Taking screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected nuances. Some models support the classic combination of buttons, others require the activation of hidden gestures, and in some MIUI firmware, the function generally works differently than in standard Android. If you tried to take a screenshot but received a black screen, cropped image or message “failed to save”, this article will help you understand the reasons and find a working way.
We tested all methods on devices from Redmi Note 12 Pro+ before POCO F5, And also on older models like the Mi. 9T And the Redmi 5 Plus, and it turns out that even within the same lineup, the ways can be different, like, for example, the way you do things. AMOLED-screens with always-on display (AOD) In this guide, you will find not only standard instructions, but also rare techniques that are not written in the official documentation.
1. Classic method: power buttons + volume
This is a universal method that works on 99% of Xiaomi devices regardless of the MIUI version. The algorithm is simple: simultaneously press the power button and the volume button for 1-2 seconds.
- 🔊 Audible signal (if not disabled in settings)
- 📸 Screen flash animation
- 📁 Notification "Screenshot saved" with a thumbnail
On some models (e.g., the POCO X3 Pro) it can trigger the off menu instead of a screenshot, which means you've pinched the buttons too long or out of sync.
- 👆 Press faster (less than 1 second)
- 🔄 Change the order: first press the volume, then the power
- 🛠️ Check the physical condition of the buttons (contamination or wear may interfere with the buttons)
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ And with a dynamic islet (e.g., Xiaomi 13), the screenshot notification can appear as a floating window, rather than a curtain!
2. Screenshot by gesture: three fingers down
The MIUI feature is the ability to take screenshots without buttons, using a gesture. By default, the function is disabled, so activate it first:
- Go to Settings → Additional Features → Gestures
- Select Screenshot by gesture (or Three fingers down in older versions)
- Turn on the switch and test the gesture on any screen
How it works:
- Touch the screen with three fingers at the same time (usually index, middle and ring).
- Swipe down the display in a sharp movement (as with a swipe to update the page).
- Release your fingers after vibration or sound.
Challenges and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The gesture doesn't work. | Disabled or conflict with other gestures | Check your gesture settings, turn off navigation with gestures during the test |
| Screenshot cut off | Incomplete swipe (fingers slipped) | Swipe from the top edge to the bottom of the screen |
| Works again. | Sensor contaminated or one hand mode enabled | Wipe the screen, turn off one-hand mode in the settings |
One-hand mode is off.|Screen clean (no moisture/fat)|Gesture activated in settings|The fingers touch the screen at the same time.-->
3. Scrolling screenshot (long screenshot)
If you want to capture a web page, chat or list that doesn’t fit on a single screen, use Scrolling Screenshot, which is available in MIUI since version 10, but doesn’t work in all apps.
Instructions:
- Take a regular screenshot in any way (buttons or gestures).
- Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the notification, click on it.
- In the editor that opens, tap the Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
- Wait for the screen to automatically scroll and save the extended shot.
Limitations:
- 🚫 Not working on YouTube, TikTok, and some games (due to content protection).
- 🔄 Can crop items when dynamically loading (e.g. Instagram feed).
- 📏 Maximum length – up to 10 screens (depending on model).
💡
If the screenshot you're scrolling isn't saved, try trimming the thumbnail in the editor first and then clicking on the scrolling icon. This works in 70% of crashes.
4. Screenshot through the Quick Settings panel
A little-known way that helps when buttons or gestures don't work.
- Turn the notification bar swipe down from the top edge of the screen.
- Find the Screenshot tile (if not, add via Edit).
- Slip on the tile - the picture will be taken in 3 seconds (the countdown will appear).
Advantages of the method:
- ⏱️ Easy to prepare (you can close the windows in 3 seconds).
- 🔧 It works even with faulty physical buttons.
- 📱 Suitable for Xiaomi Pad tablets, where gestures can conflict.
⚠️ Note: Some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11 with custom firmware) may not have screenshot tile on the list. MIUI or use alternative methods.
5. Screenshot by voice (via Google Assistant)
If you have Google Assistant enabled, you can take screenshots with a voice command, which is useful for people with disabilities or when hands are busy.
- Activate Google Assistant: Settings → Applications → Default → Assistant and Voice Input.
- Say, “OK Google, take a screenshot.”
- Confirm the action in the window that appears.
Limitations:
- 🗣️ It only works when you connect to the Internet (you need access to Google servers).
- 🔇 Does not work in Do Not Disturb or with the microphone turned off.
- 📵 Could be a conflict with Mi. AI Assistant (turn it off in settings).
Power buttons + volume | Three finger gesture | Quick settings panel | Voice assistant | Another way-->
6. Solving screenshot problems
If screenshots are not saved, come out black or cropped, check these moments:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Black screenshot | DRM protection in applications (Netflix, banks) | Turn off protection in the app settings or use alternative methods (e.g., taking photos of the second screen) |
| Not kept in the gallery | Access rights error or full memory | Clear the Gallery cache or assign another folder to save to Settings → Storage |
| Blurred image | Incorrect screen resolution or scaling | Return the standard resolution to Settings → Display → Screen resolution |
| The gesture's not working. | Conflict with other functions (e.g. Double tap to wake up) | Turn off conflicting gestures in Settings → Additional features |
For the diagnosis of complex cases:
- Check the error logs in Settings → About Phone → Error Report.
- Update MIUI to the latest version (in some builds, the bug with screenshots was patched).
- Reset the settings of Additional features to factory.
How to take a screenshot on a locked screen?
7 Where screenshots are stored and how to manage them
By default, all screenshots are saved in the folder:
/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/To change the place of conservation:
- Open the gallery → Albums → Screenshots.
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Find the Save folder option (not available on all devices).
Management advice:
- 🗑️ Clean Screenshots folder regularly – it can take several gigabytes.
- 🔍 Use the search in the Gallery for the keyword “screenshot” (recognizes text in images).
- ☁️ Turn on automatic upload to Google Photos or Mi Cloud to avoid losing important photos.
💡
On devices with MIUI 13+, screenshots are automatically grouped by date in the Screenshots album, making it easier to find old shots.