How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 7: all ways with explanations

Why screenshots on Redmi 7 aren’t as easy as they seem

Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still popular with users due to its balanced specs and MIUI shell. However, many owners face an unexpected problem: standard screenshot methods that work on new models may not work here, it’s all because of the lack of a physical home button and the features of the MIUI 10/11 firmware, which limit some gestures.

If you tried to take a screenshot the usual way — by pressing the power and volume buttons — and it didn’t work out, don’t be quick to blame the phone. You may not be aware of hidden features or alternative methods. In this article, we’ll look at 5 working ways, including little-known tricks for Redmi 7, and explain why sometimes screenshots don’t save and how to fix them.

Method 1: Classic button combination (works 90% of the time)

The most versatile method that works on most Android devices, including Redmi 7. You only need two physical buttons:

1. Find on the side of the smartphone power button (on/off).
2. Next to it is a volume button (usually the lower of the two).
3. Press both buttons for 1-2 seconds at the same time until the screen blinks.

If done correctly, you will hear the camera's characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is not turned off), and a notification will appear at the top of the screen about the saved screenshot. Importantly, don't hold the buttons too long, which can lead to a phone reboot or a shutdown menu.

Make sure the screen is not locked.

Turn off the "Do Not Disturb" mode if it is active

Check the space in the memory (needs at least 50 MB)

Close applications that use the camera (they can block screenshots)

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⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI For Redmi 7, this combination may conflict with the dual-press function to start the camera. If a screenshot is not taken, turn off this option in the System settings. → Gestures → Double press of the power button.

Method 2: Screenshot via notification panel (fastest)

If you are uncomfortable with the buttons or are worn out, use the built-in feature in the notification curtain, which is especially useful for long screenshots (pages that are scrolled):

1. Unlock your phone and open the screen.
2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
3. Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a zipper rectangle) and if it's not there, click on Edit (pencil) and add it manually.
4. Slap the icon - the picture will be taken instantly.

The advantage of this method is that you can immediately edit the screenshot (short, draw, add text) or share it without saving it to the gallery. However, be careful: if the notification bar is not open completely (with a single swipe), the icon can be hidden.

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If the screenshot icon disappears after rebooting, fix it in the notification panel: pinch the icon and drag it to the “Accessed” section.

Method 3: Three-toed gesture (hidden MIUI function)

Few people know, but the Xiaomi Redmi 7 has a hidden screenshot gesture that works even with buttons off.This method is especially useful if the physical keys are broken or the phone is in the case:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Special features → Screenshot gesture.
2. Activate the switch "Screenshot with three fingers".
3. Return to the screen and swipe down the display with three fingers at the same time (no pauses!).

This requires some skill: if the fingers are not moving in sync, the gesture will not work, and also note that the function may conflict with other gestures (for example, a swipe to return), in which case you have to choose one.

Power and volume buttons

Notification panel

Three-toed gesture

Voice assistant

Another option

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Method 4: Voice command via Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant enabled, you can take voice screenshots, which is convenient when your hands are busy or you want to capture something unexpected:

1. Activate the voice assistant with the command OK, Google or by holding the Home button (if it is configured).
2. Say, Take a screenshot or a screenshot.
3. Confirm the action if the assistant requests permission.

This method does not work in all versions of MIUI and requires an active Internet connection, and note that some applications (such as banking) block screenshots from being taken through third-party services for security reasons.

⚠️ Note: If the screenshot is not saved after the voice command, check the permissions for Google Assistant in Settings → Annexes → All applications → Google → Permits. Make sure you have access to the storage and microphone on.

Method 5: Screenshot via computer (ADB-team)

This method is useful for developers or those who connect Redmi 7 to a PC, and allows you to take a screenshot even if the sensor is not working:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB and enable debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap the version, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. On PC, open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(To make sure the device is detected, then):

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

1. The screenshot will be saved in the phone's memory under the name screen.png. To download it on your PC, use:

adb pull /sdcard/screen.png

This method requires installation ADB-Drivers and debugging enabled, but it gives you complete control of the process, such as taking a screenshot without notice (useful for hidden error capture).

Where to look for saved screenshots and how to manage them

By default, all screenshots on Redmi 7 are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

Or in the gallery on Screenshots, but sometimes files can get lost because of:

• 📁 Clean gallery cache – restart the Gallery app or use a file manager (e.g. Mi File Explorer).
• 🔄 Auto sync – check the Mi Cloud or Google Photos cloud if Autoboot is enabled.
• 🗑️ Memory Lacks – Screenshots may not be saved if the device has less than 100 MB of free space.

To simplify the work with screenshots:

• 🖼️ Use the built-in editor: after creating a picture, tap on the notification – a menu will open for cropping, drawing or adding text.
• 📤 Set up automatic cloud boot: Settings → Google → Backup → Upload to Google Photos.
• 🔍 Enable text search in screenshots: in Google Photos or through the Mi Scanner app.

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If screenshots are not saved, check the permissions for the Gallery app in the settings. Sometimes, after the MIUI update, access to the storage is reset.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the screenshot is successfully created, Redmi 7 users are faced with unexpected bugs, and here are the most common and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods work, try resetting to factory settings (remember to back up!). In rare cases, the problem lies in the damaged firmware - then only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will help.

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To quickly find all screenshots, enter a request in the file manager search screenshot_* — The system will display all files created by standard tools.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions