How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi 8: all ways + error solving

Xiaomi Mi 8 is the flagship of 2018, which is still popular among users thanks to the powerful hardware and support for the latest versions of MIUI. But even experienced owners sometimes face difficulties in creating screenshots: the key combination does not work, the screen becomes black, the gesture with three fingers conflicts with other functions. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to make a screen on the Mi 8, including hidden chips MIUI 12/14 and bypass typical errors.

The feature of the model is the absence of a physical Menu button, which changes the usual logic of interaction. In addition, after firmware updates, some methods (for example, a screenshot via Quick Ball) can disappear or move to other sections of the menu. We tested each method on the Mi 8 with MIUI 10.3-14.0.5 and collected only working solutions, including alternatives for cases where standard methods fail.

1. Standard key combination: Power + Volume Down

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Mi 8.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
2. Press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left) at the same time.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the save animation.

⚠️ Note: On the Mi 8 with worn buttons, only the off menu can work instead of the screenshot. If this is your case, try pressing the short-latency keys (first Volume Down, then Power).

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If the screenshot is not saved, check if Do Not Disturb (DND) mode is enabled – it can block the shutter sound and notification.

Where to find a ready screen?

• 📁 In the gallery: Screenshots folder (or Screenshots in Russian) MIUI).
• 🔍 Through the Conductor: Internal Memory → Pictures → Screenshots.
• 📱 In the notification: tap the “Screenshot Save” banner that appears to immediately open it in the editor.

2. Three finger gesture (on MIUI 11 and newer)

The Screenshot by Gesture feature appeared in MIUI 11 and remains one of the most convenient to activate.

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Turn on the swipe switch with three fingers.
3. Choose the direction of the swipe: down (recommended) or up.

Now, to take a screenshot, swipe three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (or bottom to top if you choose a different direction), even in games and full-screen applications where the navigation buttons are hidden.

🔹 Pros of the method: fast, does not require pressing buttons, works in any position of the phone.

🔹 Cons: Accidental triggers when scrolling web pages or in games with active gestures.

3. Quick Settings (Quick Settings)

A little-known way to save when buttons or gestures don't work.

1. Turn the notification bar swipe from top to bottom.
2. Find the Screenshot tile (if it is not there, tap the pencil icon for editing and add it to the active elements).
3. Touch the tiles, and the screen will be captured.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI For the Mi 8, the screenshot may not be available, in which case update the firmware or use alternative methods.

Add the tile "Screenshot"|Check the visibility of the tiles in the expanded menu|Disable Auto-Opening Panels in Notification Settings|Reboot your phone after the changes-->

This method is particularly useful if:

• 🎮 You play a game with the navigation buttons turned off.
• 🔧 You have a power or volume down button that is not working.
• 📱 You use a cover with closed physical buttons.

4. Voice command (Google Assistant)

If you have Google Assistant enabled, you can take a screenshot with your voice:

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

🔹 Limitations:

• 🔇 It only works when you connect to the Internet (checking the command takes place on Google servers).
• 📵 In some regions, the function may be disabled due to the privacy policy.
• 🎙️ Requires pre-setting voice in Settings → Google → Services on the device → Voice input.

Button combination|Three-finger gesture|Quick settings panel|Voice command|Party of annex-->

5. Part of the annex for extended screenshots

Standard MIUI methods don't always suit users, such as:

• 📜 Take long screenshots (scrollable pages).
• ✏️ Edit the picture immediately after creation.
• 📁 Automatically upload screens to the cloud.

For these tasks, applications will be suitable:

⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party apps for screenshots, turn off battery optimization for them (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Battery optimization, otherwise they may not work in the background.

6. Solving screenshot problems on Xiaomi Mi 8

Even on a serviceable device, there are occasional failures, and let's look at the typical errors and how to fix them:

🖥️ Black screen on the screenshot

Reason: DRM-Protection (e.g., banking apps or Netflix) Solutions:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes it helps to reset DRM-session.
• 📱 Use a second user profile (without linked accounts) DRM).
• 📷 Take a picture of the screen with another device (if the screen is critically important).

🔕 No shutter or notification sound

Check it out.

• 🔔 Do Not Disturb (turn it off in the notification panel).
• 🎵 Media volume (sometimes system sounds are tied to this regulator).
• 🔊 Sound settings in Settings → Sound and vibration → Systemic sounds.

🚫 Buttons don't respond.

Possible causes and solutions:

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If none of the methods work, reset your settings via Settings → About Phone → Reset settings (the data will not be deleted, but the default settings will return).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 8