How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all ways with photos and videos

Why you need a screenshot on the Redmi Note 8 and when it will come in handy

A screenshot (or screenshot) on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is a versatile tool that helps in dozens of situations, such as saving important correspondence in a messenger, fixing an error in a support application or sharing a funny meme from social networks. Unlike a photo on camera, a screenshot captures the exact contents of the screen without distortion and foreign objects.

The Redmi Note 8 features multiple ways to capture screenshots, not only with the classic button combination, but also with gestures, voice commands (via Google Assistant), and specialized applications. The choice of method depends on the context: for example, if one hand is occupied, it is more convenient to use a three-finger gesture, and for long pages in the browser, a scrolling screenshot will suit.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways, including the hidden features of MIUI, and how to edit and share screenshots right after they are created, and highlight common mistakes, such as why a picture is not saved in a gallery or turns out to be black.

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

This is a standard method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 8.

  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 sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the save.

⚠️ Note: Not to be confused with long-term retention – if you press buttons longer than 3 seconds, a forced reboot or a Fastboot call will work. The optimal pressing time is exactly until visual confirmation appears (screen blinking).

Where to look for a screenshot? By default, files are saved to the DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots folder. To quickly open the last shot, tap the screenshot saved notification in the curtain.

Shutter indicator (sound) lit up + animation)|There's a notice in the curtain.|File seen in Screenshots folder|No artifacts (black stripes, blurring)-->

Method 2: Three-finger gesture (hidden MIUI function)

The MIUI skin offers an alternative way of doing this, by squirting three fingers across the screen from top to bottom, and the advantage is that you don't have to press physical buttons, which is convenient when you break your keys or use your case.

How to turn on the function:

  1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Gesture for a screenshot.
  2. Activate the switch "Screenshot with three fingers".
  3. (Optional) Set the gesture direction: default top-down, but you can choose bottom-up.

⚠️ Note: The gesture may conflict with other features, such as a swipe to call the notification bar. If the screenshot does not work, check if a third-party application (for example, Nova Launcher or Gesture Control) blocks it).

Power + Volume Down | Three-finger gesture | Voice command | Third-party apps-->

MethodPlusesConsSpeed.
Power + Volume Down buttonsIt works all the time, even when MIUI fails.Uncomfortable with one hand, risk of accidental reboot⭐⭐⭐⭐
Three-finger gestureQuick, no need for buttons.It may be triggered by accident, conflict with other gestures⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Voice commandConvenient if your hands are busyIt requires an internet connection, it doesn’t always work.⭐⭐
Party of annexAdditional functions (editing, cloud storage)It takes up space in memory, can collect data⭐⭐⭐

Method 3: Scrolling Screenshot (Long Pages)

If you want to save not only the visible part of the screen, but also what is hidden outside it (for example, a long chat or a web page), use a scrolling screenshot. This feature is built into MIUI and works like this:

  1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
  2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the lower right corner of the screen, click on it.
  3. In the editor that opens, tap the “Scroll” button (an icon with two arrows down).
  4. Redmi Note 8 will automatically scroll through the page and combine the footage into one long shot.

💡 Useful tip: The feature doesn’t work in all apps. For example, on Instagram or TikTok, scroll can be blocked due to platform limitations.

Why is the screenshot being cut off?
If the final shot ends in the middle, the reason may be: 1) Application restriction (e.g., banks or messengers block screenshots for security reasons). 2) Lack of RAM - close the background applications and try again. 3) Mistake in MIUI - restart the smartphone.

Method 4: Voice command via Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant on, you can take a voice screenshot.

  1. Activate the assistant with the phrase “OK, Google” or hold the Home button.
  2. Tell the command, “Take a screenshot” or “Screenshot.”
  3. Confirm the action (if required).

⚠️ Note: This method requires an internet connection and may not work if:

  • 🔇 Google’s microphone is disabled in privacy settings.
  • 📵 Smartphone in the mode “Do not disturb” or “on the plane».
  • 🔄 The assistant’s language does not match the team’s language (for example, speak Russian, and in the settings English).

📌 Key takeaway: Voice commands are convenient but unreliable, and use them as a backup when physical buttons or gestures are not available.

Method 5: Screenshot applications (extended functions)

Standard MIUI tools are limited to basic functionality, and if you need additional features like webcam screen recording, text recognition (OCR) or automatic cloud upload, install one of these apps:

  • 📱 Screen Master – supports scrolling screenshots, editor with stickers and blur.
  • 🖼️ LongShot – specializes in long shots (up to 100 screens in one file).
  • ☁️ Screener – automatically uploads screenshots to Google Drive or Dropbox.
  • 🔍 OCR Text Scanner – recognizes text in screenshots and allows you to copy it.

⚠️ Note: Screenshot apps ask permission to Record screen and Overlay over other windows. Don't install utilities from unverified sources - they can intercept passwords or bank data from the screen.

💡

Before installing a third-party app, check its Google Play ranking and reviews. Avoid programs with suspiciously high permissions (such as accessing SMS or contacts).

Editing and sharing screenshots

Once you've created the screenshot, Redmi Note 8 offers you to edit it instantly. In the thumbnail in the lower right corner, tap the pencil icon to open the built-in editor.

  • ✏️ Drawing (brushes, markers, eraser).
  • 📝 Text - Adding inscriptions with a choice of font and color.
  • 🖼️ Pruning and turning.
  • 🔲 Blurring – to hide personal data.
  • 🎨 Filters (black and white, sepia, etc.).

To share a screenshot:

  1. Open it in the gallery.
  2. Click on Share (the icon with three dots and arrows).
  3. Select the target application: Telegram, WhatsApp, Email, etc.

💡 Useful tip: If you need to send a screenshot from the Redmi Note 8 to your computer, use Mi Drop (built-in in the app). MIUI Wi-Fi file transfer application or cloud services like Google Photos.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Sometimes screenshots on the Redmi Note 8 don't work properly. Let's look at the typical crashes and how to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Screenshot not saved in galleryAccess rights error or full memoryCheck Screenshots folder manually or clear the space on the device
Black screenshot.Conflict with an application (e.g., a banking application) or DRM-defenceTry another method or use a second camera for a screen photo.
The three-finger gesture doesn't work.Disabled or conflict with other softwareGo to Settings → Special features and turn on the gesture again
No shutter sound.Silent mode or system sounds turned offInclude sounds in Settings → Sound

⚠️ Note: If the screenshots stopped working after the update MIUI, Try resetting to factory settings (without deleting data): → The phone. → Resetting. It'll bring back the standard gestures and buttons.

💡

Before resetting your settings, save important data – this can remove saved Wi-Fi passwords and application settings.

Can I take a screenshot of the Redmi Note 8?
No, the screenshot requires the device to be turned on. If the smartphone does not respond to the buttons, try charging it or performing a forced reboot (press the Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds).
Where are the screenshots stored if they are not in the Screenshots folder?
Check the following directories: Internal Storage → Pictures → Screenshots Internal Storage → DCIM → Screenshots Internal Storage → Download (if downloaded from the cloud) Also use file search in the Files by Google app.
How to take a screenshot in the game if the buttons are busy?
In games, it's easier to use: Three-finger gesture (if enabled). Xiaomi Game Turbo gamepad — it has a separate button for screenshots. Voice command via Google Assistant. Avoid Power + Volume Down combination — in some games it can cause an exit or pause.
Why are screenshots blurred?
Blurring occurs for three reasons: Low screen resolution — check the display settings (Settings → Screen → Resolution); malfunction of in-app rendering (e.g. Facebook or Instagram); Power saving mode is activated — it reduces graphics performance; try restarting the app or taking a picture using another method.
Can I recover a deleted screenshot?
Yes, if: You have backup enabled in Google Photos (check the in-app shopping cart). You use a file manager with recovery (e.g. DiskDigger). The screenshot was synced to Mi Cloud (check on i.mi.com).