Taking a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected nuances, like why some models don’t work the usual combination of buttons? or how to take a screenshot if the sensor stopped responding? This article covers all possible methods, from basic to little-known, including solutions for non-standard situations.
We tested the instructions on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Note 11S and Note 12, but the methods are relevant for the entire lineup (including older models like Note 8 Pro), paying special attention to the hidden feature of scrolling screenshots, which allows you to capture the entire chat or web page — most users do not know it, although it works on all devices with MIUI 12+.
If you're looking for more than just "how to press two buttons," but you want to understand the mechanics of the process, welcome. Here you'll find answers to questions like why screenshots are saved in low resolution, how to change the file format (PNG/JPEG), or where to find screenshots if they suddenly disappeared from the gallery.
1. Standard method: button combination
The classic method that works on all Redmi Note models (from Note 3 to Note 13): simultaneously press the power button and the volume button for 1-2 seconds. Hold until visual or audio feedback appears:
- 🔊 Shutter sound (if not disabled in settings)
- 📸 Animation of a shot (blinking screen or shrinking window)
- 📲 Notification "Screenshot saved" in the top panel
⚠️ Note: On models with a physical home button (e.g. Redmi Note) 4X) Sometimes the combination of food works. + If the standard method doesn't work, check this one. Also make sure the buttons aren't locked by a cover or dirt.
If the combination does not work:
- Check if the "No Sound" mode is turned on - on some firmware it blocks the creation of screenshots.
- Restart your phone (sometimes helps with temporary system failures).
- Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Screenshot by gesture (three fingers)
The Three-Finger Gesture feature is available on all Redmi Notes with MIUI 10 and up to activate it:
- Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Three finger gestures.
- Select the "Screenshot" action (or "Scroll Screenshot" if you need an advanced feature).
- Swipe down the screen with three fingers at the same time.
🔹 Advantages of the method:
- ⚡ Faster than a combination of buttons (especially for one hand).
- 🎯 It works even with faulty physical buttons.
- 🔄 Allows you to take scrollable screenshots (about them below).
⚠️ Note: If the gesture does not work, check it out:
- 🧹 Screen cleanliness – greasy spots or moisture interfere with touch recognition.
- 👆 Proper movement: must be strictly vertical (not diagonally).
- 🔧 Sensor Sensitivity Settings in Settings → Display. → Sensitivity of touch.
💡
If you have dark mode enabled, screenshots will be saved with a dark background. To get a light shot, temporarily switch to Settings → Display → Screen Mode.
3. Scrolling screenshot (long shot)
This feature allows you to capture the entire chat, web page or document, even if they don't fit on a single screen.Rules on all Redmi Notes with MIUI 12+.
How to do this:
- Take a regular screenshot in any way (buttons or gestures).
- Immediately after the thumbnail of the picture appears at the bottom of the screen, click on it.
- In the editor that opens, tap the “Scroll” icon (two arrows down).
- Wait for the automatic screen scrolling and press "Done".
📌 Limitations:
- 🚫 It doesn’t work in some apps (like TikTok or Instagram Stories).
- 🔄 Can “short” dynamic content (video, animations).
- 📏 Maximum length – up to 5 screens (depending on model).
| Model | Support for Scrolling Screenshots | Max. length (screens) |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/10S | ✅ Yes (MIUI 12+) | 5 |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro | ✅ Yes (MIUI 13) | 7 |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | ✅ Yes (MIUI 14) | 10 |
| Redmi Note 8/9 | ⚠️ Partially (requires updates) | 3 |
Why is the screenshot being cut off?
4. Screenshot via notification panel
A little-known method that works even if the buttons or sensors don’t work:
- Deploy the notification panel (swipe from top to bottom).
- Find the Screenshot tile (if it is not available, click on the pencil icon to edit the tiles).
- Slip on the tile - the picture will be taken instantly.
⚠️ Warning: Some firmware has the "Screenshot" tile hidden by default to add it:
- Open the notification panel in full.
- Slip on the Edit icon.
- Find the screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.
🔹 Pros of the method:
- 🔧 It does not require physical buttons.
- 📱 Works on a locked screen (if the option is enabled in the security settings).
- ⚡ Faster than the button combination for users with thumbs.
5. Screenshot by voice (Google Assistant)
If you have Google Assistant enabled, you can take a screenshot with a voice command:
- Activate the Assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
- Say, "Take a screenshot" or "Screenshot."
- Confirm the action (if required).
🔊 Important: The function only works if:
- 📶 Device connected to the Internet (Assistant requires cloud processing).
- 🎤 Voice recognition enabled in Settings → Google → Assistant settings → Voice input.
- 🔒 Allowed commands for Assistant in security settings.
⚠️ Note: On some Redmi Note models (especially the Chinese versions), Google Assistant can be disabled by default, in which case use the alternative, the XiaoAI voice assistant (if preinstalled").
☑️ Preparation for voice screenshot
6 Where screenshots are saved and how to find them
By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi Note are saved in the folder:
/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/🔍 How to find out:
- Open the Gallery app.
- Go to the album Screenshots (or Screenshots in the English version of MIUI).
- If the folder is empty, check Settings → Memory → Files → Images.
📁 What to do if the screenshots are missing:
- 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes files are displayed after restart.
- 🔍 Use file search (enter the word Screenshot in the search bar in "Conductor).
- 🗑️ Check the cart in the gallery (files are stored there for 30 days).
- 📥 Make sure you don’t have automatic backup enabled in Google Photos (screenshots may be hidden in the cloud).
🔧 How to change the format of the preservation:
By default, screenshots are saved to PNG (no loss of quality, but larger file size) to change to JPEG:
- Install a file manager with renaming support (e.g. Solid Explorer).
- Go to the Screenshots folder.
- Select the file → “Rename” → replace the extension from.png to.jpg.
💡
Screenshots on Xiaomi are saved in maximum screen resolution. For example, on the Redmi Note 11 Pro (FHD+) it is 2400×1080 pixels. If the quality is poor, check the screen settings (the resolution may have lost on HD+).
7. Solving screenshot problems
If screenshots are not created or saved with artifacts, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot not saved | Memory deficit | Clear the cache in Settings → Memory |
| Black screen in the picture | DRM-Protection (Netflix, banking applications) | Use an external camera or other phone |
| Poor quality | Downed screen settings | Return the permission to FHD+ to Settings → Display |
| The gesture's not working. | The function in MIUI is disabled | Check the settings → Gestures |
🛠️ Advanced diagnostics:
- 📱 Safe Mode: Reboot your phone to safe mode (hold power) → Safe Mode. If screenshots work, a problem in a third-party app.
- 🔄 Resetting: In extreme cases, reset your gesture settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset your gesture settings.
- 📲 ADB-For experienced users, check the status of the function with the command: adb shell settings get global screenshot_service_enabled (should be returned 1).
⚠️ Note: If the screenshots stopped working after the update MIUI, Try to roll back to the previous firmware version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a service pack. This problem often occurs in beta versions. MIUI 14.