How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi: all ways in 2 seconds

You can take a screenshot of a Xiaomi smartphone in just a few seconds -- if you know all the ways you can do it. The manufacturer offers users not only standard button combinations, but also unique MIUI features that make it easier to do things like gesture commands, voice control, or even long screenshots of the pages they scrolle.

In this article, we'll look at all the current screenshot techniques on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from classic to obscure, how to set up quick access, where to find saved screenshots and how to crop them right in the gallery, and why sometimes the picture doesn't work and how to fix it.

1. Standard method: button combination

The most reliable and versatile method is the use of hardware keys, which works on all Xiaomi models, regardless of the version of MIUI or Android.

To take a screenshot:

1. Open the desired screen (application, web page, settings).
2. At the same time, press the power button and the volume down button.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see the animation.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F5) The sensitivity of the buttons may vary. If you don't get a picture, try pressing a little longer or letting go faster.

Where do I look for the finished screenshot? It's usually saved in the folder:

Gallery → Albums → Screenshots

💡

If the Screenshots folder is not displayed, check the hidden albums in the gallery or use a file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager).

2.Gestural for screenshot (only on MIUI 12 and later)

With MIUI 12, Xiaomi has a Quick Screenshot feature with a gesture, which is handy if the hardware buttons don’t work well or you prefer one-handed control.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screen gestures.
2. Find the option "Screenshot with three fingers" and activate it.
3. Choose the action: run down or up (optional).

Now, to take a picture, just swipe your three fingers across the screen in the desired direction, and the shutter sound will confirm that the screenshot was successfully taken.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11), the gesture may conflict with other features such as "Curb App" in which case, turn off unnecessary gestures in the settings.

3. Voice command via Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant enabled, you can take a voice screenshot without pressing buttons, which is useful when your hands are busy or the screen is locked (on some models).

Instructions:

1. Activate the voice assistant with the phrase “OK, Google” or by holding the Home button.
2. Say, "Take a screenshot" or "Screenshot."
3. Confirm the action (if required).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for POCO or Chinese firmware voice command may not work, in which case use the alternative - Yandex Alice (if installed).

Where it comes in handy:

• 🎮 When you want to capture a record moment.
• 📱 If the screen is dirty or cracked and the buttons are not pressed well.
• 🚗 Drive (only at a stop!) when you need to quickly save information.

4. Scrolling screenshot (long screenshot)

Xiaomi allows you to take screenshots of entire pages — chats, websites, or long lists, for example — called Scrolling Screenshot, and works in most apps.

How to do this:

1. Take a regular screenshot (by any means).
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears at the bottom of the screen, click on it.
3. In the editor that opens, tap the “Scroll” icon (two arrows down).
4. Wait until the page automatically scrolls to the end and save the result.

⚠️ Note: The feature may not work in some apps (such as TikTok or Instagram) where scrolling is blocked. 9A) Possible hangings when processing long pages.

Tip: If you want to capture only a part of a long page, after automatically scrolling, trim the extra with a built-in editor.

5. Screenshot via notification panel (quick access)

In MIUI, you can add a screenshot button to the Quick Access Bar (notification curtain), which is convenient if you often take screenshots.

How to set up:

1. Open the notification curtain (swipe your finger from top to bottom).
2. Slip on the "Edit" icon (pencil in the lower right corner).
3. Find the Screenshot tiles and drag them to the active area.
4. Save the changes.

Now, to take a picture, it is enough:

1. Open the curtain.
2. Click on the screenshot icon.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than a button combination (especially on larger screens).
• 🔧 It works even if one of the hardware buttons is broken.
• 📱 No need to memorize gestures.

Add the screenshot tiles

Remove unnecessary labels (e.g., "Airplane Mode" if you don't use them)

Check the order of the tiles (the most necessary ones are in the first rows)

Save the changes

-->

6. Screenshot on the locked screen (hidden function)

On some Xiaomi models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60), you can take a screenshot without unlocking your phone. This works if the settings include the option “Scan screenshot on locked screen”.

How to activate:

1. Go to Settings → Screen Lock → Additional settings.
2. Find the option "Screenshot on the locked screen" and turn it on.
3. Set the activation method: gesture or button combination.

Limitations:

• 🔒 The feature may not work if privacy protection is enabled (e.g., hiding notifications).
• 📵 On some firmware screenshot of the locked screen is saved without previews.
• 🔐 If a pattern lock is used, unlocking will be required to view the image.

⚠️ Warning: This feature may pose a privacy risk if the phone falls into the wrong hands.Switch it off if you store sensitive information (such as messages or payment notifications) on the lock screen).

7. Editing and sharing screenshots

Once you've taken a screenshot, MIUI offers tools for quick editing and sending. Here's what you can do:

Tip: if you need to save the screenshot in high quality, before sending, select the option "Original quality" (in some messengers compression spoils the details).

Where are the screenshots stored?

• 📁 By default: /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/
• 🔍 An alternative path: DCIM → Screenshots (on some firmware)
• ☁️ If you have Mi Cloud sync enabled, screenshots are duplicated in the cloud.

💡

To keep screenshots from taking up memory, set up automatic upload to the cloud (Mi Cloud or Google Photos) and clear local copies over 30 days.

8. Why can't you take a screenshot?

Sometimes screenshots don't get created despite the right actions, and here are the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:

⚠️ Note: On devices with root rights or custom firmware (such as LineageOS), standard screenshot methods may not work. In this case, install a third-party application, such as Screenshot Easy or Screen Master.

If the problem persists, try:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Update MIUI to the latest version.
3. Reset Settings → System → Reset Settings → Reset all settings (without data loss).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi