How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 7: all the ways (including hidden)

Why Redmi 7 doesn’t always get screenshots and how to fix it

Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still popular with users due to its balanced characteristics and support for current versions of MIUI. However, many owners face a problem: standard button combinations to create a screenshot sometimes do not work.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways we can take a screenshot of Redmi 7, including the little-known MIUI chips, and explain why some methods may not work. We’ll focus on the nuances of different firmware versions, from MIUI 10 (the original model) to MIUI 14 (the current one in 2026).

To start, check if your screenshot functionality is accidentally disabled. Go to Settings → Special features → Control convenience → Screenshots and make sure the switch is active. If the option is grey, then there are restrictions on your device (for example, corporate policy or parental control).

Method 1: Classic button combination (works 95% of the time)

The most reliable and versatile method is to use physical buttons. Redmi 7 uses power and volume reduction keys.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
2. At the same time, press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left).
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound of the camera and see the animation of the save.

If the screenshot didn't work out:

• 🔄 Try pressing buttons with a different force – pressing too weak or too strong may not work.
• 🧹 Wipe the buttons with an alcohol napkin: dust and fat interfere with the operation of contacts.
• ⚡ Restart your phone – sometimes system lags block the processing of taps.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi 7 with non-original firmware (for example, custom LineageOS), the button combination may differ. + Volume up.

The buttons are clean and dry

Screen unlocked

The app is not in full screen (e.g. video or game)

The sound is not turned off (otherwise you will not hear confirmation)-->

Method 2: Three-finger gestures faster than buttons

MIUI's signature feature is the ability to take screenshots with your finger across the screen, which is useful when physical buttons are difficult to access (for example, when using a case) or if they are faulty.

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Gestures.
2. Select the screenshot with three fingers.
3. Turn on the switch and, if necessary, adjust the direction of the gesture (by default - from top to bottom).

Now, to take a screenshot:

1. Place three fingers (for example, index, middle and ring fingers) on the screen.
2. Then, move them from the top down (or in the direction you choose).
3. The screenshot will be saved in the gallery, and at the top of the screen will appear a quick action panel with it.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Instant operation (no delay, as when pressing buttons).
• 🎮 Convenient in games where power/volume buttons are occupied by the gamepad.
• 🔧 It works even with a broken screen (if the sensor is in good condition).

⚠️ Warning: If the gesture doesn't work, check if it conflicts with other gestures (e.g. Swipe for return in navigation settings). → System and device → Gestures → Full-screen gestures.

Method 3: Notification panel for those who don’t like to remember combinations

If you're uncomfortable with buttons or gestures, MIUI has an alternative, which is a screenshot button in the notification curtain, which is suitable for those who prefer visual controls.

1. Deploy the notification panel by swiping your finger from top to bottom across the screen.
2. Find the Screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a rectangle with lightning) if it's not there, click on the pencil (Edit) and add it to the active tiles.
3. Slip the icon - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

Features of the method:

• 📱 It works even on a locked screen (if the settings allow access to the curtain without unlocking).
• 🔄 You can take a screenshot of part of the screen: after clicking on the icon, a cropping tool will appear.
• ❌ Does not work in some screenshot protection apps (such as banking or Netflix).

Method 4: Voice command – when hands are busy

Few people know, but Redmi 7 can take voice screenshots — you don't even need to unlock the screen. It works through Google Assistant or Xiao AI (in Chinese firmware).

For Google Assistant:

1. Make sure that the phone has Google app installed and voice search enabled (Settings → Google → Search, Assistant and Voice → Voice Search).
2. Activate the Assistant with your voice: say “OK, Google” or press the Home button (if you have one on your firmware).
3. Tell the command to “take a screenshot” or “Photography the screen.”

For Xiao AI (if the firmware supports):

1. Enable the assistant in Settings → Applications → Xiao AI.
2. Press the Home button or say “Little Love” (Chinese for “Service”).
3. Say “” (in Chinese “screenshot”) or “take a screenshot” in Russian.

The voice method is convenient in situations where:

• 🚗 You are driving (but keep in mind safety!).
• 🍳 Hands are busy (e.g., cooking on screen).
• 🎮 Play a mobile game where the buttons are busy.

⚠️ Note: Voice commands may not work if:

• The microphone for Google Assistant is disabled in the privacy settings.
• The phone is connected to a VPN with Chinese IP (Xiao AI blocks commands outside of China).
• Do not disturb or on the plane mode is enabled.

💡

If the voice assistant doesn't recognize the command, try saying it in English: "Take a screenshot." Google Assistant understands English phrases better, even if the main language of the system is Russian.

Method 5: Screenshot via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work (for example, because of a button or sensor breakage), you can take a screenshot through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to a computer, but it is guaranteed to work on any firmware.

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. On your phone, turn on USB Debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times on this item to unlock Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

Redmi 7

File transfer

adb

adb devices


adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png




adb pull /sdcard/screenshot.png

After the commands are executed, the screenshot will be saved in the folder with adb under the name screenshot.png.

When this method may be useful:

• 🔧 To diagnose malfunctions (for example, if the screen is glitchy but responds to commands).
• 📱 If the phone is locked, but you need to save information from the screen.
• 🛠️ When testing applications or custom firmware.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Screencap can be blocked for security reasons, and in this case, use the alternative: adb shell. /system/bin/screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png.

Where to look for screenshots and how to manage them

By default, all screenshots on Redmi 7 are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

You can get to it through:

• 📁 Gallery: Open the Gallery app, go to the Screenshots album.
• 🔍 Explorer: Use any file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
• 🖥️ Computer: Connect the phone to USB Find the folder in the internal memory section.

What can you do with screenshots right after you create:

• 🖌️ Edit: Immediately after creation, a panel with tools for cropping, drawing and adding text will appear at the top of the screen.
• 📤 Share: tap the Share icon in the Quick Action Panel to send a snapshot to the messenger or cloud.
• 🗑️ Delete: swipe left/right in the thumbnail in the notification panel (in some versions) MIUI).
• 🔄 Scrolling Screenshot: If there is a long page on the screen (like a chat or website), tap the Scrolling icon in the editing panel to capture all the content.

If screenshots are not saved:

• 📁 Check if there is enough space in the phone’s memory (minimum required) ~50MB).
• 🔧 Reset permissions for the Gallery app in Settings → Annexes → Application management → gallery → Permits.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes system processes “hang” and don’t handle file saving.

💡

Scrolling screenshots don’t work in all apps, like Instagram or TikTok, they’ll be cropped to the visible area of the screen, and Chrome or Telegram will capture the entire page.

FAQ: Frequent Problems and Solutions