Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is still a popular smartphone due to its powerful hardware and flexible MIUI firmware. But even experienced users sometimes face difficulties in creating screenshots — especially if they have previously used devices from other brands. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to take a screenshot on the Mi 8, including little-known firmware chips, and also solve typical problems: from the lack of sound during shooting to the inability to save the picture.
It is important to note that the methods may differ depending on the version of MIUI (10 to 14) and the installed shell (global, Chinese, custom).We tested each method on the Xiaomi Mi 8 with original firmware - all instructions work out of the box. If you have modified software, some features may require additional adjustments.
1. Standard method: button combination
This is a universal method that works on all versions of MIUI and is independent of updates.
- Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
- Press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left) at the same time.
- Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound or see the animation.
The image will automatically be saved to the Screenshots folder in the gallery. If the sound is turned off, focus on the visual effect - the screen will blink slightly, and a notification will appear in the top panel.
⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), this combination may trigger a reboot menu.
On the Xiaomi Mi 8 with MIUI 12+, holding buttons longer than 3 seconds activates emergency call mode – don’t be alarmed, just release the keys earlier.
Screen unlocked and active |Finger not closing buttons |Sound not disabled (for reference) |No active gestures in settings-->
2.The three-finger gesture is a quick way without buttons
The Three-Finger Screenshot feature is available on the Mi 8 with MIUI 11 and later, and allows you to take a screenshot by swiping three fingers from top to bottom at the same time, to activate it:
- Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
- Find the screenshot with three fingers and switch on the switch.
- Test the gesture on any screen – swipe the display from top to bottom with three fingers (without pause).
Advantages of the method:
- 👆 You don’t need to remember button combinations.
- 🎯 It works even with faulty physical keys.
- ⚡ Faster than the standard method by 30-40%.
If the gesture doesn't work, check:
- 🧹 Screen cleanliness – greasy spots interfere with recognition.
- 📱 Presence of protective glass - some models block multi-touch.
- 🔄 Proper movement: should be smooth, without jerks.
Button combination|Three-finger gesture|Voice assistant|Other-->
3. Voice command via Google Assistant
If you have Google Assistant enabled, you can take voice screenshots, which is convenient when your hands are busy or your buttons are not available.
- Activate Assistant: For Google Assistant, say “OK, Google” or hold the Home button. For Alice, say “Hello Alice” (you need the installed Yandex app).
- 🗣️ «Take a screenshot (Google).
- 🗣️ «Take a picture of the screen. (Alice).
If no button:
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Notification panel → Change the order.
- 🔍 Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.
- 📌 Record the changes by clicking Ready.
This method is convenient for advanced users who often take screenshots - you do not need to remember gestures or keyboard shortcuts.
| Method | MIUI 10 | MIUI 11 | MIUI 12+ | Custom firmware |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power buttons + Volume reduction | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ Possible conflicts |
| Three-finger gesture | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ Usually off. |
| Voice command | ✅ (Google) | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ Depends on the firmware. |
| The button in the curtain | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ Normally not. |
5. Advanced features: long screenshot and editing
Xiaomi Mi 8 supports advanced screenshots (scrollable) and instant editing, which are available after you create the picture:
- 📜 Long screenshot: After shooting, click on the thumbnail in the lower right corner → Select Scrolling. The smartphone will automatically glue multiple frames into one long shot (works in browsers, messengers, but not in all applications).
- ✏️ Editing: The same miniature menu tools available: 🖌️ Pruning. 📝 Inscriptions and drawings. 🔍 Blurring fragments.
If the thumbnail doesn't appear:
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
- 📁 Check the settings of the gallery: Settings → Showing screenshots thumbnails.
- 🛠️ Update the Gallery app through Play Market.