Xiaomi Mi 8 is the legendary smartphone of 2018, which still remains relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and regular updates to MIUI. But even experienced users sometimes forget how to take a screenshot on this model, especially if they switched from other brands. In this article, 5 proven ways to create a screenshot, including rare chips like a voice command and a three-finger gesture.
The Mi 8 feature is the lack of a physical Menu button, which confuses newcomers, and in different versions of MIUI (from 9 to 14), the location of the screenshot settings changed, we took into account all the nuances and collected the current instructions for the Mi 8, Mi 8 SE and Mi 8 Pro, including solutions to typical problems: why the screen is not saved in the gallery or a black screen appears.
If you're looking for a way to take a buttonless screenshot (like a sensor that doesn't respond well), or if you want to automate the process, here are the answers. And at the end of the article, there's an FAQ with rare bug solutions that aren't even described on Xiaomi's official forums.
1. Classic method: buttons "Nutrition + Volume down"
This is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Mi 8. The main advantage is that it does not depend on the version of the MIUI and the state of the sensor.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open on the screen what you want to capture (browser page, chat, game).
- 🔘 At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
- 🎯 Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound (or see an animation screenshot).
- 📁 The finished screen is saved in the Screenshots folder in the gallery or in the DCIM → Screenshots.
⚠️ Warning: If you have a magnetically locked case (such as a book), it may block the power button, in which case try pressing a little harder or removing the case.
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If the screenshot didn’t work the first time, check if the Volume Up button is accidentally pinched, which is a common error, and make sure there are no pop-ups (such as notifications) on the screen that might interfere.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Screening is not preserved | There's not enough memory space. | Clear the cache or transfer files to the memory card |
| There's a sound, but the screen doesn't appear. | Misfire in MIUI Launcher | Restart your phone or update your launcher |
| Black screen on the screen | DRM-Security in the application (Netflix, banks) | Use alternative methods (see section 4) |
| Buttons don't respond. | System freeze | Connect the charger and try again. |
2. Three-finger gesture: how to turn on and use
The Three-Finger Screenshot feature is a time-saving feature from Xiaomi, which works even in games or apps where the power and volume buttons are busy, but by default this gesture is disabled in MIUI 9-12 (only included in MIUI 13+).
To activate:
- Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
- Select a screenshot with three fingers.
- Turn on the switch and adjust the sensitivity (medium recommended).
How to use:
- 🖐️ Swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the screen (as if you were swiping the screen).
- 📸 Screenshot will be taken instantly, without delay.
- 🔄 To cancel the picture, swipe three fingers from the bottom up for 3 seconds.
Gesture enabled in settings|The screen is not locked.|The fingers touch the screen at the same time.|No conflicts with other gestures (e.g. swipe to return)-->
⚠️ Warning: If you have a third-party launcher installed (like a Nova Launcher), the gesture may not work. MIUI Launcher or use alternative methods.
3. Screenshot via notification panel (quick access)
This is a great way to do it if you have to take multiple screenshots in a row, so you don't have to press buttons every time, plus you can edit the image right after you've created it.
Step-by-step:
- Deploy the notification panel (swipe from top to bottom).
- Find the screenshot icon (usually in the front row). If it's not there, click Edit (pencil) and add it.
- Slip the icon – the screenshot will be taken automatically.
- After creating the screen, a thumbnail will appear – click on it to edit (short, add text) or share.
🔹 Advantages of the method:
- ⚡ Faster than buttons (1 tap instead of combo).
- 🎨 Instant access to editing.
- 🔄 It works even if one of the physical buttons is broken.
Power and volume buttons | Three finger gesture | Notification panel | Voice assistant | Another way-->
4. Voice command: "OK, Google, take a screenshot."
If you have Google Assistant on or Alice on from Yandex, you can take voice screenshots, which is useful when your hands are busy or your screen is dirty.
- 🗣️ Google Assistant works on all Mi 8s (Internet connection required).
- 🤖 Alice is supported only in Russian firmware MIUI.
- 🔇 In some applications (banks, messengers) voice commands are blocked for security reasons.
How to set up:
- Activate Google Assistant (click the Home button or say “OK, Google”).
- Tell the command to “take a screenshot” or “Photography the screen.”
- For Alice, use the phrase: "Alice, screenshot."
⚠️ Note: Voice screenshots do not work in high-processor load games (e.g., video games, PUBG In such cases, use a button or gesture of three fingers.
Why is the voice screenshot not working?
5. Screenshot via PC (ADB or Mi PC Suite)
If the Xiaomi Mi 8 screen is broken, doesn't respond to touch, or you want to do a screen without saving it to your phone (for example, for a report), you can use a computer. There are two reliable ways:
Method 1: ADB (for advanced users)
- Install ADB Tools on your PC.
- Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times), then Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB.
- Connect the Mi 8 to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png adb pull /sdcard/screen.png
Method 2: via Mi PC Suite (simple)
- 🖥️ Download the official Mi utility PC Suite from Xiaomi website.
- 🔌 Put the phone on. USB (Select the File Transfer Mode).
- 📸 In the program go to the tab Manage the device → Screenshot.
🔹 When it comes to use:
- 🔧 The screen is broken, but the phone is working.
- 📊 You need to do a screen without notice (for example, to test applications).
- 💾 You need to save the screen directly on the PC, bypassing the memory of the phone.
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ADB-The method allows you to take screenshots even on a locked phone (if debugging was previously enabled). USB).
6 Problem Solving: Screen not saved, black screen, no sound
Even the Xiaomi Mi. 8 Sometimes there's a failure in the screenshots.-5 errors and ways of correcting them:
Problem 1: Screenshot is not saved in the gallery
- 📂 Check the folder. DCIM → Screenshots via file manager (sometimes the gallery is not automatically updated).
- 🔄 Reboot your phone – it will reset the media scanner cache.
- 🗑️ Clear the cache of the Gallery app in the settings.
Problem 2: Black screen on the screen
It's because of this. DRM-Application security (Netflix, banking software, some games) two solutions:
- 🎬 Use screen recording (in Settings) → Screen. → Screen recording).
- 📷 Take a picture of the screen with another phone (unless it is privacy-critical).
Problem 3: No shutter sound
The sound is turned off in the settings:
- Go to Settings → Sounds and Vibrations → System Sounds.
- Make sure the screenshot sound switch is on.
Problem 4: Three finger gestures are not working
Check it out.
- 🔧 Is the gesture included in the Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
- 🖐️ Does he not have any other way of thinking (for example, to return to the MIUI 12+).
- 🛠️ Update the firmware - in older versions MIUI 9-10 were touch recognition bugs.
Problem 5: Screenshots are delayed
It's because of:
- 🐢 System congestion (close background applications).
- 📵 Slow memory card (try to save the screen to internal memory).
- 🔋 Power saving mode (turn it off in battery settings).