Xiaomi Redmi 9T (codenamed lime) remains a popular choice due to its price-performance balance, but some users still face difficulties in creating screenshots. Unlike the flagship Mi 11 or POCO F3 models, there are no screen keys, and gesture controls in MIUI are often disabled by default. This article covers all the current ways, from classic button combinations to hidden functions for smartphone owners on MIUI 12.5-14.
The Redmi 9T feature is the lack of a physical Menu button, which confuses beginners. We will examine not only standard methods, but also alternative ones (for example, through Google Assistant or Quick Ball), and explain why sometimes screenshots are not saved. At the end of the article, a table of methods comparison on speed and convenience, as well as answers to frequent questions about file formats and location of images.
1. Standard method: power buttons + volume
It is a universal method that works on all Android smartphones, including the Redmi 9T.
- Open the screen you want to capture (like a WhatsApp dialog or a page in Chrome).
- At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
- Hold them no longer than 1 second until the screenshot animation appears (white flash + shutter sound).
β οΈ Warning: If you press the buttons longer than 2 seconds, the emergency menu will be called (reset/off). 9T This is a common mistake due to sensitive sensors.
Make sure the screen is not locked |Disable Do Not Disturb mode |Check the free space (at least 50MB) |Remove the case if it blocks the buttons-->
Where to look for a ready screenshot? By default, files are saved in the folder:
/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/Or through the gallery: open the app "PhotosΒ» β The album "Screenshots." MIUI 14 file Screenshots_Xiaomi.
2. Three finger gesture (the fastest method)
The Three-Finger Screenshot feature is available on Redmi 9T with MIUI 12.0.3+, but is often disabled by default.
- Go to Settings β Additional β Special. features β gestures of buttons.
- Find the item "Screenshot with three fingers" and turn on the slider.
- Test: swipe down the screen with three fingers at the same time (no pauses!).
πΉ Advantages of the method:
- π Works in any application, even in games (where buttons are locked).
- π No physical keystrokes required β convenient for one-handed shots.
- π You can set up a long screenshot (scroll the page) in the same settings.
β οΈ Note: If the gesture does not work, check it out:
- π± Screen cleanliness (greaty spots interfere with the sensor).
- π Update MIUI Up to the latest version (in old builds bugs with gesture recognition).
- π« No conflicts with other gestures (e.g., Swipe for ReturnsΒ»).
Power buttons + volume|Three-finger gesture|Voice command|Quick Ball|Other-->
3. Voice commands via Google Assistant
If you have Google Assistant enabled (default activated on Redmi 9T with Google Mobile Services), you can take voice screenshots, which is useful when your hands are busy or the buttons are not working.
Instructions:
- Activate the Assistant with the phrase βOK, Googleβ or holding the Home button (if you have one on your firmware).
- Tell the command to βtake a screenshotβ or βPhotography the screen.β
- Confirm the action (if required).
πΉ Limitations of method:
- π£οΈ It only works when you connect to the Internet (you need access to Google servers).
- π Does not work in Do Not Disturb mode or with the microphone turned off.
- π΅ Some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) may require manual permissions settings.
π‘
If the voice screenshot doesnβt work, check the permissions for Google Assistant in Settings β Apps β Permissions Management β Microphone.
4. Quick Ball panel (for MIUI)
Quick Ball is a floating button from Xiaomi that makes it easier to access frequently used features, including screenshots. On Redmi 9T, it can be configured as follows:
- Open the Settings. β Additionally. β Quick Ball.
- Turn on the Quick Ball slider.
- Click Settings β Features and add the βScreenshotβ item to the list.
- Now, when you click on the floating button, a menu with a screenshot option will appear.
πΉ The Pros of Quick Ball:
- β‘ Quick access to screenshots from any screen (even in games).
- π¨ You can adjust the transparency and position of the button.
- π§ Additional features: lock screen, return to the main screen, etc.
β οΈ Note: On some firmware, Quick Ball conflicts with navigation gestures. If the button is missing, turn off Full-screen gestures in the display settings.
Screenshot via the notification menu (MIUI 13+)
The latest versions of MIUI (starting with 13.0.4) have the ability to take screenshots directly from the notification bar, which is convenient if you donβt want to remember button combinations.
How it works:
- Pull the notification bar down twice (to reveal quick settings).
- Find the screenshot icon (usually next to Plane Mode or Flashlight).
- Tap the icon β the picture will be taken instantly.
πΉ What to do if there is no badge?
- π§ Go to Settings. β Notification panel β Edit.
- π Find the screenshot list and drag it to the active area.
- π± Restart your smartphone if the changes donβt apply.
How to return the screenshot icon if it disappeared after the update?
6.Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications
If standard methods donβt work (for example, because of broken buttons or custom firmware), you can use ADB or third-party utilities, these methods require additional adjustments, but they are guaranteed to work.
Method 1: ADB-team
- Connect Redmi 9T to your PC and activate debugging over USB (Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version β 7 times press to unlock the developer mode).
- In the PC command line, run: adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
- The screenshot will be saved as screen.png in the root folder of the phone.
Method 2: Apps from Google Play
Recommended Utility (tested on Redmi 9T):
- π± Screenshot Easy β Supports page scrolling and editing.
- πΌοΈ Super Screenshot β allows you to take pictures with a delay (useful for animations).
- π§ Screen Master β has a built-in editor and cloud storage.
β οΈ Note: When using third-party applications:
- π‘οΈ Check the permissions (some utilities request access to the SMS Geolocation or geolocation is unnecessary for screenshots!).
- π΄ Avoid programs with a rating below 4.0 β they may contain advertising software.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make the choice easier, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Speed. | Convenience | Works in games. | Demands the Internet. | Suitable for broken buttons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power buttons + volumes | ββββ | βββ | β No. | β No. | β No. |
| Three-finger gesture | βββββ | ββββ | β Yes. | β No. | β Yes. |
| Google Assistant | ββ | βββ | β No. | β Yes. | β Yes. |
| Quick Ball | ββββ | ββββ | β Yes. | β No. | β Yes. |
| ADB/third-party applications | β | ββ | β Yes. | β No. | β Yes. |
π‘
For most Redmi 9T users, the three-finger gesture is optimal β it is fast, requires no buttons and works in 90% of scenarios.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even with the right settings, screenshots on Redmi 9T may not be saved or come out with artifacts.
Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved
- π Check the space available: minimum 50MB required on the internal drive.
- π Restart your phone β sometimes the system doesnβt have time to write a file.
- π οΈ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (in old builds, bugs with recording rights).
Problem 2: Black screen in the screenshot
It's because of this. DRM-protection in some applications (e.g. Netflix or banking programs:
- π¬ Use screen recording (in) MIUI there's a built-in tool).
- πΈ Take a picture of the screen with another phone (if you need to keep sensitive data).
Problem 3: The three-finger gesture doesn't work
- π§ Go to Settings. β Special opportunities β Button gestures and reactivate the function.
- π§Ή Clear the cache of the Settings app (Settings) β Annexes β Application management β Settings β Clear the cache).
- π± Check if the βChildrenβs Modeβ is on β it blocks gestures.
π‘
If screenshots are saved in low resolution, open Settings β Screen β Screen resolution and set the maximum value (usually 720p for Redmi 9T).