Redmi smartphone owners often face the need to capture the contents of the screen for later use. Whether it is important correspondence, instructions from the application or a frame from the game, saving the screen image is a basic feature available in the MIUI system. However, not all users are aware of the existence of various methods of creating images that go beyond the standard key combination.
Despite its age, the Redmi 5 remains popular due to its stable operation and user-friendly interface. In this article, we will explore all the available ways to create screenshots, including hidden features and settings that may not be obvious when you first get acquainted with the device, you will learn how to automate the process and avoid typical errors when saving data.
Understanding how image capture works will allow you to manage multimedia content effectively, and we’ll look at not only the mechanical actions, but also the software features of Xiaomi’s shell that make it easier to edit and send files immediately after they’re created.
Standard Method Through Physical Buttons
The most common and quick way to take a screenshot on any Android device is to use hardware buttons. In the case of Redmi 5, the procedure does not require the installation of additional software and works even in cases where the touch screen temporarily does not respond to touch.
It is important to follow the correct algorithm of pressing: buttons should be pressed simultaneously and held for a short period of time, usually about one second. If you just click on them or hold them for too long, the system can perceive this as a command to call the switch-off menu or change the sound level. Successful execution of the action is accompanied by a characteristic audible signal if the sound is not turned off, and visual animation of the screen curling.
Once you create a picture, you'll see a thumbnail notification at the top of the display, and you'll be in quick edit mode, where you can use tools to crop, draw and add text, and ignoring the notification will automatically save the file to the gallery.
☑️ Checking the success of the screenshot
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If you have thumbs, it is more convenient to first press the volume button, and then instantly connect the power button so as not to move the smartphone.
Using the Quick Settings Menu
For users who are uncomfortable manipulating physical buttons, or in situations where one of them is faulty, there is a software alternative. The MIUI shell features a convenient quick action menu accessible through the notification curtain. To use this method, you need to swipe from top to bottom to open the notification bar and find the icon with the image of the scissors.
If the icon is not on the first screen, you should go to the second section of the menu by swiping your finger to the left or pressing the appropriate edit button. In the list of available widgets, you need to find the screenshot element and drag it to the active zone. Once the shortcut is activated, creating copies of the screen becomes a matter of one touch, which is especially true when using a smartphone with one hand.
This method is also useful when software failures block the response to physical buttons, but it is worth remembering that in some secure applications, such as bank clients or incognito browser mode, the security system can prevent the creation of screenshots regardless of the method chosen, in which case a black rectangle with a warning will appear in the place of the image.
⚠️ Note: The screenshot icon in the curtain may not work in full-screen games or when playing video in horizontal mode due to the features of the interface optimization.
Screenshots with gestures in MIUI
MIUI is famous for its advanced management features, including gestures. Redmi 5 offers a screenshot by swiping three fingers across the screen from top to bottom, which is not activated by default and requires pre-configuration in the system menu.
To enable this feature, go to Settings, then select Additional and find the Screenshot subsection. Here you need to activate the Three-Finger Screenshot switch. Once turned on, you can capture the display contents with a simple swipe, which greatly speeds up the process and makes it more intuitive.
Gestures are especially useful when browsing long web pages or documents, where you want to quickly capture information without taking your hand off the screen. The system instantly responds to movement, creating a file and offering options for further processing. This is one of the most modern and ergonomic ways to interact with the interface of a smartphone.
Voice control and Google Assistant
Modern smartphones, including Redmi 5, allow you to control a lot of voice functions. If your hands are busy or you are in a situation where touching the screen is impossible, you can use a voice assistant. You just need to say an activating phrase, such as "OK, Google", or hold the central navigation button for a long time if it is configured accordingly.
Once the assistant is activated, say "Take a screenshot" or "Create a screenshot." The system recognizes the voice request and performs an action identical to clicking buttons. This method requires an Internet connection to process voice, although the basic commands can also work offline depending on the software version.
Voice control opens up new possibilities for people with disabilities, making the smartphone more accessible, and it's a quick way to take a screenshot when the phone is on the table or connected to the holder, and reach the buttons inconveniently. Recognition accuracy depends on the user's diction and the level of ambient noise.
Long screenshot function
One of the most useful features in Xiaomi’s ecosystem is the ability to create long screenshots, which captures not only the visible part of the screen, but also the content below by automatically scrolling the page, a feature that is indispensable for saving correspondence in messengers, long articles in the browser or contact lists.
To take advantage of this, first create a normal screenshot in any convenient way. Immediately after that, at the top of the screen, next to the thumbnail, an additional button with down arrows will appear. By pressing it, you will scroll down the screen, and the system will "stitch" the frames into a single long image.
The automatic scrolling process will stop when you reach the bottom of the page or when you manually press the stop button. The resulting file is saved as a normal image, but with increased height. This eliminates the need to take many individual frames and glue them later in third-party editors.
| Method | Speed. | Convenience | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons | Tall. | Average. | It always works. |
| Curtain. | Medium | High. | Requires unlocking. |
| Gestures | Tall. | Very high. | Training is needed. |
| Voice. | Low. | Depends on the situation. | Demands the Internet. |
Where are the screenshots stored and how to find them
After you create a screenshot on Redmi 5, the file is automatically saved to the device's internal memory. By default, all images are sent to the Screenshots system folder, which is located in the root directory of internal memory or on the SD memory card, if the camera and storage settings indicate otherwise.
The Gallery app has a separate album for screenshots, making it easier to navigate through media files, and it also has a basic sorting by date, allowing you to quickly find the right shot among hundreds of other photos. When you connect your smartphone to your computer, the folder will appear as DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots depending on the Android version.
If you change your save settings, check the path in the system settings. Sometimes users accidentally change the storage and files start to take up space on the memory card, which can lead to their loss when you retrieve the card. Regularly checking the save path helps to avoid confusion and loss of important data.
How to change the format of the preservation?
Solving Screenshot Problems
Despite the simplicity of the function, users sometimes face problems when a screenshot is not created or saved. One of the common reasons is an overflow of internal memory. If there is critically little space left on the Redmi 5 drive, the system will not be able to write a new file.
Another possible problem is software conflicts: Some applications running in the background can block screenshots for security reasons or code errors. Rebooting the device often helps to eliminate temporary system failures and restore button functionality.
It is also worth checking the permission settings. In rare cases, a system update may reset the access rights for system components. Make sure that in the Applications section, the standard gallery and system interface have the necessary memory rights. If the problem persists, you may need to reset the settings to factory settings.
⚠️ Warning: If screenshots are no longer saved after installing the update, don't rush to reset your phone.First check for updates for system applications in the GetApps store or Play Market.
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The main reason for the failure of the screenshot function is a lack of free memory or a conflict between the running application and the administrator rights.