How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 5A: all working methods + error solving

Why Redmi 5A Can't Get a Screenshot and How to Fix It

Taking a screenshot on the Xiaomi Redmi 5A is a seemingly elementary task, but even it can be difficult. Users of this model often find that standard keyboard shortcuts do not work, gestures are not recognized, and there are no items on the menu, the reason lies in the features of the MIUI firmware (especially versions 9-11), the hardware limitations of a budget smartphone, and even the wear of physical buttons.

In this article, we’ll not only list how to take screenshots, but also explain why they might not work on the Redmi 5A, from shell conflicts to bugs after updates.

• 🔄 Power buttons are not responding + Turning down the volume
• 👆 The three-finger swipe gesture is turned off or glitched
• 📱 The screen is frozen and the sensor is not responding.
• 🔧 There is no “Screenshot” item in the menu (typical for custom firmware)

And also a unique life hack for Redmi 5A: how to take a screenshot from a long web page or chat without third-party applications using the hidden feature of the MIUI browser.

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

The classic method that works on 90% of Android devices, including the Xiaomi Redmi 5A.

• ⚡ Press the Power button (right) and Volume Reduction (left) for 1-2 seconds at the same time.
• 🔊 You will hear the characteristic shutter sound of the camera (if the sound is on) and see the animation save.
• 📁 Screenshot will be saved in the folder DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots.

⚠️ Challenges and solutions:

⚠️ Note: If the power button on Redmi 5A «sticks" or is triggered with a delay (a common problem after 2-3 years of use), try pressing the combination with force closer to the center of the button.

Make sure the buttons are not locked with a cover|Close all full-screen applications (games, videos)|Check the space (at least 50 MB is required)|Turn off Do Not Disturb (it can block shutter sound)-->

Method 2: Three-finger swipe gesture - how to turn on and configure

A MIUI proprietary feature that makes it easier to create screenshots, but can be disabled by default on Redmi 5A.

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Turn on the swipe switch with three fingers.
3. Select the direction of the swipe (usually down).

Now swipe three fingers simultaneously across the screen from top to bottom (or in the selected direction).

🔹 Secret Trick: If the gesture doesn't work, try it:

• 🧹 Clean the screen of fat (even a small contamination interferes with the recognition of several touches).
• 📏 Use a wide swipe (from edge to edge of screen).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes the touch driver will glitch after prolonged use.

Method 3: Screenshot through the notification panel (if the buttons are broken)

If the physical buttons on the Redmi 5A don’t work (for example, after a drop or moisture), use the software method:

1. Turn the notification bar swipe from top to bottom.
2. Find the Screenshot icon (usually next to the Lantern and Mode on the plane).
3. Slip it on it - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

⚠️ Important: If there is no icon, you need to add it manually:

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 5A firmware MIUI 10 and below, the notification panel does not support customization. MIUI 11+ or use the method with Google Assistant (see Method 5).

📌 How to add a screenshot button to the panel:

1. Open the notification panel and tap on ⚙️ Settings (cogs).
2. Choose Edit the icons.
3. Drag the screenshot to the active area.

Method 4: Screenshot of a long page (for chat rooms and websites)

Standard methods only keep the screen visible, but Redmi 5A has a hidden feature for capturing scrollable pages (like WhatsApp dialogs or long articles).

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after saving the screen at the bottom, a screenshot will appear - tap on it.
3. In the editor that opens, select Scrolling (or Long Screenshot).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls the page and connects the snippets.

⚠️ Limitations:

• 🌐 It only works in the browser. MIUI Browser or Chrome (may not work in other apps).
• 📏 Maximum length — ~5 screens (the artifacts begin).
• 🚫 Not supported in games and some social networks (e.g. TikTok).

💡

If a long screenshot is cut, try scrolling the page manually to the end before shooting. The MIUI algorithm analyzes the length of the content in advance, and if the page is not fully loaded, the result will be incomplete.

Method 5: Voice screenshot via Google Assistant (if nothing works)

If all other methods are not available (for example, because of breakage of buttons or sensor glitches), use the voice assistant:

1. Activate Google Assistant with a long press on the Home button or a voice command, OK, Google.
2. Say: Take a screenshot or Make a screenshot (in English it works more stable).
3. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

🔹 Nuances for Redmi 5A:

• 🎤 Voice input should be enabled in Settings → Google → Google services → Voice input.
• 🌍 The voice language should match the system language (for example, if the phone is in Russian, speak Russian).
• 🔋 On weak firmware (MIUI (9) The assistant may “think” for up to 5 seconds – do not interrupt the process.

⚠️ Important: This method does not work in Guest Access mode or if Special Options are disabled.

💡

Voice screenshot is the only method that works even when the screen is locked (if voice unlock is enabled in the security settings).

Problem Solving: Why screenshots don't save or come out black

If screenshots are not created or are saved corrupt, check the following points:

🔧 Radical solution: If nothing helps, reset your settings MIUI before the factory (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting. This will delete all the data, but it will bring back the screenshots!

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 5A