How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all working methods (including MIUI 12/14)

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is still a popular budget smartphone, but its owners do not always know how to quickly save the contents of the screen. Unlike flagships, there is no separate hardware button for screenshots, but there are 5 alternative methods - from the classic keyboard combination to voice commands. In this article, we will analyze each method with the features of the MIUI firmware (relevant for versions 12-14), and also tell you what to do if the screenshots are saved in black or not at all.

The Redmi 8 has no touch sensor on the screen (unlike the Redmi Note 8 Pro), so the gestures work differently here. In addition, some firmware has disabled screenshots through Google Assistant, we'll show you how to get it back. If you want to capture a screen video instead of a static image, there's a bonus section at the end of this article with instructions for recording a screen without root rights.

1. Classic method: power buttons + volume

It's a versatile method that works on all versions of MIUI, and it doesn't depend on the state of the sensor, and it works even if the screen doesn't respond to touch.

Instructions:

• 📱 Simultaneously press the power button (right) and the volume button (top left).
• 🔊 Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound (or see the screenshot animation at the top of the screen).
• 📁 The finished shot will appear in the gallery in the Screenshots folder or Screenshots.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi 8 with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), this combination may trigger a reboot menu.

Screen unlocked|Finger doesn't close the buttons|The sound is not turned off (to hear confirmation)|Free memory (minimum 50 MB)-->

Important for MIUI 14: If the screen flashes after pressing the buttons, but the screenshot is not saved, check the settings → Settings → Additional → Power Button. Here the Screenshot should be included (sometimes it is reset after updates).

2. Gesty method: three-toed swipe (does not work on all firmware)

This method is convenient for quick screenshots with one hand, but it is not supported on the Redmi 8 stock firmware for Russia/Europe.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → System → Gestures.
2. Select a screenshot with a three-toed swipe (if there is no item, see spoiler below).
3. Activate the switch and test: swipe your finger (usually from top to bottom) across the screen.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 12.5 this gesture conflicts with calling the notification panel. If screenshots are created accidentally, turn off the function or use another method.

3. Voice command: "OK, Google, take a screenshot."

If you have Google Assistant installed on your Redmi 8, you can take voice screenshots, which is useful when your hands are busy or the buttons are not working.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Google Assistant by saying “OK Google” or holding the Home button.
2. Tell the command to take a screenshot or take a picture of the screen.
3. Confirm permission to access the screen (when you first use it).

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 for Russia, this feature is often disabled by default:

• 📱 Install Google App from Play Market (if removed).
• 🔧 In the phone settings, turn on Settings → Annexes → Google → Permits → Special access → Screen recording.
• 🗣️ Reset the Assistant and repeat the command.

Power buttons + volume | Three-toed swipe gesture | Voice command | Through PC | Other method-->

4. Screenshot via PC: ADB-Team (for advanced users)

This method is useful if the sensor or buttons of the phone are not working, and you need a screenshot urgently. ADB.

Instructions:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack.
2. On your phone, turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC and execute: Adb devices (should appear serial number of the device).
5. Take a screenshot command: adb exec-out screencap -p > screenshot.png The file will be saved in the folder with the platform-tools.

adb shell /system/bin/screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png


adb pull /sdcard/screenshot.png

It's bypassing the restrictions. MIUI packet-access.-->

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware Redmi 8 ADB-Teams are blocked by security policies MIUI. If you see a security exception error, try it:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → Reboot in Safe Mode).
• 📥 Install Magisk and Module ADB & Fastboot for MIUI.

5. Screenshot applications: when standard methods don't work

If none of the above methods worked, use third-party utilities. We tested 3 reliable applications that run on Redmi 8 without root:

• 📸 Screenshot Easy - supports delayed screenshots (useful for menus that disappear when you press buttons.
• 🎮 Screen Master – allows you to crop the screenshot immediately after creation and add notes.
• 🔄 Super Screenshot – saves screenshot history and supports page scrolling (for long chats).

⚠️ Note: Applications will need permission to Record from the screen (in the MIUI This is a separate item in the security settings, unless screenshots are created after installation:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Screen recording.
2. Find the installed application and activate the switch.
3. Restart the utility.

💡

The app side is the only way to take a scrolling screenshot (long screen) on Redmi 8, as MIUI does not have this feature.

6 Problem Solving: Black screen, no sound, save errors

Even after a successful screenshot, Redmi 8 users face typical problems.

Problem 1: Screenshots are saved in black

Reason: conflict with the function Dark theme or Saving charge.

• 🌓 Turn off the dark theme in Settings → Display. → Dark subject.
• 🔋 B Settings → Battery → Select Energy Saving Mode Performance.
• 📱 Reboot the phone – it will reset the graphics driver cache.

Problem 2: No shutter sound when screenshot

Decision:

• 🔊 Check if the sound is turned off in Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Systemic sounds.
• 🎵 If you use MIUI 14, the sound can be replaced by vibration. You can return it through Settings. → Special facilities → Sound effects.

Problem 3: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🗃️ Screenshots folder accidentally deleted. Create it manually into internal memory → Pictures.
• 🛠️ Reset permissions for the Gallery app in Settings → Annexes → gallery → Permits.
• 📁 Check the space available: if the memory is less than 100 MB, MIUI Blocks the retention of new files.

How to record video from the screen on Redmi 8

If screenshots are not enough and you need to save dynamic content (such as gameplay or an in-app error), use the built-in screen recording:

Instructions:

1. Open the notification panel (swipe from top to bottom).
2. Find the Screen Record tile (if it is not available, click Edit and add).
3. 🎥 Click on the tile, wait for the countdown (3 seconds) and start recording.
4. 🛑 To stop, click on the tile again or swipe down and select Stop.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 The default screen recording is limited to 3 minutes:

• Go to Settings → Additional → Screen recording.
• Select Quality: High and No Time Limits.

Videos will be saved in the Movies/ScreenRecords folder. To record sound from the microphone, turn on the option to record sound in the recording settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 8