Screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones are taken in a matter of seconds, but not everyone knows about all the methods available. In this article, we will examine not only the standard button combinations, but also the little-known features of MIUI that simplify the process. For example, you will learn how to take screenshots with a single touch, with a voice assistant or even with a three-finger gesture - the latter is especially convenient for gaming or watching videos.
It’s important to understand that the methods may vary slightly depending on the MIUI version and the Redmi Note model (like the Note 10/11/12 or earlier series). However, most of the methods are versatile and work on devices from the Redmi Note 4 to the latest flagships. If you have custom firmware (like LineageOS), some MIUI features will not be available, as we’ll mention in the article.
1. Standard method: button combination
This is the most reliable and versatile method that works on all Redmi Note models, regardless of the firmware version.
- 📱 Power button (on/off) + volume-button
- ⚡ Press them simultaneously and hold for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see an animation screenshot.
- 📁 The finished shot is saved in the gallery in the Screenshots folder or Screenshots.
If the screenshot didn’t work the first time, check:
- ❌ Do you press late buttons (they should be triggered at the same time).
- ❌ Do you accidentally block the buttons with a cover or fingers.
- ❌ Are the screenshots in the settings disabled (more on this below).
☑️ Checking before screenshot
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) when holding buttons for a long time, emergency mode may work. To avoid this, press quickly and sharply, without delay.
2. Screenshot with three fingers (gesture)
The Screenshot Gesture feature is available in MIUI since version 10, which allows you to take a screenshot by simply swiping three fingers from top to bottom, which is convenient when you hold your phone with one hand and scroll through tape or play with the other.
How to turn on:
- Open Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
- Find the screenshot with three fingers and activate the switch.
- Test: Swipe the screen with three fingers from top to bottom (not necessarily vertically, a small angle is allowed).
If the gesture doesn't work:
- 🧹 Make sure there are no greasy spots or moisture on the screen – the sensor may not recognize touch.
- 🔄 Restart your phone (sometimes helps with gesture failures).
- 📱 Check if the function conflicts with other gestures (e.g., gesture navigation).
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If you have long nails, try to hold your fingers not strictly vertically, but slightly diagonally - so the sensor better recognizes touch.
3. Screenshot using the notification panel
MIUI has a built-in screenshot button in the Quick Settings Panel, which is suitable if you are uncomfortable remembering button combinations or using gestures.
How to take a screenshot through the panel:
- Flick the screen from top to bottom to open the notification bar.
- Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a zipper rectangle) and if it's not there, click on the pencil (Edit) and add the button to the active button.
- Slap the icon - the phone will take a screenshot.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ It works even if one of the physical buttons is broken.
- ✅ You can add a button to the first row of the panel for quick access.
- ✅ There is no risk of accidentally turning off your phone (unlike a button combination).
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European market), the screenshot button in the notification bar may not be available by default, in which case it can be added via Settings. → Notification panel → Edit badges.
4. Voice Assistant (Google Assistant or Xiao AI)
If you are too lazy to press buttons or make gestures, you can instruct the voice assistant to take a screenshot, which also works on a locked screen (if the appropriate setting is enabled).
Method 1: Google Assistant
- 🎤 Say, “OK Google, take a screenshot” or “Hey Google, take a screenshot".
- 📱 Confirm the action on the screen (if necessary).
Method 2: Xiao AI (Integrated Assistant Xiaomi)
- 🔊 Hold the button home (or say "Xiao Ai" if voice control is enabled).
- 💬 Say “take a screenshot” or “screenshot".
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ It only works if the voice assistant is turned on and the microphone is given access.
- ❌ In some regions (for example, in Russia) Xiao AI It may not support Russian for voice commands.
- ❌ On custom firmware Google Assistant may not have the right to create screenshots.
5. Script with scrolling (long shot)
If you want to save an entire web page, correspondence or a long list, MIUI has a Scrolling Screenshot (or Long Snap) feature that automatically glues multiple frames into one long file.
How to do this:
- Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
- Immediately after the thumbnail appears at the bottom of the screen, click on it.
- In the editor that opens, tap the “Scroll” icon (two arrows down).
- Wait for the phone to automatically scroll through the screen and take additional pictures.
- Press Ready to save the result.
Limitations:
| Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|
| The function does not appear after the screenshot | Check if it is included in Settings → Additional features → Scrolling screenshot |
| Screenshot ends in the middle | Scroll the page manually while the capture is underway. |
| It doesn’t work in some applications. | The function can be blocked by the developer (for example, in banking applications). |
| Poor quality of glued image | Try to take pictures manually and glue them together in an editor (for example, in Photoshop Express). |
Why can’t you take a screenshot in some apps?
6. Alternative methods (for experienced users)
If standard methods do not work (for example, due to breakage of buttons or custom firmware), you can use additional tools.
Method 1: ADB-team (for developers)
If you have a computer and the USB debugging mode is enabled, you can take a screenshot through the command:
adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.pngThe file will be saved in the root folder of the phone under the name screen.png.
Method 2: Apps from Google Play
The store has utilities like Screenshot Easy or Super Screenshot that offer advanced features:
- 📐 Capture the selected screen area.
- 🎨 Editing screenshots before saving.
- ☁️ Automatic upload to the cloud.
Method 3: Physical camera
If the phone is completely locked or the screen does not respond to touch, you can take a picture of it with another camera (for example, on a second smartphone).
- 🔦 Use good lighting to avoid glare.
- 📏 Keep the camera parallel to the screen.
- 🔍 Enable the grid in the camera settings for a level frame.
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ADB-Teams and third-party applications require additional permissions and may violate the security policies of some organizations.
Frequent problems and solutions
Even with simple actions like screenshots, sometimes there are challenges.
Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved
- 📂 Check the Screenshots folder in the gallery - sometimes the pictures get into Downloads or DCIM.
- 🗑️ Free up space on your phone (if the memory is less than 100 MB, the system may not save files).
- 🔄 Reboot your phone – it will reset temporary errors.
Problem 2: Three finger gestures are not working
- ⚙️ Make sure the function is included in the settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
- 👆 Try to swipe your fingers in a different direction (for example, from the bottom up).
- 📱 Check if the touch screen is turned off (for example, due to moisture or damage).
Problem 3: Screenshots are made in black
This is a typical problem when trying to take a picture in secure applications (for example, SberBank Online or WhatsApp with privacy mode enabled).
- 🔓 Turn off protection in the application settings (if possible).
- 📷 Take a picture of the screen with another camera.