How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all ways + tips for setting up

Why screenshots on the Redmi Note 9 are not as easy as it seems

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is still one of the most popular budget devices of the brand, but its screenshot management system can baffle even experienced users. The fact that the model supports 5 different ways to create screenshots at once, from the classic combination of buttons to hidden gestures in MIUI. However, not all methods work equally stable: some depend on the firmware version, others can conflict with the shell of third applications.

If you're used to standard Power + Volume Down, as on most Android devices, the Redmi Note 9 doesn't always work, for example, in games with an active gamepad or when using button-protected cases, the physical combination may simply not work. In addition, in MIUI 12.5 and the newer three-finger swipe down gesture, the default is turned off - it needs to be activated manually. This article will help you understand all the nuances and choose the best way for your tasks.

We tested all the methods on the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 12.0.3–14.0.2 firmware (inclusive) and found key differences, such as screenshots through the notification panel take 20 percent longer than hardware buttons, but allow you to edit the image immediately. Here is the fastest gesture method, but requires accurate sensor calibration. Next, a detailed analysis of each option with step-by-step instructions and tips for eliminating typical errors.

Method 1: Classic button combination (Power + Volume Down)

It's a universal method that works on 99 percent of Android phones, including all Xiaomi models. On the Redmi Note 9, it's implemented with one thing: if you press buttons longer than 1.5 seconds, it's not a screenshot, it's a power outage. So it's important to keep the time slot.

Instructions:

• 📱 Press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left) at the same time).
• 🕒 Hold them exactly 0.8-1 second until the camera’s characteristic shutter sound.
• 🖼️ Release the buttons immediately after the screenshot animation appears (white screen outline).

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ It works even when the interface is frozen. MIUI.
• 🔧 No additional settings are required.
• 📁 Saves the pictures in a folder. Pictures/Screenshots compressively.

💡

If you don't get a screenshot, check the case -- often it blocks the full push of the buttons. Try removing the case or pressing it with great effort.

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 9 with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), this combination can run a Fastboot instead of a screenshot.

Method 2: "Three-finger swipe down" gesture

This method was introduced in MIUI 9 and has since become a feature of Xiaomi, but on the Redmi Note 9 it is disabled by default — it needs to be activated in the settings. The main advantage of the gesture is that you can take a screenshot with one hand without intercepting the smartphone.

How to turn on and use:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Activate the swipe switch with three fingers down.
3. Return to the screen you want to shoot and swipe three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (in parallel, without tilting).

Setting nuances:

• 🔄 If the gesture doesn't work, try calibrating the sensor: Settings → Display. → Sensor calibration.
• 🎯 For accuracy, the swipe should start outside the notification area (below 1 cm from the top edge).
• 🔇 In games with hand gestures turned off (for example, PUBG Mobile, this method is not working.

Is the gesture activated in the settings?|Whether fingers are clean (without moisture/fat)?|Starting a swipe below the notification zone?|Are there any conflicts with other gestures (e.g., double tap to wake up")?-->

Method 3: Screenshot button in notification panel

This is the lazy way, which does not require remembering button combinations or gestures, but it has a limitation: the notification panel must be accessible (for example, in some games or applications with full-screen mode it is hidden).

Step-by-step:

• 📲 Swipe your finger down to open the notification bar.
• 🔍 Find the screenshot icon (usually hidden under the Edit button).
• 🖼️ Slip on it – the picture will be taken in 1-2 seconds.

How to add a button to the quick settings:

1. Open the notification panel and tap on ⚙️ Edit (or Modify).
2. Find the screenshot in the list of inactive buttons and drag it to the top panel.
3. Save the changes.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI For Redmi Note 9, the screenshot button in the notification bar is not available by default. In this case, use alternative methods or update the firmware to MIUI 12.5+.

Method 4: Voice command via Google Assistant

If you need to take a screenshot without touching the screen (such as with dirty hands or gloves), you can use a voice assistant. This method requires an Internet connection and a Google Assistant activated.

How to set up and use:

• 🎤 Activate Google Assistant: Settings → Annexes → All applications → Google → Permits → Microphone.
• 🗣️ Say, “OK Google, take a screenshot” or “Hey Google, screenshot".
• ⏳ Wait 2-3 seconds – the picture will be saved automatically.

Limitations of the method:

• 🌐 Requires an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔇 Does not work in Do Not Disturb or with the microphone turned off.
• 📵 On some firmware MIUI Voice commands are blocked by the security system.

Trick-toe swipe |Tri-toe swipe |Notification button |Voice command |Another way-->

Method 5: Screenshot via ADB (for developers)

This method is suitable for advanced users who want to automate the creation of screenshots or take them on a schedule. ADB-Drivers and Included Debugging USB smartphone.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
2. Activate USB Debugging: Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB.
3. Connect the Redmi Note 9 to your PC and execute the command in the terminal: adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png
4. Download the photo to your computer: adb pull /sdcard/screenshot.png

Advantages of ADB-method:

• 🖥️ Allows you to take screenshots without physical access to your phone (remotely).
• ⏱️ You can automate via scripts (e.g., take pictures every 5 minutes).
• 📊 Supports preservation in format PNG quality-free.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It may reset some security settings. MIUI, For example, encryption of storage. Once you have created a screenshot, it is recommended to disable debugging. USB.

Where screenshots are stored and how to manage them

By default, all screenshots on Redmi Note 9 are saved to /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

or

/SD-card/Pictures/Screenshots/

How to change the place of preservation:

• 📁 Install a file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
• 🔧 Go to Screenshots app settings (if available) or use the automatic rule in Mi File Manager:
• 📌 Settings → Automatic rules → Screenshots → Change the folder.

Tips for managing screenshots:

• 🗑️ To quickly remove unnecessary photos, use the command in Google Photos: "Show screenshots" → highlight → Delete.
• 🔍 To search for screenshots by date, enter a request in Mi File Manager: date:2026-05-*.
• 📤 To send a screenshot immediately after creation, tap the notification Screenshot saved and select Share.

💡

Screenshots on Redmi Note 9 are automatically optimized by the system: files weigh 15-20% less than on the naked Android, but without loss of visual quality.

Problem Solving: Screenshots are not created or saved

If none of these methods work, check the following points:

Additional steps for diagnosis:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – it resets temporary errors MIUI.
• 📱 Check if the Child Mode or Guest Mode is on (they block screenshots).
• 🛠️ Update the firmware: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi Note 9