Taking screenshots on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter the nuances of a particular model. Xiaomi 8 Pro and Redmi 8 Pro, despite the similar names, work on different versions of the MIUI shell and have unique combinations of buttons. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to take a screenshot in 2026, including rare methods through ADB and voice commands, and explain why sometimes the screen is not saved in the gallery.
The feature of these models is support for both classic keyboard combinations and Xiaomi brand gestures. For example, on the Redmi 8 Pro with MIUI 12+, you can create long scrolling screenshots, and on the Xiaomi 8 Pro (2018), you may need to activate the function manually, and we tested each method on real devices and identified typical errors that cause screenshots to “disappear” or turn black.
1. Standard method: button combination
The most reliable method, which works on all versions of MIUI, is to press physical buttons simultaneously. On the Xiaomi 8 Pro and Redmi 8 Pro, these are:
- 🔘 Power button (right) + Hold on for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see animations.
- 📱 In the models with MIUI 14+ A screenshot will appear in the lower right corner – tap it for quick editing.
- ⚡ If the screen is not responsive, check if the buttons in Settings are locked. → Special facilities → Power button.
On the Redmi 8 Pro with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), the combination may be different – sometimes you need to clamp the power + increase the volume.
⚠️ Note: On the Xiaomi 8 Pro with worn volume buttons, the combination can fire in a few times.Solution - use gestures (section 2) or connect the device to a PC to create a screenshot through ADB.
| Model | Button combination | Sound/animation | Wherever it's stored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 8 Pro (MIUI 10–12) | Power + Volume reduction | Shutter sound | /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/ |
| Redmi 8 Pro (MIUI 11–14) | Power + Volume reduction | Animation + Vibration | /DCIM/Screenshots/ |
| Any model with a TWRP | Power + Volume Increase | No sound. | In the recovery folder |
2.Gestural screenshots in MIUI
Xiaomi offers an alternative way to swipe screenshots across the screen, which is available on the Redmi 8 Pro by default, but on the Xiaomi 8 Pro, it needs to be activated manually:
- Go to Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
- Enable the option of "Swipe with three fingers".
- Choose the direction of the gesture (usually down).
Now swipe the screen with three fingers from top to bottom, and the screenshot will be saved automatically. On MIUI 14, this gesture also triggers a quick action menu, so you sometimes need to repeat the movement.
Is the mode activated in the settings?
Do your fingers touch the screen at the same time?
Is there any conflict with other gestures (e.g. screenshots in games)?
Have you tried to reboot your phone?
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If the gesture doesn't work, check:
- 🔧 Are there third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher) that block system gestures.
- 📱 Is left-handed mode enabled in gesture settings – it can invert the swipe direction.
- 🔄 After updating MIUI Sometimes you reset your gesture settings. Reactivate the function.
3. Voice commands and Google Assistant
On devices with Google Services (including global versions of Redmi 8 Pro), you can take a screenshot with your voice.
- Activate Google Assistant (long-term home click or voice command “OK, Google”).
- Say, “Take a screenshot” or “Take a screenshot.”
- Confirm the action in the window that appears.
On Xiaomi 8 Pro with Chinese firmware (MIUI China), this method does not work - instead of Google Assistant, XiaoAI is used, which does not support voice screenshots.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Voice screenshots are saved in the Downloads folder, not Screenshots. Check both directories if you can't find the file.
The advantage of the method is convenience in situations when hands are busy (for example, while streaming or recording video), the disadvantage is a delay of 2-3 seconds between the command and save.
4. Screenshots via PC: ADB and specialized programs
If the sensor or buttons on the smartphone don't work, you can take a screenshot through your computer.
- 🖥️ PC Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Xiaomi drivers.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the assembly number → Come back to the extra. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
Instructions for ADB:
adb devices # Checking the connection
adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
adb pull /sdcard/screen.png C:\Screenshots\Alternative programmes:
- 🔹 Scrcpy – broadcasts the screen on the PC and allows you to take screenshots with a button F12.
- 🔹 Vysor – similar to Scrcpy, but with touch input support.
- 🔹 ApowerMirror – suitable for screen recordings + screenshot.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
On the Xiaomi 8 Pro with unlocked bootloader, screenshots via ADB can be saved in.raw format – they need to be converted to.png utility ffmpeg.
5. Long (scrollable) screenshots
The Long Screenshot feature is available on Redmi 8 Pro with MIUI 11+ and allows you to capture all the scrollable content (such as a chat in Telegram or a page in your browser).
- Take a regular screenshot in any way.
- Immediately after the miniature appears, tap it.
- In the editor that opens, select “Scroll” (the icon with the arrows down).
- Wait for the automatic scrolling and press "Done".
Limitations:
- 🚫 Does not work in screenshot protection applications (e.g. banking software).
- 📏 Maximum length – up to 5 screens (depending on model).
- 🔄 On Xiaomi 8 Pro with MIUI 10 function may not be available – an update is required.
💡
If a long screenshot is cut, try scrolling through the content manually before saving it, and sometimes MIUI does not recognize dynamically loaded items (such as Instagram feeds).
Typical problems and their solutions
Even after a successful screenshot, users are faced with errors.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot not saved | We're out of disk space. | Clean Settings → Storage or save the screen to the Mi Cloud cloud. |
| Black screenshot. | DRM-protection conflict (Netflix, banks) | Use ADB or disable Hardware Overlays in the developer settings. |
| No sound/animation | System sounds disabled. | Include in Settings → Sound → System sounds. |
| Screenshots blurred | The “Privacy Protection” mode has worked | Disable in Settings → Privacy → Special Access → Privacy Protection. |
If screenshots are missing from the gallery, check:
- 🗑️ The folder.thumbnails in DCIM — Sometimes the miniatures are kept separately.
- 🔍 Gallery settings: Settings → Show hidden files.
- ☁️ Auto-upload to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (can delete local copies).
💡
On the Xiaomi 8 Pro with root rights, screenshots of DRM applications (such as Disney+) can only be taken through ADB with the Hardware Composer disabled (requires technical knowledge).