Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to capture the contents of the screen. Whether it is saving correspondence, a check from an online store or an interesting shot from the game, the functionality of creating screenshots is one of the most popular. The Redmi 5 model, despite its age, remains popular due to the stable operation of the MIUI shell, which offers many ways to solve this problem.
Not only is the standard keyboard shortcut available to users, but advanced techniques such as finger drawing or voice commands, and understanding all the options available can dramatically speed up the device. In this article, we will discuss each method in detail so that you can choose the most convenient use case for screenshots.
So, you've got to focus on settings where you can change the behavior of buttons or activate additional functions. So, having a good interface setup makes it instant and intuitive, and let's get to the practical side and look at the physical controls.
Classical Method Through Physical Buttons
The fastest and most time-tested way to take a screenshot on Redmi 5 is to use hardware buttons, which works even when the touchscreen is temporarily unresponsive or busy with the system processes, and to implement this plan, you need to simultaneously press two keys: the Power button and the Volume Down button.
It's important to press them synchronously, but without undue effort, so as not to damage the mechanism. If you hear the characteristic click of the camera shutter and see the flash of the screen, you will see that the screenshot has been successfully created. In the upper corner of the screen, you will instantly see a thumbnail that allows you to quickly edit or send a file.
⚠️ Warning: Do not hold the buttons too long, as a prolonged press of the power key can trigger the device’s switch off menu or trigger the voice assistant if this feature is activated.
If you don't work the first time, try changing the rhythm of the taps. Sometimes it takes a fraction of a second between taps, although ideally they should be simultaneous. This method is the basis for the entire line of Android smartphones and is guaranteed to work on the firmware of any version.
For those who prefer visual instructions, the following is a table of combinations:
| Action. | Button combination | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Standard shot. | Power + Volume (-) | Saving the current screen |
| Shutdown menu | Long Power. | Choice of mode of operation |
| Voice assistant | Long Power (set-up) | Activation of Google Assistant |
| Volume up. | Loudness (+) | Sound level rise |
The use of physical keys remains the most reliable option in critical situations, and when the system is overloaded, it is the hardware command input that allows you to fix an error or an important message.
Use of the notification curtain menu
The MIUI shell is famous for its convenient control center, and if you're uncomfortable reaching for buttons or holding your phone with one hand, you can use software to do this, just unlock the screen and swipe down from top to bottom to open the notification curtain.
In the quick access icon menu that opens, you'll need to find an icon called "Screenshot," which usually looks like a scissor or a screen image. If you don't see it on the first page, flip to the right to open the additional pages of the control panel.
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You can edit the order of the icons in the curtain. Click on the three dots or edit icon in the menu corner and drag "Screenshot" to a convenient location for quick access.
Once you click on the icon, the system will instantly snap a picture of the current image, a technique that is particularly useful when the phone is on the table or fixed in the holder, and it is difficult to reach the side edges.
It's worth noting that in some versions of MIUI, this shortcut may be called Screenshot. The functionality doesn't change, but the visual designation may differ. This software solution doesn't require knowledge of keyboard combinations.
Three fingers function and other gestures
One of the most convenient features of Xiaomi smartphones is the ability to create screenshots using gestures. On Redmi 5, this feature can be activated in the system settings. It allows you to take a screenshot by simply swiping three fingers from top to bottom across the display.
To enable this option, go to Settings, then select Additional and find Screenshot. You need to activate the switch opposite the Three Finger Screenshot function, and then the gesture will be available in all applications.
- 🖐 Swipe three fingers from top to bottom for an instant snapshot.
- ✏️ Use this method to quickly save long lists.
- ⚙️ Set the sensitivity of touches in the menu of special features.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure you have a high-quality protective glass on the screen. Cheap films can reduce the sensitivity of the touch screen, and the system does not recognize the touch of three fingers at the same time.
This is a time-saving and spectacular technique, especially popular among users who share content on social media, and the flexibility of MIUI settings allows them to adapt their phone to their habits.
If the gesture doesn't work the first time, try to increase your speed or press your fingers tighter against the screen, and the system should record three simultaneous touches, which on older screens sometimes requires addiction.
☑️ Customization of gestures
Voice control via Google Assistant
Modern smartphones allow you to control many functions with voice. On Redmi 5, you can use the built-in Google Assistant to take screenshots without touching the screen, which is true when your hands are busy or dirty.
To use this feature, you first need to activate the assistant, which can be done by long pressing the home button (if it is software) or by saying the phrase "Ok Google" if the waiting function is active. After the assistant logo appears, say the command "Take a screenshot" or "Screenshot of the screen."
The system recognizes the command and automatically saves the current screen image, and in some cases, the assistant can refine the action or show a preview, which requires an Internet connection to perform the most accurate speech recognition.
Why doesn't the assistant understand the team?
Using voice input is a step toward automating processes. While Redmi 5 microphones may not work as perfectly as flagships, basic commands are usually recognized without problems.
Extended screenshot and editing
Once you've created a screenshot, regardless of the method you've chosen, you open the preview menu, and you have quick editing tools available, and you can cut the edges, add text, draw arrows, or put a marker on sensitive information.
One key feature is Scrolling Screenshot. If you need to capture a long article or correspondence, click on the arrow-down icon after you create a normal screenshot. The screen will start scrolling automatically, capturing the content below.
- 📏 The clipping allows you to leave only the desired part of the image.
- 🎨 Drawing helps to focus on details.
- 📄 Scrolling creates a long vertical image.
The long screenshot function does not work in all applications, for example, in some browsers or secure applications of banks, automatic scrolling can be blocked for security reasons, in which case you will have to take several ordinary pictures.
All edited images are saved in their original quality, and the built-in MIUI editor is functional enough for basic tasks, eliminating the need to install third-party applications.
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The built-in screenshot editor in MIUI allows you to perform 90% of the necessary actions without installing additional programs, saving the device memory.
Where to look for saved screenshots
After successfully creating an image, many users are lost in search of a file. On Xiaomi Redmi 5, all screenshots are saved by default to the standard gallery. Open the Gallery app and go to the Screenshots album.
The path to the folder is usually: Internal Memory → MIUI → Gallery → CloudItems → Screenshots (the path can vary depending on the version of MIUI, often just the Pictures/Screenshots folder).
If you deleted a screenshot from the gallery but it was sent to the messenger, a copy of it can be found in the folder of the corresponding application, for example, in Android → media → com.whatsapp → WhatsApp → Media → WhatsApp Images.
How to change the folder of saving screenshots?
Why do screenshots take up a lot of space?
Can I take screenshots in incognito mode?
Understanding the structure of the Android file system helps you find files faster, and regular sorting of the media library prevents cluttering of the device’s memory.
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Use the Cleanup app in the Tools folder to quickly remove duplicate screenshots and free up space on Redmi 5.
We’ve covered all the main ways to create screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 5. From the classic buttons to voice control, every user will find the right option. Experiment with settings to make using your smartphone as comfortable as possible.