How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways + secret features

Why you need screenshots on Xiaomi and what mistakes users make

Screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are not just a way to save information from the screen, but also a tool for sharing data, fixing errors or evidence. For example, you can take a screenshot to send a colleague a chart from Google Sheets, save a payment confirmation or capture a bug in the game. However, many users still use only the standard combination of buttons, unaware of the existence of alternative methods - gestures, voice commands or even a screenshot with a scroll of long pages.

A common mistake for beginners is to try to take a screenshot while watching a full-screen video (like YouTube or TikTok), in which case standard methods are often blocked and the screen simply darkens. Another common problem is accidentally tapping a thumbnail of a screenshot in a notification that opens it in the editor instead of saving it in the gallery. And owners of Redmi with a physical Bixby button (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro for some regions) sometimes confuse it with a power button, which makes the picture not created.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to create screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi, including models from 2020-2026 (Note 12, 11T Pro, 10A, etc.), as well as how to circumvent restrictions and use hidden MIUI functions. If your smartphone runs on pure Android (for example, Redmi A2 with Android Go), the instructions will also fit - adjusted for the absence of branded gestures Xiaomi.

Method 1: Standard button combination (works on all models)

It is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, regardless of the MIUI or Android version.

1. Open the screen you want to capture.
2. At the same time, press the Power (on/off) button and the Volume Down button.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.

On models with touch-sensitive navigation buttons (like the Redmi 9 or Note 8 Pro), the mix remains the same, but it’s important not to confuse the buttons. If you have a Redmi with a physical Bixby button (rare but found in some regional versions), ignore it – it’s not involved in creating screenshots.

The screen is unlocked and active|No active calls or screen recordings|The buttons are not locked with a case|The sound is not turned off (otherwise you will not hear confirmation)-->

If the screenshot didn't work out:

• 🔄 Try pressing buttons with a slight delay: first Power, then Volume Down.
• ⏱️ Hold the buttons longer (up to 3 seconds) – on some firmwares the delay is increased.
• 📱 Check if Do Not Disturb mode is enabled - it can block the shutter sound.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi with a damaged power button (for example, after a fall), this method will not work.

Method 2: Three-finger gesture (only for MIUI 12 and later)

Xiaomi's signature feature is to create a screenshot with a gesture, which works on all Redmi smartphones with MIUI 12 and higher (including the Note 11, 10 Pro, 9T and later), and the gesture is disabled by default, so you need to activate it first:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Select the screenshot with three fingers.
3. Turn on the switch and adjust the sensitivity if necessary.

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Place three fingers on the screen (usually index, middle and ring fingers).
2. Swipe them down the screen (as if you were swiping down).
3. Release your fingers after vibration or sound.

Advantages of this method:

• 👆 It works even with faulty physical buttons.
• 🎯 Allows you to take screenshots with one hand (unless the screen is too large).
• ⚡ Faster than the standard button combination after training.

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If the gesture works accidentally (for example, when scrolling the tape in social networks), reduce sensitivity in the settings or turn off the function altogether.

On some models (Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and later), an extended gesture is available: if you do not remove your fingers from the screen after you create a screenshot, a quick edit menu will open, which is convenient if you need to immediately crop or mark the picture.

Method 3: Script with scrolling (long pages and chats)

If you need to save an entire messenger dialog or a long web page (like an article or a list of products), a standard screenshot will crop up the content. MIUI has a Scrolling Screenshot (sometimes called a Long Screenshot) feature that works in most applications, except for games and some banking programs.

How to take a screenshot with a scrolling:

1. Create a regular screenshot in any of the ways described above.
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears at the bottom of the screen, click on it.
3. In the editor that opens, tap the Scrolling icon (usually it looks like two up and down arrows).
4. Wait for the system to automatically scroll through the page and connect the pieces into one long shot.
5. Press Ready to save the result.

Limitations of function:

• 🚫 Does not work in Google Chrome with the dark mode enabled (bug) MIUI).
• 📄 Telegram and WhatsApp may crop the last 1-2 messages.
• 🔄 Instagram and TikTok block scrolling due to content protection.

⚠️ Note: If after clicking on the screenshot thumbnail, the editor does not open, and the picture is immediately saved in the gallery, check the settings. MIUI: Settings → Annexes → Permits → Additional authorizations → Show thumbnails of screenshots. Switch must be active.

Method 4: Voice command (for Google Assistant users)

If you have Google Assistant enabled, you can take voice screenshots, which is convenient when your hands are busy or your smartphone buttons are not available (for example, when using a tripod).

1. Activate Google Assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
2. Tell the command: Take a screenshot or take a picture of the screen.
3. Confirm the action if necessary.

Limitations:

• 🗣️ It only works in English or Russian (depending on regional settings).
• 🔇 Does not work in Do Not Disturb or with the microphone turned off.
• 📵 Requires an internet connection to process the command.

Some Redmi models (like the Note 11S) have an alternative, the XiaoAI voice assistant, to take a screenshot of the video:

1. Hold the Power button to call XiaoAI.
2. Say: Screenshot or Screenshot (in Chinese firmware - ).

Standard buttons|Three-finger gesture|Voice team|Scrolling screenshot|Another option-->

Method 5: Screenshot via notification panel (for MIUI 13+)

The latest versions of MIUI (starting with 13) have the option to add a screenshot button to the Quick Settings panel, which is handy if you take screenshots often and don't want to remember button combinations, to activate this feature:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ Edit (pencil).
3. Find the Screenshot tile in the list (usually hidden in the Other Settings section).
4. Drag it to the active area of the panel.

Now, to take a screenshot, it is enough:

1. Open the notification panel.
2. Stick on the Screenshot icon.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Instant access without remembering combinations.
• 👆 It works even with locked physical buttons.
• 🔄 It can be used in games where standard methods are blocked.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware, the screenshot may disappear after the update MIUI. In this case, it must be added again through editing the panel.

Problem Solving: Why You Can't Take a Screenshot

If none of these methods work, the problem may be system settings, software corruption, or hardware limitations, and let's look at typical situations and how to solve them.

Problem 1: Screenshot is not saved in the gallery

A frequent complaint of Redmi users is that the screenshot is created (there is sound and animation), but it is not in the Screenshots folder.

• 📁 Folder hidden: Check the gallery → Albums. → Screenshots. If you don't have a folder, use a file manager (like Mi File Explorer) and find it manually along the way. /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots.
• 🔄 Cash Gallery: Clear the Gallery app cache in settings (Settings) → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 📱 Limitations MIUI: Some firmware screenshots are saved only after editing. Try opening the thumbnail and press Save.

Problem 2: Three fingers are not working.

If the screenshot doesn't work:

• ⚙️ Check if the function is included in the Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
• 👆 Make sure you use three fingers (not two or four).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes gestures get lost after a long work.
• 📱 Update. MIUI: In older versions (below 12.0.3), the gesture may not work smoothly.

Problem 3: Screenshot blocked in the app

Some programs (banking, streaming, games) block screenshots for security reasons.

• 📸 Use a second smartphone to take pictures of the screen.
• 🎥 Enable Screen Recording (in the notification bar), then extract the footage from the video.
• 🔧 For root users: disable protection through ADB Adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1 Warning: This may disrupt some applications!

Additional functions: editing and sharing screenshots

Once you have created a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi, you can edit it or share it without saving it in the gallery.

Quick editing

Immediately after the screenshot was created:

1. Slip on the thumbnail at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tools are available in the editor: ✂️ Pruning and turning. 🖍️ Drawing and addition of text. 🔲 Blurring sensitive data. 📏 Addition of arrows and figures.

Save.

Share.

Sharing screenshots

To send a screenshot without saving:

1. Take a screenshot.
2. Slip on the thumbnail and choose Share.
3. Select an app (e.g. Telegram, WhatsApp, Gmail).

If you need to send a screenshot later, find it in:

• 📁 gallery → Albums. → Screenshots.
• 📂 File manager → Images → Screenshots.

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Redmi models with MIUI 14+ have a feature called Text Recognition in screenshots, so just open the picture in the gallery and tap the T icon, and the system will extract all the text for copying.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi