How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all ways + hidden MIUI features

You may need to capture the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 screen in a variety of situations, from saving important correspondence to fixing an error in the application. But not all users know that this smartphone has 5 ways to create screenshots at once, from the classic combination of buttons to voice commands. Moreover, MIUI firmware hides several useful features for working with screenshots that are rarely mentioned even in official instructions.

In this article, you will find not only basic techniques, but also unique techniques for the Redmi Note 8, including taking long screenshots of scrolling pages and setting up quick access. We will also look at the typical problems — why screenshots don’t save, how to change the file format and where to find pictures if they “disappeared” from the gallery. If you use the Redmi Note 8 Pro or another model of the series, most methods will work on them, but with the specific features of a particular version of MIUI.

1. Classical method: combination of physical buttons

The most reliable and versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones — including the Redmi Note 8 regardless of the firmware version.

• 📱 Power button (right) + volume-down button (left)
• 🔊 Hold them together at the same time. 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see the animation
• 📁 The finished screenshot is automatically saved in the folder DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots

This works even if the screen is locked (though it can only be taken after unlocking), the main advantage is that it works 100% of the time, even if the touch screen does not respond. Minus: if you press the screen sloppy, you can accidentally trigger the switch menu or change the volume level.

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 8 with a damaged power button, this method will not work.

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If the screenshot is not saved, check if the power saving mode is enabled in Settings → Battery. In extreme cases, reboot the phone - this often solves the problem with "vanishing" pictures.

2.Gesturals in MIUI: screenshot with three fingers

MIUI's proprietary firmware offers a handy gesture method that eliminates the need to memorize button combinations to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Menu button (or “Gestural”)
2. Select the option “Screenshot with three fingers” and switch on the switch
3. Check the work: swipe top-down on the screen with three fingers at the same time

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than pressing buttons, one movement is enough.
• 🎯 It works in any application, even in games.
• 🔄 You can adjust the gesture direction (up or down) in the same settings.

On the Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12+, this gesture also allows you to create long screenshots (scrollshots) - after a normal shot, tap the thumbnail in the lower right corner and select Scrolling.

Activate the option in the settings|Check the direction of the gesture|Try different applications|Configure the cloud to save (optional)-->

3. Voice command: "OK Google, take a screenshot"

If you have a Google Assistant setup, you can take voice screenshots, which is especially convenient when your hands are busy.

1. Activate Assistant with the phrase “OK Google”** or hold the Home button
2. Tell the command to “take a screenshot” or “take a picture of the screen”
3. Confirm the action (if required)

The following are the key features for the Redmi Note 8:

• 🔊 Voice commands only work when connected to the Internet
• 📱 On some versions MIUI You may need to pre-allow the Assistant to access the screen in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Screen recording.
• 🔒 In some banking apps and games, voice screenshots may be blocked for security reasons.

⚠️ Warning: If the screenshot is not saved after the voice command, check if Google’s access to the storage is disabled in Settings. → Annexes → Google → Permits.

Power and volume buttons|Three-finger gesture|Voice team|Other-->

4. Notification panel: quick access to screenshots

MIUI has a built-in button to create screenshots directly from the notification bar.

1. Pull the notification bar down with two fingers (or one finger twice if the appropriate gesture is enabled)
2. Find the screenshot icon** (usually it looks like a scissor or a rectangle with lightning)
3. Slip on it - the picture will be taken instantly

If the button is not in the visible area:

• 🔧 Click on the pencil ("Edit") in the upper right corner of the panel
• 📱 Find the screenshot list and drag it to the active area.
• 💾 Save the changes.

This method is convenient because it does not require you to remember combinations or gestures, but in some applications (for example, in full-screen games), the notification panel can be hidden - in this case, use alternative methods.

5 Special MIUI features: long screenshots and editing

Redmi Note 8 on MIUI 11+ supports advanced screenshot capabilities that many people don’t know about:

The long screenshot feature is particularly useful, allowing you to capture an entire web page or a long chat in a single file, for example, if you need to save a WhatsApp or Telegram history, just take a regular screenshot and then select Scrolling from the menu that appears. MIUI automatically scrolls down the screen and combines all the parts into one file.

⚠️ Note: Long screenshots don’t work in apps with dynamic content (like TikTok or Instagram Reels), or on pages with a password or two-factor authentication.

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Long screenshots save time and space – instead of 10 individual chat shots, you get a single file that’s easy to view and send.

6. Problem Solving: Screenshots Are Not Saved or Disappear

Sometimes Redmi Note 8 users find screenshots not saved or disappearing from the gallery, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

• 🗑️ Screenshots folder removed: Create it manually in DCIM/ or Pictures/ through any file manager
• 🔄 Failure to work MIUI: Restart your phone or clear the Gallery app cache in Settings → Annexes
• 📱 Memory Lack: Check the free space in Settings → If it's less than 1GB, delete unnecessary files.

If screenshots are saved but not displayed in the gallery:

1. Open any file manager (such as Explorer or Mi File Manager)
2. Go to /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/ or /DCIM/Screenshots/
3. Check if there are files with the.png or.jpg extension.
4. If there are files but are not displayed in the gallery, update the media base: go to Settings → Apps → Gallery → Storage → Clear the data (Warning: this will delete all gallery settings!)

Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12.5+ can also help reset the MIUI Service app settings (but this is an extreme measure, as some system settings will reset).

7. Alternative applications for screenshots

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can use third-party utilities. Here are the proven options for the Redmi Note 8:

Before installing, check the app permissions — some utilities require access to Screen Recording and Overlay over other windows. On Redmi Note 8, these permissions are issued in Settings → Apps → Special Access.

⚠️ Note: Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast) may block third-party screenshots. Add them to exceptions or temporarily disable protections.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions