Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed Vince) is still a popular budget smartphone, despite its release in 2017, and its owners often face the question of how to quickly take a screenshot of the screen if the standard button combinations do not work or the device is “glutty”. In this article, 5 proven ways to take screenshots, including hidden MIUI functions, as well as analyzing typical errors and their solutions.
The Redmi 5 Plus feature is the lack of a physical Menu button, which makes it difficult to use classic instructions for the old Xiaomi. MIUI (9 to 14) menu interfaces may vary. We tested all methods on firmware. MIUI 10 Global and MIUI 12.5 to ensure that the service is operational.
1. Standard method: button combination
The most reliable method that works on any version of MIUI is to press physical buttons simultaneously. On Redmi 5 Plus, this is:
- Hold the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left) at the same time.
- Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the animation screenshot.
⚠️ Attention: If you press too long (more than 3 seconds), the smartphone can start to reboot or open the shutdown menu. The optimal retention time is exactly 1.5 seconds.
- ✅ Works on locked and unlocked screen (if the option is enabled in the settings).
- ✅ No need for root rights or additional applications.
- ❌ It may not work if the Power or Volume buttons are damaged.
☑️ Checking before screenshot
2. Screenshot with "Three fingers down" gesture
MIUI's signature feature is the ability to take screenshots without buttons, using a gesture. On Redmi 5 Plus, this feature is available, but you need to activate it first:
- Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
- Select Screenshot by gesture (or Three fingers down in older versions).
- Turn on the switch and test: swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the screen.
⚠️ Note: The gesture may conflict with navigation gestures (if you use full screen mode). → Display.
| MIUI version | The path to setting up a gesture | Does it work on the Redmi 5 Plus? |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 9-10 | Settings → Advanced settings → Gestures | Yes. |
| MIUI 11-12.5 | Settings → Additional functions → Gestures → Screenshot | Yes. |
| MIUI 13-14 | Settings → Special features → Gestures → Screenshot | Requires firmware updates |
3. Screenshot via notification panel
If the buttons or gestures don’t work, use the quick bar:
- Deploy the notification bar in full (swipe down twice).
- Find the Screenshot icon (usually in the front row or under "edit").
- Slip it on it - the picture will be taken instantly.
If the badge is not:
- ⚙️ Click Edit in the notification panel → Add Screenshot to Active Icons.
- 🔄 Reboot your phone if the panel is “hanging».
💡
Add the screenshot icon to the top three of the notification panels – so it will always be at hand.
4. Voice command via Google Assistant
Little-known life hack: Redmi 5 Plus supports voice screenshots if Google Assistant is activated:
- Hold the Home button (or say OK Google).
- Say the command: Take a screenshot or screenshot.
- Confirm permission to access the screen (when you first use it).
⚠️ Attention: This function only works when you connect to the Internet and Google Assistant is turned on (MIUI China may need to install Google Services Framework.
Why isn't the assistant taking a screenshot?
5. Screenshot via ADB (for advanced users)
If the sensor screen is not responding and the buttons are broken, you can take a screenshot through your computer using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 🔌 USB-cable (original, with data transmission support).
- ⚙️ Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
Instructions:
adb devices # Connection check (serial number should be displayed)
adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
adb pull /sdcard/screen.png C:\screenshot\# Save to PC⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI The screencap command can be blocked. In this case, use an alternative:
adb exec-out screencap -p > screen.png💡
ADB-The method is the only way to take a screenshot if the screen is completely non-functioning, but the phone is turned on and determined by the PC.
Solving Screenshot Problems
If none of the methods work, check:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons don't respond. | Glutting contacts or damage to the plume | Use a gesture or ADB. If it doesn't work, take your phone apart and check the button plume. |
| The gesture's not working. | Disabled function in settings or conflict with other gestures | Go to Settings → Special Features → Gestures and reset the settings. |
| Screenshot taken, but not saved | Insufficient memory or damaged folder Pictures/Screenshots | Clear the memory or create a folder manually through the file manager. |
| No shutter sound. | System sound is turned off or Do not disturb mode | Check the volume in Settings → Sound or turn off Do Not Disturb. |
Critical error: If after pressing the buttons the screen flashes, but the screenshot is not saved, and in the logs (Settings → About Phone → Error Log) a message appears Failed to capture screenshot - this indicates damage to the graphics driver. Solution: reflash the phone through Fastboot or contact the service.
Where are screenshots stored on Redmi 5 Plus
By default, screenshots are saved along the way:
/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/
To find them quickly:
- Open the Gallery app.
- Go to the Screenshots (or Screenshots) album.
- For convenience, add a folder to the Favorites (long tap → Add to the favorites).
⚠️ Note: If Screenshots folder is missing, check the save settings in Settings → Warehouse → Maybe the path's changed to DCIM/Screenshots (custom-made).
💡
Use the Mi File Explorer file manager for quick access: in the side menu, select Categories → Images → Screenshots.