How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways + secret chips

Taking a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 9 seems like a simple task β€” until you encounter unexpected nuances. For example, why sometimes the picture is not saved? or how to take a screenshot if the power button does not work? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to create screenshots on Redmi 9 (including Redmi 9A, 9C, 9T models), and also reveal hidden MIUI features that even the official instructions do not speak about.

It's important to understand that the methods differ depending on the version of the MIUI firmware (for example, MIUI 12 and MIUI 14 have different gestures) and the state of the phone (unlocked or not). We tested each method on real devices, so you will not get theoretical tips, but work solutions based on typical user errors.

1. Classic method: power buttons + volume

It’s a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 9.

  1. Open the screen you want to capture.
  2. At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
  3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see an animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Note: If you press buttons longer than 3 seconds, the phone can start the procedure of forced reboot or call Google Assistant. Optimal retention time - exactly before the appearance of visual confirmation (blinking the screen or the screenshot icon in the upper right corner).

Where to look for a finished screenshot? By default, the pictures are saved in the folder:

Gallery β†’ Albums β†’ Screenshots

Or through the file manager along the way:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

Make sure the screen is not locked | Check the shutter sound | Find the screenshot notification in the curtain | Open the Gallery to confirm-->

2. Three finger gesture (the fastest way)

Screenshot by gesture is available in MIUI since version 10, but it is disabled by default.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Special features β†’ Screenshot gesture.
  2. Turn on the switch next to the "Three Fingers Swipe" item.
  3. Select the swipe direction (usually downwards more intuitively).

Now just swipe three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (or in the chosen direction) and the screenshot is ready!

  • πŸ‘ It works even with a faulty power button.
  • πŸ‘ You can take a screenshot with one hand (if you hold the fingers of one hand).
  • πŸ‘ Faster than the classical method of 30-40%.

⚠️ Note: If the gesture does not work, check it out:

  • Is the child’s mode on (it blocks gestures)?
  • Are you using third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher) that may conflict with system gestures?
  • Are there low-sensitivity protective films that interfere with touch recognition?

Power buttons + volume|Three-finger gesture|Voice assistant|Other-->

3. Voice command via Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant enabled (or Alice from Yandex), you can take a voice screenshot.

  1. Activate the assistant with the β€œOK, Google” command or hold the Home button.
  2. Say, "Take a screenshot" or "Photograph the screen."
  3. Confirm the action (if required).

⚠️ Note: This method does not work in the following cases:

  • 🚫 On the lock screen (you need to unlock the phone).
  • 🚫 In applications with a ban on screenshots (bank applications, some messengers).
  • 🚫 If Google Assistant access to device management is disabled (check Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Google β†’ Permits).

The advantage of voice is that it is convenient in situations where hands are busy (such as playing or watching videos), but the quality of the screenshot may be lower due to the delay in processing the command.

πŸ’‘

If Google Assistant doesn't recognize a command, try saying it in English, "Take a screenshot." Sometimes it works better.

4. Screenshot through the Quick Settings panel

Few people know, but MIUI has a built-in button for screenshots right in the notification curtain.

  1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
  2. Swipe down again to open the full panel.
  3. Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissors icon or a zipper rectangle icon).
  4. Slip it on the phone immediately takes a screenshot.

If the icon is not present, it should be added:

  1. Open the notification panel and tap on βš™οΈ "Edit".
  2. Find the screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.

This method is convenient when you need to take a series of screenshots in a row - you do not have to press buttons or make gestures every time.

MethodSpeed.It works with faulty buttons.It's good for one hand.
Power buttons + volumes⭐⭐⭐❌ No.❌ No.
Three-finger gestureβ­β­β­β­β­βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.
Voice commandβ­β­βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.
Notification panelβ­β­β­β­βœ… Yes.❌ No.

5. Advanced chips: long screenshot and editing

Xiaomi Redmi 9 supports long (scrollable) screenshots, which is useful for saving entire web pages or chats.

  1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the described methods.
  2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears, the screenshot in the lower right corner tap on it.
  3. In the editor that opens, select the Scroll icon (two arrows down).
  4. The phone will automatically scroll down and add the next part to the screenshot. Repeat until you capture all the content you need.

⚠️ Note: Not all apps work, like Instagram or TikTok, but it works perfectly in the form of a long screenshot:

  • 🌐 Browser (Chrome, Mi Browser).
  • πŸ’¬ Messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).
  • πŸ“„ Documents (Google Docs, WPS Office).

After creating a screenshot, it can be edited immediately:

  • 🎨 Cutting – Remove the extra parts of the screen.
  • πŸ–οΈ Drawing – Add arrows, text or notes.
  • πŸ” Blurring – Hide confidential information.
  • πŸ“€ Quick Submitting – Share a Screenshot Directly From the Editor.
How to save screenshots to the cloud automatically?
To automatically upload screenshots to Mi Cloud, go to Settings β†’ Xiaomi Accounts β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Sync β†’ Media Files and enable the option β€œSync Screenshots”. Now all screenshots will be duplicated in the cloud and available from other devices.

6. Problem Solving: Screenshot is not saved or working

If screenshots are not created or disappear, check the following points:

  • πŸ” Check the folder. /Pictures/Screenshots/ File Manager – Sometimes the Gallery doesn’t update the albums.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot your phone – it will reset the media scanner cache.
  • πŸ“ Make sure your phone has enough memory (minimum 500MB of free space).

Problem 2: Three finger gestures don't work

  • βš™οΈ Check the gesture settings in Special Opportunities.
  • 🧹 Clear the Launcher app cache (in Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ All applications β†’ Launcher).
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware - in older versions MIUI There were gesture recognition bugs.

Problem 3: You can’t take a screenshot in the app

Some apps (like SberBank Online or Netflix) block screenshots for security reasons.

  • πŸ“Έ Take a picture of the screen with another camera (but the quality will be worse).
  • πŸ–₯️ Connect your phone to your PC and take a screenshot via scrcpy or Vysor.
  • πŸ” Use Screen Recording Mode (C Settings) β†’ Screen. β†’ Screen recording), and then cut the desired frame from the video.

πŸ’‘

If none of these works, check if the incognito mode is on in the firmware (like some custom ROMs), and it blocks all ways to create screenshots.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 9

Can I take a screenshot of Redmi 9?
No, it's impossible. To take a screenshot, the phone needs to be on and unlocked. If the screen doesn't respond, try plugging the device into charging, which sometimes helps with a dead battery.
How to take a screenshot if the power button does not work?
Use a three-finger gesture or a notification panel, and if that doesn't work, plug your phone into your PC and take a screenshot through the app. ADB Adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png The file will be saved in the root folder of the device.
Why are screenshots kept in low quality?
By default, Redmi 9 takes screenshots in screen resolution (720Γ—1600 pixels). If the quality seems low, check: Is the screen resolution reduced in the settings (Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Resolution) Is the traffic saving mode on (it can compress media files) If you use third-party apps for screenshots - they often degrade the quality.
Can you change the format of saving screenshots (from PNG to JPEG)?
In standard firmware. MIUI screenshots are only saved in PNG. To change the format, you need to: Get root rights. Edit the system file. /system/build.prop, Add the line ro.screenshot.format=jpg.Reboot the phone. ⚠️ Note: This can lead to unstable system operation.We recommend using format converters after creating a screenshot.
How to turn off the shutter sound when creating a screenshot?
The shutter sound is a system signal, and you can only turn it off: πŸ”‡ Putting the phone in silent mode (volume button). 🎡 Turning off all system sounds in Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Systemic sounds. πŸ› οΈ Delete the sound file via Root Explorer (requires superuser rights: /system/media/audio/ui/screenshot.ogg.