Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite is a popular smartphone with functional MIUI firmware, but not all users know how to quickly take a screenshot of the screen. Unlike modern models with gesture control, this model has its own nuances: for example, the standard combination of buttons does not always work because of the features of the shell. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to create screenshots, including hidden functions and solutions to typical errors.
The Mi 8 Lite feature is that there is no physical Menu button, which confuses newcomers, and depending on the version of MIUI (9-12), the menu layout of options may vary. We tested all methods on MIUI 10-12.5 firmware and highlighted the most reliable ones. If you can't make a screen in the standard way, read the section on alternative options and gesture settings.
1. Standard method: button combination
The classic method works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Mi 8 Lite. You need to press two buttons at the same time:
- 🔘 Power button (right) + Volume reduction (left).
- 🕒 Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see the screen animation.
- 📁 The finished picture is saved in the folder DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots.
⚠️ Note: If you have an informal firmware installed (e.g. LineageOS), this combination may not work.
A common mistake is holding the buttons too long (more than 3 seconds), which triggers a forced reboot. If the screen goes out and the Mi logo appears, then you oversold. Repeat the attempt by reducing the time you press.
Press buttons strictly at the same time |Do not hold for more than 2 seconds |Check free space in memory |Disable Do not disturb mode-->
2. Screenshot by gesture (three fingers)
MIUI has a hidden feature for swiping screenshots across the screen, which is disabled by default, but it's easy to activate:
- Open Settings → Additional → Special features → Gesture for a screenshot.
- Activate the switch "Swipe three fingers down."
- Check the work: swipe down the screen with three fingers at the same time.
🔹 Pros of the method: convenient for long pages (for example, chats in Telegram), you do not need to look for buttons.
🔹 Cons: Sometimes it works accidentally when you scroll through your social media feed. To turn off the feature, go back to the same settings and deactivate the switch.
What to do if the gesture does not work?
| Method | Speed. | Convenience | Works in games. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power buttons + volumes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. |
| Three-finger gesture | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. |
| Voice assistant | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. |
| Notification panel | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. |
3. Screenshot via notification panel
If the physical buttons don’t work (for example, after a smartphone crash), use the virtual button in the curtain:
- Swipe down from top to top to open the notification bar.
- Find the screenshot icon (usually hidden under the button) ⋯ or edit).
- Slip it on it - the picture will be taken instantly.
If there is no icon: go to Settings → Notification Panel → Quick settings and add it manually.
⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 9) this option is not available. Update the firmware or use alternative methods.
4. Voice command for screening
You can take a voice screenshot using Google Assistant or Alice (if you have Yandex.Browser installed).
- 🎤 Say, “OK, Google, take a screenshot” (for Google Assistant).
- 🗣️ Or: “Alice, take a screenshot” (if configured Yandex).
- 📱 Confirm the action on the screen (if necessary).
🔹 Advantage: Works even in games where buttons and gestures are locked.
🔹 Disadvantage: Requires an Internet connection and an activated voice assistant.
💡
If the voice command doesn’t work, check the permissions for Google or Yandex in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Microphone.
5. Advanced features: long screening and editing
Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite supports scrolling screenshots (long page shots).
- Take a regular screenshot in any way.
- Immediately after the miniature appears at the bottom of the screen, tap it.
- Select the option "Scroll" (or Scrolling screenshot in English firmware).
- Wait until the smartphone automatically scrolls the page and connects the parts into one file.
📌 Where it is useful: to save long dialogs in messengers, pages with reviews or tables.
⚠️ Limitation: Not all apps work (for example, Instagram or banking programs may not have it).
After creating the screen, you can edit it immediately:
- ✏️ Cut edges (tool “Cadration").
- 🖌️ Add text or figure (Marker icon").
- 🔍 Blurr part of the image (option "Mosaic").
💡
Long screenshots are saved in.png format and can weigh up to 10MB. If you need to save space, trim the extra parts before saving.
6. Problem Solving: Screenshot not taken
If none of these methods work, check out these points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons don't respond. | Contamination or damage to buttons | Clean the buttons with alcohol or use a gesture/voice assistant |
| No badge in the curtain. | Outdated firmware | Update MIUI to version 11+ |
| Screenshot black | Application conflict (e.g. Vance or NetGuard) | Close all background programs |
| The gesture doesn't work. | Disabled in settings | Check out the special features → gesture for a screenshot |
🛠️ Extreme method: If screenshots stop working after the update, reset settings (without data loss):
Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings → Resetting all settingsThis will bring back standard MIUI settings, but will not affect photos and apps.
7. Alternative applications for screenshots
If the built-in features are not satisfied, install third-party utilities from Google Play:
- 📱 Screenshot Easy – Supports timer and editing.
- 🎨 Screen Master – Adds effects and filters.
- 🔄 LongShot – specializes in scrolling screens.
⚠️ Note: Apps will need permission to "Overlaid Over Other Windows." To give it, go to Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Special access → Overlay and activate the switch for the selected program.
🔹 Tip: Check reviews before installing - some utilities show ads or collect data. The most secure options are marked "Editor's Choice" in the Play Market.