Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its balanced performance and reliable firmware MIUI. One of the basic features that will come in handy for every user is the ability to create screenshots β screenshots. However, not everyone knows that Redmi 7 has several ways to take screenshots, including classic button combinations, gestures and even voice commands.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, compare their convenience and speed, and give recommendations for editing and saving screenshots. We will pay special attention to the nuances associated with the MIUI version (Redmi 7 originally installed MIUI 10, but many users have updated to MIUI 12/13), and explain why some methods may not work on custom firmware.
1. Standard method: button combination
The most versatile and reliable method is the use of hardware buttons, which works on all versions of MIUI and does not depend on gesture settings or additional applications.
- Open on the screen what you want to capture (web page, message, map, etc.).
- At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
- Hold them for 1β1.5 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound of the camera and see the save animation.
The screenshot will immediately appear in the gallery in the Screenshots folder (or Screenshots in Russian localization). If the sound is turned off, focus on the visual prompt - short-term screen darkening.
β οΈ Note: Do not confuse this combination with food. + Volume increase β it causes the Fastboot menu. On Redmi 7, this is especially critical, as accidentally tapping can cause a reset.
Advantages of the method:
- π It works even if the touch screen is not responding.
- β‘ Faster gestures (does not require pre-setting).
- π± Suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 7 and Mi 9.
2. Three-finger gesture: a fast way without buttons
If you are uncomfortable pressing hardware buttons (for example, because of a case or physical features), MIUI provides an alternative method - a screenshot gesture, by default it is disabled, so you need to activate it first:
- Go to Settings β Additional functions β Gestures.
- Find the screenshot with three fingers (or screenshot with wire in older versions).
- Activate the switch and select the direction of travel (usually from top to bottom).
Now to take a screenshot:
- Place three fingers (usually index, middle and ring fingers) on the screen.
- Swipe them down the display with a little pressure.
- Wait for the sound and animation.
This method is convenient for viewing long pages (for example, in a browser) or games where power and volume buttons can interfere.
- π« It may be triggered by accident when scrolling.
- β Does not work in some gesture-blocking applications (e.g. banking software).
- βοΈ Requires pre-configuration.
Activate the function in settings |Select the direction of the conduct |Check the work on the test screen |Disable in games (if it interferes)
-->
3.Voice assistant: screenshot on command
Redmi 7 with MIUI 11 and later has a voice assistant called Xiao AI (or Alice in Russian firmware) that can take screenshots on a voice command, which is useful if your hands are busy or your screen is dirty.
- Activate the voice assistant by saying OK, Google (if configured) or holding the Home button (in older versions of MIUI).
- Tell one of the commands: Take a screenshot Take a screenshot
Wait for confirmation - the assistant will inform you that the screenshot is saved.
The voice method is convenient for taking screenshots in dynamic situations (for example, during a video call or stream), but has limitations:
- π Requires a microphone and a quiet environment.
- π Works only in supported languages (Russian, English, Chinese).
- π It may not work in limited-enabled apps (e.g. WhatsApp in incognito mode).
π‘
If the voice assistant doesnβt recognize the command, try reformulating it or updating the Google app (for OK, Google) in the Play Market.
4. Screenshot via notification panel
MIUI 12 and later has a quick access to the screenshot function through the notification curtain, which is suitable for those who often take screenshots and want to save time.
- Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
- Find the Screenshot icon (usually it looks like a scissors or a zipper rectangle).If it's not there, click Edit and add to active shortcuts.
- Tap the icon β the screenshot will be taken instantly.
Advantages of the method:
- β‘ Fastest (1 touch instead of button combination).
- π― Accuracy β no need to aim your fingers at the buttons.
- π It works even if one of the hardware buttons is broken.
Note that some versions of MIUI may not have this label, so check for system updates or use alternative methods.
Annex side: enhanced capabilities
If the standard features of Redmi 7 are not enough (for example, you need to take a long screenshot of the scrolling page or edit the picture immediately after you create), you can install third-party utilities.
| Annex | Functions | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LongShot | Long screenshots, editing, cloud storage | Advertising in the free version | Play Market |
| Screenshot Easy | Gestures, timer, cropping | Requires Draw over Apps | Play Market |
| Screen Master | Animations, screen recording, collages | Closed source code | Play Market |
Check reviews before installing β some apps may contain ads or ask for excessive permissions. For Redmi 7, it is better to choose lightweight utilities (weighing up to 10 MB), since the smartphone has only 2/3 GB of RAM.
β οΈ Note: Screenshot applications with Screen Recorder may conflict with MIUI. If after installation the smartphone began to slow down, clear the cache in Settings β Annexes β Application management.
6.Editing and managing screenshots
Once created, the screenshot is automatically saved to the Pictures/Screenshots folder to edit or share:
- Open the Gallery and find the Screenshots section.
- Select the desired picture and click Edit (pencil icon).
- Built-in editor MIUI permitting: βοΈ Cut the edges. π¨ Add text or drawings. π Blurring fragments (useful for hiding personal data). π€ Keep in PDF or send to messengers.
If built-in tools arenβt enough, use third-party editors like Snapseed or PhotoRoom. To quickly send a screenshot to friends, hold its icon in the gallery and choose Share.
How to take a screenshot in safe mode?
Comparison of methods: which way to choose?
The choice of the optimal method depends on the situation. Below is a comparison table for Xiaomi Redmi 7:
| Method | Speed. | Convenience | Does it always work? | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Button combination | β‘β‘β‘ | β‘β‘ | β Yes. | Universal use |
| Three-finger gesture | β‘β‘ | β‘β‘β‘ | β No (tuning needed) | Games, scrolling pages |
| Voice command | β‘ | β‘ | β No (needs a microphone) | Hands occupied, video calls |
| Notification panel | β‘β‘β‘ | β‘β‘β‘ | β No (depending on version) MIUI) | Frequent use |
For most Redmi 7 users, a button combination or notification bar is optimal; a three-finger gesture is convenient for gamers, and voice commands are convenient for multitasking; the application side should only be installed when advanced functionality is needed.
π‘
On Redmi 7 with custom firmware (like LineageOS), the standard methods may not work, so use apps from the Play Market or check your gesture settings in the alternative launcher.