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

Xiaomi Redmi 9A remains one of the most popular budget devices of the brand, but its owners do not always know how to quickly take a screenshot of the screen. Unlike flagship models, there is no pressure sensor or advanced gestures, only basic methods. However, even these can work incorrectly due to the features of the MIUI firmware or hardware limitations.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to create screenshots on Redmi 9A, including button combinations, gestures and hidden system functions. We will focus on the typical problems: why the pictures are not saved, how to change the file format and where the screens disappeared after the update. If you find that the screen does not respond to standard keyboard shortcuts, here you will find a solution.

The material is relevant for all versions of MIUI 12, 13 and 14, as well as for smartphone modifications (for example, Redmi 9AT or the version for the global market).

1. Standard method: "Power" + "Louding down" buttons

This is a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 9A. The algorithm is simple: simultaneously press two physical buttons - Power (right) and Volume Down (left). Hold them 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation saving the screenshot at the top of the screen.

โš ๏ธ Attention: On Redmi 9A Button Power sometimes sticks to dust. If the screenshot is not created, check its performance: press once, the screen should go out / light up. If there is no reaction, carefully clean the button with a dry toothbrush.

Where to look for the finished shot? By default, the screenshots are saved in the folder:

Internal Memory โ†’ Pictures โ†’ Screenshots

Or through the gallery: open the Photos app, go to the Screenshots album.

Press the buttons at the same time (not consistently)|

Make sure there is no lock on the screen (e.g., the โ€œNot enough memoryโ€ banner)|

Check the vacant space (needs at least 50MB)|

Disable Do Not Disturb (may block shutter sound)-->

Alternative method: notification panel

If the physical buttons don't work (for example, the volume key broke), use the virtual quick settings panel. scroll down from top to bottom to open the notification curtain, then swipe down again to open the full panel. Find the screenshot icon (usually hidden under the button) โ‹ฎ or edit).

โš ๏ธ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 12 for Redmi 9A The screenshot button in the panel is missing by default:

  1. Open the notification curtain and tap on โ‹ฎ โ†’ Edit.
  2. Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.
  3. Save the changes.

The advantage of this method is that it can take a screenshot with one hand without locking the screen with your fingers, but it works slower than hardware buttons and may not work in games or applications with a lock interface (for example, in banking programs).

"Nutrition + Volume-" buttons |

Notification panel |

Gestures (3 fingers) |

Other appendix |

3. Screenshot by gesture (3 fingers down)

The gesture screenshot feature is available on Redmi 9A, but is disabled by default.

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Additional settings โ†’ Buttons and gestures โ†’ Screenshot by gesture.
  2. Turn on the swipe switch three fingers down.
  3. Test: Swipe the screen from top to bottom with three fingers at the same time.

This is a convenient way to scroll through pages (such as a browser or chat rooms) where you want to capture long content, but it has limitations:

  • ๐Ÿšซ Does not work in some games (blocked by anti-cheat).
  • ๐Ÿšซ It can accidentally work when scrolling with two fingers.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Nana MIUI 12 Sometimes a reboot is required after the function is enabled.

Important: on Redmi 9A, the gesture screenshot does not support capture of scrolling areas (as on Xiaomi flagships). For long pages, use applications like LongShot or Scroll Capture.

How to turn off random gestures?
If the screenshots are created by themselves, reduce the sensitivity of the gesture in the settings: Settings โ†’ Additional settings โ†’ Buttons and gestures โ†’ Sensitivity of gestures. Move the slider to the left by 30-40%.

4. Screenshot via Google's voice assistant

If you have Google Assistant installed, you can take a screenshot with a voice command.

  1. Activate the assistant with the phrase โ€œOK, Googleโ€ or holding the Home button.
  2. Say, Take a screenshot or a screenshot.
  3. Confirm the action on the screen (if necessary).

It's useful when your hands are busy or your buttons are not working, but it has some nuances.

  • โš ๏ธ Requires an active Internet connection (checking the command goes through Google servers).
  • โš ๏ธ On some firmware MIUI Voice commands blocked due to privacy policy.
  • โš ๏ธ In restricted games or apps (such as Netflix), the command wonโ€™t work.

To check if your Redmi 9A supports this feature, open Google Settings โ†’ Voice โ†’ Voice Control and make sure the Screenshots option is enabled.

5. Screenshot Problems on Redmi 9A and Their Solutions

Even after following the instructions correctly, screenshots may not be saved. Consider typical errors and how to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Screenshot not savedLack of memoryClear the cache in Settings โ†’ Storage or transfer files to SD-map
No shutter sound.Do Not Disturb or silent modeTurn off notifications in the curtain or check Settings โ†’
Black screen on the screenshotDRM blocking (e.g., Netflix or banking apps)Use alternative methods (e.g., shooting with another phone)
Buttons don't respond.System freeze or key damageRestart your phone or use the notification panel
Screenshots are kept in low qualityMIUI Limitation to Save SpaceInstall a third-party app (like Screenshot Easy)

If none of the methods work, check firmware integrity:

Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI

Click 5 times on the MIUI version to open the diagnostic menu. Select System Check โ€“ if errors are found, reset to factory settings (pre-save data!).

open the picture โ†’ Edit โ†’ Save how โ†’ JPG. This will reduce the file size by 60-70%.-->

6.Where to find and how to manage screenshots

By default, all screenshots on Redmi 9A are saved in the Pictures/Screenshots folder, and can be accessed in several ways:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Through Explorer: Open Files โ†’ Images โ†’ Screenshots.
  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Through the Gallery: Screenshots album (displayed automatically).
  • ๐Ÿ” Through Search: Swipe down the screen and type in the search bar type:screenshot.

To simplify the work with screenshots:

  1. Change the save folder: Use the Screenshot Folder app (available in the Play Market).
  2. Automatically upload to the cloud: enable sync with Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
  3. Edit immediately after creation: after the screenshot, tap on the thumbnail in the lower right corner of the screen.

โš ๏ธ Note: If you are connecting to Redmi 9A computer-to-computer USB, Screenshots folder may not be displayed due to restrictions MIUI. To see her:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC.
  2. In the notification curtain, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
  3. On your computer, open This computer โ†’ [Device name] โ†’ Internal Storage โ†’ Pictures.

This is lower than the actual screen resolution (720ร—1600), But it's enough for most tasks.-->

7 Third-Party Apps for Advanced Screenshots

If the standard methods don't work, install one of the specialized applications that allow you to:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Take long screenshots (scrollable pages).
  • ๐ŸŽจ Edit the pictures immediately after creation.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Automatically upload screens to the cloud.
  • ๐Ÿ” Search for text in a screenshot (OCR).

Top.-3 supplant 9A:

AnnexFeaturesReference
LongShotLong screenshots, editor, no advertisingPlay Market
Screenshot EasyGestures, timer, format changePlay Market
Screen MasterOCR, cloud synchronization, templatesPlay Market

โš ๏ธ Note: When installing third-party apps for screenshots MIUI They can ask permission to record a screen or overlay other windows. That's okay -- without those permissions, programs can't work. But don't install applications from unknown sources, because they can contain malicious code to intercept data from the screen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 9A

Can I take a screenshot of the Redmi 9A?
No, it's impossible. The screenshot is only created when the operating system is running, if the phone is turned off, the only way to lock the screen is to take a picture of it with another device, except if the Redmi 9A is stuck on the MI logo (bootloop), you can try to take a picture using ADB (you need a PC and debugging bridge).
Why are screenshots saved with black fields on the sides?
This is due to a discrepancy between the screen and screenshot. On Redmi 9A, the screen has a 20:9 ratio, but some applications (like games) can use 16:9 or 18:9. This results in black areas added to the sides. Solution: crop the screenshot in a standard MIUI editor or use the Photo & Picture Resizer app.
How to play a screenshot in Redmi 9A?
In most games, standard methods (buttons or gestures) are blocked due to cheating protection. Alternative methods: Use screen recording mode (in the notification curtain), then take a picture with a video. Connect the phone to a PC and take a screenshot via scrcpy or Vysor. Install Game Tools (available in Play Market) โ€“ some games support screenshots through this app. โš ๏ธ In games with anticheat (for example, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire โ€“ Any third-party screenshot software can lead to a ban on your account.
Can I change the format of screenshots from PNG to JPG?
Yes, but not through the standard MIUI settings. Options: Use the Screenshot Type Changer app (requires root rights). Convert ready-made screens through the Gallery (open the picture โ†’ Edit โ†’ Save as โ†’ JPG). Connect the phone to your PC and rename the file extension manually (from.png to.jpg). Note that JPG compresses the image with loss of quality, so it is better to leave PNG for text or small details.
Where did the screenshots go after the MIUI update?
When you upgrade your system, the Screenshots folder sometimes resets or moves. Check: Internal Memory โ†’ DCIM โ†’ Screenshots (alternative location). Recycle Bin in the Files app (screens could get there). Cloud storage (Mi Cloud or Google Photos) if sync is enabled. If files are not found, use a data recovery program (such as DiskDigger), but act quickly - after writing new files, the chances of returning screens decrease.