Why Standard Methods May Not Work on Your Redmi Note
Taking screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones seems like a simple task โ as long as you donโt find that the usual keyboard combinations are not working, the reasons can be different, from the gestures turned off in MIUI to conflicts with the shell of a third-party launcher, for example, on Redmi Note 11 Pro+ models and the newer, the screenshot through the three-finger swipe function is disabled by default โ it needs to be activated manually.
Another common problem: after updating to MIUI 14/15 Users complain that screenshots are saved in.png format with artifacts or not at all, this is due to energy optimization, which blocks background processes. In this article, we will discuss not only standard methods, but also unique methods for models with a high-quality image. AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi Note) 12 Pro+ 5G), where the gesture screenshots work differently due to the features of the sensory layer.
Method 1: Classic button combination (works on 99% of models)
The most reliable method, which works even on the oldest versions of the Redmi Note (starting with the Note 3 in 2015) and new flagships like the Note 13 Pro+.
- Open the screen you want to capture (like a WhatsApp dialog or a page in Chrome).
- At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
- Hold both buttons for 1-1.5 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the screenshot animation.
โ ๏ธ Note: On models with a physical home button (e.g. Redmi Note) 4X) The combination may conflict with the Double Tap to Wake function. If a screenshot is not created, turn off this option in Settings. โ Screen. โ Double Tap to Wake.
The buttons are not blocked (no moisture/dust)
The screen is unlocked (no pin code on the lock screen)
The memory is not full (at least 50 MB is required).
Screenshots not disabled in "Special Opportunities"-->
Where to look for a screenshot? By default, files are saved to the Pictures โ Screenshots or DCIM โ Screenshots folder. On new versions of MIUI, you can immediately click on the thumbnail in the lower right corner to edit or share a screenshot.
Method 2: Three-finger gesture (fastest, but requires adjustment)
The three-finger swipe feature was introduced in MIUI 10 and has since become one of the most popular features of the Redmi Note, but it is disabled by default on most models. Here's how to activate it:
- Go to Settings โ Additional functions โ Gestures.
- Find the item "Screenshot with three fingers" (in English firmware - 3-finger screenshot).
- Activate the switch and select the swipe direction (usually down).
Now to take a screenshot:
- ๐ Place three fingers on the screen (for example, index, middle and ring fingers).
- ๐ฑ Quickly swipe down the screen (no need to press hard!).
- ๐ฏ If the gesture didnโt work, try to swipe from the top of the screen โ there the sensor is more sensitive.
โ ๏ธ Note: On the Redmi Note 12 and later with a 120Hz screen, this gesture may conflict with the Smart Refresh Rate function. If screenshots are created with a delay, turn off the adaptive refresh rate in Settings โ Screen. โ Frequency of update.
Why does the gesture not work on some models?
Method 3: Voice command (for those with busy hands)
If you have Google's voice assistant on or Xiaomi's XiaoAI on, you can take a voice screenshot, which is especially useful when your hands are busy or your screen is dirty.
- Activate Assistant: For Google Assistant, say "OK, Google" or hold the Home button. For XiaoAI, double press the power button (on models with MIUI 12+).
- Tell one of the teams: ๐ค"Take a screenshot" (Russian language). ๐ค"Take a screenshot" (English). ๐ค"" (Chinese language, working on global firmware).
โ ๏ธ Note: Redmi Note 10 Pro and newer with MIUI 13+ Voice commands may not work if in Settings โ Annexes โ Application management โ XiaoAI disabled screen access permissions. check this before using!
The advantage of this method is that it works even on a locked screen (if the option is "Voice Assistant on a locked screen"). However, screenshots taken in this way do not save scrollable areas (for example, long pages in the browser).
Power keys + volume
Three-finger gesture
Voice team
Other-->
Method 4: Scrolling Screenshot (Long Pages and Chats)
If you want to save a full page in your browser, a long dialogue in Telegram or a list in Instagram, a standard screenshot will not work. MIUI has a hidden Scrolling Screenshot feature, but it does not work on all models. Here's how to activate it:
- Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
- Immediately after creating the screen at the bottom, a screenshot will appear - click on it.
- In the editor that opens, find the โScrollโ button (or Scroll in English firmware).
- Click on it and wait until the system automatically scrolls down the page, adding to the screenshot.
- Click "Done" when the desired fragment is captured.
๐ Limitations of method:
- ๐ซ Does not work in screenshot protection applications (e.g. banking apps, Netflix).
- ๐ซ On the Redmi Note. 7/8 Can โshortโ the bottom of the page due to hardware limitations.
- ๐ซ V MIUI 14+ Scrolling screenshot is saved in.pdf format if the page is too long.
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If the Scrolling feature doesnโt appear, try taking a screenshot in horizontal orientation โ sometimes this works on models with MIUI 12.5 and below.
Method 5: Screenshot via the notification menu (alternative to broken buttons)
If you have a broken power button or sensor, you can take a screenshot through the notification panel. This method works on all Redmi Note models with MIUI 9 and later:
- Deploy the notification panel by swiping your finger down from the top edge of the screen.
- Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissors or screen thumbnail) If it's not there, click on Edit (pencil in the upper right corner) and add it to the panel.
- Click on the icon โ the screenshot will be taken instantly.
โ ๏ธ Attention: On the Redmi Note 9T note 11T Pro with firmware for the European region (EEA) This icon may not be available due to restrictions GDPR. Solution: Install global firmware via Fastboot or use it ADB manually activated.
The advantage of this method is that it does not depend on physical buttons and works even with connected buttons. OTG-However, on some models (for example, the Redmi Note 8 2021) after pressing the icon, there is a delay of up to 2 seconds - this is normal.
Problem Solving: Screenshot is not saved or a black screen appears
If screenshots are not saved or you see a black screen instead of content, the problem may be one of the following:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot not saved | Insufficient memory or damaged folder Screenshots | Clean up memory or create a folder manually through a file manager |
| Black screen on the screenshot | Dark Mode + Force Dark is enabled for applications | Turn off Settings โ Screen โ Dark Theme โ Forced Dark Mode |
| Delay in creating a screenshot | Game Turbo or Second Space is active | Turn off the settings โ Special features โ Second Space |
| Screenshot is saved in low resolution | Battery Saver: Ultra Battery Saver | Turn off the mode or add the application to exceptions |
๐ The hidden problem: on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ s MIUI 14 screenshots may not be saved due to conflict with Privacy Protection:
- Go to Settings โ Privacy โ Special Access โ Display over other apps.
- Find the Screenshot app (or com.miui.screenshot) and enable permission.
- Reset the device.
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If neither method works, check to see if a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion) is installed on the phone. Some launchers block the system functions of screenshots. Solution: temporarily return to the standard MIUI launcher.