How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways from buttons to gestures

Taking screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones seems like a simple task β€” until you encounter unexpected nuances. Some models require you to pinch physical buttons, others support gestures on the screen, and in some versions of MIUI these functions are hidden so deep that it is almost impossible to find them without instructions. Especially difficult to understand for beginners who have just moved from iPhone or devices on pure Android β€” here the logic of working with screenshots is radically different.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to take a screenshot on Redmi (including the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO X5, and others), taking into account the features of the latest versions of MIUI 14/15. You’ll learn not only basic key combinations, but also hidden chips – for example, how to take scrolling screenshots of long pages or customize the creation of voice shots, and also find out why sometimes screenshots do not save and how to fix it.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

The most versatile method that works on all Redmi models – from the budget Redmi A1 to the flagship Redmi K60 Pro.

  1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
  2. At the same time, press the power button (on/lock) and the volume down button.
  3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound of the camera and see the animation of the save.

⚠️ Note: On some models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro), if you hold the buttons long, a Google Assistant call or shutdown menu may work. If this happens, try pressing the buttons short and sharp, rather than smoothly.

The screen is unlocked and active|Finger doesn't close the buttons|The sound is not turned off (to hear confirmation)|No active gestures (e.g., β€œdouble touching to wake up")-->

Where to look for a finished screenshot? By default, all the pictures are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

Or in the gallery in the Screenshots album, if the folder is empty, check the permissions for the Gallery app in the settings.

2. Three-finger gesture: quick screenshot without buttons

MIUI is a signature feature that allows you to take screenshots with a simple hand movement, which is convenient when physical buttons are difficult to access (for example, when using a case), or if one of the keys is broken.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Additional functions β†’ Gestures.
  2. Find the screenshot with three fingers and activate the switch.
  3. Test: swipe down the screen with three fingers (no pause!).

πŸ”Ή Nuances settings:

  • πŸ“± On Redmi with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) The gesture may not work if you have Always-on Display on.
  • ⚑ If the image is not created, check if the gesture conflicts with other functions (for example, split screen).
  • πŸ”§ In some firmware, you need to restart the phone to make the changes take effect.

Power buttons + volume|Three-finger gesture|Voice assistant|Other-->

⚠️ Note: On models with high frequency screen refresh (120/144 Hz, the gesture may be delayed, so try to swipe your fingers more slowly, but more clearly.

3. Scrolling Screenshot: How to Capture a Long Page

A standard screenshot only captures the visible area, but what if you want to save an entire Telegram correspondence or a long article? MIUI has a Scrolling Screenshot feature that glues multiple frames into a single file. Here's how to use it:

  1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
  2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the lower right corner of the screen, tap it.
  3. In the editor that opens, click on the Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
  4. Wait for the system to automatically scroll through the page and connect the parts, edit the boundaries manually if necessary.

πŸ“Œ Limitations of function:

AnnexWhether scrolling is supportedNotes
Browser (Chrome, MIUI Browser)βœ… Yes.It only works on static pages (not video, not animation)
WhatsApp, Telegramβœ… Yes.May not capture messages loaded dynamically
Instagram, TikTok❌ No.Blocked by application policy
PDF-viewers⚠️ Partially.Depends on the application (WPS Office works, Adobe Acrobat does not).

πŸ’‘

If the screenshot being scrolled gets cut curved, try taking it in the horizontal orientation of the screen – sometimes it helps capture more content.

4.Voice assistant: screenshot on command

Few people know, but Xiaomi allows you to take screenshots with your voice β€” without a single touch. This is convenient when your hands are busy or if you use your phone in one hand mode. The feature is activated through Google Assistant or Xiao AI (on Chinese firmware).

Instructions for Google Assistant:

  1. Make sure that Google Assistant is enabled in the settings (Settings β†’ Google β†’ Assistant settings).
  2. Say β€œOK Google” or hold the home button to activate the assistant.
  3. Say the command: β€œTake a screenshot” or β€œPhotograph the screen.”

πŸ”Ή Features:

  • 🎀 Works only in English, Russian and Chinese (in others it may not be recognized).
  • πŸ”‡ If the microphone is turned off, the voice command will not work – check the permissions for Google in the settings.
  • πŸ“΅ On some models (Redmi) 9A) Voice screenshot blocked due to iron limitations.

How to turn on Xiao AI for screenshots?
On Chinese firmware (MIUI China), Xiao AI is used instead of Google Assistant. To activate voice screenshots: 1. Open the Xiao AI app (icon with microphone). 2. Say "(in Chinese "screenshot") or "take a screenshot" in Russian (does not work on all versions). 3. If the command does not recognize, update the application via the App Store (in China) or install the firmware version.

5. Screenshot via notification panel (for MIUI 12 and later)

The latest versions of the MIUI have the ability to take screenshots directly from the Quick Settings panel, which is handy if you need to capture information quickly without remembering keyboard combinations.

  1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
  2. Swipe again to deploy the quick settings completely.
  3. Find the Screenshot icon (scissors or a rectangle with lightning) and tap it.

⚠️ Note: If the icon is not in the panel, you need to add it manually:

  1. Slip on the pencil (tile editing).
  2. Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.
  3. Save the changes.

πŸ’‘

This method works even if the power or volume buttons are broken – the main thing is that the touch screen is working.

6. Screenshot problems: why not saved and how to fix

Sometimes screenshots are taken but don't appear in the gallery or are saved in unexpected places.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Screenshots are not savedNo permits for the GalleryGo to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Gallery β†’ Permissions and enable storage access
Black screen instead of screenshotSecurity mode enabled (for example, in banking applications)Turn off protection in the application settings or take a picture through other software (for example, Screen Master)
Screenshots are saved in Downloads, not ScreenshotsFailure in storage settingsRemove Screenshots folder manually and restart your phone – it will be recreated
Three finger gestures are not working.Conflict with other gestures (e.g. split screen)Turn off conflicting functions in Settings β†’ Additional features β†’ Gestures

How to take a screenshot in protected applications?
Some programs (e.g. Sberbank Online or VK WorkSpace blocks screenshots for security reasons, bypassing this by: 1. Use an external camera (take a picture of the screen with another phone). 2. Connect the phone to a PC and take a picture via a computer. ADB (Technical skills required. 3. Enable Developer Mode and disable Screenshot Ban (not working on all models). ⚠️ Warning: Creating screenshots in banking applications may violate security rules – use this method at your own risk.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi

Can I take a screenshot on Redmi off?
No, it's technically impossible. The screenshot requires the system to work actively. However, if the phone freezes (the screen is on but not responding), try clamping the power buttons + increasing the volume by 10 seconds for a forced reboot - sometimes this helps unlock the device without losing data.
Where are the screenshots stored if they are not in the Screenshots folder?
Check the following locations: /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/ (root folder of images) /storage/emulated/0/Download/ (if you have changed your save settings) /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Screenshots// (on some firmware) If there is no folder, use a file manager (for example, Mi File Manager) and search for the Screenshot keyword.
How to edit a screenshot immediately after creation?
Immediately after you create a picture, the thumbnail appears in the lower right corner. Slip it to open the built-in editor, where you can: Cut the edges (scissors). Add text or a picture (pencil). Blurr part of the image (branch with waves). Share immediately to the messengers (arrow). If the thumbnail does not appear, check the animation settings in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version (stick 7 times to turn on Developer Mode, then turn off animations in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers).
Why are Redmi screenshots of poor quality?
The quality of the screenshots depends on the screen resolution of your Redmi.If the pictures are blurry: Check the current resolution in Settings β†’ Display. β†’ Screen resolution and set the maximum (for example, FHD+ instead HD+). Turn off Adaptive Brightness, which sometimes affects color reproduction. If the problem is only in colors, reset the display settings to factory settings (Settings) β†’ Display. β†’ Color scheme β†’ Standard. On models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) The screenshots may seem dull because of the technology. It's not a defect, it's just a deep black tone.
Can I take a screenshot with a computer?
Yes, there are two ways: via Mi PC Suite: Connect Redmi to your PC via USB (in File Transfer Mode). Install the official Mi PC Suite software from Xiaomi. In the program, select Device Management β†’ Screenshot. Through ADB (for advanced users): adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png adb pull /sdcard/screen.png This command saves the screenshot directly to your computer. Requires the developer mode enabled and the ADB drivers installed.