Xiaomi Redmi 9S is one of the most popular budget smartphones with a branded shell MIUI, which offers several ways to create screenshots. But not all users know that in addition to the standard combination of buttons, there are alternative methods: from gestures to voice commands. In this article, we will analyze all available options, including little-known features for advanced users, and also solve typical problems (for example, when screenshots are not saved or a black screen appears).
The Redmi 9S features a physical Power button and a touch-sensitive fingerprint sensor on the back, which expands the possibilities for taking screenshots. It is important to consider the MIUI version: in firmware older than MIUI 12, additional gestures appeared, and in MIUI 14+ โ integration with voice assistant Xiao AI. If your smartphone runs on Android 10 (as in the base configuration of the Redmi 9S), some functions may require manual activation in the settings.
Before you go to the instructions, check the free space in the device memory - screenshots are saved in the Pictures/Screenshots folder and can take up to 1-3 MB each. If the memory is less than 10%, the system can automatically delete old pictures.
1. Standard method: power and volume buttons
This is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 9S. It does not require additional settings and works even when the screen is locked (if the appropriate option is enabled in the security settings).
How to take a screenshot:
- Open on the screen what you want to capture (for example, a message on WhatsApp or a page in the browser).
- At the same time, press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left).
- Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the save animation.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If you press the buttons longer than 3 seconds, a forced reboot or Google Assistant call (depending on the settings) will work. 9S s MIUI 12.5+ Long hold can activate FastBoot mode - be careful!
The buttons are not stuck or damaged.
The screen is not locked (if you want to take a picture of the locked screen โ see section 5)
Do Not Disturb (can block shutter sound)
Free at least 500 MB of memory-->
If the screenshot is not saved, check:
- ๐ folder Pictures/Screenshots In the gallery - sometimes the pictures are in the downloads.
- ๐ Sound settings: c Settings โ Sound and vibration should be enabled.
- ๐ซ Antivirus or memory cleaners (such as Clean Master) that can delete fresh files.
2. Three-finger gesture (sliding down)
The โSliding Screenshotโ feature appeared in MIUI 9 and works on all Redmi models, including the 9S. This method is convenient when it is difficult to press two buttons simultaneously with one hand (for example, if you have a large screen or a mechanic is damaged).
How to set up and use:
- Go to Settings โ Additional โ Screenshot button (or Settings โ Special Features โ Gestures in new versions of MIUI).
- Activate the Sliding Screenshot Switch.
- Select the direction of the gesture: usually it is carried out with three fingers down (you can configure to hold up or left / right).
- Save the settings and test: swipe the screen with three fingers (not necessarily at the same time, the main thing is fast movement).
๐ก Useful advice: if the gesture doesnโt work, try it:
- ๐งผ Wipe the screen โ greasy spots or protective film may interfere with the sensor.
- ๐ Reboot the smartphone (sometimes the touch driver will freeze").
- ๐ Reduce the speed of the gesture in the settings (Sensitivity parameter).
Power buttons + volumes
Three-finger gesture
Voice team
Other (I will write in the comments)-->
Advantages of the method:
- โก Faster than pressing buttons (especially if your hands are busy).
- ๐ฏ Accuracy: You can take a screenshot of a specific moment in a video or game.
- ๐ง It works even with a broken screen (if the sensor is in good condition).
3. Screenshot with voice assistant Xiao AI
If you're Redmi. 9S work MIUI 12.5 or later, you can take screenshots with your voice โ this is convenient for people with disabilities or when your hands are busy (for example, while cooking with a prescription). AI.
Instructions:
- Activate the voice assistant: Say โHey Xiao AIโ or click the Xiao AI icon on your desktop.
- Say the command in English or Chinese: "Take a screenshot" (Chinese, reads "Je Tu")
"Screenshot taken"
โ ๏ธ Note: voice does not work in games and some screenshot-protected applications (e.g. banking or Netflix) and requires an internet connection for speech recognition (if Xiao is a cloud service). AI).
How to turn on Xiao AI if it is not on the screen?
Alternative voice commands for Redmi 9S:
| Team team. | Action. | Note |
|---|---|---|
| "Open screenshot tools" | Opens the screenshot editing panel | Works at MIUI 13+ |
| "Scrolling screenshot" | Takes a long screenshot of the scrolling page | Requires manual adjustment in Settings โ Additional |
| "Share screenshot" | Open the menu immediately (share) | Useful for fast sending to messengers |
4. Long (scrollable) screenshot
Scrolling Screenshot (or Scrolling Screenshot) captures a full web page, instant messengers, or contacts list, and works in most applications other than secure ones on Redmi 9S (like SberBank Online or Tinkoff).
How to take a long screenshot:
- Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
- Immediately after the preview appears in the lower right corner of the screen, click on the Scrolling icon (two arrows down). โค).
- Wait for the page to automatically scroll down. Click Ready when you grab the desired snippet.
- Save the result โ it will appear in the gallery as a separate file (can weigh up to 5-10 MB).
1. Reduce the page scale before capture (in the browser).
2. Use Read Mode (in Chrome or Edge).
3. Save the page in PDF via the browser menu (sometimes gives the best result).-->
5. Screenshot of locked screen
By default, MIUI blocks screenshots from being taken on a locked screen for security reasons, but it can be enabled manually, which is useful if you want to quickly capture a notification or time on the lock screen without unlocking it.
How to allow screenshots on a locked screen:
- Go to Settings โ Lock screen.
- Select additional โ Screenshots on the locked screen.
- Turn on the switch and confirm the action with a password / fingerprint.
โ ๏ธ Note: once activated, anyone with physical access to the phone will be able to take a screenshot of your notifications (including messages from instant messengers and banking applications.
How to take a screenshot on a locked screen:
- ๐ Use the standard combination of power buttons + Turning down the volume.
- ๐๏ธ The three-finger gesture does not work on a locked screen.
- ๐ฃ๏ธ Voice commands are also not available without unlocking.
6. Solving screenshot problems
If screenshots are not saved, a black screen appears or your smartphone does not respond to commands, check the following points:
Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery
- ๐ Check the folder. Pictures/Screenshots File Manager (sometimes the gallery is not automatically updated).
- ๐ Reboot the device โ it will reset the cache of the media scanner.
- ๐ ๏ธ Install an alternative gallery (like Google Photos) that indexes files better.
Problem 2: Black screen in the screenshot
This is a common mistake for content protection (DRM) applications, such as:
- ๐ฌ Netflix, Disney+, OKKO
- ๐ณ Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB)
- ๐ฎ Some games with anticheat (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact)
๐น Bypass: Use a second smartphone or camera to take a picture of the screen. or activate Screen Recording (in the Notification Panel) โ Screen recording, but note that video can also be blocked.
Problem 3: The buttons or gestures are not working
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons don't respond. | Glutting or damage | Wash the buttons with alcohol or use a gesture |
| The gesture doesn't work. | Disabled in settings | Check the settings โ Special features โ Gestures |
| There is a sound, but the screenshot is not saved. | Busy memory or gallery failure | Clear the cache of the Gallery or Media app |
1. Update MIUI to the latest version in Settings โ About Phone โ System Update.
2. Reset the settings to factory (pre-make a backup!).
3. Install custom recovery (e.g, TWRP) and re-flash the smartphone.-->