Owners of budget Xiaomi smartphones are often faced with the need to capture information displayed on the display, be it a correspondence in a messenger, an interesting moment in a game, or setup instructions. For users of the model Redmi 9Arunning the MIUI shell, this process may not be obvious due to the lack of a physical Home button and the specific location of the controls. Understanding all available methods allows you to significantly speed up working with your device and makes interaction with the interface more comfortable.
There are many ways to take a screenshot, and the choice of a specific method depends on your personal preferences and the current situation. Some people are used to the classic combination of buttons, others prefer swiping across the screen, and others find it more convenient to use voice commands. In this article, we will analyze in detail each of the available options so that you can choose the most suitable one for yourself.
Particular attention should be paid to the fact that the MIUI software is constantly updated, and the location of some menu items may change slightly. On Redmi 9A with Android 10 version and MIUI 12/13 shell, the basic principles of creating screenshots remain unchanged, but the visual design of the editing menu may differ. If you do not find the described function in the specified location, you should check for system updates.
The classic method using physical buttons
The most common and reliable method, which works even if the touch layer is partially frozen, is the use of mechanical keys. On the smartphone body Redmi 9A the volume and power buttons are located on the right side, which makes them easily accessible for the thumb of the right hand. To take a photo, you must simultaneously press the volume down button and the power button.
It is important to follow the correct sequence and duration of pressing. You should press briefly, literally for a split second, simulating a light click. If you hold the buttons for too long, the system may interpret this as a command to call up the emergency call menu or turn off the device, which will lead to an undesirable result.
The success of the operation is confirmed by the characteristic sound of the camera shutter (if the sound is not disabled in the settings), short-term vibration and the appearance of a small copy of the image in the upper right corner of the screen. This preview allows you to quickly move on to editing or sharing a file without opening the gallery.
It is worth noting that on some firmware modifications or when using certain launchers, the key combination can be reassigned. However, in the standard configuration Xiaomi this method is the priority and works the fastest.
⚠️ Attention: Do not press the buttons with excessive force. The button mechanism on budget models may be less durable, and excess pressure can cause them to break or stick.
Gesture control: taking screenshots with three fingers
The MIUI shell is famous for its functionality and the presence of advanced gestures that greatly simplify navigation. One of the most convenient tools for taking screenshots is the Three Finger Capture function. It allows you to capture the current state of the screen by simply swiping your fingers across the display, which is especially convenient when the phone is on a table or held with one hand.
To activate this feature, you need to go to the system settings. Find the section Additional, then select the item Screenshot. In the menu that opens, you need to switch the slider next to the “Three-finger shot” option to the active position. After this, the system will respond to the corresponding movement.
The technique of performing the gesture requires a little training. You need to simultaneously touch the screen with three fingers (usually your middle, ring and little fingers) and swipe them from top to bottom across the center of the display. The movement should be smooth but fast. If the screenshot doesn't take the first time, try changing the speed or angle of your fingers.
This method is especially useful for people with large hands who find it difficult to reach the buttons on the edge of the device, or in cases where one of the physical buttons is faulty. It also allows you to take screenshots of long pages if you select the appropriate option in the editing menu immediately after the gesture.
☑️ Setting up screenshot gestures
Using the quick settings menu and notification shade
Not all users know that you can take a screenshot without touching physical buttons and gestures at all, using exclusively the software interface. Hidden in the notification shade Redmi 9A are powerful tools for quick access to frequently used functions. This method is ideal if the touch buttons on the screen respond with a delay.
To implement this method, unlock your phone and swipe down from top to open the control center. In the icon grid, find an icon called “Screenshot” (usually looks like scissors on a piece of paper in the background). If you don't see it on the first page, swipe left to reveal the full list of available widgets.
After clicking on the icon, the system will instantly take a snapshot of the current screen. This method also allows you to take screenshots of the settings menu, which is impossible to do with a button combination, since pressing them closes the menu. This makes the programmatic method invaluable for creating instructions for setting up your phone.
You can add a screenshot shortcut to your desktop for even faster access. To do this, hold the icon in the notification shade (or go to the shortcut settings) and select the option to create a shortcut on the home screen. Now taking screenshots will be a matter of one touch.
Why doesn't screenshot work in some applications?
In some applications (for example, banking or in incognito browser mode), the creation of screenshots is blocked at the system level for security reasons. In such cases, you will see a black screen or a ban notification.
Voice control and Google Assistant
Modern smartphones, including Redmi 9A, are equipped with advanced voice control systems. Using Google's voice assistant or the built-in Mi AI assistant allows you to take screenshots completely hands-free. This can be useful when your hands are full or dirty and you can't touch the screen.
To use this feature, make sure your voice assistant is activated and set to recognize your “Ok Google” command. Just say the phrase “Take a screenshot” or “Capture the screen” and the device will automatically execute the command. The recognition accuracy depends on the quality of the microphone and the absence of strong noise in the room.
This method also allows you to automate the process. You can set up scripts so that a screenshot is taken under a certain condition, although this is more difficult to implement using standard MIUI tools than through third-party automation applications.
It is worth remembering that voice control requires an active Internet connection, since request processing often takes place on the company’s servers. If there is no network, the command may not be executed.
Editing, markup and long screenshot
After creating a screenshot Redmi 9A offers extensive options for processing it. A thumbnail appears in the lower left corner, which, when clicked, opens the built-in editor. Here you can trim excess edges, draw arrows, add text, or fill in sensitive information with a marker.
One of the most popular features is “Long Screenshot” or “Scrolling”. It allows you to capture page content that does not fit on one screen, such as a long WhatsApp conversation or an article in a browser. After taking a regular screenshot, click on the “Scroll” button (down arrow) in the menu that appears.
The system will automatically scroll the page down, taking pictures and merging them into one long picture. You can stop the process at any time by touching the screen. The finished image is saved in the gallery as a single file, which is very convenient for reading from other devices.
| Editor function | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Cropping | Removing unnecessary borders images | Cropping icon |
| Text | Adding inscriptions and comments | Icon of the letter “T” |
| Marker | Highlighting important ones plots | Felt pen icon |
| Scrolling | Creating a panoramic screenshot of the page | Down arrow button |
Use the “Blur” function in the screenshot editor MIUI to hide passwords or personal data before sending an image to chat. It's faster and more efficient than drawing black squares manually.
Where to look for saved screenshots and how to delete them
All created images are automatically saved in the internal memory of the device. You can find them through the standard Gallery application or file manager. In the gallery, a separate album is allocated for screenshots, which makes it easier to find the desired file among photos and videos.
The path to the folder in the file manager usually looks like this: Internal memory → DCIM → Screenshots or MIUI → gallery_cloud → screenshot. Knowing this path, you can easily transfer files to your computer or cloud storage.
Screenshots quickly take up space in memory, so it is recommended to periodically audit and delete pictures that have become irrelevant. You can select several files at once with a long tap and delete them in batches, freeing up space for new applications and photos.
It is also worth paying attention to the cloud synchronization settings Mi Cloud or Google Photos. If they are enabled, your screenshots may be automatically uploaded to the Internet, taking up space in your cloud storage. Check your synchronization settings to control this process.
Regularly cleaning out the screenshots folder is an easy way to free up gigabytes of space on your smartphone, since this type of file is often forgotten by users and accumulates over the years.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Despite the simplicity of the process, Users Redmi 9A may encounter situations where the screenshot is not created. One common reason is that the device memory is full. If free space runs out, the system simply cannot save a new file. In this case, you need to remove unnecessary applications or videos.
Another problem may be related to a software glitch of a specific application. Some games or video players block the creation of screenshots due to copyright protection or engine features. In such cases, try using the built-in screen recording feature, which often bypasses these limitations.
If the physical buttons don't work, check to see if Pocket mode is enabled or if the screen protector is blocking the sensors. Also, in rare cases, a device reboot is required to clear temporary system errors.
Why does the screenshot turn out black?
A black screenshot usually occurs when trying to capture protected content (movies in online cinemas, incognito mode) or when the graphics driver fails. Try updating the application or restarting your phone.
How to take a screenshot in split-screen mode?
In split-screen mode, a screenshot is taken using standard methods (buttons or gesture). The system will capture images of both open windows at the same time.
Is it possible to customize the format for saving screenshots?
By default, screenshots are saved in PNG format for maximum quality. You cannot change the format to JPG through the standard MIUI settings; this requires third-party applications or root access.