How to make a printscreen on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi 9 remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even years after its release — and the question of “how to take a screenshot” is still relevant for new owners. Unlike flagships, where functionality is often duplicated, there are only 3 standard methods available (plus 2 hidden), and each of them may not work due to MIUI settings, mechanical damage to buttons or conflict with the shell.

In this guide, we will not only show all working methods (including gestures and voice commands), but also understand why a screenshot may not be saved, where the pictures disappear and how to return the function if it is Suddenly disappeared after an update. Separately, we will dwell on the unique problem of Redmi 9 with “black screenshots” when shooting videos in some applications – this is a firmware bug that Xiaomi has not fixed in some regional builds.

1. Classic method: power buttons + volume

The most reliable method that works even in case of software failures: the Redmi 9 (like most Xiaomi) uses physical buttons:

1. At the same time, press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left).
2. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.
3. Release the buttons - the picture is saved!

⚠️ Attention: If you have a case with ears on the buttons, they can block simultaneous pressing. Try removing the case or pressing with more effort.

Screen unlocked and content active |

The buttons are not stuck or damaged |

No active calls or screen recordings |

Battery level above 5% (at critical charge, the system blocks screenshots)-->

This method works 99% of the time, but may not work if:

• 🔋 The battery is almost discharged (the system disables “unnecessary” functions).
• 🔧 Do not disturb with blocking notifications.
• 🛠️ One of the buttons is damaged (for example, after falling).
• 🤖 Installed custom firmware without support for standard gestures MIUI.

2. Three finger gesture (the fastest way)

Xiaomi's signature feature, which saves time, is just swipe three fingers down on the screen, but by default, this feature is disabled, to activate it:

1. Open Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Turn on the screenshot switch with three fingers.
3. Select the direction of the gesture (by default - from top to bottom).

💡 Useful advice: If the gesture doesn’t work, try it:

• 🧹 Wipe the screen – greasy spots interfere with touch recognition.
• 📱 Disable the protective film (some models block multi-touch).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes the system “forgets” your gesture settings.

💡

If you have left-handed mode enabled in your settings, the gesture direction is automatically mirrored. To return the standard direction, turn off this mode in Settings → Special features

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Instant screenshot without searching for buttons.
• 🎯 It works with one hand (unless the screen is too large).
• 🔇 No shutter sound (useful for hidden shots).

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 It can be triggered by accident when scrolling pages.
• 🛑 Does not work in some games and applications with gesture blocking (for example, PUBG Mobile).

3. Voice command "OK Google" (no hands)

If you have Google Assistant set up, you can take a voice screenshot -- handy when your hands are busy or your buttons are not working.

1. Activate the voice assistant with the phrase OK Google or hold the Home button.
2. Tell the command: Take a screenshot or a screenshot.
3. Confirm the action (if required).

⚠️ Attention: This method requires:

• 🌐 Internet connections (teams are processed on Google servers).
• 🗣️ Configured voice in Settings → Google → Services at the Assistant → Voice match.
• 📱 Google Assistant Permits (can be blocked in some regions).

🔹 Alternative for China: On smartphones with firmware for the Chinese market (MIUI China) XiaoAI is used instead of Google Assistant. (pronounced Xiao Ai Tong Xue, Tse Tu»).

4. Quick settings panel (if buttons don't work)

A little-known way to save when a physical button or sensor is faulty.

1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ Edit (pencil in upper right corner).
3. Find a Screen Capture tile (called Screen Capture) and drag it to the active area.
4. Now, when swiping down, it is enough to tap on this tile to take a picture.

📌 Important: On some versions MIUI (especially 12.5), the screenshot tile is hidden, and if it's not on the list, update the firmware or use alternative methods.

5. Screenshot via computer (ADB)

An extreme method for advanced users, if all other methods don't work, would require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and confirm your trust in your phone.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(The serial number of your device should be displayed).

1. Run the command for the screenshot:

adb exec-out screencap -p > screenshot.png

The photo will be saved in the folder from where the team was launched.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work if:

• 🔒 A pattern lock or password is installed and the phone is locked.
• 🛡️ Function on MIUI Optimization in Developer Settings (can block screencap).
• 🔄 Unofficial firmware is used without support ADB.

6 Problem Solving: Screenshot not saved or black

If the screenshot is not created or is kept blank/black, check the following points:

🔍 Problem 1: Screenshot is not saved in the gallery

• 📁 Check the folder. DCIM → Screenshots via File Manager.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the system doesn’t update your library.
• 🗑️ Clear the Gallery app cache (Settings) → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

🖥️ Problem 2: Black screenshot (especially in games/video)

This is a well-known Redmi 9 bug with the Mali-G52 MC2 driver, which blocks image capture in some applications (e.g. TikTok, Netflix, Call of Duty Mobile).

• 🎮 Use the built-in screen recording function, then take a screenshot from the video.
• 🔧 Turn off hardware acceleration in the settings of the problem application (if there is such an option).
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI 14 (in some assemblies, the bug has been fixed).

⚙️ Problem 3: Screenshot feature is missing after update

It is often found when switching from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13/14.

1. Reset gesture settings: Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Reset settings.
2. Clear the application data System settings (Settings → Applications → All Apps → Settings → Storage → Clear data).
3. Install the patch through MIUI bootloader (if available for your model).

💡

If none of the methods work, check if the phone has an app to block screenshots (such as App Lock or corporate apps). MDM-They can completely disable a function at the system level.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 9