How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways from standard to hidden

There are a dozen ways to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi, from the classic button combination to voice commands and hidden MIUI shell features. But most users have used only one method for years, without even knowing that in a critical situation (for example, when a sensor freezes or a broken power button), there are alternatives. This article will not just list the methods, but will analyze their pros, cons and nuances for different scenarios, from saving a long web page to creating a screenshot with a clamped volume button.

Redmi smartphones feature signature features like Scrolling Screenshot (long screen) and Google Assistant integration, which are not available on Android naked. While some methods (such as ADB) require training, but provide unique capabilities such as taking screenshots on a locked phone. We tested all methods on models from Redmi Note 7 (2019) to Redmi 13C (2026) - instructions are relevant for all versions of MIUI 12-14.

1. Classic method: power buttons + volume

The most reliable and versatile method, which works even on a hung phone or with a faulty sensor, is suitable for all Redmi models, including the budget Redmi A and Redmi Go series:

  1. Open the screen that you need to save.
  2. Press the Power (on) button and the Volume Down button at the same time.
  3. Hold for 1-2 seconds until the screenshot animation (white flash) and shutter sound appear.

The image is automatically saved to the gallery in the Screenshots folder. If the sound is turned off, focus on the visual effect - the screen will blink slightly.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Long-term button retention can cause the reboot menu. If the screenshot fails, try pressing faster - the delay should be no more than 1.5 seconds.

  • βœ… It works always, even without the Internet and when there are failures. MIUI.
  • βœ… The fastest way (0.5-1 seconds).
  • ❌ Uncomfortable with one hand on large smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
  • ❌ Risk of accidentally triggering the shutdown menu.
πŸ“Š What kind of screenshot do you use most often?
Power buttons + volumes
Three-finger gesture
Notification panel
Voice assistant

2. Trifinal gesture (swipe down)

A MIUI signature feature that eliminates the need to memorize button combinations to activate:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Additional Features β†’ Gestures β†’ Screenshot of three fingers.
  2. Turn on the switch and select the swipe direction (default - down).
  3. Swipe three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (or in the selected direction).

The speed of the gesture should be average - too slow or fast movement may not work. AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) The gesture works even when the display is turned off (if the Always On Display function is enabled).

Activate the function in settings|Select the direction of the swipe|Check the work on the main screen|Trying at different speeds of movement-->

Model RedmiSupport for the gestureFeatures
Redmi Note 10/11/12Yes.It works with MIUI 12+.
Redmi 9/9A/9CYes.Requires an upgrade to MIUI 13
Redmi K40/K50Yes.Supports swipe in any direction
Redmi A1/A2No.Budget models without function

If the gesture doesn't work,

  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone – sometimes crashes MIUI block out recognition.
  • πŸ“± Check if left-handed mode is enabled in gesture settings.
  • πŸ‘† Try swiping from the top of the screen (sometimes the bottom edge is not recognized).

πŸ’‘

On Redmi, with a high refresh rate of 120/144 Hz, the three-finger gesture can be triggered with a delay. Try reducing the frequency to 60 Hz in the display settings for the test.

3. Screenshot via notification panel

Less well-known, but convenient, way to do this is especially if the power button is broken or the phone is lying on the table.

  1. Turn the notification bar swipe from top to bottom.
  2. Find the screenshot icon in the quick settings. If it's not there:

Click on the icon – the picture will be taken in 1-2 seconds.

The advantage of the method is that you can take a screenshot with one hand, even if the phone is lying on the table. The disadvantage is that the icon takes up space in the Quick Settings panel, which could be used for other functions (for example, Flashlight or Airplane Mode).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for European market) the screenshot icon in the notification bar may not be available even after editing.

4. Voice Assistant (Google Assistant or Xiao AI)

If you have busy hands or need to take a screenshot remotely (for example, through headphones), a voice command will help. Xiaomi supports two options:

Method 1: 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 required).

Method 2: Xiao AI (China/India only)

On firmware with Xiao AI (e.g. MIUI China):

  1. Press the power button to call an assistant.
  2. Say in Chinese: (JiΓ© tΓΊ - "screenshot").
How to turn on voice commands for screenshots on a locked screen?
1. Go to Settings β†’ Lock and Protection β†’ Advanced Settings β†’ Voice Assistant. 2. Enable the option to Allow Access from Locked Screen. 3. Now you can say Okay, Google, take a screenshot without even unlocking your phone (it doesn’t work on all firmware).

5. Long screenshot (scrolling page)

A unique MIUI feature that allows you to save an entire web page, chat or document in one snapshot, works in a browser, WhatsApp, Telegram and most scroll apps.

  1. Take a regular screenshot in any way (buttons or gestures).
  2. Immediately after the thumbnail of the picture appears at the bottom of the screen, click on it.
  3. In the editor that opens, tap on Scrolling (or Long Screenshot).
  4. Wait for the page to automatically scroll and click Ready.

The maximum screenshot length is up to 10 screens (depending on the model). On the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with 12 GB of RAM, the function works stably even with heavy web pages, and on budget models (for example, the Redmi A2+) it can β€œsuppose”.

  • 🌐 Supported apps: Chrome, Mi Browser, Telegram, WhatsApp, Twitter.
  • ❌ Not working: in games, Instagram (due to content protection), some banking applications.
  • πŸ“ Maximum length: up to 50,000 pixels vertically (approximately 20 screens on Redmi 10).

πŸ’‘

A long screenshot is saved as a separate file in PNG format, which can be immediately cropped, added text or shared through the editing menu.

6.Alternative methods: ADB, volume button and secret codes

These methods are useful in non-standard situations – for example, if the sensor does not work or you need to take a screenshot on a locked phone.

Method 1: ADB (for developers)

It allows you to take a screenshot from your computer even if your phone is locked:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png


adb pull /sdcard/screen.png

Requires USB debugging enabled (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version – tap 7 times to activate the developer mode).

Method 2: Volume button + power menu

Some models (e.g. Redmi K30 Pro) have an alternative combination:

  1. Press the Power and Volume button.
  2. In the menu that appears, select Screenshot (if any).

Method 3: Secret code (testing only)

Enter the dialer:

##7284##

This will open up a testing menu where you can take a screenshot through Screen Test. Not recommended to use unnecessarily - some tests may reset settings.

⚠️ Attention: Method C ADB Incorrect use of commands can lead to data loss or system failure. For ordinary users, it is better to choose one of the first five ways.

Where screenshots are stored and how to manage them

By default, all screenshots are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

From there, they can:

  • πŸ“€ Share directly from the gallery (long-term click) β†’ Share).
  • βœ‚οΈ Cut or add text through the built-in editor (icon) ✎ bottom-right corner of the miniature).
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Delete the package: open the Screenshots folder in the gallery β†’ Management β†’ Select a few files.
  • πŸ”„ Automatically upload to the cloud: Enable Autoboot in Mi Cloud in Gallery Settings.

If screenshots are not saved:

  1. Check the space in the memory (Settings β†’ Storage).
  2. Make sure that the Gallery app has permission to access the files.
  3. Restart your phone – sometimes MIUI forgets the save path.

πŸ’‘

To prevent screenshots from taking up space in the gallery, reconfigure the save path through the file manager: create a Screenshots folder on the site. SD-map and change the default path in the Camera app settings (if available).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi

Can I take a screenshot on a phone that is turned off?
No, all methods require the phone to be turned on, but on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+) you can take a picture from a locked screen via voice assistant (if the appropriate setting is enabled).
Why do screenshots turn out black?
This is a typical problem when trying to take a picture in secure applications (banks, Netflix, some games), you can’t get around the restriction, it is laid down at the Android level to protect sensitive data.
How to turn off the shutter sound when screenshot?
Go to Settings β†’ Sounds and Vibrations β†’ System Sounds and turn off the Screenshot Sound. On some firmware, the sound is tied to the general Camera Sound, and then you have to turn it off completely.
Can I take a screenshot with the S Pen (on the Redmi Note 10 Pro with stylus support)?
No, Xiaomi didn't add this feature, unlike the Samsung Note's Stylus on Redmi works only for drawing and navigation, but not for taking screenshots.
How to recover deleted screenshots?
If files are recently deleted (within 30 days), check the Recycle Bin in the gallery. For deep recovery, use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (root access required). Importantly, do not save new files to your phone until you recover them, they can overwrite deleted data.