How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi A3: all ways with photos and videos

Introduction: Why screenshots on the Mi A3 are a separate topic

The Xiaomi Mi A3, launched in 2019, is a unique device in the company’s lineup thanks to its pure Android One instead of the usual MIUI shell. This feature has affected not only the interface, but also standard features — including screenshots. Unlike other Xiaomi models, where gestures or quick action menus are available, some of the usual methods simply do not work on the Mi A3.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to take a screenshot of the Mi A3, from the classic button combinations to hidden Android 10/11 chips. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances associated with the lack of a triple-touch gesture (which is on MIUI) and the problems with saving screenshots when memory is not enough. If you own this smartphone, here you will find answers even to non-obvious questions – for example, how to take a long screenshot of a page or where to look for screenshots if they “disappeared”.

Method 1: Classic button combination (always working)

It’s a versatile method that works on any Android device, including the Xiaomi Mi A3.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, WhatsApp or Chrome).
2. Press two buttons at the same time: 🔘 Power button (right) 🔽 Volume reduction button (left)

1-2 seconds

⚠️ Attention: On Mi A3 With worn buttons (especially after 2-3 years of use), the combination may not work the first time:

• 🧹 Wipe the buttons with a dry wipe - dust and fat interfere with a clear press.
• 🔧 Try pressing with a small pause (0.5 seconds) between buttons, rather than strictly simultaneously.

Where to look for a screenshot? By default, files are saved to the Pictures/Screenshots folder. To quickly open it, use:

1. Notice of the screenshot (stamp it on it).
2. File Manager (e.g. Files by Google)
3. Gallery – there should be a separate category “Screenshots”.

Method 2: Hands-on gesture (requires settings)

Unlike MIUI devices, where the "paw-paw-on-screen" gesture is enabled by default, on the Mi A3 with Android One, this feature needs to be activated manually.

1. Open the settings → System → Gestures.
2. Find the Palm Screenshot (or Palm Swipe to Capture in English).
3. Activate the switch.

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Place your palm vertically along the edge of the screen (e.g., right).
2. Then, turn it from left to right (or vice versa) with a quick move.

⚠️ Note: The gesture may not work if:

• 🖐️ You touch the screen with your fingers (it should be your palm).
• 📱 There's a low-sensitivity protective film on the screen.
• 🔋 Battery discharged below 15% – the system turns off some gestures to save energy.

Method 3: Voice command via Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant enabled (and the Mi A3 default is), you can take voice screenshots, which is convenient when your hands are busy or your buttons are broken.

1. Activate the Assistant: 🗣️ Say “OK Google” (if you’re setting up a voice launch). 🔘 Hold the home button (if it is physical).

"Take a screenshot"

"Take a screenshot"

Confirm the permission (at the first use).

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🆓 No need for additional applications.
• 🎤 It works even with the screen off (if the voice start is configured).

❌ Cons:

• 🔇 It does not work in the "Do not disturb" mode».
• 🌐 Requires an internet connection to process the command.

Method 4: Screenshot through the Quick Settings Panel

On the Xiaomi Mi A3, there's a hidden button in the notification bar for screenshots, and many users don't know it exists, although this is one of the quickest ways to find it.

1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
2. Swipe down again to turn it all around.
3. Find the Screenshot icon (usually hidden under the Edit item).
4. If there is no button, tap it. ⚙️ → Edit the panel → Drag the screenshot to the active area.

Now, one tap on the icon is enough to take a screenshot, and this is particularly useful for:

• 📸 Frequent screenshots (for example, for work or streams).
• 🔧 Devices with faulty power/volume buttons.

💡

If the Screenshot button is missing after the Android update, reset the notification bar settings in Settings → Annexes → ⚙️ → Reset the settings.

Method 5: Long Screenshot (Scrolling Screen)

On the Mi A3, you can take long screenshots (for example, all correspondence in the messenger or web page).

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the miniature appears at the bottom of the screen, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, select Long Screenshot (or Scroll Capture).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls the screen and connects the parts into a single file.

⚠️ Note: Not all applications are supported, here's a list of supported and unsupported applications:

If you can’t take a long screenshot, try:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📥 Update the app where you are trying to take a picture.
• 🛠️ Use third-party utilities (e.g., LongShot from Google Play).

Problem Solving: Screenshots Are Not Saved or Disappear

Mi A3 users often find that screenshots:

• 📁 Not preserved in the gallery.
• 🗑️ Disappear after rebooting.
• 🚫 Preserve in low resolution.

Here is a unique solution for Mi. A3: The problem is most often associated with the Android One storage settings, because the default system can save screenshots to internal memory, which overflows faster than the default system. SD-To fix the map:

1. Open the Settings → Storage.
2. Check how much space is available in internal memory. If less than 1 GB, delete the files that are not needed.
3. Install Files by Google and manually transfer Screenshots to the app. SD-map (if installed).

If the screenshots are saved but blurred:

• 🔍 Check the screen resolution in Settings → Display. → Permission (should be) 720p+).
• 📏 Make sure that the camera settings do not activate the Traffic Saving mode (it reduces the quality of all images).

💡

On the Xiaomi Mi A3, screenshots are saved by default in PNG format with a resolution of 720×1560 pixels. If you want to improve quality, use applications like Screenshot Touch with compression settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Mi A3