How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi A1: all ways with explanations

Xiaomi Mi A1 is the iconic smartphone of 2017, running on pure Android One without the branded shell MIUI. Because of this, standard methods of creating screenshots (for example, a three-finger gesture) do not work here. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to take a screenshot on the Mi A1, including button combinations, voice commands and third-party utilities.

If you’re first to encounter the Mi A1, it’s important to understand that it doesn’t support gestures for screenshots out of the box. All of the techniques described below are tested on the latest available firmware for the model (Android 9 Pie), and we’ll also look at how to get around typical problems — for example, when screenshots aren’t saved or are obtained in black.

This article will be useful not only for Mi A1 owners, but also for users of other Android One devices (for example, Nokia 7 Plus or Motorola One), where standard MIUI methods are also not available.

1. Standard method: button combination

The most reliable and versatile method is the use of hardware keys. On the Xiaomi Mi A1, you need to simultaneously press the screenshot:

• 🔘 Power button (right) + volume-reduce button (left).
• 🕒 Hold them for 1-2 seconds until the animation saves.
• 📁 The screenshot will automatically be saved in the folder. Pictures/Screenshots.

This works on any version of Android, including the Mi A1 with Android 8 Oreo or 9 Pie, and the key is to press both buttons simultaneously, and if you don't press them at the same time, either locking the screen or adjusting the volume can work.

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If the screenshot is not created, try to press the buttons 0.5 seconds longer – sometimes the device takes longer to process the command.

The Mi A1 with worn buttons (especially after 2-3 years of use) may require more effort. If the mechanical keys do not work well, clean them with compressed air or contact a service center.

Alternative method: notification menu

If the hardware buttons don't work (for example, after a smartphone crash), you can take a screenshot through the notification panel, which is less convenient, but does not require physical pressing of the keys:

1. Deploy the notification bar (pull down from the top edge of the screen).
2. Find the screenshot icon (usually hidden under the button) ⋮ or ⚙️).
3. Slip on it – the screenshot will be taken in 1-2 seconds.

On the Mi A1, this method is only available on Android 9 Pie. On earlier versions (such as Android 8 Oreo), there may not be a screenshot button in the notification curtain, in which case the update of the firmware or the use of third-party applications will help.

The advantage of this method is that there is no risk of accidentally blocking the screen or changing the volume, but it takes longer, so it is better to use a combination of buttons for quick shots.

3.The Google Assistant Voice Assistant

On the Mi A1 with Android 8+, you can take voice screenshots via Google Assistant, which is convenient if your hands are busy or your buttons are not working:

• 🎤 Say “OK Google” or hold the Home button to activate the assistant.
• 🗣️ Dictate the command: “Take a screenshot” or “Screenshot».
• 📸 The assistant will confirm the execution and save the image in the gallery.

Important: for this method to work, it is necessary:

• 🔊 Google Assistant enabled (check in Settings) → Annexes → Google → Settings → Google Assistant).
• 🌐 Active Internet connection (to process voice commands).
• 🔋 Adequate battery power (below 15% of the assistant can be switched off).

Voice is slower than hardware, but it is essential for breaking buttons, and it is also useful for creating screenshots in games where keyboard combinations can conflict with control.

4. Third-party screenshot applications

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to a firmware failure), you can install specialized utilities. A1 fit:

Before installing, check reviews - some apps may conflict with Android One on the Mi A1. For example, Screenshot Touch sometimes causes lags because of a floating button that loads the Snapdragon 625 processor.

Check the space available (need ≥100 MB)

Disable battery optimization for utility

Allow access to "Overlaying on top of other windows"

Reboot the smartphone after installation-->

On Mi. A1 root-rights can be used ADB-commands to create screenshots without apps, such as through the adb shell screencap command -p /sdcard/screen.png. However, this method requires computer skills and debugging. USB.

5.Challenges with screenshots on Mi A1 and their solutions

Mi A1 users often encounter common screenshot errors, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them:

⚠️ Warning: If screenshots are saved black, check the power saving mode. A1 It can block the saving of images. Turn it off in Settings. → Battery → Energy saving regime.

• 🖼️ Screenshots are not saved: Check the space in the memory (you need to). ≥500MB. Restart the device. Update the Gallery app.
• ⏳ Delay in taking a picture: Close background apps (especially games). Turn off animation in Settings → The phone. → Build number (tap 7 times to unlock Developer Mode, then turn off animation in Settings) → System system → For developers).
• 🔒 No access to Screenshots folder: Check permissions for Media app. connect smartphone to PC and manually create folder Pictures/Screenshots.

If the problem persists, reset your application settings: Settings → System → Reset → Application settings Reset. This will not delete your data, but will return the standard permissions for system utilities.

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On the Mi A1 with custom firmware (like LineageOS), standard screenshot methods may not work, in which case only installing third-party apps or manually taking pictures through ADB will help.

6 Where screenshots are stored and how to transfer them

By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi Mi A1 are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

To transfer them to your computer or to the cloud:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode).
2. Open the Pictures/Screenshots folder on your computer and copy the files.
3. For cloud storage, use Google Photos (automatic download) or Mi Cloud (if your Xiaomi account is tied).

On the Mi A1 with Android 9 Pie, you can set up automatic download of screenshots in Google Drive:

• Open Google Drive → Settings → Backup.
• Enable the Autoboot option for Screenshots folder.

If screenshots take up a lot of space, archive them in.zip format or delete unnecessary ones through the Files app (built into Android One).

7. Screenshots in games and secure applications

On the Mi A1, it is impossible to take a screenshot in:

• 🎮 Cheat-protected games (e.g, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire).
• 🏦 Banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff).
• 🔐 Messengers with secret chats (Telegram, WhatsApp in incognito mode).

This restriction is at the Android level and does not depend on the model of the smartphone.

• External camera (take a picture of the screen with another device).
• Screen mirroring on PC via Scrcpy (required) USB-debugging).
• Root-right and modified cores (risky for safety).

⚠️ Note: Attempts to bypass security in banking applications may result in account blocking on suspicion of fraud. PUBG Mobile has built-in replay).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Mi A1