How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways with photos and videos

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is still one of the most popular budget devices of the brand, but many users face difficulties when trying to take a screenshot. This is especially true after the MIUI updates, when standard keyboard shortcuts stop working or new gesture controls appear. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to create screenshots, from classic to hidden features, which few people know about.

It's important to understand that the methods may vary depending on the firmware version. For example, MIUI 12 and MIUI 14 have different gesture settings, and some regional versions of the software lack a voice assistant. We tested each method on Redmi 9 with the latest updates in 2026, so the instructions are guaranteed to work. If you have a different model of the series (for example, Redmi 9A or Redmi 9C), the majority methods will also apply - the differences will be specified separately.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

The most reliable and versatile method that works on all versions of MIUI is the simultaneous pressing of physical buttons. On Redmi 9, this combination is Power + Volume Reduction.

How to do it right:

• 📱 Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
• 🔘 Press the power button (right) and the volume down button (left) at the same time.
• 🎯 Hold them no longer than 1 second – if you clamp longer, turn off or restart.
• 📸 You will hear the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is on) and see the save animation in the upper right corner.

⚠️ Attention: If you have a case with thickened edges, the buttons may lock. Try pressing with a little effort or removing the case. Also check if the buttons are clogged with dust - this is a common problem after a year of use.

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If the screenshot is not saved, check the spare space in the phone's memory. MIUI requires a minimum of 50MB on the system partition to take screenshots.

2.Gestural controls: three-finger swipe

MIUI 12 and later introduced a three-finger swipe feature for screenshots, which is useful if the physical buttons are faulty or you prefer gesture control.

How to turn on and use:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the Screenshot swipe down and activate the switch.
3. Select the direction of the swipe (usually downwards it works more stable).
4. Return to the screen and swipe three fingers from top to bottom (or bottom to top if you choose a different direction).

🔹 nuance:

• 🖐️ The gesture may conflict with navigation swipes (if you use gesture control instead of buttons).
• 📵 Does not work on a locked screen and in some games (for example, in the game). PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
• 🔄 If the swipe doesn’t work, try swiping your fingers faster – the system only recognizes sharp movements.

3. Quick Ball - Floating Virtual Joystick

Quick Ball is a unique feature of Xiaomi that adds a translucent circle to the screen with quick access to basic activities, including screenshots. Especially useful for users with disabilities or those who often take screenshots.

How to set up and use:

1. Open Settings → Additional features → Quick Ball
2. Activate the function and adjust the position of the circle (we recommend the right edge so that it does not interfere).
3. Click on the icon Settings and add the Screenshot icon to the Quick Access Panel.
4. Now, when Quick Ball appears on any screen, tap it and select Screenshot.

⚠️ Note: Quick Ball may be activated accidentally in gesture-controlled games or applications (e.g. TikTok when swiping up).To avoid this, reduce the sensitivity zone in the settings or turn off the feature while playing.

Enable Quick Ball in the settings|Add the screenshot icon to the panel|Select a comfortable position of the circle|Check the work in the desired application-->

4. Voice Assistant (Google Assistant or Xiao AI)

If you’re too lazy to push buttons or make gestures, you can use voice control. There are two options available on Redmi 9: built-in Xiao AI (China/India only) or Google Assistant (global versions).

Method 1: Google Assistant

• 🎤 Say “OK Google” or hold the Home button (if you have one).
• 🗣️ Select the command: “Take a screenshot” or “Take a screenshot".
• 📲 Confirm the action if the assistant requests permission.

Method 2: Xiao AI (for firmware with Chinese localization)

• 🔊 Hold the Power button to activate the assistant.
• 📢 Say it in Chinese: "" (jiétú —"screenshot").
• 📸 The picture will be preserved in the gallery.

🔹 Limitations:

• 🔇 Voice commands do not work in Do Not Disturb or with the microphone turned off.
• 🌐 Xiao AI It requires Chinese firmware and may not understand the accent.
• 🔒 In some banking applications, voice assistant is blocked for security reasons.

5. Scrolling screenshot (long screenshot)

The long-screenshot (or Scrolling Screenshot) feature captures not only the visible part of the screen, but also the part hidden behind the scrolling, which is indispensable for saving entire web pages, chats or lists.

How to do this:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the miniature appears in the upper right corner, tap on it.
3. In the editor that opens, select the Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
4. Wait until the screen automatically scrolls down, and press Ready when you capture the desired fragment.

📊 Comparison of long screenshot methods:

6.Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications

If standard methods don't work (for example, because of a button break or a firmware failure), you can use USB debugging or third-party utilities, which require additional adjustments, but sometimes become the only way out.

Method 1: Through ADB (for advanced users)

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in your phone settings).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png
4. The screenshot will be saved in the root folder of the device.

Method 2: Third-party applications

• 📱 Screenshot Easy – Supports gestures, timer and editing.
• 🖼️ LongShot – specializes in long screenshots with manual scrolling.
• 🎨 Screen Master – Adds blurring and annotations.

⚠️ Note: Apps from third-party sources (not from Google Play) may contain malicious code. Before installing, check reviews and ratings in the official store.

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ADB-commands and third-party applications should only be used in extreme cases. MIUI More secure and do not require additional permits.

Where are screenshots stored and how to edit them

By default, all screenshots on Redmi 9 are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

How to find and manage screenshots:

• 📂 Open the gallery. → screenshot.
• 🖌️ For quick editing, tap on the thumbnail immediately after creating the picture - the built-in editor will open. MIUI with tools for cutting, drawing and adding text.
• 📤 To share a screenshot, hold your finger on the file in the gallery and select Send.
• ☁️ For automatic synchronization, enable Backup in Mi Cloud in Xiaomi account settings.

🔹 Tip: If screenshots take up too much space, set up automatic compression in Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning. The system will optimize screenshots without loss of quality.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 9