How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways + problem solving

Taking a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 9 seems like a simple task β€” until you encounter unexpected nuances. Buttons don’t respond? Gesture doesn’t work? Or maybe you need to capture a long web page or hidden menu? In this article, we will analyze all the official and hidden methods of creating screenshots on Redmi 9 (including modifications to Note 9, 9A, 9C), and also solve typical problems β€” from the lack of sound when screening to the inability to save a file.

Redmi 9 features a hybrid firmware based on MIUI 12/13 (depending on version), where standard button combinations sometimes conflict with gesture settings. For example, if you have full-screen mode activated, the classic Power + Volume Down may not work. We tested all methods on real devices and found out which ones work guaranteed even on custom firmware.

1. Standard method: Power + Volume Down buttons

This is a universal method for all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 9. It works independently of the MIUI version and does not require additional settings.

  1. Open the desired screen (application, web page, settings).
  2. Press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left) at the same time.
  3. Hold for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see an animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Note: If you have one-handed mode activated (Settings) β†’ Additionally. β†’ One-hand mode, the combination may not work.

Where to look for a ready screenshot? By default, files are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

Or through the gallery: open the Gallery app β†’ Screenshots album.

β˜‘οΈ Check before the button screen

Done: 0 / 4

2. Three-finger gesture - quick screen without buttons

MIUI's signature feature is the ability to take screenshots with three fingers across the screen, which is useful if the physical buttons are broken or you often take screenshots.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ gestures buttons.
  2. Select a screenshot with three fingers.
  3. Activate the switch and test the gesture: swipe from top to bottom across the screen simultaneously with three fingers (no pauses!).

πŸ”Ή nuance:

  • πŸ‘‰ The gesture only works on an unlocked screen.
  • πŸ“± It does not work in certain games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact due to gesture blocking.
  • βš™οΈ If the screen is not saved, check the permissions for the Screenshots app in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9 with firmware MIUI 14+ The gesture may conflict with Scrolling. If the screenshot is cropped, turn it off in the same gesture settings.

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If the gesture works by accident (for example, when scrolling through the feed in social networks), reduce the sensitivity in the gesture settings or turn it off altogether.

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

Few people know, but Redmi 9 can take a screenshot with a single touch, through the Quick Settings Panel, which is useful if buttons or gestures fail:

  1. Pull the notification bar down twice (to open the full panel).
  2. Find the Screenshot icon (scissors or a zipper rectangle) If it's not there, click Edit (pencil) and add it to active shortcuts.
  3. Slip the icon - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

πŸ”Ή Pros of the method:

  • ⚑ It works even if the sensor is partially faulty (one touch is enough).
  • 🎯 Precisely captures the current screen without cropping.
  • πŸ”„ You can share the screen directly through the context menu.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI for Redmi 9A The screenshot icon may not be available, in which case update the firmware or use alternative methods.

4. Long screenshot (scrollable) for web pages and chats

Need to capture a whole dialog in Telegram or a long article in your browser? Redmi 9 has a built-in scrolling screenshot feature, but it doesn't work in all apps.

  1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
  2. Immediately after the appearance of the screen thumbnail in the lower right corner, tap it.
  3. In the editor that opens, click Scrolling (or Long Screenshot).
  4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls the screen and combines the frames.

πŸ“Œ Where does he work:

AnnexSupport for long screeningNotes
Chromeβœ… Yes.It works on 90% of websites, except for protected ones (banks, public services).
Telegramβœ… Yes.Captures up to 50 last messages.
WhatsApp❌ No.It is blocked by the messenger’s security policy.
Instagram⚠️ Partially.Only the tape and profiles, not working in the story.
MIUI Launcherβœ… Yes.You can grab a list of apps or widgets.

⚠️ Note: If after scrolling the screen turns out to be torn or with artifacts, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot the phone.
  • πŸ“± Disable animations in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times according to version, then select Disable animations).
πŸ“Š What kind of screenshots do you use more often?
Power+Volume buttons
Three-finger gesture
Notification panel
Long screenshot.
Third-party applications

5. Screenshot via Google or XiaoAI voice assistant

If you don't have a button or a sensor, you can take a voice screenshot, either with the built-in XiaoAI (for China/global version) or Google Assistant.

Method 1: XiaoAI (for MIUI Global/China)

  1. Activate the assistant: Say β€œHi, XiaoAi” or hold the Home button (if physical).
  2. Tell the command, β€œTake a screenshot” or β€œScreenshot.”

Method 2: Google Assistant

  1. Make sure that the Assistant is enabled: Settings β†’ Google β†’ Assistant settings.
  2. Say β€œOK Google, take a screenshot” or click the microphone icon in the Google search bar.

πŸ”Ή Limitations:

  • πŸ—£οΈ Voice commands only work in the main language of the system (if you have English). MIUI, Say, "Take a screenshotΒ»).
  • πŸ”‡ In some firmware XiaoAI is disabled - check in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ All applications β†’ XiaoAI.
Why doesn't the voice assistant do the screen?
1. Screen access is not available: go to Settings β†’ Special Features β†’ XiaoAI/Google Assistant and turn on Screen Watch resolution. 2. Microphone disabled: check permissions in Settings β†’ Privacy β†’ Application permissions β†’ Microphone. 3. Regional restrictions: on some versions of MIUI for Russia, voice commands are disabled by default. Solution is to change region to India or the United States in the phone settings.

6. Screenshot applications: when standard methods don't work

If the built-in features of Redmi 9 fail (for example, after updating or resetting settings), use third-party utilities. We tested 5 popular apps and selected the best ones:

AnnexFunctionsPlusesCons
AccScreenshots by timer, editingNo rooting, it works on MIUI.Advertising in the free version
Screenshot EasyGestures, scrolling, screen recordingSupport for long screens in any applicationIt takes a lot of RAM.
Screenshot TouchScreen on touching widgetsIt works without the internet.Interface in English

πŸ”Ή How to install and configure:

  1. Download the app from Google Play.
  2. When you first start, grant permissions for Screen Watching and File Storage.
  3. Follow the instructions in the app (usually activate a floating button or gesture).

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Screenshot Touch) may conflict with Redmi 9's power saving mode. If screenshots are not saved, add the utility to exceptions: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ All applications.

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The application side is useful if the built-in features are disabled by the device administrator (e.g., on a work phone) or after a failed MIUI update.

7 Problem Solving: Screenshot not saved, no sound, black screen

Even on a serviceable Redmi. 9 You can have a problem with screenshots.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

Problem 1: Screenshot is not saved in the gallery

  • πŸ“ Check the folder. /Pictures/Screenshots/ File Manager (for example, Mi File Manager).
  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone – sometimes the system does not have time to update the media library.
  • πŸ› οΈ Reset permissions for the Gallery app: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ gallery β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the data.

Problem 2: No sound when screened

  • πŸ”Š Check if the system sound is turned off in Settings β†’ Sound.
  • 🎡 If you use Do Not Disturb or Game modes, they can block notification sounds.

Problem 3: Black screen in the screenshot

  • πŸ–₯️ This is typical of secure apps (banks, Netflix). No solution - Android-level constraint.
  • πŸ”„ Try to make a screen through the notification panel – sometimes it works.

Problem 4: Three finger gestures are not working

  • βš™οΈ Switch to standard navigation (with buttons): Settings β†’ Display. β†’ Navigation panel.
  • πŸ‘† Make sure the gesture is included in the Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Button gestures.

Problem 5: Screenshots are taken but not opened

  • πŸ“± The file format may not be compatible with the gallery. Try opening the screen through Google Photos.
  • πŸ”§ If the file is corrupted, use recovery applications (e.g. DiskDigger).

πŸ’‘

If after the MIUI update all screenshots stopped working, reset to factory settings (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Settings Reset).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I take a screenshot of Redmi 9?
No, it's impossible. To take a screenshot, the device must be on and unlocked. If the screen isn't responding, try connecting the phone to your PC and using Scrcpy for remote control.
How to take a screenshot if the Power button is broken?
Use a three-finger gesture or a notification panel, and if the sensor doesn't work, plug the phone into the computer and screen it through the screen. ADB Adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png The file will be saved in the root folder of the device.
Where are the screenshots on Redmi 9?
The default is in /Pictures/Screenshots/. If the folder is empty, check /DCIM/Screenshots/ (on some firmware). Downloads (if the screen was done through a browser), and screenshots can be found through a search in Mi File Manager for the Screenshot keyword.
How to edit a screenshot immediately after creation?
Once you create the screen, you'll see a thumbnail in the bottom right corner. Slip it, and you'll see the built-in MIUI editor, where you can: Cut the edges. Add text or a picture. Blurr part of the image. Share the screen directly to the messengers. If the thumbnail doesn't show up, check the animation settings in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (tap 7 times to open the developer menu).
Why are Redmi 9 screenshots of poor quality?
This involves settings for screen resolution or image compression. To improve quality: Set maximum screen resolution: Settings β†’ Display β†’ Screen Resolution β†’ FHD+ (2340Γ—1080). Disable image optimization in Settings β†’ Storage β†’ Free up space β†’ Optimize media files. Use third-party apps (like Screenshot Easy) that save screens in the original resolution.