The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment even years after its release, and its owners often face the need to save the screen – whether it is a confirmation of payment, a funny meme or important correspondence. But not everyone knows that this model has 5 different ways to create screenshots, including hidden features. MIUI.
In this article, you will find not only standard key combinations, but also alternative methods (for example, using a voice assistant or a three-finger gesture), as well as solutions to typical problems — when screenshots are not saved or buttons do not work. We tested each method on MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 14 firmware to ensure that the instructions are up to date.
Method 1: Classic button combination (Power + Volume Down)
This is a universal method that works on all Android devices, including the Redmi Note 9 Pro. Its main advantage is 100% reliability: it will work even if the touch screen is locked or the software freezes.
How to do this:
- 📱 At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
- 🔊 Hold them down. 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation screenshot.
- 📁 The finished shot will appear in the gallery in the Screenshots folder or Screenshots.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI long-term retention of these buttons (>3 seconds) may cause a reboot to Recovery mode. To avoid this, release the keys immediately after the beep.
💡
If you have a case with a magnetic lock (for example, a book), open it before a screenshot - the magnet can block the power button.
Method 2: Three fingers down gesture (hidden MIUI function)
Xiaomi’s signature feature, which is not known to everyone, is convenient when it is difficult to reach the buttons with one hand (for example, on the big screen Note 9 Pro with a diagonal of 6.67).
How to set up and use:
- Open Settings → Additional → Special features → Gesture for a screenshot.
- Activate the Three Fingers Down switch.
- Check the work: swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the screen at the same time (not necessarily vertically).
| Parameter | Method 1 (buttons) | Method 2 (gesture) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed of creation | Instantly. | Delay ~0.5 seconds |
| Works in games. | Yes. | No (blocked) |
| It requires two hands. | Yes. | No. |
| Setting up | Don't need it. | Required to be included |
💡 Tip: If the gesture doesn’t work, check if it conflicts with other gestures (e.g., swipe for return in navigation settings).
Method 3: Voice command via Google Assistant
Ideal for those who often use voice control or have limited physical abilities, even working on a locked screen (if access to the Assistant is enabled from lock).
Instructions:
- Activate Google Assistant by saying OK, Google or holding the Home button.
- Tell one of the teams: 🎤 Take a screenshot. 🎤 Take a picture of the screen. 🎤 Save the screen.
Confirm the action (if required).
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Voice screenshots are saved in the Assistant folder, not in the standard Screenshots, and the Assistant can request permission to record the screen — that's okay.
Why isn't the assistant taking a screenshot?
Method 4: Quick settings panel (only for MIUI 12+)
A little-known feature that appeared in MIUI 12 and is saved in newer versions, allows you to take a screenshot with one touch, without remembering the combinations of buttons.
Step-by-step:
- 📲 Swipe your finger down to open the notification bar.
- 🔍 Find the Screenshot icon (scissors or a rectangle with lightning). If it's not there, click Edit and add it to the active tiles.
- 🖼️ Slip on the icon - the screenshot will be taken instantly.
🔧 Tile setting: If the icon is not on the list, update the firmware to MIUI 12.5+ or reset the notification panel settings in Settings → Notifications → Additionally. → Reset the settings.
Wi-Fi/mobile internet enabled (for synchronization)
Screenshot icon added to quick settings
The screen is unlocked (on locking the tile may not work)
Free ≥100 MB of memory (otherwise the screen will not remain)
-->
Method 5: Third-party applications
If the standard methods don't work (like scrolling or editing), you can use specialized utilities. We tested the top 3:
| Annex | Functions | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot Easy | Gestures, timer, editor | Advertising in the free version |
| Screen Master | Scrolling Screenshots, GIF | Requires root for some functions |
| Super Screenshot | Cloud-based conservation, OCR | Paid premium features |
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party screenshot apps, disable Overlay Over Other Windows permission for unreliable programs – this can be used to steal screen data (e.g. passwords).
🔗 Tip: Before installing, check the reviews about the application on 4PDA or XDA Developers – some utilities contain malicious code masquerading as screenshots.
Problem Solving: Screenshots are not saved or buttons are not working
Even a good Redmi Note 9 Pro can crash, and here are the typical causes and ways to fix them:
- 🚫 Buttons don't respond: Check if the volume button is stuck (clean the dust with an alcohol wipe); reset the phone, hold the Power for 10 seconds; if the problem is after the fall, the button plume may have gone away (requires disassembly).
- 📂 Screenshots are not saved: Check the space in the memory (you need to). ≥500MB. Open the gallery. → Albums. → Screenshots - maybe the pictures are saved to another folder.Reset permissions for the Gallery app in the settings.
- 🔇 No shutter sound: Enable system sounds in Settings → Sound. → System sounds, see if the phone is worth it in Do Not Disturb mode.
🛠️ Extreme measure: If screenshots stop working after update MIUI, Reset your settings through Settings → The phone. → Resetting (data will not be deleted, but will return to the factory interface settings).
💡
90% of screenshot problems on Xiaomi are solved by rebooting or cleaning the cache of the Gallery app.