How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI 14 and Android 13/14

Taking screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you face unexpected limitations. For example, why does the Redmi Note 12 not work with the usual combination of buttons? Or how to take a screenshot if the sensor does not respond? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to create screenshots on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices — from the standard to the little-known, including solutions for non-standard situations.

The manufacturer regularly updates the MIUI shell, and with the release of new versions (for example, MIUI 14 based on Android 13/14), not only visual elements change, but also the logic of system functions. We took these changes into account and collected instructions that work on models from 2020-2026 – from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Particular attention was paid to the problems that users face most often: why the screenshot is not saved, how to take a picture in games or secure applications, and what to do if the screen does not respond to touch.

1. Standard method: button combination

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models – from the Redmi 4X (2017) to the latest smartphones in 2026. To create a screenshot, press two physical buttons at the same time:

• 📱 Power button (right) + volume-down button (left).
• ⏱️ Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see the animation.
• 📁 Screenshot is automatically saved in the folder DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots.

This method works even on a locked screen (if the appropriate setting is enabled) and in most applications.

• 🎮 In some games (such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile button combinations may conflict with game controls, in which case use alternative methods (see Section 3).
• 🔒 In banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff), screenshots are often blocked for security reasons.
• 🛠️ On devices with faulty buttons (for example, after a fall), this method will not work – go to method 2 or 4.

If the screenshot is not saved, check:

1. Free space on the device (needs at least 50-100 MB).
2. Permissions for com.miui.screenshot application in settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → System → Screenshot).
3. Security settings in MIUI: go to Settings → Special features → Screenshots and make sure the feature is not disabled.

2. Screenshot by gesture (three fingers)

The MIUI feature is the ability to take screenshots with a gesture of wiring three fingers across the screen, which is convenient when you hold your smartphone with one hand and scroll through a social media feed or read a long article with the other.

To activate the function:

1. Open Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Select the screenshot with three fingers.
3. Turn on the switch and, if necessary, adjust the direction of the gesture (by default - from top to bottom).

How it works:

• 👆 Swipe three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (or back if you change the settings).
• 📸 Screenshot will be taken immediately after the gesture is completed - without delay.
• 🔄 If the gesture doesn’t work, try swiping your fingers faster or with a lot of pressure.

This method is especially popular among owners of the POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T, where the touch screen supports a high polling frequency (240 Hz), which makes gestures more responsive.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The gesture may conflict with the Swipe navigation function. If the screenshot fails, turn off the navigation with gestures in Settings → Display. → Navigation panel.

Is the gesture activated in the settings?|The fingers touch the screen at the same time?|Is there any conflict with other gestures?|Screen clean (no greasy spots interfering with sensor)?-->

3. Screenshot using the Quick Settings Panel

If physical buttons don't work or you prefer visual control, use the notification bar, which is suitable for all versions of MIUI and does not require memorizing keyboard shortcuts.

Instructions:

1. Open the screen you want to capture.
2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
3. Find the screenshot icon (usually scissors) 🖇️ If you don't have one, click Edit (pencil). ✏️) and add the button manually.
4. Slip the icon - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎯 Accuracy: You can take a screenshot of any area of the screen, even if the buttons don’t work.
• 🔄 Quick access: the icon is always at hand, you do not need to remember the combinations.
• 📱 It works on all models, including the Redmi Go and POCO C-series.

If the screenshot icon is missing from the panel, check:

• 🔧 Version MIUI: on old firmware (below) MIUI (12) the button may be hidden.
• 🛠️ Panel settings: go to Settings → Notification panel → Order of icons and add Screenshot to active.
• 📱 Power saving mode: in Ultra-saving mode some functions are turned off.

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If the notification bar does not open with a swipe, try swiping from the upper right corner – on some Xiaomi models this works more reliably.

4. Voice assistant Google or Xiao AI

Few people know, but you can take a screenshot on Xiaomi with a voice command — without touching the screen. This is true for users with disabilities or when their hands are busy (for example, while cooking with a prescription).

Method 1: Google Assistant (works on all devices with Google Services):

1. Activate the assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
2. Say, Take a screenshot or a screenshot.
3. Confirm the action (if required).

Method 2: via Xiao AI (branded assistant Xiaomi, works without Google):

1. Hold the Power button or say Hiaomi, chiaomi (if voice activation is activated).
2. Say: Screenshot or Screenshot in Chinese ( - Jiētú).
3. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra), the assistant will offer to crop the screenshot immediately after creation.

Limitations of the method:

• 🗣️ Internet connection required to process voice commands (except offline mode in Xiao) AI).
• 🔒 In some applications (such as Netflix or Disney)+) Screenshots via voice are blocked under license agreements.
• 📱 On devices without Google Services (such as the Chinese version of Redmi K-series) only Xiao works. AI.

5 Screenshot in games and secure applications

Many users face a problem: no screenshots are taken in games or banking applications, it is related to content protection (DRM) or security policy, but there are workarounds.

For games (such as Call of Duty Mobile or Honor of Kings):

• 🎮 Use the built-in screen recording function in MIUI: Swipe down the notification bar and tap Screen Record, then take a screenshot from the video.
• 🖥️ Connect your smartphone to your PC and use scrcpy (a free utility to manage Android from your computer). -p > screenshot.png
• 📱 In some models (for example, POCO F4 GT) Gamer mode works: swipe left in the game to open the toolbar, and click Screenshot.

For banking applications (for example, VTB Online or Alpha-Click):

• 📸 Take a picture of the screen with a second device (such as another smartphone or tablet).
• 🔄 Enable Developer Mode and Turn Off Protection: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers and disable Prohibit Screenshots.
• ⚠️ Warning: Disabling protection may violate the terms of use of the banking application.Do not share screenshots with outsiders!

6. Alternative methods: ADB, third-party applications and not only

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., on Xiaomi with custom firmware or after a failed update), use alternative solutions.

Method 1: ADB (for advanced users)

It allows you to take a screenshot even on a locked device (if debugging is enabled over USB).

adb devices


adb exec-out screencap -p > C:\screenshot.png

Where C:\screenshot.png is the way to save a file on a PC.

Method 2: Third-party applications

• 📱 Screenshot Easy – Supports screenshots of scrolling pages.
• 🎨 LongShot – for long screenshots (e.g. chats in Telegram).
• 🔧 Screen Master – works on devices without root rights.

⚠️ Note: Screenshot apps may request permissions to Read screen and Overlay over other windows.Install them only from Google Play or Mi App Store to avoid viruses.

Method 3: Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Xiaomi smartphone is frozen or does not respond to buttons, but the screen is working, try:

1. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery.
2. Connect the device to your PC and use Fastboot commands to create a screenshot.

7 Where screenshots are stored and how to manage them

By default, screenshots on Xiaomi are saved in one of the folders:

• /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/ (on most models)
• /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Screenshots/ (on older versions of MIUI)
• /storage/emulated/0/Download/Screenshots/ (if you have manually changed the path).

To change the place of conservation:

1. Open the Xiaomi Gallery.
2. Go to the Screenshots album.
3. Press. ⋮ → Settings → Conservation folder.

Tips for managing screenshots:

• 🗑️ To make room, use the Cleanup function in the Gallery: it automatically groups similar screenshots (for example, from one chat room).
• 🔍 For a quick search for screenshots, type:screenshot in the Gallery search.
• 📤 To share a screenshot, click on it in the notification bar immediately after creation – a menu with edit, share and delete options will appear.

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Screenshots take up space in memory – clean Screenshots folder regularly, especially if you take them frequently (for example, for work or training).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi