How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi 8, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone with functional firmware MIUI. The ability to take screenshots (screenshots) is built into the system, but not all users are aware of all available methods — especially if it comes to gestures or voice control. In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to create screenshots on Redmi 8, including rare techniques for non-standard situations.

It is important to understand that the methods may vary depending on the version of MIUI (Redmi 8 has 10 to 12.5 versions), and we will also touch on the typical problems: why screenshots are not saved, how to change the file format or storage folder, and what to do if the picture is black. If you use custom firmware, some functions may work differently.

Method 1: Classic button combination (Volume Down + Power)

It’s a versatile method that works on all Android smartphones, including the Xiaomi Redmi 8.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (app, web page, game).
2. At the same time, press the Volume Down button and the Power button.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the save animation.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 8 with worn buttons can only be triggered by one click (for example, turning off the screen instead of a screenshot.

Where to look for the finished shot? By default, the screenshots are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

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If the screenshot is not saved, check if the system sound is turned off - without it, the animation of the operation can be imperceptible.

Method 2: Three fingers down gesture (starting with MIUI 9)

Xiaomi's signature feature is to create screenshots with a gesture, which is useful if the Power or Volume buttons are faulty, to activate the function:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the option “Screenshot with three fingers”** and turn on the switch.
3. Select the action: Screenshot or Long Screenshot (for scrollable pages).

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Place three fingers on the screen (no matter which one).
2. Move them from top to bottom in one quick move.

🔹 - Is it a gesture problem:

• 👆 There are no greasy spots or protections on the screen that interfere with the sensor.
• 📱 Touch sensitivity option enabled (in screen settings).
• 🔄 The gesture does not conflict with other functions (e.g., double tapping to wake up).

Method 3: Voice command via Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant enabled, you can take a voice screenshot, which is useful when your hands are busy or your buttons are not available.

1. Activate voice assistant: Long hold of the Home button (if physical). or say OK, Google (if the feature is configured).

"Screenshot"

Confirm the action (if required).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Voice screenshots may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case use the alternative app Google** (which has a screenshot button built in).

Advantages of the method:

• 🎤 Works without hands.
• 📌 You can tie to a fast start (for example, double pressing the power button).
• 🌐 Supports teams in Russian and English.

Method 4: Screenshot via the notification menu (MIUI 10 and later)

A little-known, but quick way is to use the notification bar, which is good if you don't want to remember button combinations.

1. Deploy the notification panel (swipe your finger from the top edge of the screen down).
2. Find the screenshot icon** (usually hidden under the button) ⋮ or ⚙️).
3. Slip it on it - the picture will be taken instantly.

If the badge is not:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Notification panel → Order of badges.
• 🔍 Find the screenshot** in the list and drag it to the active area.

📌 Tip: This method is convenient for long screenshots (scrollable pages). Once you click on the icon, you will see the option Scrolling - tap it to capture all the content (for example, a chat in Telegram or a feed in VKontakte).

Method 5: Screenshot via PC (ADB or Mi PC Suite)

If the Redmi 8 screen is broken, but the smartphone is turned on, you can take a screenshot through the computer.

• 🖥️ PC Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB mi PC Suite.

Instructions via ADB:

1. Turn on USB Debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the trusted device.

adb devices

(Serial number of your Redmi 8 should be displayed).

adb exec-out screencap -p > screenshot.png

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

Instructions via Mi PC Suite:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Connect Redmi 8 to USB and wait for recognition.
3. In the main menu of the program, select Screenshot - the picture will appear on the PC screen.

Install ADB on PC|Enable USB debugging on phone |Connect the original cable |Check device detection by adb devices |Save screenshot to a convenient folder-->

Solving Screenshot Problems on Redmi 8

Sometimes screenshots don't save, they turn black, or they disappear from the gallery, and we'll look at the typical causes and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved

• 📁 Check the space in the phone’s memory (needs a minimum of 100 MB).
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes system processes “hang up».
• 🛠️ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (in Settings) → Update of the PO).

Problem 2: Black screenshot

• 🎮 It's normal to play with protection. DRM (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
• 🔒 Some apps (banks, instant messengers) block screenshots for security reasons.
• 📺 If the screen is black when shooting video, try turning off Hardware Acceleration in the app settings.

Problem 3: You can’t take a screenshot in a particular app

On Redmi 8 with MIUI 12+, some system applications (such as Security or Wallet) block screenshots at the kernel level, and you can only get around this through ADB or root rights.

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If screenshots don't work either way, reset your phone to factory settings (pre-save data!). This eliminates 90% of software failures.

Additional chips: editing and automatic saving

After you take a screenshot of Redmi 8, you see a thumbnail in the bottom right corner, and you tap it to:

• ✏️ Edit the picture (stripping, drawing, adding text).
• 📤 Share immediately in messengers or social networks.
• 🗑️ Delete if a screenshot is not needed.

🔹 How to change the format of screenshots?

By default, the images are saved to.png, but you can change the format to.jpg (less weight) or.webp (better quality).

1. Install a file manager (such as Solid Explorer).
2. Go to Pictures/Screenshots folder.
3. Select the screenshot → Rename → Change the extension.

⚠️ Note: When converting to.jpg, transparency (if any) is lost. For professional editing, use Snapseed or Photoshop Express.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 8