How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi tablet: all ways + hidden chips MIUI

Taking a screenshot on a Xiaomi tablet seems like a simple task β€” until you encounter unexpected nuances. The buttons are awkward, gestures don’t work, and in some models (for example, the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro) the standard combinations are completely disabled by default. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to create screenshots, from classic hotkeys to hidden MIUI 14/15 functions, which are not written even in official manuals.

We'll focus on the challenges that owners face: why a screenshot isn't saved in the gallery, how to take a long-page shot (scroll screen), and what to do if the tablet doesn't respond to the buttons, and at the end, a table of ways to match popular Xiaomi and Redmi models.

1. Standard method: power buttons + volume

It is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi tablets – from the budget Redmi Pad to the flagship Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro.

  1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
  2. Simultaneously press the power button (right) and the volume button (top edge of the tablet).
  3. Hold for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound and see the save animation.

⚠️ Attention: On tablets with MIUI 14+ If you hold the buttons longer than 3 seconds, you may have an emergency mode (forced reboot).If you don't get a screenshot, try pressing faster, but don't hold the keys too long.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi tablet you have?
Xiaomi Pad 5/5 Pro
Xiaomi Pad 6/6 Pro
Redmi Pad/Pad SE
Another Xiaomi
Not Xiaomi.

Where to look for a ready screenshot? By default, files are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

Or open Photo Gallery β†’ Screenshots album. MIUI 15 adds automatic text recognition in screenshots β€” just click on the magnifying icon in the lower right corner of the picture.

2. Three-finger gesture - quick screenshot without buttons

If the physical buttons on the Xiaomi tablet fail (or just laziness to look for them), turn on gesture control:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Additional functions β†’ Gestures.
  2. Activate the screenshot with three fingers (in some firmware called screenshot wire).
  3. Swipe down the screen with three fingers at the same time (not necessarily vertically, a small angle is allowed).

πŸ”Ή Challenges and solutions:

  • πŸ”„ Make sure your settings include Allow gestures in full-screen applications (e.g., games or videos).
  • ⚑ Conflict with other gestures: If you have gesture navigation activated (instead of buttons), turn it off temporarily or reset the sensitivity to Settings β†’ Screen. β†’ Navigation through the system.
  • πŸ“± It doesn't work on a locked screen. It's a security limitation -- unlock the tablet before you take a screenshot.

Make sure the screen is clean (mud interferes with the sensor)

Disable the cover or protective film (if any)

Check if the gesture conflicts with other functions (e.g. splitscreen)

Restart the tablet if the gesture stopped working after the update-->

πŸ’‘ Secret Life Hack: In MIUI 15, you can assign a double touch to the back of the tablet for a screenshot. β†’ Additional functions β†’ Double tap.

3. Screenshot from a long page (scroll screen)

Should you save the entire Telegram dialog, the long web page, or the listing in the app? A standard screenshot will crop up content. MIUI has a built-in Scrolling Shot feature, but it doesn't work in all apps.

How to do this:

  1. Take a regular screenshot in any way (buttons or gestures).
  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 Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
  4. Wait for the page to automatically scroll and save the extended screenshot.

⚠️ Note: The feature does not work in dynamic content applications (e.g. TikTok, Instagram Reels) and some banking programs (due to security limitations).

What apps support scrolling screen?
List of tested applications (based on tests on Xiaomi Pad) 6 Pro, MIUI 15): βœ… Browsers: Chrome, Mi Browser, Firefox βœ… Messengers: Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp (only chats, not stories) βœ… Social networks: VKontakte (feed), Facebook (posts), Twitter/X (tweet) βœ… Documents: WPS Office, Google Docs (Static Pages Only) ❌ Not working: Instagram (ribbon and stories), TikTok, most games, banking apps (SberBank, Tinkoff).

MIUI 15 has an experimental feature to save scrolling screen in PDF format β€” for this after creating a picture, click Share β†’ Save as PDF. This is convenient for sending long documents by mail.

4. Voice command "OK Google" or Alice

If you have a tablet connected to the Internet, you can take a voice screenshot without pressing a button, and it's suitable for situations where your hands are busy or the screen is dirty.

Method 1: Google Assistant

  1. Activate the voice assistant with the phrase β€œOK, Google” or holding the Home button.
  2. Tell the command: Take a screenshot or take a picture of the screen.
  3. Confirm the action (if required).

Method 2: through Alice (for Russian firmware)

  1. Hold the Home button or say Hello, Alice.
  2. Say, Alice, take a screenshot.

πŸ”Ή Limitations:

  • πŸ”‡ It only works when connected to the Internet (voice commands are processed on servers). Google/yandex).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ In some applications (banks, messengers with encryption), a screenshot through voice is blocked for security reasons.
  • πŸ“΅ On tablets without Google services (for example, on Chinese firmware), this method is not available.

πŸ’‘

If the voice assistant doesn’t recognize the command, try alternative phrases like β€œscreenshot,” β€œscreen capture,” or β€œScreen capture.”

5. Screenshot applications: when standard methods don't work

If the built-in MIUI functionality fails (for example, after a firmware update or because of a crash), use third-party utilities. We tested 5 popular applications - the results in the table:

AnnexCompatibility with MIUIFeaturesCons
Screen Masterβœ… It works on all versions.Scrolling screens, editor, screen recordingAdvertising in the free version
Screenshot Easyβœ… Yes (requires permission to impose)Hot keys, timer, cloud storageDoesn't work in games.
Super Screenshot⚠️ Partially (may conflict with) MIUI 15)Text processing (OCR), templatesFees paid
Xiaomi Toolsβœ… Optimized for XiaomiAdditional gestures, screenshots of gamesRequires root for some functions

πŸ”§ How to install and configure:

  1. Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror (if you don't have access to the Play Market).
  2. Launch the utility and provide permissions: πŸ“± Overlay over other applications (for floating screenshot button). πŸ“ Storage (to save files). πŸ” Special facilities (for gestures).

Set up hotkeys or add a widget to the main screen.

⚠️ Note: Applications with screenshots in games (Xiaomi Tools, Game Tools) can cause a ban account in some online games (for example, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact. Use them at your own risk!

6 Hidden MIUI features: screenshot through notification panel and home button

MIUI 12-15 has hidden alternative ways to take screenshots that few people know about.

Method 1: through the notification panel

  1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
  2. Find the screenshot shortcut (if not, add via Edit β†’ Add).
  3. Slip it on it - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

Method 2: Double-click on the Home button (only for physical-button tablets)

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Buttons and gestures β†’ Home button.
  2. Select the action Double press β†’ Screenshot.
  3. Now quickly press the Home button twice - the screenshot is ready!

πŸ’‘

If your tablet doesn’t have a physical Home button, use the virtual navigation bar (includes in Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Navigation).

7 Problem Solving: Screenshot is not saved, gesture or buttons are not working

Frequent errors and their correction:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Screenshot not saved in galleryAccess rights error or MIUI failureGo to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Gallery β†’ Rights and enable storage access. Reboot the tablet. Check the Pictures/Screenshots folder through the file manager.
The three-finger gesture doesn't work.Conflict with other gestures or a disabled functionCheck Settings β†’ Additional Features β†’ Gestures. Turn off Navigation with gestures (if enabled). Update the firmware - older versions of MIUI gestures are unstable.
The power + volume buttons are not working.Hardware malfunction or system lockTry another method (e.g., notification bar). Check if the volume button is stuck (clean from dust). Reset the button settings to Settings β†’ Buttons and gestures.

πŸ› οΈ Extreme solution: If neither method works, try resetting your tablet settings (but back up first:

Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting all settings

This will return all system functions to factory parameters, including the screenshot module.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I take a screenshot on a locked Xiaomi screen?
No, for security reasons, MIUI blocks screenshots from being taken on the lock screen. A workaround: unlock the tablet, then take a picture. Except if you have custom firmware installed with the restrictions disabled.
How to take a screenshot in a game on Xiaomi Pad?
Most games have the standard methods (buttons or gestures) locked. Try: Use Xiaomi Tools with Game Mode enabled. Connect the tablet to your PC and screen through scrcpy. Record the video screen, then cut the desired frame. ⚠️ Read the rules of the game carefully, in some titles (e.g., in the game, PUBG) Screenshots can be considered cheating.
Where are the screenshots on Xiaomi tablet stored?
The default path is /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/ Also found: Gallery (Photos β†’ Albums β†’ Screenshots) File Manager (Mi File Manager or Google Files) Mi Cloud, if sync is enabled.
How to edit a screenshot immediately after creation?
Once you've created a picture, tap on the thumbnail in the bottom right corner. The built-in MIUI editor will open, where you can: Cut edges (Credit). Add text or a picture (Marker, Blurr); highlight part of the screen (Scanning text - requires the Internet); If the editor does not open, check the settings: Settings β†’ Additional features β†’ Screenshot Editor.
Why are screenshots black or blank?
This is a typical problem when trying to take a picture in: Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff), encrypted messengers (WhatsApp, Signal in incognito mode). DRM-Protection (Netflix, Disney)+). πŸ”Ή Solution: Use a second phone or camera to take a picture of the screen. Or take a screenshot through ADB (For advanced users: Adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png