How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi 9A It remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even in 2026 — it is bought for reliability, long support for updates and ease of use, but many owners still do not know how to quickly take a screenshot of the screen, especially if you are accustomed to other brands. In this article, we will discuss all working methods for MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including hidden chips and solving common errors.

Screenshots on Redmi 9A They're different than they are on an iPhone or a Samsung -- there's no physical home button, and the keyboard shortcuts depend on the firmware version. We tested all the ways on a real device and weededed out outdated tips (like the three-finger gesture, which doesn't work on all versions). MIUI). You will also learn where screenshots are saved, how to edit them, and why the screen is sometimes not photographed.

If you just bought a Redmi 9A or update it to a new version MIUI — Bookmark this page. Instructions are valid for all modifications: Redmi 9A (dandelion), 9AT (angelica and 9A Sport.

1. Classic method: "Power" buttons» + «Loudness down»

It is a universal method that works on all versions. MIUI It's not dependent on the gesture settings, it's good even if the touch screen has been blocked or disabled.

How to do this:

  • 📱 Open on the screen what you want to screen (for example, correspondence in WhatsApp or a page in the browser).
  • 🔘 Simultaneously press the on/lock button (right) and the volume down button (left).
  • 🎯 Hold them for 1-1.5 seconds – no longer, otherwise the smartphone will start to reboot or turn on Fastboot mode.
  • 📸 You will hear the shutter sound (if not turned off) and see the save animation in the upper right corner.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A With worn buttons, this may not work the first time:

  • Try to push with more force (but no fanaticism!).
  • Check if the buttons are clogged with dust – clean them carefully with a toothpick (not a metal object!).
  • If the power button is “stuck”, the smartphone can turn off instead of a screenshot – in this case, use alternative methods from the following sections.

☑️ Check before screenshot buttons

Done: 0 / 4

2. The three-finger gesture is a quick way to MIUI 12 and newer

This method only works on MIUI 12, 13 and 14, and require pre-configuration. If you have an older firmware version, skip the partition or upgrade your smartphone.

How to turn on:

  1. Open Settings → Additional settings → Gestures.
  2. Find the "Three-finger screenshot" option and activate the switch.
  3. (Optional) Enable the option “Preview screenshot” to edit the picture immediately.

How to take a screenshot:

  • 🖐️ Simultaneously swipe three fingers (usually index, middle and ring) from top to bottom across the screen.
  • 🎨 If the preview is turned on, the editor will immediately open - you can crop, draw or add text.

⚠️ Note: The gesture may conflict with other functions, such as:

  • If you have “Swipe down for the notification panel” enabled with three fingers, the screenshot won’t work.
  • On some versions MIUI The gesture works only in the portrait orientation of the screen.
  • If the screen is wet or wearing gloves, the sensor may not recognize the touch.
📊 What kind of screenshot do you use more often?
"Nutrition + Volume" buttons
Three-finger gesture
Notification panel
Other

3. Screenshot via notification panel (always working)

This is the most reliable method if the physical buttons are broken or the gestures are not working. MIUI, including the oldest.

Instructions:

  1. Open the screen you want (such as a game, message, or web page).
  2. 📲 Swipe from top to bottom (with one finger) to open the notification bar.
  3. 🔍 Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a rectangle with lightning). If it's not there, click. ⋯ (three-point) → «Edit" and add it to the panel.
  4. 🖼️ Slip on the icon – the smartphone will take a screenshot.

💡 Useful tip: If the screenshot icon disappears after the reboot, pin it in the panel:

  • Open the Settings. → Notification panel.
  • Find the “Screenshot” in the list and drag it to the “Accessed” section.

💡

If the notification bar does not open with a swipe, try swiping twice with a short pause – this will work even on the jammed screens.

4.Where screenshots are saved on Redmi 9A And how to find them.

By default, all screenshots are saved in the folder. DCIM/Screenshots (or Pictures/Screenshots But the path may differ depending on the:

  • 📁 Versions MIUI (One on the 12th and 13th folder, the other on the 14th folder).
  • 🔄 Gallery settings (for example, if automatic date sorting is enabled).
  • 📱 File Manager used (embedded, Google Files or third-party).

How to find screenshots:

MethodInstructionsNote
Through the GalleryOpen the Gallery app. Go to Screenshots (or Screenshots) album.If there is no album, check the folder. DCIM manually.
Through the ConductorOpen Files (Folder icon) Go to Internal Drive → DCIM → Screenshots.On some firmware, the folder may be called Pictures/Screenshots.
Through Google PhotosOpen Google Photos. Search for "screenshot."It only works if the synchronization is enabled.
Through the computerConnect your smartphone to your PC USB. Select File Transfer Mode. Open the Internal Storage folder. → DCIM → Screenshots.If the folder is empty, check the visibility settings of the hidden files.

⚠️ Note: If screenshots are not saved, check:

  • 📲 Free space on the phone (needs a minimum of 100 MB).
  • 🔧 Permissions for the Gallery application (Settings) → Annexes → gallery → Permits).
  • 🛠️ Storage settings: Some firmware save screenshots to external memory (SD-map) if inserted.

5. Editing and sharing screenshots

After taking a screenshot on Redmi 9A You can edit it or share it right away. Here's how it works:

Quick editing:

  • 🖌️ Immediately after creating the screenshot in the upper right corner will appear a thumbnail – tap it.
  • 🎨 Opens the editor with tools: ✂️ Pruning and turning. 🖍️ Drawing (pencil, marker, eraser). 📝 Add text (you can change the font and color). 🔲 Blurring (to hide personal data).
  • 💾 Click Save to apply the changes.

Sharing screenshots:

  • 📤 In the editor or gallery, click "Share" (arrow icon).
  • 📱 Select the method: Bluetooth - to transfer to another phone. Telegram/WhatsApp — For instant messengers (screenshots will shrink!), email for email (original quality can be selected), Nearby Share for fast transfer to Android devices near you.
How to send a screenshot in original quality?
To avoid compression when sending to messengers, use cloud services: 1. Upload a screenshot to Google Drive or Yandex Drive. 2. Generate a link to access. 3. Send the link via messenger. This will save the original resolution (usually) 720×1600 pixels 9A).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even on a device as simple as Redmi. 9A, When you take screenshots, you can get errors. We've collected the most common and corrective ways.

Problem 1: Screenshots are not made with buttons

  • 🔋 Check if the battery is discharged (below 5% of screenshots may not be saved).
  • 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes helps with temporary crashes.
  • 🛠️ If the buttons are physically damaged, use a three-finger gesture or notification panel.

Problem 2: Screenshots are saved in black

  • 📺 This happens if you try to screen protected content (such as a Netflix video or a banking app).
  • 🔒 This restriction cannot be circumvented – it is laid down at the Android level to protect copyright.
  • 📸 Alternatively, take a picture of the screen with another camera (but the quality will be worse).

Problem 3: Three finger gestures are not working

  • 🔧 Check if the function is included in the Settings → Additional settings → Gestures.
  • 🧹 Clear the Launcher app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
  • 📱 If the gesture conflicts with other features, turn them off (e.g., Swipe Down for Notifications with three fingers).

Problem 4: Screenshots are kept in poor quality

  • 📏 By default, Redmi. 9A Takes screenshots in resolution 720×1600 (It's normal for his screen).
  • 🔍 If the picture is blurry, check if it is enlarged when viewing.
  • 🖼️ For better quality, use the format when exchanging PNG (editorially).

💡

If screenshots are not saved due to memory shortage, clear the app cache or transfer files to the SD-Open the settings for this. → Warehouse → Clean up.

7. Hidden screenshot chips on Xiaomi

Few people know, but on the Redmi. 9A There are a few hidden features that are associated with screenshots, and they don't work on all firmware, but it's worth a try.

1. Scrolling screenshot (long shot)

  • 📜 After creating a regular screenshot, tap the thumbnail in the upper right corner.
  • 🔽 In the editor, select “Scroll” (or “Long Screenshot»).
  • 📱 Automatically scroll down the page – the smartphone will take a picture of all the content (works in the browser, WhatsApp, Telegram).

2. Rapid text recognition

  • 📄 Open the screenshot in the gallery and tap the icon "Text" (or "Recognize text»).
  • 🔤 The phone will automatically highlight all the text in the image – it can be copied or translated.
  • 🌐 Works with Russian, English, Chinese and other languages.

3.A screenshot with a timer

  • ⏱️ Hold the power button combination + Loudness down 3 seconds – a timer of 3 or 10 seconds will appear.
  • 🎯 Useful if you need to prepare (for example, open a menu that disappears when you touch it).

4.Save to the cloud

  • ☁️ Enable screenshot synchronization with Mi Cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery).
  • 🔄 All images will be automatically uploaded to the cloud and accessed from other devices.

8. Alternative methods: if nothing works

If standard methods don’t help (such as broken buttons or a jammed sensor), try these options:

1.The Google Voice Assistant

  • 🎤 Say “OK Google, take a screenshot” (you need to turn on voice search).
  • 🔊 It works even with the screen turned off (if the “OK, Google” option is enabled in the settings).

2. Application from a third-party developer

  • 📱 Install Screenshot Touch or Screen Master from Google Play.
  • 🔧 These apps allow you to take screenshots: 🖱️ Timer. 🎮 With a floating button. 📏 With scrolling (long screenshots).

3. Connection to PC

  • 💻 Get Redmi on board. 9A computer-only USB.
  • 🖼️ Use programs like Vysor or Scrcpy to take a screenshot from your phone directly to your PC.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party screenshot apps may request screen access permissions. Install them only from the official Google Play and check reviews!

💡

If the smartphone is completely jammed and does not respond to touch, try to take a screenshot through the phone. ADB (need a PC and USB-cable. Team:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 9A

🔹 Can I take a screenshot on the screen turned off?
No, you can only take a screenshot when the screen is on, but if you have Always On Display enabled, you can only take it when you have Settings on. → Screen, you can wake up the screen with a double tap and then take a picture.
🔹 Why screenshots are dark?
This is due to autobrightness or a dark theme. Try: Temporarily turn off the dark theme (Settings) → Screen. → Dark subject. Increase the brightness of the screen before the screenshot. Use the brightness tool in the screenshot editor».
🔹 How to take a screenshot in the game?
In most games, screenshots are taken in standard ways (buttons or gestures, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact block screenshots because of cheat protection. In this case: Use the built-in screenshot feature in the game (usually a button on the menu). Connect your phone to your PC and take a picture via Scrcpy.
🔹 Where do screenshots go after resetting settings?
In hard reset, all screenshots are deleted if they were stored in internal memory. SD-Map or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) Connect your phone to your PC and copy the folder. DCIM/Screenshots. After the screenshots are reset, they can be returned.
🔹 Can I change the format of the screenshots? PNG on JPG?
By default, Redmi. 9A saves screenshots in PNG (without loss of quality, to convert to JPG: Open the screenshot in the gallery → «Edit» → «Save how» → choose JPG. Use third-party apps (e.g. Photo & Picture Resizer: JPG It takes up less space but loses quality when it is repeatedly saved.