How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 3S: all working ways in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 3S

Snapdragon 430

MIUI 8-11

Home.

MIUI

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of creating screenshots on Redmi. 3S, including button combinations, gestures, system menus and even ADB-Special attention will be paid to common errors (for example, why Power does not work) + Volume Down) and alternative solutions if standard methods fail.

If your Redmi 3S runs on custom firmware or is updated to MIUI 12+ informally, some methods may differ, in which case we recommend checking the version of the software in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and check our compatibility table below.

1. Standard method: Power + Volume Down button combination

This is a basic method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi 3S. However, there is an important caveat here: on some versions of the MIUI 8-9, this combination can conflict with the emergency call feature (if you press the buttons too long).

How to do it right:

1. Open the screen you want to capture.
2. Press and hold the Power button (right) and Volume Down button (left) for 1-2 seconds.
3. You will hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the save animation in the upper right corner.

⚠️ If you hold the buttons longer than 3 seconds, the emergency call mode may work (a menu with a menu will appear). SOS). In this case, release the buttons and try again, reducing the retention time.

Make sure the screen is unlocked.

Battery charge > 5% (at low charge, the function may not work)

Do not use cases with thickened edges – they block the buttons.

Turn off Do Not Disturb mode if it is active

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Where do I look for the screenshot saved? All screenshots are automatically saved to the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

Or in the gallery on Screenshots.

2. Alternative method: notification menu (for MIUI 10 and later)

If the button combination doesn’t work (for example, because of a damaged Volume Down button), you can use the notification bar. This method is available on MIUI 10+, but on Redmi 3S it is often disabled by default.

How to turn on and use:

1. Pull the notification bar down twice to reveal the full list.
2. Find the screenshot icon (scissors or a rectangle with lightning). If it's not there, tap it. ⚙ Edit and add it to active tiles.
3. Click on the icon - the screen will blink, and the screenshot will be saved.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 8-9 This method may not be available, so try updating the firmware or using the method with ADB (section 5).

3. Screenshot by gesture (only for MIUI with support)

Some versions of MIUI for Redmi 3S have a three-toed gesture screenshot feature (swifting from top to bottom with three fingers), but it is disabled by default.

How to activate:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → button gestures.
2. Find the option “Screenshot by gesture” and turn it on.
3. Try to swipe the screen with your fingers from top to bottom – a screenshot should appear.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 8 this gesture may conflict with the application curtailment function. If a screenshot is not created, check if another gesture is enabled in the settings.

4. Screenshot via Google Assistant (for users with GMS)

If your Redmi 3S has Google services installed (not the Chinese version), you can take a screenshot with voice or through the assistant menu, which is useful if the buttons or sensor are not working.

Instructions:

1. Activate Google Assistant by saying “OK Google” or holding the Home button (if it’s touch-sensitive).
2. Tell the command to “take a screenshot” or “Photography the screen.”
3. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi firmware, the voice assistant may be disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings → Annexes → All applications → Google and Enable Permits for Assistant.

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If the voice command doesn’t work, try an alternative way: open Google Assistant manually (holding the Home button) and type in a text request: “take a screenshot”.

5. Advanced method: screenshot via ADB (for power users)

If none of the above methods work (for example, because of damaged buttons or custom firmware), you can take a screenshot through ADB, a debugging tool for Android, which requires connecting the phone to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.

Redmi 3S

Command line.

Terminal

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (the name should appear).

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

adb pull /sdcard/screen.png

Important: If the screencap command returns a Permission denied error, try the alternative method via adb shell am broadcast (details in the spoiler below).

6. Screenshot apps: when nothing helps

If standard methods fail, you can install a third-party application. Redmi 3S will suit:

• 📱 Screenshot Touch – creates screenshots by touching the icon in the notification bar.
• 🖼️ Screen Master – Supports screenshots of scrolling pages.
• 🎮 AZ Screen Recorder – in addition to screen recording, can take pictures.

⚠️ Note: When installing screenshot applications MIUI It can ask permission to record the screen or overlay it on top of other windows. Without those permissions, the app won't work!

How do I get permission?

1. After installation, open the application and follow the instructions.
2. When a request appears, tap it and enable Allow display over other windows in the settings.
3. For recording applications (such as AZ Screen Recorder), also enable Screen Recording in Settings → Special Features.

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The app side is the only reliable way to take a screenshot on Redmi 3S with damaged buttons or unofficial firmware.

7.Typical errors and their solutions

Even on a device as simple as the Redmi 3S, users have trouble taking screenshots.

• 🔇 Power's not working. + Volume Down: Check if the Volume Down button is stuck (clean from dust).If the Power button is damaged, use ADB Or third-party apps. Some firmware has this combination disabled. MIUI.
• 📵 No screenshot icon in the notification bar: Update MIUI Up to version 10 or later: Install a launcher (like Nova Launcher) that supports screenshot widgets.
• 🔒 Screenshots are not saved: Check the space in the memory (at least you need it). 50 MB. Make sure the folder is Pictures/Screenshots Reboot your phone, sometimes the system processes freeze.

If neither method worked, it might be the firmware problem, and it’s worth considering flashing to a newer version of MIUI or custom firmware (like LineageOS 14.1, which officially supports Redmi 3S).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 3S