How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi smartphone: all ways from A to Z

Creating a screenshot on a Xiaomi smartphone is a task that every user faces. Whether you want to save an important message, capture an error in the application or share a funny meme from a social network – the ability to quickly take a screenshot saves time and nerves. However, not everyone knows that on devices with a shell MIUI There are several ways to create screenshots, including hidden functions for models with AMOLED-displays and gesture controls.

In this article, we will cover all the current methods, from classic button combinations to voice commands and automation through Google Assistant, and we will focus on the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and popular series: Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and others, you will also learn how to edit screenshots immediately after creation and where to find saved files.

If you think you know all the ways, test yourself! You may be missing out on the most convenient method for your model. For example, owners of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra can take screenshots with a single touch on the back, and the POCO F5 has a unique swipe gesture with three fingers. Next, details with visual examples and warnings of typical errors.

1. Classical method: button combination

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models regardless of the MIUI version is the simultaneous pressing of physical buttons.

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

✅ Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 It works on all devices, including older models (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1).
• 📱 Does not require activated gestures or additional settings.
• ⚡ Faster than finding a feature on the menu.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO M4 Pro) the power button can be sensitive. If the screenshot is not created, try pressing the buttons with a small delay (volume first, power later).

💡

If you have a magnetic lock case (such as the Xiaomi Smart Cover), remove it before you take a screenshot – the magnet can block the power button.

2.The swipe gesture with three fingers

One of the most convenient ways is to swipe three fingers across the screen, which is enabled by default on most devices with MIUI 10 and later, but it can be activated manually.

How to turn on the gesture:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Swipe gesture with three fingers.
2. Activate the switch opposite the Screenshot.
3. Select the direction of the swipe (usually down).

How to use:

Swipe across the screen from top to bottom (or in the chosen direction) with three fingers at the same time. Swipe speed is not important - as long as the fingers touch the display at the same time.

There are no greasy spots or moisture on the screen|Fingers do not touch the frame of the smartphone|Gesture enabled in settings|There is no keyboard on the screen (it can block swipe)-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro), the gesture may conflict with the Split Screen function. If a screenshot is not created, turn off split screen in the multitasking settings.

3. Screenshot through the Quick Settings panel

If you are uncomfortable remembering button combinations or gestures, use the notification bar, which is suitable for users who often take screenshots in apps with active content (for example, in games or videos).

Instructions:

1. Turn the notification bar swipe from top to bottom.
2. Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissors or screen thumbnail).
3. Slip it on it – the smartphone will immediately take a picture.

🔍 If there's no badge:

• 🔧 Click on Edit (pencil) in the notification panel.
• 📌 Drag the screenshot icon to the active area.
• 🔄 Restart your smartphone if the changes don’t apply.

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🎯 Accuracy: You can take a screenshot of the right moment in a video or game.
• 📲 No need to remember gestures or buttons.

4. Voice commands and Google Assistant

For those who prefer voice control, there are two options:

1. Google Assistant (works on all models with Google Mobile Services)
2. Through the built-in Xiao AI assistant (for Chinese firmware only).

Instructions for Google Assistant:

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

🔊 Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro) the voice command may not work in games or applications with overlay blocking.

Xiao AI (for Chinese firmware):

Press the power button for 1-2 seconds to call the assistant, and say (in Chinese "screenshot").

5. Hidden features: screenshot with the back panel and scrolling

Not everyone knows that some Xiaomi models have unique ways to create screenshots:

📱 Screenshot of double tap on the back (available on Xiaomi) 12/13 series, Mix 4):

Activated in Settings → Additional → Double touch and lift. Once turned on, it is enough to touch the back cover of the smartphone twice to take a screenshot.

📜 Scrolling Screenshot (Long Screenshot):

After you create a regular screenshot, tap the thumbnail in the bottom right corner and select Scrolling. The function will automatically glue multiple screens into one long shot (useful for web pages or chats).

⚠️ Note: Scrolling screenshots may not work in some applications (e.g. Telegram with content protection enabled).

6. Where can I find the saved screenshots?

By default, all screenshots are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

or (on some firmware):

/storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Screenshots/

How to open the folder quickly:

• 🖼️ Through the Gallery: Open the app, select the album Screenshots.
• 📁 Through the Explorer: Go to Internal Memory → Pictures → Screenshots.
• 🔍 Through Search: Enter Screenshot query in the File Manager Search bar.

📌 Tip: If screenshots don’t show up in the gallery, check if the Screenshots folder is hidden in the Explorer settings (the.nomedia file can block the display).

7. Editing and sharing screenshots

Immediately after the screenshot is created, a thumbnail with quick actions appears in the lower right corner:

• ✏️ Edit: cropping, drawing, adding text or stickers.
• 📤 Share: sending to messengers or social networks.
• 🗑️ Delete: Quickly remove unnecessary photos.

🎨 Extended editing:

If there are few built-in tools, use third-party apps:

• Snapseed – for professional processing.
• PhotoRoom - to remove the background.
• Xiaomi’s Quick Edit is a lightweight editor from the manufacturer.

⚠️ Note: When sharing screenshots via messengers (WhatsApp, Viber), quality may decrease. To save the original resolution, send files via Telegram ("File" mode) or cloud services.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

💡

For most users, the best choice is a three-finger gesture (speed) or a combination of buttons (reliability), voice commands and a double tap are convenient in specific scenarios.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi