Brand smartphones Redmi are deservedly popular due to their well-thought-out shell MIUI and affordable price. However, beginners often find it difficult to perform basic operations such as screen capture. Standard button combinations can be awkward on large displays, and hidden system features go unnoticed. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods for creating screenshots, from classic to advanced.
Understanding that how to take a screenshot on Android Redmiis necessary not only for saving correspondence or receipts, but also for sending error reports to developers. The system interface allows you to flexibly configure capture methods, adjusting them to the habits of a particular user. Below are proven options that work on current firmware versions.
Classic method through physical buttons
The most universal and reliable method that works on any device running Android, regardless of the manufacturer. To implement this method, you will need to use two hardware keys at the same time. Press the volume down button (Volume Down) and the power button (Power) at the same time.
You don’t need to hold them for a long time, a short press for about 0.5 seconds is enough. If you press the buttons too hard or for too long, the system may perceive this as a command to call the shutdown or reboot menu. If the action is successful, you will hear the characteristic sound of the camera shutter and the screen will blink.
A thumbnail of the captured image with a toolbar will appear in the upper right corner. Buttons are available here for quick editing, sending to messenger, or deleting. If nothing happens, check to see if the buttons are blocked by a cover or dirt, as mechanical contact should be clear.
If the buttons are physically damaged or sticky, use the software gripping methods described below to avoid damaging the key mechanism further.
Using three-finger gestures
Shell MIUI provides a convenient alternative to physical buttons - gesture control. This method is especially relevant for those who operate a smartphone with one hand or who find it inconvenient to reach for the volume keys. The function may be disabled by default, so it must be activated in the settings.
To enable it, go to the menu Settings, then select the section Advanced settings. Find the item Keyboard shortcuts and tap the option Screenshot. Set the switch to the active position opposite the “Three fingers down” item. Now, by swiping three fingers down the screen, you will instantly take a photo.
- 📱 The gesture works instantly and does not require searching buttons on the body.
- 🖐️ You can adjust the capture area by drawing a rectangle with your fingers after the gesture.
- ⚙️ The function does not work if the “One-handed” mode is enabled or on the lock screen.
It is worth noting that the sensitivity of the sensor plays an important role. If the gesture doesn't work the first time, try moving your fingers a little faster or pressing them closer to the display. Also make sure that there is no protective film on the screen, which significantly reduces tactile responsiveness in multi-touch mode.
Capture through the notification curtain
Another software method that does not require memorizing combinations or finger movements. In the quick settings panel, which opens by swiping from top to bottom, there is a special icon. It looks like scissors or a rectangle with a camera sign inside, depending on the version MIUI.
Click on the icon Screenshotand the system will automatically save the current screen image. This method is ideal when your hands are full or your smartphone is lying on the table. In addition, the “Long Screenshot” button is often available in the same menu, which allows you to capture extended pages of websites or correspondence.
⚠️ Attention: The screenshot icon may not be in quick access if you previously hid it when editing tiles. To return it, click on the pencil in the corner of the curtain and drag the icon to the active zone.
Using the curtain is convenient because you see the result immediately in the gallery without unnecessary sound effects if the Do Not Disturb mode is active. This is a great option for taking screenshots in quiet environments, such as in a movie theater or at a meeting, where the sound of the shutter would be inappropriate.
Advanced features: Long screenshot and Timer
Modern smartphones Redmi are equipped with powerful tools for working with content. A regular snapshot captures only the visible area, but often you need to save the entire article or long correspondence in the messenger. There is a scrolling function for this.
Take a regular screenshot in any convenient way. In the preview that appears, find the button that says Scrolling or the down arrow icon. Tap it as many times as necessary to capture the area you want, or hold it down to automatically scroll to the bottom of the page. The system will independently “stitch” several frames into one long image.
| Function | Purpose | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Regular photo | Fix the current screen | Buttons or gesture |
| Long screenshot | Capture scrolling content | Menu after snapshot |
| Timer | Delayed capture (3 or 5 sec) | Toolbar |
| Area | Selecting a specific fragment | Editing mode |
Delayed snapshot function is also available. When you select a timer, you have 3 or 5 seconds to open the desired menu, pop-up window, or context menu that disappears when you press the buttons. This is critical for debugging the interface or saving hidden settings.
☑️ Checklist before taking a long screenshot
Voice control via Google Assistant
For users who prefer hands-free, a voice assistant would be the ideal solution. If you are configured Google Assistantyou can initiate screen capture with a voice command. Just say: “Okay, Google, take a screenshot.”
The Assistant will recognize the command, perform the action and show a preview of the image. This method is especially useful when the phone is docked or secured in the car. However, it requires an active Internet connection and the voice search function to be enabled.
In some regions or on older firmware versions, the command may not work directly. In this case, you can say “Take a screenshot”, and the system will offer to perform the action through the assistant interface. This is a less fast method, but it helps out in unusual situations.
⚠️ Attention: In applications with a high level of security (banking clients, incognito browser mode), the creation of screenshots is blocked at the system level. You will receive a black screen or a notification that the security policy is prohibited.
Where pictures are stored and how to edit them
After creating an image, it is automatically saved to the internal memory of the device. Standard path to files: Internal memory → DCIM → Screenshots. Also, all pictures are duplicated in the system gallery in a separate “Screenshots” album.
Built-in editor MIUI allows you to quickly process the file before sending. You can trim excess edges, draw arrows, add text, or blur sensitive information (such as card numbers or passwords). The Blur tool works intelligently, hiding data under a colored spot.
For more complex processing, you can use third-party applications from Google Play, but standard tools are usually sufficient for everyday tasks. Remember that when sending via instant messengers, image quality may decrease due to compression, so for important documents it is better to send them as “File”.
What to do if screenshots take up a lot of space?
If the folder with screenshots has grown to gigabytes, use the built-in Cleanup application. It will find duplicates and old images that can be safely deleted without losing important data.
Possible problems and solutions
Sometimes users encounter a situation where screenshots are not created or are saved in a strange format. Most often, the reason lies in the lack of free memory. When the storage is full to capacity, the system cannot write a new file.
Another common problem is a system process failure SystemUI. In this case, a simple reboot of the smartphone helps. If the problem persists after a reboot, check system updates in the menu About phoneas the error may have been fixed in a new security patch.
It is also worth checking application permissions. If you're using a third-party app to take screenshots, make sure it is granted "Show on top" and storage access. Without these permissions, the application will not be able to work correctly.
Regularly cleaning the Screenshots folder prevents memory overflow and speeds up the gallery, since the system does not need to index thousands of unnecessary files.
Why does the screenshot turn out black in some applications?
This is protection against data leakage. Banking apps, password managers, and browsers in incognito mode prevent the system from taking screenshots. This is to prevent malware from stealing your passwords or card data through a screenshot.
Is it possible to change the screenshot saving format to PNG?
By default, the system saves images in JPG format to save space. This cannot be changed using standard means, but there are specialized screenshot applications that allow you to select the saving format (PNG, WebP) and compression level.
Where do screenshots go after deletion?
When deleted through the gallery, the files end up in the trash, where they are stored for 30 days. After this they are deleted permanently. If the recycle bin was emptied immediately, data can only be restored through special recovery apps, and even then not always successfully.
How to take a screenshot if the screen is broken?
If the sensor does not work, but there is an image, connect a USB mouse via an OTG adapter. Right-clicking often emulates a long press or brings up a menu where you can find a capture function. Connecting to a PC and using USB debugging will also help.
Does taking screenshots affect memory wear?
Modern flash memories of smartphones are designed for millions of rewrite cycles. Regularly taking screenshots does not in any way affect the physical wear and tear of the drive. Much more harm is caused by constantly filling the memory to capacity, which slows down the controller.