Creating a screenshot is one of the most popular functions that owners use Xiaomi Redmi daily. Whether it's the need to save a conversation, fix a bug in an app, or share an interesting moment from a game, the ability to quickly do screenshot becomes a critical skill. However, given the variety of firmware versions MIUI and new HyperOS, as well as differences in the hardware of the models, users often encounter difficulties in finding the desired key combination.
In this article we will analyze in detail all possible ways to capture display images on devices brand Redmi. We won't limit ourselves to standard buttons, but will look at advanced methods such as three-finger, multitasking menu and voice commands. Understanding these tools will allow you not only to take pictures, but also to instantly edit them, send them or create long scrolling shots of web pages.
We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with the new shell, since the control logic has undergone significant changes in recent updates. You'll learn where files are stored, how to change the save format, and what to do if standard methods don't work for some reason. The instructions are relevant for most modern models, from budget series Note to flagship solutions.
Classic method: combination of physical buttons
The most reliable and universal method that works on any smartphone Android, including all models Redmi, is the use of hardware keys. This method is independent of system settings or firmware version, so it should always be your “Plan B” if the touch screen is not behaving correctly. To implement this action, you will need to use two buttons at the same time.
On most modern devices with a cutout or hole for the camera, the power button is located on the right, and the volume control is also on the right, but lower. You need to press and hold the button Volume down and button Power for a split second. You don't need to hold them for long; a short press at the same time is enough. The system will instantly respond with a shutter sound and a visual screen flash.
If you are the owner of an older model with capacitive buttons under the screen or a specific layout, the logic remains the same: Volume - + Power on. After a successful capture, a notification with a thumbnail of the photo will appear at the top of the screen. By clicking on it, you will be taken to the editor, where you can add text, a clipping, or immediately send the file to the messenger.
⚠️ Attention: Do not hold down the buttons for too long. Holding the “Volume Down” and “Power” combination for more than 1-2 seconds on many models Redmi activates the shutdown or restart menu of the device, rather than taking a screenshot.
Sometimes users complain that the screenshot is not taken. In such cases, it is worth checking whether one of the buttons is physically stuck, or whether the Do Not Disturb mode is turned on, which may block the audio confirmation (although the photo itself is created). Also make sure that you press the buttons simultaneously and not in sequence.
If you have large hands or a large smartphone, try pressing the volume button first, and then the power button a split second later. This “rolling” of the fingers often works better than trying to press both keys perfectly at the same time.
Using the control panel (Curtains)
For those who find it inconvenient to reach the side edges of the case or who prefer one-handed control, the developers Xiaomi have implemented a special icon in the control center. This method is especially relevant for models with large diagonals, where reaching the upper right corner can be problematic. To use this method, just swipe down from the top edge of the screen.
In the quick settings menu that opens, find the scissors icon. It is usually located in the first or second row of tiles. If you don't see it right away, the panel may be collapsed—swipe down again to reveal the full list of switches. Clicking on the icon Screenshot will instantly start the process of capturing the current image on the display.
The convenience of this method lies in the possibility of customization. You can change the order of the tiles by dragging the screenshot icon to the most visible place. To do this, tap on the pencil icon or hold on the tile itself in the settings menu to enter edit mode. Move the desired element to the “Quick Access” zone so that it is always at hand.
⚠️ Attention: In some versions of the interface HyperOS the icon may be hidden in the additional menu or have a different appearance (for example, a rectangle with a dotted line). If you do not find the scissors, carefully examine all available control center tabs.
It is worth noting that this method will not work if the screen is locked or is on the lock screen with a password entered. Also, in some protected applications (banking services, incognito mode), the system can block the creation of pictures regardless of the selected method, displaying a message about the security policy.
☑️ Setting up quick access
Three-finger gesture for snapshot
One of the most convenient “tricks” shell MIUI and HyperOS is the ability to create a screenshot with a simple gesture. This method is considered the most ergonomic, as it does not require searching for buttons or opening a menu. However, this feature may be disabled by default, so the first step is to activate it in the system settings.
To enable the option, go to the menu Settings, then select the section Advanced settings and find the item Screenshots. In the list of switches that opens, activate the function "Three fingers". After this, you will be able to take screenshots by simply swiping three fingers from top to bottom across the display at any time while using the smartphone.
Besides standard photo, this gesture opens access to an extended menu. If, after swiping your fingers, you do not remove them immediately, but hold them on the screen, an additional menu for selecting an area will appear. This allows you to take not just a screenshot of the entire screen, but also select a specific fragment, which saves time on subsequent framing.
This method is especially popular among gamers and social network users, as it allows you to capture moments without interrupting interaction with the content. The main thing is to keep the screen clean and your fingers dry so that the sensor correctly recognizes three touch points at the same time.
What to do if the gesture does not work?
If you have enabled the function, but the screenshot is not taken, check whether the phone is wearing a thick case that prevents you from touching the edges of the screen. Also try to increase the speed of swiping your fingers - the system may perceive too slow a movement as normal page scrolling.
Screenshots through the “Recent Applications” menu
Few people know that smartphones Redmi have another hidden tool for capturing images, accessible directly from the task manager. This method is convenient because it allows you to take a snapshot of a specific open application without going inside it and without blocking the interface with system elements such as the curtain or keyboard.
To use this method, press the “Menu” button (square or three stripes, depending on the type of navigation) or swipe up from the bottom and hold to open the list of running applications. Above the thumbnail of each active window you will see a row of icons. Among them there will be an icon with the image of scissors or a camera - this is the quick screenshot button.
Clicking on this icon will create a snapshot of exactly the window over which it is located. This is ideal if you need to capture the state of a frozen application or an error that disappears when you touch the screen. The system will save the image to the gallery in the same way as when using other methods.
It is important to understand that this functionality is only available in the recent tasks view mode. If you minimize all applications or restart your device, access to this tool will temporarily disappear until new apps are launched. However, it is a powerful tool in an advanced user's arsenal.
Using the recent tasks menu is the only way to take a clean screenshot of an application's interface without overlaying system controls such as the clock, battery, or navigation bar.
Long screenshot: how to capture the entire page
There is often a situation where there is more information on the screen than fits in one frame. Web pages, long correspondence in messengers or lists of goods in online stores require the creation of a so-called long screenshot (or scroll shot). On devices Xiaomi this function is implemented at the system level and works very well.
After you have taken a regular screenshot in any convenient way (buttons, gesture or curtain), a floating window with a thumbnail will appear in the upper corner of the screen. Under this thumbnail there will be a button with two down arrows or an inscription Scrolling. By clicking on it, the system will automatically begin to “glue together” the following parts of the screen.
The scrolling process can be controlled. The smartphone will scroll down the page itself, creating a single long image. You can stop the process at any time by clicking on the stop button or simply tapping the screen. The resulting file will be saved in the gallery as one image with high vertical resolution.
It is worth considering limitations: the maximum length of such a screenshot is limited by the capabilities of the system and is usually several thousand pixels in height. If the page is too long, the system will offer to split it into several parts or cut off the end. Also, the function may not work in applications where the content is loaded dynamically as you scroll.
| Method | Speed | Convenience | Additional. functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons | High | Medium | Basic shot |
| Gesture (3 fingers) | Very high | Excellent | Area selection |
| Curtain | Medium | Low | Requires unlocking |
| Task menu | High | High | Snapshot without interface |
Setting formats and where to look for saved files
By default, all created images are saved in the PNGformat, which provides high quality without loss, but takes up more memory space. In the system settings, users can change this parameter to JPGif saving space is critical for them, although the difference in quality on mobile screens is often unnoticeable.
To change the format, go to Settings → Additional settings → Screenshots. There you will find a format switch. Also in this menu you can configure the behavior of the shutter sound and vibration when taking a photo. Turning off the sound can be useful if you want to take a screenshot unnoticed by others in a quiet room.
All files are automatically placed in the system gallery folder. The path to them usually looks like Internal memory/DCIM/Screenshots. They have a dedicated album in the Gallery app, making it easier to find and manage your media. You can sort them by date, size or name.
⚠️ Attention: Format PNG supports transparency and is better suited for screenshots of interfaces with text, as it does not create compression “artifacts” around letters. Use JPG only for photos or if the phone's memory is critically full.
To quickly access your latest photos, you can use the gallery widget on the desktop or set the folder to be displayed Screenshots in favorites. This will eliminate the need to search for the necessary files through a shared directory every time, especially if you take dozens of screenshots a day for work or school.
Use the built-in screenshot editor immediately after creation. There is a “Text Recognition” (OCR) function, which allows you to copy text from a picture to the clipboard in a second, without manually retyping it.
Problem solving: why you can’t take a picture
Despite the simplicity of the function, sometimes users encounter situations where a screenshot is not taken. One of the most common reasons is working in protected mode. Banking applications, some streaming services and browsers in incognito mode block the ability to capture the screen at the security system level Android. In this case, you will see a black image or a prohibition notification.
Another reason may lie in the lack of RAM. If the phone is heavily loaded with heavy games or a lot of background processes, the system may ignore the screenshot command so as not to cause a performance hit or application crash. In such a situation, try closing unnecessary apps before trying.
It is also worth checking your accessibility settings. Sometimes installed third-party launchers or screen recording apps conflict with the standard snapshot mechanism. If the problem appeared after installing new software, try uninstalling it or temporarily disabling it.
In rare cases, simply rebooting the device helps. This clears the system process cache and restores display drivers to work correctly. If none of the methods helped, there may be a software glitch in the firmware that requires updating to the latest version via the menu About phone.
Can I take screenshots in split screen mode?
Yes, on smartphones Redmi with support In multi-window mode, a screenshot is taken using standard methods. However, the snapshot will contain an image of both open applications at the same time. It is impossible to select only one window using standard tools; subsequent cropping will be required in the editor.
Where are long screenshots stored?
Long screenshots are saved in the same folder DCIM/Screenshotsas regular ones. You can distinguish them by the file name (often contains a time stamp) and by the significant vertical size of the image when viewing the file properties.
Why does the screenshot turn out black in the video player?
This is content copy protection (DRM). Many video services prohibit image capture during video playback to prevent piracy. In this case, the system intentionally replaces the frame with a black rectangle.
How to turn off the shutter sound of a screenshot?
The sound can be turned off in the settings: Settings → Sound and vibration → Additional sound settings. Also, the sound is not played if the phone is switched to silent mode or Do Not Disturb mode.
Can I assign another button for a screenshot?
It is impossible to change the combination of buttons using standard means. However, using automation applications (for example, MacroDroid) or third-party launchers, you can reassign the action to a long press of another key if you have root access or appropriate permissions.