How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi smartphone: 7 proven ways

Screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones are not just about saving the screen, but an arsenal of tools for work, learning and communication. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 14) and the version of MIUI, there are 3 to 7 different ways to take screenshots. But many users still use only a standard combination of buttons, without even knowing the existence of gesture controls, voice commands or hidden features like a long screenshot.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current methods, from classic to exotic, that work even on older models like the Redmi 5A (2017), focusing on the unique MIUI Scrolling Screenshot feature, which allows you to capture an entire web page or chat into a single file, and learn how to configure screen saving to the Xiaomi Cloud and why screenshots sometimes don’t save (and how to fix it).

1. Classical method: button combination

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the model and firmware version, is suitable even for devices with mechanical buttons (for example, Redmi 4X).

To take a screenshot:

1. Open the screen you want (message, photo, settings, etc.).
2. At the same time, press the Power (on) button and the Volume Down button.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound (or see the animation).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3) Power is on the side, not on the top. If you can't press both buttons at the same time, try the second way (gesture control) or go to the problem-solving section.

No buttons locked | Screen not turned off | Free enough memory | No active screen-blocking games-->

2. Gesture control (three-finger swipe)

Screenshot swipe feature appeared in MIUI 9 and has since become one of the most popular among users, allowing you to take a screenshot in one motion without pressing a button.

How to turn on and use:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Activate the swipe switch with three fingers.
3. Now swipe the screen from top to bottom with three fingers (not necessarily at the same time, the main thing is fast movement).

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• 👆 Works in games (where buttons can be locked).
• 🔄 You can adjust the direction of the swipe (up or down).
• ⚡ Faster than pressing buttons (especially on big screens).

⚠️ Warning: If the gesture doesn’t work, check if it conflicts with other gestures (such as Navigation buttons or Split screen). MIUI 14 You can configure gesture priority in Settings → System system → Gestures.

💡

If a three-finger swipe is accidentally activated in games, reduce the sensitivity of the gesture in the settings or turn it off for specific applications through “Resolutions”.

3. Scrolling (long) screenshot

A unique feature of MIUI that is not found in standard Android: the ability to capture an entire web page, chat in Telegram or a list of contacts in one screenshot, which is especially useful for saving long dialogues or instructions.

How to take a scrolling screenshot:

1. Take a regular screenshot in any way (buttons or gestures).
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the lower right corner, click on it.
3. In the editor that opens, tap the Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls the screen and connects the parts into a single file.

📌 Limitations:

• 🚫 It does not work in some applications (for example, TikTok or banking programs).
• 📏 Maximum length: 10 screens (depending on model).
• 🔄 If the scrolling is "hung", try to take a screenshot in landscape orientation.

4. Voice Screenshot (Google Assistant or XiaoAI)

If you have your hands busy or your buttons are not working, you can take a screenshot using the voice assistant. Xiaomi smartphones have two options: built-in XiaoAI (for China) and Google Assistant (for global firmware).

Method 1: Google Assistant

1. Activate the assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
2. Say, "Take a screenshot" or "Make a screenshot."
3. Confirm the action (if required).

Method 2: XiaoAI (for Chinese firmware)

1. Hold the Power button to call XiaoAI.
2. Say in Chinese: "" (jiétú — "screenshot").
3. Or in English, "Take a screenshot."

⚠️ Note: Voice commands may not work if:

• 🔇 The microphone for the assistant in the settings is turned off.
• 🌐 Unofficial firmware is used (e.g. xiaomi.eu).
• 📵 No Internet connection (required for voice processing).

5. Screenshot via notification panel

A little-known but extremely convenient method is to add a screenshot button to the Quick Settings panel, which eliminates the need to remember gestures or button combinations.

How to set up:

1. Open the notification panel (swipe from top to bottom).
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ Edit (pencil).
3. Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.
4. Now, when swiping down, just press this button to take a picture.

🔹 Pros of the method:

• ⚡ Instant access (no need to press physical buttons).
• 🎯 It works even with the sound off (no risk of missing the shutter sound).
• 🔄 You can combine with a scrolling screen (immediately after pressing the button tap on the thumbnail).

📌 Tip: If the screenshot button disappeared after the update MIUI, Reset the notification panel settings in Settings → Notifications → Additionally. → Reset.

6 Screenshot in games and secure applications

Many games (such as PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) and applications (banks, messengers with secret chats) block the standard ways of creating screens.

Method 1: Game Turbo (Game Turbo)

• 🎮 Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Game Turbo.
• 🔧 Enable the option of Screen capture in games.
• 🖼️ Now the game will have a floating screenshot button (usually in the upper right corner).

Method 2: External devices

• 🖥️ Connect your smartphone to your PC through ADB Use the command: Adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
• 📱️ Use a second camera (if you have one) to take pictures of the screen.

⚠️ Note: In some games (such as Free Fire), screenshots can be considered cheating if taken during a match!

💡

If an application blocks screens, it’s not always a technical problem — it’s often a security requirement (e.g., in banking applications or DRM-protected videos).

7 Why screenshots are not saved and how to fix it

If screenshots don't save or disappear, the causes can range from a simple memory shortage to firmware failures.

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery

• 📁 Check the folder. Pictures/Screenshots via file manager.
• 🔄 Restart the device (sometimes the system does not have time to update the media base).
• 🔧 In the camera settings, turn off the option to Hide screenshots (if any).

Problem 2: There is a sound, but the screen is not created

• 🔊 Check if the shutter sound is turned off in Settings → Sounds and vibrations.
• 🛠️ Clear the cache of the Gallery and Media Vault app.
• 📲 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (in old firmware there are bugs with preservation).

Issue 3: Screenshots blurred or cropped

• 🔍 Check the screen resolution in Settings → Display (should be) FHD+ higher).
• 🎨 Turn off Night Mode or Reading before creating a screen.
• 🔄 Try to make a screen in landscape orientation.

📌 Critical error: If after the update MIUI Screenshots have ceased to be saved at all, reset application settings in Settings → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ → Reset. It'll bring back the standard saving parameters.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi