How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi: all the ways from a quick gesture to a voice command

Why screenshots on Xiaomi are not just a button + button

Xiaomi smartphones have long ceased to be “Chinese copies” — today they are devices with unique MIUI firmware, where even standard functions like taking a screenshot are implemented with a dozen variations. If you are used to the classic Power + Volume Down, then on the Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5 you will be surprised: here you can take a screenshot with a single touch, voice or even through the quick settings panel.

But there are also problems with the variety of methods: users often find that screenshots are not saved, a black screen appears instead of an image, or the function is not on the menu at all, the reasons lie in the permission settings, the features of MIUI for different regions, or even in the hardware limitations of some models (for example, Black Shark blocks screenshots in games to protect against cheating).

Method 1: The classic button combination works on 99% of devices

The most versatile method, which is supported by even the oldest models like the Redmi 4X or Mi A1.

1. Open the screen that you want to capture.
2. Press the power (on) and volume reduction button at the same time.
3. Hold for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see the animation.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) long-term retention of these buttons can cause a reboot in Fastboot mode. If the screen goes out and there is a bunny with an android robot - do not panic, just restart the phone with the power button.

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If you have a magnetic lock case (such as the original one for Xiaomi 13), remove it before you take a screenshot – the magnet can block the sensors and interrupt the process.

Where to look for a finished screenshot?

• 📁 In the gallery: Screenshots folder or Screenshots.
• 🔍 Through File Manager: Internal Storage → Pictures → Screenshots.
• 📱 In notifications: immediately after creation, a preview will appear with the buttons “Share” and “Delete».

Method 2: Three-finger gesture is the fastest, but requires adjustment

This is a MIUI signature chip that saves time: swipe three fingers down on the screen, and the screenshot is done. But by default, this feature is disabled, to activate it.

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Three finger gesture.
2. Turn on the screenshot switch.
3. Select the direction of the gesture (by default - from top to bottom).

🔹 Important nuances:

• 👆 The gesture only works on touch-controlled screens (it won’t work in the recovery menu or on a locked screen).
• 🎯 Nana POCO F4 GT And other gaming smartphones gesture can conflict with triggers – disable them in Settings → Turbo-playing mode.
• 🔄 If the screenshot is not created, try changing the direction of the gesture to the opposite.

Method 3: Quick Settings Panel for those who like the menu

If you're uncomfortable remembering button combinations or gestures, MIUI has an alternative: a special icon in the notification curtain.

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the Screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a zipper rectangle) and if it's not there, tap it on a pencil (Edit) and add it to the active elements.
3. Click on the icon – the screenshot will be taken in 3 seconds (the countdown will appear).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European region) screenshot icon may be missing due to Google restrictions.In this case, use alternative methods or install a launcher from the Internet. POCO, where the function is available by default.

Open the notification curtain|Click "Edit" (pencil icon)|Find the screenshot icon"|Drag her to the active area.|Save the changes-->

Method 4: Voice commands for those who like to talk

If you have Google Assistant enabled or XiaoAI enabled, you can take a voice-over screenshot.

🔊 Important: Voice commands are required:

• 📶 Active Internet connection (assistants process commands on servers).
• 🎤 Microphone Permission for Google or XiaoAI Apps.
• 🔋 Adequate battery level (on some models voice input is turned off when the charge is below 15%).

Method 5: Scrolling Screenshot – for Long Pages and Chats

If you want to save not a visible part of the screen, but an entire web page, a correspondence on Telegram or a list of products in AliExpress, use the Scrolling Screenshot feature. It is available in MIUI 12 and later.

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the preview appears in the notification, tap the Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
3. Wait until the system automatically scrolls the page and connects the frames.
4. Click Ready to save a long screenshot.

📜 Limitations of function:

• 🚫 Does not work in screenshot protection applications (such as banking or Netflix).
• 🐢 On weak smartphones (for example, Redmi). 9A) It can be “slowed” when scrolling long pages.
• 📏 Maximum screenshot length: 10 screens (limited) MIUI).

Solving the Problem: Why Screenshots Don't Work

If none of these methods work, check out these points:

🛠 Radical solution: If screenshots stopped working after the update MIUI, try:

1. Reset the Gallery app settings (Settings → Apps → Gallery → Storage → Reset).
2. Clear the system cache (Settings → Memory → Clear the cache).
3. Install a launcher from POCO – it often restores lost functions.

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If screenshots don't work in a particular application (like SberBank Online), it's not a phone bug, it's data breach protection. You can't get around it -- use a second phone to take a screen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi