How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite – all ways with explanations

Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite is one of the most popular budget smartphones with a clean Android One, but its custom power button is often confusing for users. If you tried to take a screenshot in the usual way (pressing Power + Volume Down) and you did not succeed, do not be surprised. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods for creating screenshots on the Mi A2 Lite, including alternative keyboard combinations, gestures and third-party utilities.

The thing about the model is that it runs on Android One without the MIUI shell, so the standard instructions for other Xiaomi smartphones won't work here. We've tested all the methods on Android 9/10 firmware and collected the latest data in the compatibility table below, and you'll also learn how to edit the screens immediately after creation and where they are stored.

Why the standard method doesn't work on the Mi A2 Lite

The main problem is the atypical button layout. Most smartphones are screenshots of Power + Volume Down, but in the Mi A2 Lite, the power button is on the left, not the right, as in 90% of devices, and users often press the wrong keys or do it in a non-synchronous way.

The second reason is Android One. Unlike MIUI, where screenshots can be taken with a three-finger gesture, pure Android doesn't have these features by default, but you can add them through settings or third-party apps (more on this in the alternatives section).

⚠️ Note: If you recently upgraded to Android 11+ through custom software, the standard keyboard combinations can change. → The phone. → Android version.

To avoid mistakes, remember:

• 🔘 Power button on the Mi A2 Lite is on the left (not the right, like on iPhone or Samsung).
• 🔊 Volume buttons are located on the right side of the device.
• ⏱️ Press the keys at the same time and hold 1-2 seconds.

Method 1: Standard key combination (Power + Volume Down)

This is the basic method that works on all versions of Android, including the Mi A2 Lite.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
2. Hold it at the same time: 🔘 Power button (left) 🔊 Volume Down button (right, bottom)

1-2 seconds

If the picture didn't work out:

• 🧹 Check if the buttons are locked (for example, due to cover or dirt).
• ⚡ Restart your phone – sometimes system lags interfere with the combination.
• 🔧 Update the firmware: older versions of Android (below 9.0) could have bugs with the processing of presses.

The buttons are not locked with a case|Screen unlocked|The sound is on (to hear the signal)|Free memory (minimum 50 MB)-->

Where to look for a saved screenshot? By default, files are placed in the folder: Gallery → Albums → Screenshots or Files → Images → Screenshots.

The file format is.png, the name is generated automatically from the template. Screenshot_YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS.png.

Method 2: Three-finger gesture (only after setting)

In MIUI, this gesture works out of the box, but in Android One on the Mi A2 Lite, you need to activate it manually.

1. Open the settings → System → Gestures.
2. Find the Screenshot item using a finger swipe (the name may vary depending on the OS version).
3. Turn on the switch and select the option to Switch three fingers down.

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Open the screen.
2. Swipe your fingers down from top to bottom (as if you were swiping the screen).
3. Wait for a sound signal or vibration.

⚠️ Note: The gesture may conflict with other features, such as Google Assistant or navigation swipes. If the screenshot doesn't work, turn off conflicting gestures in Settings → System system → Gestures → Additional settings.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than keyboard combination (no need to look for buttons).
• 🤲 It works with one hand (comfortable for large screens).
• 🔄 You can adjust the direction of the swipe (up/down).

Method 3: Voice command via Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant on, you can take a voice screenshot, which is convenient when your hands are busy or your buttons are not working.

1. Activate the assistant: 🎤 Say OK, Google (if voice control is enabled). 🔘 Hold the Home button for 2-3 seconds.

Take a screenshot.

Make a screenshot

Confirm the action if the assistant requests permission.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔇 It only works when you connect to the Internet (you need access to Google servers).
• 📶 Requires Google Assistant enabled (Settings) → Annexes → Google → Settings → Google Assistant).
• 🚫 Does not work in some applications (for example, in banking or screenshot protection).

Important: Voice screenshots are saved to the same folder as normal ones, but may have a delay of 1-2 seconds due to command processing.

Method 4: The Appendix for Screenshots

If the system methods don't work, you can install specialized utilities, which offer additional functions:

• 📏 Screenshots immediately after creation.
• 🎨 Editing (addition of text, arrows, blurring).
• ☁️ Automatic upload to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).
• 🔄 Scrolling through long pages (screenshot of the entire chat or web page).

Top.-3 Proven applications for Mi A2 Lite:

How to use (Screenshot Easy example):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Run it and grant permissions (Settings → Special Access → Screen recording).
3. Choose a way to create a screen: 🔘 Widget on the main screen. 🖼️ Floating button (can be dragged). 🤖 Gesture (shake phone).

After creating the screenshot will automatically open in the editor.

💡

If the app asks for permission to Record the screen, but it is not in the settings, upgrade to Android 10+. In older versions of the OS, this option may not be available.

Where are screenshots stored and how to edit them

By default, all screenshots are saved in the folder: /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

They can be accessed through:

• 📂 Files (standard application Xiaomi).
• 🖼️ Gallery (Screenshot album).
• 🌐 Google Photos (if synchronization is enabled).

For quick editing:

1. Open the screenshot at the Gallery.
2. Click Edit (pencil icon).
3. Use the tools: ✂️ Pruning. 🎨 Drawing/text. 🔍 Blurring (to hide personal data).

Save the changes (the file will be overwritten or a copy will be created).

⚠️ Note: If screenshots are not saved, check: 📱 Free space on the device (needs a minimum of 100 MB on the system partition). 🔧 Permissions for the Gallery application (Settings) → Annexes → gallery → Permits → Memory). 📁 Screenshots folder not manually deleted (if yes, recreate it).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the right actions, the screenshot may not work, and let's look at the typical errors and ways to correct them:

If none of the methods work:

• 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold power) → Safe Mode Restarts If Screenshots Work – A Problem in a Third-Party App.
• 📲 Reset your gesture settings: Settings → System system → Gestures → Reset.
• 🔧 Update the firmware through Settings → System system → Update of the PO.

💡

The Mi A2 Lite with Android One does not have a built-in long-scroll feature. You need to use third-party apps like LongShot or Screen Master.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions