Taking screenshots on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected problems. Some can’t find saved shots, others don’t work standard keyboard combinations, and still others do not even know about the existence of alternative methods. This article will not just list the ways, but will reveal all the nuances from basic hotkeys to little-known MIUI functions that work even on a locked screen.
The Redmi Note 8 Pro features MIUI-based firmware that updates regularly and sometimes changes the layout of options. We’ve taken into account current versions of the system (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS) and tested each method on a real device, you’ll learn how to take screenshots with one hand, save them to the cloud automatically, and what to do if the screen does not respond to touch. And yes, at the end of this article there is a list of hidden commands for developers that open up additional features.
Standard method: button combination
This is the most reliable method that works on any version of MIUI and does not depend on the gesture settings. The Redmi Note 8 Pro uses physical buttons:
- At the same time, press the volume down + nutrition.
- Hold for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound (if the sound is on) and see the screenshot animation.
- The photo will be saved in the gallery in the Screenshots folder.
⚠️ Note: If you have a magnetic lock case (such as the Xiaomi Smart Cover), it can block the power button.
Make sure the buttons are not contaminated.|Turn off the magnetic case.|Check if the Do Not Disturb mode is activated (it turns off the shutter sound)-->
This method works even on a locked screen (unless the Privacy mode is activated in the security settings).
- 🔋 It takes two hands – it’s uncomfortable if you hold your phone with one hand.
- 📱 Wear buttons with frequent use (especially relevant for the power button).
- 🔊 The sound of the shutter can attract attention in public places.
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If the shutter sound interferes, turn it off in Settings → Sounds and vibrations → System sounds → Screenshot sound.
Three-finger gestures: a quick way to get MIUI
Xiaomi has added a unique gesture to MIUI that many users don't know, and it works on all Redmi and POCO models with MIUI 9 and later, and it activates like this:
- Swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the screen (as if you were swiping down).
- Hold your finger on the screen for 0.5 seconds after touching it, and this will prevent accidental triggers.
If the gesture does not work, it should be included in the settings:
- Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Three finger gesture.
- Activate the screenshot switch.
- Set your sensitivity (recommended average).
⚠️ Note: The gesture may conflict with navigation gestures (e.g. swipe back). If the screenshot fails, check your navigation settings in Settings → Display. → Navigation buttons.
| Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|
| The gesture doesn't work. | Check if it's on in the settings. Reboot the phone. |
| It's just an accident. | Reduce sensitivity or turn off gestures for other activities (such as zooming). |
| It only works in vertical orientation. | Update MIUI to the latest version – in new firmware gesture works in any position. |
| Conflict with other gestures | Turn off return gestures in Settings → Display → Full-screen gestures. |
Button combination|Three-finger gesture|Voice assistant|Other-->
Voice assistant: screenshot without hands
If you have your hands busy or your buttons are not working, you can take a voice screenshot.
- Activate Google Assistant (long-term home click or voice command “OK, Google”).
- Say, "Take a screenshot" or "Make a screenshot" (English can also be recognized).
- Confirm the action if necessary.
Xiaomi also has its own voice assistant, XiaoAI (in China and global firmware with Chinese services), to enable:
- Open the XiaoAI app (or download from the Mi App Store).
- Configure voice activation in Settings → XiaoAI → Voice activation.
- Say: "" (for the Chinese version) or "XiaoAI, screenshot" (in global firmware).
⚠️ Note: Voice commands may not work if:
- 🔇 The microphone for the assistant in the privacy settings is disabled.
- 🌐 No Internet connection (some teams require cloud computing).
- 📱 Installed custom firmware without services Google or Xiaomi.
How to set up XiaoAI in Russian?
Screenshot via notification panel
MIUI has a hidden feature that allows you to quickly access screenshots through the notification curtain, and many users are unaware of its existence, although it works from the first versions of the firmware.
- Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Find the Screenshot icon (usually hidden under the Edit button).
- Drag it to the active area for quick access.
- Now just click on this icon to take a screenshot.
If the icon is not in the list, it can be added through the settings:
- Open Settings → Notification Panel → Quick settings.
- Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the top.
- Save the changes.
Advantages of this method:
- ⚡ Faster than a combination of buttons (one touch instead of two).
- 👆 It works in any application, even in games.
- 🔧 You can set the order of the icons for yourself.
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The notification panel is the only way to take a screenshot if the power or volume buttons are not working.
Hidden features: Scrolling screenshot and editing
MIUI can take long screenshots (scroll through) and has a built-in editor, which is often overlooked, although it's extremely useful.
1. Scrolling screenshot (long screenshot)
Suitable for saving entire web pages, chats or lists:
- Take a regular screenshot in any way.
- Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the lower right corner, click on it.
- Select the Scroll option (or Scroll in English).
- Wait until the system automatically scrolls the page and connects the pictures.
⚠️ Note: Not all apps work, such as Instagram or TikTok, because of content protection, and use third-party apps like LongShot.
2. Rapid editing
After the screenshot is created, MIUI offers to edit it instantly:
- 🖌️ Cutting: Change the boundaries of the shot, dragging corners.
- 🎨 Drawing: Add arrows, text or paint over part of the image.
- 🔍 Blurring: Hide personal data (phone numbers, addresses).
- 📤 Share: Send the image directly to the messenger or cloud.
In MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the function of text recognition on screenshots appeared - just click on the Text icon in the editor to copy text from the image.
Problems and Solutions: Why You Can't Take a Screenshot
Even on a serviceable Redmi Note. 8 Pro sometimes makes mistakes when you take screenshots.-5 Problems and solutions based on user feedback and tests:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons don't respond. | Contamination or damage to buttons | Clean the buttons with alcohol or use an alternative method (gesture/voice). |
| No shutter sound. | System sound or "Do Not Disturb" mode is disabled | Check the settings → Sounds → System sounds. |
| Screenshots are not saved | Ended disk space or access rights failure | Clear the memory or reboot the phone. Check the permissions for the Gallery app. |
| Black screen on the screenshot | Conflict with the theme of design or energy saving mode | Turn off dark theme or battery mode in Settings → Battery. |
| Three finger gestures don't work. | Disabled in settings or conflict with other gestures | Go to Settings → Special features → Three finger gesture. |
If none of the methods work, check:
- 📱 System updates: Outdated firmware can block features.Update via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🛠️ Developer Mode: Sometimes screenshots are turned off in the developer settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Turn off the screenshots.
- 🔒 Administrator rights: Some apps (e.g. banking) block screenshots for security reasons.
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If screenshots are not saved in the gallery, check the DCIM/Screenshots folder through the file manager. Sometimes they end up in Pictures/Screenshots or Download.