle and ring fingers of one hand).
2. Quickly swipe them down as if you were shaking off the screen.
3. Release your fingers after vibration or sound.

If the gesture doesn't work:

• 🧹 Clean the screen of fat and moisture – the sensor may not recognize touch.
• 📏 Try to make a gesture closer to the center of the screen (the edges are sometimes ignored).
• 🔧 B Settings → Screen. → Touch sensitivity increases sensitivity (if optional).

Make sure the function is enabled in the settings|Clean the screen from pollution|Try the gesture in different parts of the screen|Reboot your smartphone if the gesture doesn’t work-->

3.Voice assistant: screenshot on command

Few people know, but Redmi 7A can take screenshots using Google Assistant or built-in XiaoAI (if installed), which is convenient when hands are busy or buttons are not available.

For Google Assistant:

1. Activate the assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button (if physical).
2. Tell the command, “Take a screenshot” or “Screenshot.”
3. Confirm the action if necessary.

For XiaoAI (if installed):

1. Press the power button for 1-2 seconds to call the assistant.
2. Say “screenshot” or “screenshot” in Chinese (“”).
3. Some firmware may require pre-installing permission for XiaoAI in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Special Access.

⚠️ Warning: Voice commands may not work if access to Special Opportunity Services is disabled in the security settings for Google/XiaoAI. Check it out in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Special access.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎤 Works without using your hands.
• 🔊 It can be used in any orientation of the screen.
• 📌 Suitable for people with disabilities.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 Requires Internet connection (for Google Assistant).
• 🔇 It can be triggered by accident when talking.
• 📵 On some custom firmware, voice commands are disabled.

4. Screenshot via notification panel (for MIUI 12 and later)

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added a quick screenshot button to the notification bar, which is handy if you take screenshots often and don’t want to remember keyboard shortcuts.

How to turn on and use:

1. Pull down the notification bar (swipe from the top edge of the screen).
2. Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissor or screen thumbnail) and if it's not there, click Edit (pencil) and add the button to the active button.
3. Slip the icon - the smartphone will take a screenshot.

If the button does not appear:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (in Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 📱 Make sure the notification bar is not stripped down (for example, in some regional firmware, some functions are hidden).
• 🔧 Reset the panel settings: Settings → Notifications → Additionally. → Reset the panel settings.

5. Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications

If standard methods don't work (for example, because of button breakages or MIUI glitches), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or specialized applications. These methods require a little more effort, but they are guaranteed to work.

Method 1: Screenshot via ADB

Suitable for users who have access to a computer, you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the Redmi 7A (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
4. Copy the file on PC: adb pull /sdcard/screen.png

Method 2: Third-party applications

If ADB seems complicated, install one of these apps (available on Google Play):

• 📸 Screenshot Easy – supports screenshots with gestures, timer and even screen recording.
• 🖼️ Super Screenshot – allows you to take long screenshots (scroll screens).
• 🔧 Screen Master – has a built-in editor and text recognition function (OCR).

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications, give them only the necessary permissions. Some programs request access to Special Features Services – this is normal for screenshot functionality, but make sure the app is from a verified source (e.g., the official Google Play Store).

Advantages of alternative methods:

Typical problems and their solutions

Even on a simple device like the Redmi 7A, users are faced with screenshot errors, and we'll look at some of the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery

Causes and solutions:

• 🗃️ Screenshots folder damaged → Rename her in Screenshots_old through the file manager and the system will create a new.
• 📁 Lack of space on the device → Clear the cache or transfer the files to SD-map.
• 🔧 Reservation in settings disabled → Check the Settings. → Warehouse → Saving screenshots.

Problem 2: Black screen in the screenshot

This happens if:

• 🎬 Secure mode is enabled (for example, in banking applications or DRM-content).
• 🔒 Uses a dark theme with rendering errors (switch to a light theme).
• 📱 The smartphone overheated → Let it cool for 10-15 minutes.

Problem 3: The three-finger gesture doesn't work

What to do:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🧹 Clear the Launcher app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Memory. → Clear the cache).
• 📋 Check if the gesture conflicts with other functions (e.g. split screen).

💡

If the screenshots are blurry, try turning off hardware acceleration in the developer settings (Settings → Additional → Developer → Disable Hardware Overlays). This can improve clarity, but slightly increase the load on the processor.

7.The secret method: screenshot on locked screen

This method works ONLY on the Redmi 7A with an unlocked bootloader and a customized Recovery (TWRP) installed. It allows you to take a snapshot of the lock screen without unlocking the device - useful if you need to capture a notification or time on a locked phone.

Instructions:

1. Install TWRP Recovery and get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
2. Download Screenshot Lockscreen for Magisk (available on the XDA Developers forum).
3. Install the module through Magisk Manager and restart.
4. Now, to take a screenshot on the locked screen, press the power button + increase the volume for 3 seconds.

⚠️ Warning: This method voids the warranty on the device and may cause malfunctions MIUI. Use it only if you understand the risks, and note that some banking applications may stop working after rooting.

Alternatives for users without root:

• 📷 Take a picture of the screen with another device (not perfect, but fast).
• 🔄 Enable the Developer Mode and activate Debugging by USB, Then take a screenshot through ADB (see section 5).

💡

Unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights to the Redmi 7A voids the warranty and can lead to unstable device operation, which is recommended only for advanced users.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 7A