Xiaomi Redmi 8T is still a popular choice among users who value the balance of price and functionality. But even owners of this device do not always know all the ways to create screenshots — and there are five of them here, including hidden chips of MIUI firmware. In this article, we will analyze not only the standard combinations of buttons, but also alternative methods that will come in handy in various situations, from fast saving the screen to creating long screenshots of scrolling pages.
Redmi 8T features gesture control, which opens up additional possibilities for screenshots, but not everyone knows that some methods only work on certain versions of MIUI. We tested each method on current firmware in 2026 and collected unique compatibility data with different versions of the software so that you do not waste time on non-working combinations.
1. Standard method: power and volume buttons
The most reliable and versatile method that works on all versions of MIUI, from the very first to the last, is suitable even if you have disabled gestures or the touch screen is temporarily unresponsive.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open on the screen what you want to capture (application, web page, settings).
- 🔘 Simultaneously press the power button (right) and the volume button (top left).
- 🎯 Hold both buttons. 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see the save animation.
- 📁 The finished screenshot will appear in the gallery in the Screenshots folder or Screenshots.
The screen is unlocked and active
There is no confidential information on the screen.
Enough space in memory (minimum 50 MB)
Do Not Disturb (can block shutter sound)-->
This method works even if:
- 🔋 Battery discharged to 5% (but screenshot may not be saved immediately).
- 📵 No Internet connection (function independent of network).
- 🔒 Password or pattern lock is set (screenshot will be taken without requesting unlocking).
⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS), this combination may cause a reboot menu. If you have non-standard software, use alternative methods from this article.
2. Three-finger gesture - quick screenshot without buttons
A MIUI feature that allows you to take screenshots in one motion, which is especially useful if your hands are busy or the power/volume buttons don't work well.
How to turn on and use:
- Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Three finger gesture.
- Activate the Screenshot switch (if you don’t have an option, upgrade to MIUI 12 or later).
- Swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the screen (the gesture should be smooth, non-intermittent).
| MIUI version | Support for the gesture | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10-11 | ❌ No. | Requires manual activation through Developer Settings |
| MIUI 12-14 | ✅ Yes. | It works stably, you can adjust the direction of the gesture |
| HyperOS | ✅ Yes. | Animation added while saving screenshot |
Advantages of the method:
- 🚀 The fastest way (0.5 seconds vs. 1.5 at the buttons).
- 🎯 Works in games and applications with button locking (for example, PUBG Mobile).
- 🔧 You can adjust the gesture direction (up/down/left/right) in the settings.
Power buttons + volume | Three finger gesture | Notification panel | Voice assistant | Another way-->
3. Screenshot via notification panel (for MIUI 12+)
If you don't like remembering button combinations or gestures, MIUI 12 and later has a special widget for quick access to the screenshot feature, which is especially useful when you need to take a series of pictures in a row.
Step-by-step:
- Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
- Find the Screenshot icon (usually located in the front row next to the flashlight and mobile data).
- Tap the icon – the screenshot will be taken instantly.
- For a long screenshot (scrollable page) after creating a normal shot, click on the thumbnail in the notification and select Scrolling.
If the icon is not on the panel:
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Notification panel → Change the order.
- 🔍 Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.
- 📌 Lock the position so that the widget does not disappear when cleaning the panel.
💡
If you often need long screenshots (like correspondence or web pages), add the Scrolling widget to the home screen. To do this, hold your finger in the free space of the screen → Widgets → Find Tools → Drag Long Screenshot.
4. Voice command for screenshot (Google Assistant)
Few people know, but Redmi 8T supports voice-over screenshots through Google Assistant, which is indispensable if your hands are busy or your screen is dirty.
How to set up and use:
- Activate Google Assistant: 🔊 Download the Google app from the Play Market (if removed). 🎤 Go to Settings. → Annexes → By default. → Assistant and voice input. 📋 Select Google as the default assistant.
- Say to one of the commands: "OK Google, take a screenshot", "Pick a screenshot" "Pick a screenshot" (does not work in all languages)
📸 Wait for the beep and the saving notification.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Voice commands are blocked by security. If the assistant doesn't respond, check permissions in Settings. → Annexes → Google → Permissions (must be included Microphone and Overlay).
Limitations of the method:
- 🌐 Requires an Internet connection (commands are processed on Google servers).
- 🔇 Does not work in Do Not Disturb or with the microphone turned off.
- 🕒 Delay in implementation ~2-3 seconds (slower than buttons).
5. Hidden feature: screenshot via ADB (for developers)
If you need to take a screenshot software (for example, for automation or remote control), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires preparation, but gives you complete control over the process.
Instructions for Windows:
- Turn on Debugging. USB: 🔧 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to unlock Developer Settings). 🔙 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers. 🔘 Activate Debugging on USB.
Redmi 8T
Command line.
cmd
adb devices
adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
adb pull /sdcard/screen.png C:\screenshots\Advantages of ADB-method:
- 🖥️ You can take screenshots remotely (for example, for technical support).
- 📂 Automatic storage on PC, not in phone memory.
- 🔄 Supports batch creation (e.g., screenshots every 5 seconds).
How to Automate Screenshots Through ADB
Problem Solving: Why the Screenshot Doesn't Work
If none of these methods work, check out these points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons don't respond. | Contamination or damage to buttons | Use the three finger gesture or ADB |
| No shutter sound. | System sound is turned off or Do not disturb mode | Check the Settings. → Sounds and vibrations |
| Screenshot not saved | The memory space is out or the DCIM folder is damaged. | Clean up the memory or restart the phone |
| Three-finger gesture doesn't work. | Function disabled in settings | Activate in Special Features → Three-Finger Gesture |
If screenshots are saved but not displayed in the gallery:
- 🔍 Check the folder. /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots through any file manager (e.g., Mi File Explorer).
- 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the gallery doesn’t automatically update your library.
- 📁 Install an alternative gallery (like Google Photos) that indexes files better.
💡
On Redmi 8T with MIUI 13+ firmware, screenshots are saved by default in.png format without compression. If you need to save space, convert them to.jpg through any photo editing app.