Taking screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is one of the most popular features that users use every day. Whether you want to save important correspondence, capture an error in the application or share interesting content from social networks, the ability to quickly take screenshots saves time and nerves. However, not everyone knows that on devices running MIUI there are 5 different ways to create screenshots, including hidden features for advanced users.
In this article, we will explore all the current methods, from the classic combination of buttons to gestures and voice commands, pay special attention to the nuances for different Redmi models (including the Redmi Note 12, Redmi 13C and POCO X5), and also reveal the secrets of working with screenshots in scrolling and editing mode. If you have ever encountered a screenshot that does not save or turns out to be black, here you will find solutions to these problems.
1. Classical method: button combination
The most versatile method, working on all Redmi models - from the budget Redmi A1 to the flagship Redmi K60.
- 📱 Power button (right) + volume-reduce button (left)
- 🕒 Hold them down. 1-1.5 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see the animation
- 📁 The screenshot will automatically be saved in the folder. DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots
On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+) the shutdown menu can work if you press the buttons too long. To avoid this, press quickly and clearly. If you have a MIUI 14+ shell installed, a thumbnail for quick editing will appear in the lower right corner after you take a screenshot.
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On devices with a physical Home button (Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A), instead of the power button, you can use the Home + Volume Down combination.
It's a reliable method, but it's not always convenient -- especially if you're holding your phone with one hand, and in those cases, alternatives come to the rescue.
2. Screenshot by gesture (three fingers)
MIUI's signature feature is the ability to take screenshots with a simple swipe three fingers down, which is enabled by default on most modern Redmis, but if it doesn't work, it's easy to activate:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Gestures
- Select the screenshot with three fingers
- Activate the switch and test the gesture on any screen
Advantages of this method:
- ⚡ Faster than pressing buttons (especially for larger screens)
- 👆 It works in any position of the phone (even lying on your side)
- 🎯 Accuracy: You can take a screenshot of a specific moment in a video or animation
Check if the mode is on in the settings|Make sure your fingers touch the screen at the same time|Try swipe in different parts of the screen|Reboot your phone if the gesture doesn’t work-->
Some models (e.g. Redmi 10C) may require gesture calibration, so go to the gesture settings and follow the instructions on the screen. If the screenshot is delayed, try increasing the swipe sensitivity in additional settings.
3. Scrolling screenshot (long shot)
When you need to save an entire web page, a Telegram correspondence, or a list in Excel, the Scrolling Screenshot (also known as a long screenshot) feature comes to the rescue. It is available in MIUI 12 and later and works like this:
- Take a regular screenshot in any way.
- Immediately after the appearance of the thumbnail at the bottom of the screen, tap it on it.
- In the editor that opens, select the Scrolling icon (two arrows down)
- Wait for the automatic screen scrolling and press Ready
Limitations of function:
- 🚫 It doesn’t work in some apps (e.g. TikTok, Instagram Stories)
- 📏 Maximum screenshot length – up to 10 screens (depending on model)
- ⚠️ In Redmi Note 9 and older, you may need to enable Settings. → Additionally. → Scrolling screenshot
Why does the screenshot get cut off? If a long screenshot ends at half a page, check it out.
For Redmi with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) Scrolling screenshot is saved in.png format with a transparent background, which is convenient for further editing in Photoshop or Canva.
4.Voice command and Google Assistant
If you have busy hands or just like to control your phone, Xiaomi Redmi supports screenshots through voice assistants.
Method 1: Google Assistant
- Activate the assistant with the command “OK, Google” or holding the Home button
- Say: Take a screenshot or take a screenshot.
- Confirm the action (if required)
Method 2: via XiaoAI (for China/Global Firmware)
- 🎤 Press the search button (or say Hey, XiaoAI)
- 🗣️ Say: (in Chinese) or Take a screenshot (in global firmware)
Important nuances:
- 🔊 Voice commands only work if the settings enable access to Special Assistant Features
- 📵 In Do Not Disturb or with the microphone turned off, the function is not available
- 🌐 On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) You may need to install an additional language package.
Power and volume buttons | Three-finger gesture | Scrolling screenshot | Voice command | Another way-->
5. Screenshot through the Quick Settings panel
A little-known but extremely convenient method is to add a screenshot button to the notification curtain, which saves you when the physical buttons don't work or you prefer one-handed control.
- Open the notification panel swipe down
- Slap the icon. ⚙️ Edit (pencil)
- Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.
- Now one tap on the new icon can take screenshots
Advantages of this method:
- ☝️ No need to remember button combinations
- 🔄 It works even if one of the physical buttons is broken.
- 📱 It is convenient for large phones (e.g. Redmi). K60 Ultra)
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If the Screenshot icon is not in the tiles list, update the MIUI to the latest version or reset the notification panel settings to Settings → Notifications → More.
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI EU), this feature may be called Screen capture, and if nothing happens after clicking on the icon, check if the icon is blocked by the power saving mode.
6. Screenshot Problems and Their Solutions
Even on the new Redmi models, users sometimes find that screenshots are not saved, black or gestures are not working, and consider common mistakes and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot not saved | We're out of space on the device. | Clear Memory or Change the Save Path to Settings → Storage |
| Black screenshot. | DRM-Protection in applications (Netflix, banks) | Use the built-in save function in the application itself |
| The three-finger gesture doesn't work. | Conflict with other gestures (for example, screenshot with the palm) | Turn off conflicting functions in Settings → Gestures |
| No shutter sound. | System sound or "No sound" mode is disabled | Check the volume in Settings → Sound |
Special attention should be paid to DRM-protected applications (for example, Netflix, Disney+ or banking programs), which block the creation of screenshots at the system level.
- 📸 Use the built-in staff saving function (if any)
- 🎥 Take a screen on another phone or camera
- 🔍 Check the application settings – sometimes the restriction can be turned off
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If screenshots are saved in low resolution, check the screen camera settings in Settings → Screen → Screen resolution. Up to 2K resolution is available on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
On root-right devices (for example, after unlocking the bootloader), there may be problems saving screenshots due to the changed system resolutions, in which case reinstalling the standard com.miui.screenshot application via ADB will help.
7. Editing and managing screenshots
After you take a screenshot, MIUI offers basic editing tools right in the thumbnail that appears in the bottom right corner.
- ✏️ Cutting: changing the boundaries of the image
- 🎨 Drawing: brushes, markers, addition of text
- 🔍 Blurring: Hiding Confidential Information
- 📎 Adding stickers and emojis
For advanced editing, screenshots are automatically synced with the Gallery app, where additional features are available:
- 🖼️ Collage: Combining multiple screenshots
- 🎭 Filters: changing the color scheme
- 🔄 Turning and leveling
- 📤 Quick sending to messengers
On models with MIUI 14+, the function “Smart Text” appeared – it automatically recognizes the text in the screenshot and allows:
- 🔍 Search for highlighted words on Google
- 📋 Copy text in the clipboard
- 🗣️ voice
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To disable automatic miniature appearance after a screenshot, go to Settings → Special features → Miniature screenshot and deactivate the switch.
If you share screenshots often, check out Settings → Additional → Quickly send screenshots. Here you can select priority apps (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) to which the images will be sent in one tap.