Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2017, but still actively used. Despite modest technical characteristics by modern standards, the device supports all basic functions, including screenshots. However, many users face difficulties: whether the combination of buttons does not work, or gestures refuse to work after the MIUI update. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to take a screenshot on Redmi 5, including hidden chips and solving typical problems.
It's important to keep in mind that the methods may vary depending on the firmware version. For example, MIUI 10-12 has some gestures available, and MIUI 13-14 has other gestures available, and we've tested each method on a real device and collected only the working versions. If you have custom firmware installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some features may not be available, which we'll talk about later.
1. Classic method: power and volume buttons
The most reliable and versatile method that works on any version of MIUI and even custom firmware, suitable for all Redmi models, including Redmi 5A, Redmi 5 Plus and modifications with the prefix Prime.
To take a screenshot:
- Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
- At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
- Hold them no longer than 1-2 seconds until the flash animation or shutter sound appears.
If the combination didn’t work the first time, try:
- 🔄 Press the buttons at the same time, not alternately.
- ⏱️ Hold them for a short time (more than 2 seconds will turn on the off menu).
- 🧹 Clear Settings → Annexes → All applications → Launcher (sometimes lags interfere with the operation).
⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware, this combination may cause a reboot or a delayed screenshot. If the screen flashes after pressing but the picture is not saved, check the free space in the device's memory.
Screen unlocked and active | Enough free memory (minimum 50 MB) | Power and volume buttons don't stick | Don't disturb mode turned off-->
2.Gesturals in MIUI: Three-finger swipe
A MIUI feature that makes it easier to take screenshots works on all firmware versions starting with MIUI 9, but in newer releases (such as MIUI 13) it can be disabled by default.
How to make a screenshot with a gesture:
- Open the screen.
- Swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the display (as if you were swiping the screen down).
- Wait for the shutter sound or save notification.
If the gesture doesn't work,
- ⚙️ Check the settings: go to Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Button gestures and enable the option "Screamshot with three-finger swipe".
- 👆 Make sure the swipe starts outside the notification area (otherwise the curtain will work).
- 📱 On some versions MIUI 14 requires a double swipe (first down, then up).
Power and volume buttons |Three-finger swipe |Voice Assistant |Party of the application-->
The advantage of the method is that you can take a screenshot with one hand if the screen is small (like the Redmi 5 with a diagonal of 5.7).
3. Voice command via Google Assistant
A little-known but convenient way is to use a voice assistant, which works on all devices with Google Services (even older versions of Android 7.1, like Redmi 5).
Instructions:
- Activate Google Assistant with a long press on the Home button or a voice command, OK, Google.
- Say, "Take a screenshot" or "Photograph the screen."
- Confirm permission to access the screen (when you first use it).
Limitations of the method:
- 🚫 Does not work in Safe Mode or if Google Services are disabled.
- 🔇 Requires an Internet connection to process a voice command.
- 📵 On some firmware can save a screenshot with a delay 1-2 seconds.
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If Google Assistant doesn't recognize a command, try saying it in English, "Take a screenshot." Often, it works better than in Russian.
4. Screenshot via notification panel (quick settings)
In MIUI 12 and later, you can add a screenshot button to the notification curtain, which is convenient if you don’t want to remember button combinations or gestures.
How to set up:
- Open the notification curtain (swipe from top to bottom).
- Click on the icon "⚙️ Edit” (or “Modify").
- Find the Screenshot tile (usually under Other Settings) and drag it to the active area.
- Now, when you open the curtain, you will see the "Screenshot" button - click on it to take a screenshot.
Advantages:
- ✅ It works even if the power/volume buttons are broken.
- ✅ You can take a screenshot with one touch.
- ✅ It does not require memorization of combinations.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 13-14 Screenshot tiles may not be on the quick setup list, in which case update the firmware or use alternative methods.
Side of the screenshot annex
If standard methods don't work (for example, because of broken buttons or unofficial firmware), you can install third-party utilities. We tested several popular applications and selected the best ones for Redmi 5:
| Annex | Features | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screenshot Easy | Smooth swipe on the screen, screenshot editor | Advertising requires access to notifications | Google Play |
| Screen Master | Support for long screenshots, cloud storage | Premium version for some functions | Google Play |
| Super Screenshot | It works without root, support for Android 7.1 | Interface in English | Google Play |
How to use:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Run it and grant permissions to access the screen (in the security settings).
- Follow the instructions in the app (usually pull the floating icon or click on the notification).
Why do apps ask for access to notifications?
6. Advanced chips: long screenshots and editing
Redmi 5 supports not only regular screenshots, but also long screenshots (scroll screenshots), as well as built-in editing. These features are available in MIUI 10 and later.
How to take a long screenshot:
- Take a regular screenshot in any way (buttons, gesture, etc.).
- Immediately after the thumbnail appears at the bottom of the screen, click on it.
- In the editor that opens, tap the Scrolling icon (or Long Screenshot).
- Wait until the system automatically scrolls through the page and connects the parts into a single file.
Editing of the screenshot:
- 🎨 Pruning: Click on the scissors icon in the editor.
- 🖊️ Drawing: Choose a brush or marker to add notes.
- 📝 Text: Add captions or comments.
- 🔍 Blurring: hide personal data (phone numbers, addresses).
The screenshot can be taken:
- 📤 Send to the messenger (click "Share").
- 🖼️ Save to the gallery (daddy) Pictures/Screenshots).
- 📊 Upload to the cloud (if you have Mi Cloud connected).
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Long screenshots don't work in all apps, like YouTube or Netflix, because of content protection, the feature will be blocked.
7. Problem Solving: Screenshots Are Not Saved or Are Not Working
If none of these methods help, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot not saved | Lack of memory | Clear the cache in Settings → Memory or transfer files to SD-map |
| The button combination doesn't work | Button sticking or plume damage | Try other ways (gestures, voice) or contact the service |
| The gesture doesn't work. | Disabled function in settings | Include in Settings → Special features → gestures of buttons |
| Black screen on the screenshot | Conflict with a shell or theme | Reset the launcher settings or return the standard theme |
Additional advice:
- 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes it solves temporary crashes.
- 📲 Check if the child mode or guest mode is on (they can block screenshots).
- 🛠️ If the problem occurs after the update MIUI, Try to revert to the previous version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a Service Package.
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If screenshots are saved in low resolution, check the camera settings: sometimes reset settings → Apps → All Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear data helps to return the original quality.