Taking a screenshot on a Xiaomi tablet seems like a simple task β until you encounter unexpected nuances. The buttons are awkward, gestures donβt 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 β from the budget Redmi Pad to the flagship Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro.
- Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
- Simultaneously press the power button (right) and the volume button (top edge of the tablet).
- Hold for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound and see the save animation.
β οΈ 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.
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:
- Go to Settings β Additional functions β Gestures.
- Activate the screenshot with three fingers (in some firmware called screenshot wire).
- Swipe down the screen with three fingers at the same time (not necessarily vertically, a small angle is allowed).
πΉ Challenges and solutions:
- π Make sure your settings include Allow gestures in full-screen applications (e.g., games or videos).
- β‘ 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.
- π± 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-->
π‘ 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:
- Take a regular screenshot in any way (buttons or gestures).
- Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the lower right corner of the screen, click on it.
- In the editor that opens, tap the Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
- Wait for the page to automatically scroll and save the extended screenshot.
β οΈ 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?
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
- Activate the voice assistant with the phrase βOK, Googleβ or holding the Home button.
- Tell the command: Take a screenshot or take a picture of the screen.
- Confirm the action (if required).
Method 2: through Alice (for Russian firmware)
- Hold the Home button or say Hello, Alice.
- Say, Alice, take a screenshot.
πΉ Limitations:
- π It only works when connected to the Internet (voice commands are processed on servers). Google/yandex).
- π‘οΈ In some applications (banks, messengers with encryption), a screenshot through voice is blocked for security reasons.
- π΅ On tablets without Google services (for example, on Chinese firmware), this method is not available.
π‘
If the voice assistant doesnβt recognize the command, try alternative phrases like βscreenshot,β βscreen capture,β or βScreen capture.β
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:
| Annex | Compatibility with MIUI | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Master | β It works on all versions. | Scrolling screens, editor, screen recording | Advertising in the free version |
| Screenshot Easy | β Yes (requires permission to impose) | Hot keys, timer, cloud storage | Doesn't work in games. |
| Super Screenshot | β οΈ Partially (may conflict with) MIUI 15) | Text processing (OCR), templates | Fees paid |
| Xiaomi Tools | β Optimized for Xiaomi | Additional gestures, screenshots of games | Requires root for some functions |
π§ How to install and configure:
- Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror (if you don't have access to the Play Market).
- Launch the utility and provide permissions: π± Overlay over other applications (for floating screenshot button). π Storage (to save files). π Special facilities (for gestures).
Set up hotkeys or add a widget to the main screen.
β οΈ 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
- Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Find the screenshot shortcut (if not, add via Edit β Add).
- Slip it on it - the screenshot will be taken instantly.
Method 2: Double-click on the Home button (only for physical-button tablets)
- Go to Settings β Buttons and gestures β Home button.
- Select the action Double press β Screenshot.
- Now quickly press the Home button twice - the screenshot is ready!
π‘
If your tablet doesnβt 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 cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot not saved in gallery | Access rights error or MIUI failure | Go 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 function | Check 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 lock | Try 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. |
π 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 settingsThis will return all system functions to factory parameters, including the screenshot module.