How to Take a Screenshot of Xiaomi Redmi 5 – All the Ways to Work (2026)

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2018, but still in active use. Despite the simplicity of the MIUI interface, many users face difficulties in trying to take a screenshot of the screen, especially for those who have switched from devices of other brands (for example, Samsung or iPhone), where the key combinations are different.

In this article, we will explore all the possible ways to capture screenshots on Redmi 5, Redmi 5A and Redmi 5 Plus, including standard methods, gestures, and solutions for cases where a screenshot is not saved. We will highlight common mistakes and give recommendations for optimizing the process. If you are looking for a way to quickly capture important information from the screen, you are on the right track.

1. Standard method: button combination

The most reliable and versatile method is the use of hardware buttons, which works on all versions of MIUI (including the older builds for Redmi 5) and does not require additional settings.

1. Open on the screen what you want to capture (message, page in the browser, game moment, etc.).
2. Press two buttons at the same time: 🔘 Power button (right) 📱 Volume reduction button (left)

1-2 seconds

The screenshot will automatically be saved to the gallery in the Screenshots folder (or Screenshots in Russian firmware). If the sound is turned off, focus on the visual prompt - short-term screen blackout.

⚠️ Warning: Not to be confused with long-term power button retention - this will trigger the off/reset menu.Push fast and synchronously!

2. Three finger gesture (the fastest method)

If you're tired of pressing buttons, you can use a gesture to swipe three fingers across the screen, and this works on Redmi 5 with MIUI 9 and later.

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special. features → Three finger gesture.
2. Activate the screenshot switch.
3. Choose the direction of the gesture (usually from top to bottom).

Now, to take a screenshot, simply swipe your three fingers (such as index, middle, and ring) from the top edge of the display to the bottom, a technique that is particularly convenient for games or applications where hardware buttons are locked by the interface.

Check if the gesture is enabled in the settings|Make sure your fingers touch the screen at the same time|Try to change the direction of the gesture|Reboot your phone if the gesture doesn’t work-->

If the gesture doesn't work,

• 🧹 Clear the Settings app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Clear the cache).
• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📱 Check if the gesture is blocking the protective glass or cover (especially with the ears on the sides).

3. Screenshot via notification panel

MIUI has a built-in button to take screenshots straight from the notification curtain, which is useful if the hardware buttons are broken or it's not convenient to press them.

1. Turn the notification bar around by swiping your finger from the top edge of the screen down.
2. Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissors or screen thumbnail) and if it's not there, click on Edit (the pencil in the upper right corner) and add it to the active buttons.
3. Slap the icon - the picture will be taken instantly.

The advantage of the method is that you can take a screenshot with one hand without blocking the screen, and the disadvantage is that the button may not be present in older versions of the firmware (before MIUI 10).

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If the screenshot button disappeared after the update, reset the notification panel settings: Settings → Notifications → Panel settings → Reset to standard.

4.The Google Voice Assistant

If you have a Google Assistant (or other voice assistant), you can take a screenshot with a voice command, which is convenient when your hands are busy.

1. Activate the assistant by saying OK, Google, or holding the Home button (if you have one on your Redmi 5).
2. Tell the command: Take a screenshot or take a picture of the screen.
3. Confirm the action (if required).

The image will be saved in a standard folder, and the method is that you need an Internet connection to recognize voice and a microphone turned on.

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware, voice commands may not work due to restrictions MIUI For third-party assistants, use standard methods.

5. Third-party screenshot applications

If the built-in methods are not satisfied (for example, you need to take a scrolling screenshot or add markup), install a specialized application.

Before installing, check the app's permissions -- some ask for notification access or administrator rights, which may not be secure.

• 📲 Launch the application and follow the instructions for setting up.
• 🔧 Set up the activation method (floating button, shaking phone, etc.).
• 📸 Take a test screenshot to make sure you are working.

6. Solving screenshot problems

Sometimes screenshots don't save or turn black, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved

• 🗑️ Ended space in memory – check the free space in the Settings section → Memory. Clear the cache or delete unnecessary files.
• 🚫 No rights – if you use a third-party application, give it access to the storage (Settings) → Annexes → Permits).
• 🔄 System failure – restart your phone or update your firmware to the latest version.

Problem 2: Black screenshot

This happens if you try to take a picture in secure applications (banks, encrypted messengers, some games).

• 📷 Use an external camera (take a picture of the screen with another phone).
• 🔓 Turn off screen protection in the app settings (if there is such an option).

Problem 3: The buttons or gestures are not working

Possible causes:

• 🛠️ Damaged system files – reset settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and reset, but back up first.
• 🦠 Virus or malware – scan your phone with an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Malwarebytes).
• 🔋 Discharged battery – at a charge level below 5%, some functions are turned off.

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If screenshots are no longer saved after the MIUI update, try clearing the Gallery app data (Settings → Apps → Gallery → Clear Data).

7. Where can I find the screenshots taken?

By default, all screenshots are saved in the standard Xiaomi Gallery, so you can quickly find them:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Go to the Albums section.
3. Find the Screenshots folder (or Screenshots).

You can also use the File Explorer:

• 📁 Open the Explorer (or Files).
• 📂 Go to the Inner Memory → Pictures → Screenshots.
• 🖼️ Here you can find all the screenshots in.png or.jpg format.

If the folder is empty, check the save settings:

• 📍 Maybe the screenshots are saved on SD-map (see Settings) → Memory. → Default location).
• 🔍 Use search in the explorer for the keyword Screenshot.

8. Additional tips for working with screenshots

To make the process even more convenient, use these recommendations:

• 🖼️ Editing on the fly: After creating a screenshot, tap on its thumbnail at the bottom of the screen - an editor will open where you can crop the image, add text or a drawing.
• 📤 Quick Submitting: In the screenshot editor, click on the Share button to instantly send the picture to the messenger or mail.
• 🔍 Search by screenshots: Google Photos allows you to search for text in screenshots (Picture Search function).
• 🗃️ Automatic Sorting: Install Screenshot Organizer to automatically group screens by date or topic.

If you often take screenshots for work, consider using cloud services (like Google Drive or Dropbox) to automatically download.

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To make screenshots take up less space, convert them to.webp using the Image Converter app, which will reduce the weight of the file by 30-50% without loss of quality.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 5