The Xiaomi Mi A2 (or Xiaomi A2 as it is often called in Russia) is still a popular device thanks to its clean Android One and reliable hardware platform. But even experienced users sometimes have questions: how to take a screenshot if the sensor does not work, forgot the button combination or you need to grab a long web page? In this article, we will analyze all the current methods – from standard to hidden MIUI functions, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors.
The Mi A2 is a feature that runs on Android naked without the MIUI shell, which means that some of the methods that are familiar to other Xiaomi owners (such as a three-finger gesture) do not work here, but there are universal solutions that will work for other devices on pure Android, then detailed instructions with visual hints and comparing the effectiveness of each method.
If you need to save not just a static image, but a scrolling screenshot (for example, a chat in Telegram or a long article), go straight to the section on advanced screenshots. For owners of devices with a faulty screen, we have prepared a separate block with alternative methods.
1. Standard methods: button combinations
The most reliable and versatile method is the use of hardware buttons. The Xiaomi A2 runs two official combinations, depending on the version of Android:
- 🔘 Power button + Volume reduction is a classic method that works on all versions of Android (including Android). 9 The Pie that was pre-installed on the Mi A2). Press both buttons at the same time. 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation screenshot.
- 🔘 Power button + The home button is an alternative that can work if the first combination doesn't respond (e.g., due to wear and tear on the volume buttons), a method that is less common but sometimes saves the world.
⚠️ Note: If you use a magnetic lock case (such as the Xiaomi Smart Cover), it can block the power button. Before creating a screenshot, remove the case or bend its edge.
Where do I look for the screenshot? All screenshots are automatically saved to the folder:
/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/Or through the gallery: open the Photos app → Screenshots album. The files are.png format with a resolution corresponding to the screen resolution of the Mi A2 (2160×1080 pixels).
☑️ Checking before screenshot
2. Gestures and hidden functions (if buttons don't work)
On the Xiaomi A2 with pure Android, there are no default screenshot gesture controls, but they can be added using third-party utilities or enabled hidden settings. Here are the working options:
- 👆 Three-finger swipe down - this gesture works on MIUI, but on the Mi A2 You need to activate it manually. To do this, install the QuickShortcutMaker app from Google Play, find the Take screenshot action, and create a shortcut on your desktop.
- 🖱️ Swipe on the notification panel – in some firmware (for example, custom based on Android 10) appears the button “Screenshot” in the curtain, you can check its presence by fully opening the notification bar and searching for the icon 📷.
Important: on the Mi A2 stock firmware, the three-finger gesture DOES NOT work without additional apps. If you want this method, install the Screenshot Touch utility (free, no ads) and set up the gesture in its menu.
An alternative option for automation enthusiasts is to use Google Assistant. Activate the voice assistant (long-term press on the home button or voice command "OK, Google") and say:
Take a screenshot.This method works even if the sensor is partially faulty, but requires an internet connection to process the command.
Annex side: when there are few standard methods
If the built-in methods are not satisfied (for example, you need to take a screenshot with a delay or edit it immediately after creation), specialized utilities will come to the rescue. We tested 5 popular applications and selected the best for Xiaomi A2:
| Annex | Features | Cons | Ratings. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screenshot Easy | Delay up to 10 seconds, editor, screen recording | Advertising in the free version | ⭐ 4.7 |
| Super Screenshot | Scrolling Screenshots, Cloud Saving | Requires access to notifications | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Screenshot Touch | Gestures, floating button, no advertising | No editor. | ⭐ 4.8 |
To install any of these applications:
- Open the Google Play Market.
- Enter the name of the application in the search.
- Click Set and Confirm Permits (be sure to allow Overlay over other windows and Storage Access).
- Launch the utility and follow the hints on the screen.
⚠️ Note: Screenshot apps often request permission to Read notifications.This is necessary for screen capture in some games and banking applications, but may pose a privacy risk.Install only proven utilities with a rating above 4.5.
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If screenshots are not saved after installing the application, check the permission settings in Settings → Applications → Special Access Permissions → Overlaying on top of other windows
4. How to take a long (scrollable) screenshot
Standard methods only capture the part of the screen that you see at the moment, but what if you want to save the entire WhatsApp chat, a long web page, or a contact list? There are two reliable ways to do this on the Xiaomi A2:
- 📜 Built-in feature in Chrome - if you need a screenshot of a web page: Open the site in Google Chrome. click on the three dots in the top right corner → Share. → Long screenshot. Highlight the scrolling area and save the result.
LongShot
- Install LongShot for Screenshot from Google Play.
- Take a regular screenshot (by any means).
- Open the screenshot notification and click Scroll.
- Automatically scroll down the page and save the result.
- Management through ADB (For advanced users: Adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png This command saves a screenshot in the root folder of the storage. ADB PC, turn on debugging USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Assembly number - press 7 Connect the phone to the computer and execute a command in the terminal.
Voice assistant
Google Assistant
Say the voice command, "OK, Google, take a screenshot." This method works even when the screen is off if the Hey Google feature is activated.
⚠️ Note: If the screen is completely black (not turned on), but the phone makes sounds or vibrates, a screenshot cannot be taken without disassembling the device and connecting to an external display through the device. HDMI (on Mi A2 It requires soldering).
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The most reliable way for a non-working screen is to connect the mouse to the screen. OTG. This does not require root rights and works even on a locked phone (if unlocked by fingerprint or other devices). PIN-available).
6.Editing and sending screenshots
Once you have created a screenshot on the Xiaomi A2, you can edit or share it right away. Here's how to do it as quickly as possible:
- ✏️ Quick editing: Immediately after you create a screenshot, a button panel will appear at the bottom of the screen. 🖊️, To open the built-in editor, add text, circle important details, or cut the edges, save the changes, the file will be overwritten automatically.
Instant dispatch
In the same bar, click on the Share icon → select the messenger (Telegram, WhatsApp) or social network. the screenshot will shrink to the optimal size (usually up to 500-800 KB) for fast download.
If a standard editor is not enough, install:
- Photo Editor by Aviary – for advanced retouching.
- PicsArt – to add stickers and effects.
- Lightroom Mobile – for color correction and contrast.