How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: all the ways (including hidden)

Why screenshots on the Redmi Note 7 are not as easy as it seems

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, launched in 2019, is still one of the brand’s most popular budget devices, but many users face unexpected difficulties in taking a screenshot, with MIUI’s custom firmware offering multiple ways to capture screenshots, from classic to hidden.

If you’re used to Android in its pure form (like the Pixel or Samsung), then the button combinations or gestures on the Redmi Note 7 may seem counterintuitive. Moreover, some methods only work on certain versions of MIUI — for example, the voice assistant for screenshots was only introduced in 2021. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for 2026, including those that are not written in the official instructions.

It’s also important to consider the hardware features of the model: the physical buttons on the Redmi Note 7 are not located in the same way as on the new Redmi Note 12 or POCO, and the touch screen does not support all gestures. If you can’t take a screenshot the first time, don’t be quick to blame yourself: you may just be using the wrong method for your version of the firmware.

Method 1: Classic button combination (always working)

The most reliable and versatile method is the use of physical buttons, which works on any version of MIUI, including the very first releases for the Redmi Note 7.

1. Open on the screen what you want to capture (for example, a message on WhatsApp or a page in Chrome).
2. At the same time, press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left).
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound or see an animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Attention: If you press the buttons too long (more than 3 seconds), the smartphone may start to restart or open the shutdown menu. Also avoid pressing Volume Up - this will lead to activation of the Fastboot mode.

Where do I look for a screenshot? By default, all screenshots are saved in a folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

Or through the gallery: open the Photos app → Screenshots album.

Method 2: Three-finger gesture (fastest, but not on all firmware)

One of the most convenient ways is to make a three-finger gesture across the screen, but it only works if:

• 📱 You're set. MIUI 10 or newer (on the Redmi Note) 7 slippery MIUI 10, But many have upgraded to MIUI 12/13).
• ⚙️ Function enabled in settings (can be disabled by default).
• 👆 Touch screen is serviceable (the gesture won’t work if you have cracked glass or a faulty display).

How to turn on the gesture:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Gestures and movements → Screenshot.
2. Activate the swipe switch with three fingers.
3. Select the direction of the swipe (usually down).

Now, to take a screenshot, just swipe your three fingers across the screen from top to bottom.

• 🧹 Try clearing the Settings app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Clear the cache).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📲 Check if the gesture is blocking the cover or protective glass.

Method 3: Notification panel (if buttons don't work)

If you have a power button that is faulty or you just don't like to pinch combinations, you can take a screenshot through the notification panel. This method works on all versions of MIUI, but requires pre-configuration:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (Edit (or) ⋮ → Edit the panel).
3. Find the screenshot button in the list and drag it to the active area.
4. Save the changes.

Now, when you open the notification panel, you will have a separate button for screenshots, which is especially useful if you often take screenshots in games or applications where pressing the buttons can interfere with gameplay.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) may not have a screenshot button in the widget list.

💡

If the Screenshot button is missing after the MIUI update, try resetting the notification bar settings: Settings → Notifications → Additional → Resetting the panel settings

Method 4: Voice command (for those who like to control voice)

Few people know, but the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 supports voice screenshots through the built-in Google Assistant or Xiao AI (on Chinese firmware), which is ideal if your hands are busy or your sensor/buttons are not working.

Instructions for Google Assistant:

1. Activate the assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
2. Say, Take a screenshot or a screenshot.
3. Confirm the action if necessary.

For Xiao AI (only on Chinese firmware):

1. Hold the Home button or say (Xiao Ai Tungsue).
2. Say: (Jetu is a screenshot in Chinese).

Limitations of the method:

• 🗣️ It only works when connected to the Internet (voice commands are processed on servers). Google/Xiaomi).
• 🔇 In noisy places, the assistant may not recognize the team.
• 📵 On some firmware, voice screenshots are disabled by default (you need to enable in the assistant settings).

Method 5: Delayed Screenshot (for scrollable pages)

If you want to take a picture of a long web page, chat or list (like Telegram or Instagram), a standard screenshot will crop some of the content. MIUI has a hidden Scrolling Screenshot feature, but it doesn't work well. Here's how to use it:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the screenshot appears in the lower right corner, click on it.
3. In the editor that opens, tap the Scrolling icon (or Long Screenshot).
4. Wait until the smartphone automatically scrolls the page and connects the pictures.

Challenges and solutions:

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 7 s 3/32 GB of memory, scrolling screenshots may not be saved due to a lack of RAM, in which case, close all background applications before creating a snapshot.

What to do if none of the methods work?

If screenshots are not created by any of the methods, the problem may lie in:

• 🔧 System applications failure – try clearing the cache MIUI System UI (Settings → Annexes → All applications → System UI → Clear the cache).
• 📱 File system damage – check if there is enough memory (screenshots are not saved if less than 500 MB is free).
• 🛠️ Button malfunctions – if the physical keys don’t work, use gestures or notification bar.
• 🐞 Baggage of a specific version MIUI — for example, MIUI 12.0.3 Some users complained about the lack of sound when screenshot (reboot solved).

Extreme measures:

1. Reset settings (does not delete data, but resets gesture settings): Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset all settings.
2. Install a third-party application, such as Screenshot Easy or Screen Master (requires overlay permission).
3. Flashing – If the problem has occurred after the upgrade, rolling back to the older version of MIUI can help (but it’s risky!).

💡

If the screenshots stopped working after the update MIUI, Try to revert to the previous version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⋮ → Select the update package (needs a firmware file).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi Note 7