How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways from buttons to gestures

Screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi – it would seem, a simple operation, but many users face difficulties: the combination of buttons does not work, then the screenshot is stored in the wrong place, then disappears from the gallery. Especially relevant problem for owners of new models (Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Redmi K70), where the manufacturer changes the location of controls, or for devices with non-standard firmware (MIUI Global, MIUI China, custom builds).

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can create screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi, from the classic button combinations to the hidden features of MIUI, which are not known by everyone. You’ll learn how to take a screenshot with one hand, where to find saved files, and why sometimes screenshots turn black. And also a unique life hack for models with a cut-out display (notch), where standard methods often fail.

1. Classic method: power buttons + volume

The most versatile method, which works on all Xiaomi Redmi models – from the Redmi 4A (2017) to the flagship Redmi K70 Pro (2026).

1. Open the screen you want to capture (like a WhatsApp dialog or a page in Chrome).
2. At the same time, press the power button (on/lock) and the volume down button.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 9 Pro, Redmi 10 Prime), the power button is too close to the volume control, which can cause you to accidentally call Google Assistant or the off menu. To avoid false positives, press the buttons strictly at the same time, rather than alternately.

The screen is unlocked and active

There is no confidential information on the screen (passwords, bank details)

Battery level above 5% (otherwise screenshot may not be saved)

Do not disturb mode is disabled (otherwise a notification about the screenshot will not appear)-->

If the screenshot is not saved, check:

• 📁 Screenshots folder in the gallery (sometimes hidden – enable the display of hidden files in Settings) → Warehouse → Show hidden files).
• 🔕 Notification settings: go to Settings → Notifications → Management of notifications → Screenshots and make sure the option is enabled.
• 🛠️ Button operation: If physical keys are damaged, try alternative methods (see the following sections).

Screenshot by gesture (only for MIUI 12 and later)

With MIUI 12 (2020), Xiaomi Redmi introduced the “Gesturing Screenshot” feature, a convenient way to take a screenshot with one hand without pressing a button.

1. Open Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gesture.
2. Turn on the "Swipe three fingers down" switch.
3. Check the work: swipe the screen from top to bottom with three fingers (no pause!).

🔹 Important: The gesture only works on the main screens (home, apps, browser) in games or some applications (e.g. TikTok, Instagram Reels) it can be blocked due to conflict with internal gestures.

If the gesture doesn't work:

• 🧹 Make sure there are no greasy spots on the screen – the sensor may not recognize the touch.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone: Sometimes system gestures “hang” after prolonged use.
• 📱 Check the version. MIUI: on old firmware (below) MIUI 12.0.1) does not have.

3. Screenshot via notification panel (for MIUI 13+)

MIUI 13 and more (Redmi Note 12, Redmi 11 Prime 5G, etc.) has the ability to take screenshots through the Quick Settings panel, which is convenient if the physical buttons don’t work or you prefer visual control.

Instructions:

1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
2. Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissors or screen thumbnail) if it's not there, click Edit and add to the active elements.
3. Slip the icon - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, Redmi 8) this icon may not be available even after upgrading to MIUI 13 In this case, check for firmware updates or use alternative methods.

4. Voice assistant Google or Xiao AI

If you need to take a screenshot without using your hands (such as while cooking or playing sports), use voice commands. Works on all models with Google Assistant or branded Xiao AI (Chinese firmware).

For Google Assistant:

1. Activate the assistant with your voice: say “OK, Google” or press the home button (if you have one).
2. Say the command: "Take a screenshot" or "Screenshot".
3. Confirm the action (if required).

For Xiao AI (on Chinese firmware):

1. Press the power button for 1 second to call the assistant.
2. Say in Chinese, "" (Jiétú) — or in English, "Take a screenshot."

🔹 Limitations:

• 🎤 Voice commands do not work in Do Not Disturb mode or if the microphone is turned off.
• 🔒 On some models (Redmi for the European market) Xiao AI defaulted.
• 📵 In games or applications with overlay blocking (such as banking programs), a voice screenshot may not work.

💡

If Google Assistant doesn't recognize the "take a screenshot" command, try alternative phrases like "take a picture of the screen" or "save the current screen." Sometimes this helps bypass the recognition limitations.

5. Screenshot of a long page (scroll)

Do you need to save all the dialog in the messenger or a long web page? MIUI has a built-in Scrolling Screenshot feature, but it doesn't work in all applications.

How to turn on:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the screenshot appears in the lower right corner of the screen, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, click on the “Scroll” button (or “Extend” in the English version).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls the page and connects the frames.

📌 Where does he work:

• ✅ Chrome, Mi Browser - Web pages.
• ✅ WhatsApp, Telegram – chats (but not media files!).
• ✅ WPS Office, Google Docs – Documents.

❌ Where it doesn't work:

• ❌ Instagram, TikTok – Tapes and Stories.
• ❌ Games and applications with screenshot protection (banks, some messengers).
• ❌ Screens with animation or video (e.g. YouTube).

💡

Scrolling saves text and images, but does not save videos, GIFs and interactive elements (for example, like buttons in social networks).

6. Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications

If standard methods do not work (for example, on Xiaomi Redmi with custom firmware or damaged buttons), you can use:

Method 1: Computer + ADB

It's good for advanced users, and you'll need to:

• 🖥️ Computer installed ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Screenshot command:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

The file will be saved in the root folder of the phone under the name screen.png.

Method 2: Third-party applications

Popular utilities for screenshots:

• 📸 Screenshot Easy – Supports gestures, timer and editing.
• 🎯 Super Screenshot – allows you to take screenshots with scrolling in any application.
• 🔧 Screen Master – has a built-in editor and screen recording function.

⚠️ Note: Apps from third-party sources (not Google Play) may contain malicious code. Check reviews and ratings before installing!

7. Where do I look for saved screenshots?

By default, screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

How to get there:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Go to the Albums section. → Screenshots.
3. If the folder is empty, check Settings → Storage → Internal Memory → Pictures → Screenshots.

🔍 If the screenshots go missing:

• 🗑️ Check the Recycle Bin in the gallery - sometimes files get there accidentally.
• ☁️ Make sure that no automatic cloud booting is enabled (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Cloud. → Autoboot).
• 🛠️ Update the Gallery app through the Play Store.

8. Frequent problems and solutions

Let’s analyze the typical mistakes when creating screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi:

FAQ: Answers to popular questions