How to Take a Screenshot on Xiaomi: All Ways for Redmi, POCO and Black Shark

Taking screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected nuances. Some models support the classic combination of buttons, others require the activation of hidden gestures, and others offer voice control. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to take a screenshot on devices running MIUI (including HyperOS), from budget Redmi to flagship Black Shark.

We will focus on the problems that users face: why the screenshot is not saved, how to change the file format or where to find screenshots if they “disappeared” from the gallery. and also reveal the hidden screen scrolling mode – a feature that less than 20% of Xiaomi owners know about, but saves minutes when creating long screenshots of web pages or chats.

1. Classical method: button combination

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models – from Redmi 4A (2017) to Xiaomi 14 Ultra (2026).

• 🔘 Power button (right) + volume-reduce button (left).
• 🕒 Hold 1-2 seconds until the screen blinks and save animations appear.
• 📁 The finished screenshot is automatically saved to the folder DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots.

Some models, like the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+, may have vibrations or sound signals, which is normal.

⚠️ Warning: Check if the Volume Up button is clamped, this blocks the combination. Also on HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) You may need to hold for longer (up to 3 seconds).

For smartphone owners with a physical home button (e.g. Redmi 5A or Mi A1), an alternative combination is:

Home button + Power button (hold 2 seconds)

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If you have a magnetic lock case (like the original Xiaomi Smart Cover), temporarily remove it – the magnet can block the buttons from working.

2.Gesturals for screenshots: three fingers down

MIUI offers a convenient alternative to buttons, a three-finger gesture that works on all devices with MIUI firmware version 9 and later (including HyperOS) to activate the function:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Select the screenshot with three fingers.
3. Turn on the switch and adjust the gesture direction (by default - swipe down).

Now to create a screenshot:

1. Touch the screen with three fingers at the same time (for example, index, middle and ring).
2. Swipe down the screen (as if you were swiping the content).
3. Release your fingers after the screen blinks.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than a button combination (especially on larger smartphones like Xiaomi) 12S Ultra).
• 🛡️ It does not wear physical buttons.
• 🎯 It works with one hand (if the screen is touched by three fingers of one hand).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) The gesture may conflict with the split screen function. If the screenshot is not created, check the gesture settings in the Multitasking section.

3. Voice assistant: "OK, Google" and Alice

If buttons or gestures are not available (for example, when the sensor breaks), you can take a screenshot with your voice.

Method 1: Google Assistant

Activate the assistant with OK Google or hold the Home button, then say:

"Take a screenshot"


or




"Take a screenshot"

It works on all devices with Google Play Services (including Redmi Note 11, POCO X4 Pro, etc.).

Method 2: XiaoAI (for China/Global MIUI)

On smartphones with Chinese firmware or global MIUI without Google Services (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro for the Chinese market), use the built-in assistant:

1. Hold the power button or say "Hiao Ai".
2. Say the command in Chinese: “(jiétú)” or in English: “Take a screenshot”.

Limitations of the voice method:

• 🔇 Does not work in Do Not Disturb or with the microphone turned off.
• 🌐 Requires an internet connection to handle the command (except offline Google Assistant mode).
• 📵 May not work in games or applications with audio blocking (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).

4. Scrolling screenshot (long screenshot)

Scrolling allows you to capture an entire chat, web page or document into a single file, available on MIUI 10 and later.

1. Take a regular screenshot in any way (buttons/gesture).
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the lower right corner of the screen, click on it.
3. In the editor that opens, tap the “Scroll” icon (two arrows down).
4. Wait for the page to automatically scroll and click “Done”.

Limitations:

If the function is inactive:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI last-minute.
• 📱 Check if the option is included in the Settings → Additional functions → Scrolling screenshot.
• 🚫 In some regional firmware (for example, for India), the function is disabled by default.

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Long screenshots are saved in PNG format and can take up to 10 MB – keep this in mind when sending by mail or messengers.

5. Screenshot via notification panel

A little-known method that works on MIUI 12+ and HyperOS:

1. Turn the notification bar (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
2. Find the Screenshot tile. If it's not there, click Edit and add it.
3. Slip on the tile - the smartphone will take a screenshot.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎯 Faster than a combination of buttons (one touch instead of two).
• 🔧 You can assign a double touch on the tile for a screenshot with a scrolling.

If the tiles are not on the list:

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) has hidden tile. To return it, reset the notification bar settings to Settings → Notifications → Additionally. → Reset the settings.

6. Screenshot Problems and Their Solutions

Even on the new Xiaomi smartphones, users are facing typical problems.

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📁 Folder filled: Delete old screenshots or transfer them to PC. path: Internal memory → DCIM → Screenshots.
• 🔒 Application restrictions: Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) or games block screenshots.
• 🛠️ System failure: Reboot your smartphone or clear the Gallery app cache in Settings → Annexes.

Problem 2: Screenshot is black or empty

Most often occurs in:

• 🎮 Free Fire, Call of Duty Mobile (Free Fire, Call of Duty Mobile).
• 📺 Annexes with DRM-Protection (Netflix, Disney)+).
• 🔐 Banking applications or messengers with encryption (Signal, Telegram Secret Chat).

Solution: Use an external camera or specialized applications like AZ Screen Recorder (with screenshot function).

Problem 3: Screenshots are kept in low quality

By default, MIUI saves screenshots in screen resolution, but sometimes compression spoils details.

1. Open Settings → Additional functions → Screenshots.
2. Select “File Format” → PNG (instead of JPG).
3. Activate the High Quality option (available on MIUI 13+).

Check the physical buttons for pollution|Update. MIUI last-minute|Reset gesture settings in the menu "Additional Features»|Try an alternative method (voice/tile)-->

7. Alternative applications for screenshots

If the standard methods do not suit, install third-party utilities from Google Play:

Warnings when using third-party applications:

• 🛡️ Some utilities require permission to display over other windows – this may conflict with games.
• 🔍 Apps like Screenshot Easy can collect data about your screenshots (read the privacy policy).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Third-party gestures may stop working – reconfiguration is required.

8.Where to find and how to manage screenshots

By default, screenshots are saved to:

Internal memory → DCIM → Screenshots


or




Internal Memory → Pictures → Screenshots

To change the place of conservation:

1. Open the gallery → Albums → Screenshots.
2. Press «⋮» (three-point) → Settings → Conservation folder.
3. Choose «SD-card or other partition of memory.

Additional management functions:

• 🗑️ Auto Cleanup: Include in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup → Automatic Screenshot Cleanup for Over 30 Days.
• 🔍 Search by text: Google Photos can search for screenshots by text on them (for example, “confirmation code»).
• 📤 Quick Submit: Swipe left/right in the screenshot thumbnail after you create to share it.

If the screenshots "disappeared":

⚠️ Note: Check the.thumbnails folder at the root of internal memory - sometimes thumbnails are saved there. Also, screenshots can be hidden if their name has the characters "." or " " (show hidden files in the file manager).

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On smartphones with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14), screenshots are automatically synced with Xiaomi Cloud if backup is enabled in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Cloud.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi