Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is still one of the most popular smartphones of the brand thanks to the powerful processor Mediatek Helio G90T, quadruple camera and capacious battery. But even with such a proven device, users regularly face questions of basic functionality — for example, how to take a screenshot. Spoiler: as many as 5 ways, and we will deal with each with the nuanced.
This article is not just a “press two buttons” guide, but a full guide that takes into account the features of MIUI 12/13/14, typical errors (for example, why the screen is not saved), and alternative methods for cases where standard combinations do not work, as well as a speed and convenience comparison table, a checklist for checking settings and answers to frequent questions in FAQ format.
1. Classic method: power buttons + volume
The most versatile method that works on 99% of Android devices, including the Redmi Note 8 Pro.
- Open the screen you want to capture (social network, game, settings).
- At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
- Hold for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see an animation of the screenshot.
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 14 sometimes triggers the camera's quick start mode (double tap on power). If the camera opens instead of the screen, turn off this function in Settings → Screen locking → Quick camera launch.
Where to look for a screenshot? By default, files are saved to the DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots folder. To quickly open it, pull down the notification bar and tap into the preview.
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If the screenshot is not saved, check the permissions for the Gallery app in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Gallery → Permissions. Often the problem is with the storage access turned off.
2.The three-finger gesture is the fastest way
Xiaomi's signature feature is the ability to make screens in one motion across the screen.
- Activate the function in Settings → Additional functions → Gestures → Screenshot of three fingers.
- Swipe down the screen with three fingers (not necessarily simultaneously, the main thing is a quick slide).
Advantages of the method:
- 👍 Works in games and applications where buttons are locked (for example, in the PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
- 👍 No need to remember button combinations.
- 👍 You can adjust the gesture direction (up/down) in the settings.
⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with a protective glass or film, the gesture can be triggered in a few times. → Display. → Sensor sensitivity.
3. Quick Ball - floating button for screens
Quick Ball is a virtual button from Xiaomi that saves time and makes it easier to access key features, to customize it for screenshots:
- Enable Quick Ball in Settings → Additional Features → Quick Ball.
- Select the screenshot item in the quick action list.
- Click on the floating circle on the screen and tap on the screenshot icon.
Pros of Quick Ball:
- 🎯 It works in any application, even with blocked gestures.
- 🎯 You can add up to 5 commonly used features (e.g., screen recording or returning to the home screen).
- 🎯 The position of the button can be dragged around the edges of the screen.
Minus, it takes up space on the display. If you're actively playing, you better turn off Quick Ball so it doesn't get in the way.
Enable Quick Ball in settings |Add Screenshot to the action list | Check the visibility of the button on the screen | Test the creation of the screen-->
4. Google Voice Assistant or Alice
If you have your hands busy or your touch buttons are not working, you can take a voice screenshot.
Method 1. Google Assistant:
- Activate the assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
- Say, “Take a screenshot” or “Photograph the screen.”
Method 2. Yandex Alice:
- Open the Alice app or say "Hi Alice."
- Say, "Put a screen on the screen."
⚠️ Warning: Voice commands only work when connected to the Internet and permissions for the assistant are enabled (check in Settings). → Annexes → Google/Alice. → Permits).
This method is convenient for creating screens on YouTube, TikToke or during video calls when hands are busy.
5. Screenshot via computer (ADB)
If the sensor or buttons on the Redmi Note 8 Pro don't work, you can take a screenshot through your computer using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tool, which is an advanced method, but it saves you in critical situations.
Instructions:
- Download Platform Tools from the official Android website.
- Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices (should display the serial number of your Redmi Note 8 Pro).
- Take a screenshot with the command: adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
- Download the file on PC: adb pull /sdcard/screen.png
⚠️ Warning: The method requires an unlocked bootloader on some firmware. If the command doesn't work, try an alternative:
adb exec-out screencap -p > screen.pngWhat if the ADB can’t see the device?
Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?
To make it easier for you to decide, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Speed. | Convenience | Works in games. | Demands the Internet. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power buttons + volumes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⭐ (simple) |
| Three-finger gesture | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⭐ (setup 1-time) |
| Quick Ball | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⭐ (setup 1-time) |
| Voice assistant | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ (I need to set up the microphone) |
| ADB (via PC) | ⭐ | ⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (advanced) |
For 90% of users, the best three-finger gesture is faster than buttons and works everywhere except on the system menu. If you have a lot of hands, set up Quick Ball. ADB leave it for emergencies.
Frequent problems and solutions
Even with these simple functions, sometimes there are errors.
Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery.
- 🔹 Check the folder. DCIM/Screenshots via file manager.
- 🔹 Remove the Gallery app cache in the settings.
- 🔹 Reboot the phone.
Problem 2: The three-finger gesture doesn't work.
- 🔹 Recheck the enabled function in Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
- 🔹 Update the firmware (in) MIUI 12 were gesture bugs).
- 🔹 Reset your gesture settings to standard.
Problem 3: Power + Volume buttons open the shutdown menu.
- 🔹 Press the buttons simultaneously and sharply, not alternately.
- 🔹 Turn off the power menu with prolonged pressing in the button settings.
⚠️ Note: If none of these methods work, check if you have custom software installed (like LineageOS). MIUI.
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Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 14 has a feature of scrolling screenshots — after creating a regular screen tap on the preview in the notification and select “Scroll”. This will capture long pages (for example, chats in Telegram or articles).