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

Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its MIUI firmware hides some features behind non-obvious gestures. You can take a screenshot on this device in at least five ways, and we will analyze everything from the classic button combination to voice commands. It is important to understand that Redmi 9A (codename dandelion) does not have a touch sensor fingerprints, so some methods from other Xiaomi models do not work here.

If you’ve used a pure Android smartphone before, the standard Power + Volume Down may not work the first time — it’s all about the MIUI settings. In this article, you’ll find not only instructions, but also unique tricks for screenshots of long pages or game mode, which are rarely mentioned in official guides, and we’ll also discuss why sometimes screenshots don’t save and how to fix it without resetting.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 9A. There are no pitfalls here, but there are nuances with latency – if you press too fast, the system can perceive this as an attempt to turn off the screen.

To take a screenshot:

• 📱 At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
• 🕒 Hold them for 1–1.5 seconds until the screenshot animation appears (white flash at the edges of the screen).
• 🔊 You will hear a characteristic shutter sound (if the system sound is on).

If the picture didn't work out:

• ❌ You pressed too long – the smartphone has started the procedure of switching off / restarting.
• ❌ The buttons were not pressed at the same time (the difference is more than 0.3 seconds).
• ❌ In the settings, saving screenshots is disabled (see the section about errors).

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A firmware MIUI 12.5 can trigger a bug when a screenshot is taken with a delay of 2-3 seconds. → The phone. → Updating the system.

2. Screenshot with "Three fingers down" gesture

A MIUI signature chip that saves time but requires pre-setting. On Redmi 9A, this gesture is enabled by default, but some users turn it off accidentally through Settings → Additional → Special Features → Gestures.

How to use:

• 👆 Swipe three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (not necessarily vertically).
• 📸 Speed should be average – moving too slowly or fast will not work.
• 🔄 If the gesture is not recognized, try to start moving just above the middle of the screen.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Works in most applications, including games (unless blocked by the developer).
• ✅ It does not wear physical buttons.
• ✅ You can adjust the gesture direction (up/down) in the settings.

Limitations:

• ❌ Does not work on a locked screen (even if the Notifications Show is enabled»).
• ❌ In some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online), the gesture may be blocked for security reasons.

3. Screenshot via notification panel

A lesser known but reliable way is especially useful if the physical buttons of the smartphone are worn out. The MIUI on the Redmi 9A has a special button in the notification curtain, but you need to add it beforehand.

Step-by-step:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Slap the icon «⚙️» (or "Edit" in the upper right corner.
3. Find the screenshot tiles in the list (usually hidden in the second row).
4. Drag it to the active area (the first 6-8 tiles).
5. Now, when you open the curtain, you will see a button «📸 Screenshot. - Tap it.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works even if one of the physical buttons is faulty.
• ✅ You can take a screenshot with one hand (comfortable for large screens).
• ✅ The tiles remain in place after the reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) may not have Screenshot tiles. ADB-The command to force it to add: adb shell settings put secure sysui_qs_tiles "wifi,cell,bluetooth,nfc,screenrecord,screenshot,..." (see full list of tiles via adb shell settings get secure sysui_qs_tiles).

4. Voice command "OK Google"

If you have Google Assistant set up, you can take voice screenshots — handy when your hands are busy or your screen is dirty — and it works on a locked screen (if you have access to the Assistant locked).

How to activate:

• 🗣️ Say, “OK Google, take a screenshot” (or “Hey Google, take a screenshot).
• 📲 Confirm the action on the screen (if required).
• 🔍 The photo is saved in the gallery in the Screenshots folder.

Limitations:

• ❌ Requires an active internet connection (to process voice).
• ❌ In some regions (e.g. Belarus, Kazakhstan) voice commands may be restricted.
• ❌ Does not work in screenshot blocking apps (e.g. Netflix, Tinder).

💡

If the voice screenshot doesn’t work, check the settings of Google Assistant: Settings → Google → Settings for apps → Assistant → Voice input. Make sure that the system language is selected (for example, “Russian (Russia)”).

5. Screenshot of a long page (scroll)

A unique MIUI feature that captures not only the visible part of the screen, but also the part hidden behind the scrolling, works in the browser, instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and even Instagram (but not in all versions).

How to do this:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the miniature appears in the lower right corner, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, select the option “Scroll” (an icon with two down arrows).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls the page and connects the pictures.
5. Save the result – the file will be in.png format with a resolution of up to 1080×3000 pixels.

Tips for a better result:

• 📄 In Chrome, turn off Easy Mode (Settings) → Easy mode, otherwise the scroll will be cut off.
• 🔄 If the page doesn’t scroll automatically, try taking a screenshot in portrait orientation.
• 🚫 V VK Facebook may not work because of restrictions API.

6. Problem Solving: Screenshot is not saved or working

If a screenshot is not created or disappears after it is created, the problem lies in MIUI settings or application conflict, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Screenshots are taken but not saved in the gallery.

• 🔧 Check the folder. DCIM/Screenshots File Manager (for example, Mi File Explorer).
• 🔄 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI It doesn't update the media base.
• 📁 Install a third-party gallery (like Google Photos) and check there.

Problem 2: The three-finger gesture doesn't work.

• ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Advanced settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot by gesture and turn on the option.
• 🧹 Clear the cache of the com.miui.touchassistant application through Settings → Annexes → Application management.

Problem 3: The Power + Volume Down buttons don't work.

• 🔋 Check if the buttons stick (clean the connectors with alcohol).
• 🛠️ Enable the Developer Mode (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times) and check the debugging settings USB (Sometimes she blocks screenshots).

💡

If none of these methods work, reset your gesture settings to factory: Settings → System → Resetting → Reset gesture settings. This won't delete your data, but it will return all gestures to their original state.

7.Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications

If standard methods don't work (e.g., a power button is broken), you can use ADB or specialized utilities, which require a little more effort, but are guaranteed to work.

Method 1: ADB-team

Connect Redmi 9A to your PC and do:

adb shell /system/bin/screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png

The file will be saved in the root folder of internal memory. For automatic transfer to the PC, add:

adb pull /sdcard/screenshot.png C:\Users\YourName\Desktop\

Method 2: Screenshot Easy Approach

• 📥 Install the app from Google Play.
• 🔧 Provide Overlay Permits over Other Windows and Availability.
• 🎛️ Set up a floating button or gesture (like shaking your phone).

⚠️ Note: Apps for screenshots from unknown sources (APK) Check reviews and ratings in Google Play before installing. Of the reliable alternatives, we recommend only Screenshot Touch (developer of Ice Cold Apps).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 9A