How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi 5: all ways with photo instructions

Xiaomi Mi 5 is the legendary flagship of 2016, which is still used by many users thanks to the powerful hardware and support for custom firmware. However, with the release of new versions of MIUI and Android, the interface of the device has changed, and standard methods for creating screenshots may not work clearly. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including hidden chips for Mi 5 owners on different versions of the software.

The feature of the model is that there is no physical Menu button, which makes it difficult to use classic combinations, and some firmware also has default gesture controls disabled, but don't worry: even if your smartphone is running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or upgraded to MIUI 14, you'll find a working method here. And for automation enthusiasts, we've added instructions for setting up fast screenshots through AssistiveTouch and third-party utilities.

1. Standard method: button combination

The most reliable method that works on Xiaomi Mi 5 regardless of the firmware version is to press physical buttons simultaneously.

• 🔘 Power button + Volume reduction: Hold both keys for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see an animation of a screenshot. MIUI screen.
• ⚠️ Sensitivity problem: Some users have delayed buttons due to wear, in which case try pressing with force or at an angle.
• 📱 Finger position: optimally, the thumb on the power button, the index finger on the volume control.

If the combination does not work:

1. Check if the buttons are locked in the settings (Settings → Additional → Buttons).
2. Restart your phone – sometimes system processes block the processing of clicks.
3. Update the firmware: MIUI 10+ has added support for alternative combinations.

💡

If you have a case with a magnetic lock, remove it before you create a screenshot – the magnet can block the button sensors.

2.Gestural controls (only for MIUI 9 and later)

Starting with MIUI 9, the Xiaomi Mi 5 has been able to support screenshots through gestures, which is convenient if the physical buttons are worn out or you prefer one-finger control.

1. Open Settings → Advanced settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Turn on the switch "Swipe with three fingers".
3. Select the direction of the gesture (by default - from top to bottom).

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Open the desired screen (for example, a chat in Telegram or a page in the browser).
2. Swipe your three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (as if you were swiping down).
3. The screenshot will be preserved in the gallery marked Screenshots.

The advantage of the method is speed: gesture takes less time than finding the buttons. However, on the Mi 5 with a worn touchscreen can fire falsely, so calibrate the sensor to Settings → Screen → Calibration of the touchscreen.

3. AssistiveTouch - Virtual screenshot button

If physical buttons break or you just want to simplify the process, use AssistiveTouch, a floating panel with quick access to functions.

1. Go to Settings → Special features → AssistiveTouch.
2. Turn on the slider and select "Toolbar".
3. Click “Set up the menu” and add “Screenshot” (scissors icon).
4. Save the changes - a translucent circle will appear on the screen.

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Slip on the AssistiveTouch mug.
2. In the menu that appears, select “Screenshot”.
3. Confirm the action (if required).

Enable AssistiveTouch in the settings|Add the "Screenshot" button to the menu|Check the visibility of the panel on the screen|Take a test screenshot-->

This is particularly useful for gamers: the panel does not interfere in horizontal mode, and the screenshot can be taken with one hand. Minus — the virtual button takes up space on the screen, but it can be moved to a corner or made translucent.

Button combination|Three-finger gesture|AssistiveTouch|Party of annex-->

4. Screenshots via Google's voice assistant

Few people know, but Google Assistant can take voice-command screenshots. This is true for the Mi 5 with Google Play Services installed (Chinese firmware may not work).

1. Activate Google Assistant by saying “OK Google” or holding down the Home button.
2. Tell the command, “Take a screenshot” or “Take a screenshot” (in English, it works more reliably).
3. Confirm permission to access the screen (at first start).

The screenshot will be saved in the Pictures/Screenshots folder.

• 🎤 Handless – handy if fingers are busy (e.g., hold your phone with one hand).
• 🌐 Supports several languages (including Russian), but it is better to use English).
• 🔄 You can link to Google Routines (for example, take a screenshot by time).

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS), Google Assistant may not be authorized to create screenshots.

5. Third-party applications for extended screenshots

If standard methods do not suit (for example, you need to take a screenshot of the scrolling page or edit the picture immediately after you create), install one of these applications:

For installation:

1. Download the application from Google Play (links in the table).
2. When you first start, grant permission to “Overlap on Other Windows” (in the security settings).
3. Follow the instructions in the app to set up a gesture or button.

⚠️ Note: Screenshot applications may conflict with MIUI Optimization (optimization) MIUI). If the pictures are not saved, disable optimization in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Threefold → Special access → Battery optimization and add the app to exceptions.

On Xiaomi Mi 5 with MIUI 12+ firmware, the Screen Master app may not properly capture system windows (like the notification bar) due to Xiaomi limitations. In this case, use Screenshot Easy with manual area selection.

6. Screenshots via ADB (for advanced users)

If you need to take a screenshot without access to the screen (for example, when the system freezes), use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a PC and enabled debugging over USB.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Mi 5: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Tap the build number 7 times until the “You’re a developer” notification appears.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (use the original cable!).
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
5. Take a screenshot by command: adb exec-out screencap -p > screenshot.png The file will be saved in the folder where the command was launched.

This method is useful for:

• 🖥️ Diagnostics of Display Problems (If the Screen Does Not Respond to Touch).
• 📊 Automating screenshots (for example, for testing applications).
• 🔧 Retrieval of information from a locked phone (if debugging is enabled).

💡

ADB — The only way to take a screenshot if the touchscreen Xiaomi Mi 5 is completely out of order, but USB-port.

7 Where screenshots are stored and how to manage them

By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 5 are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

To make it easier to work with them:

• 📁 Rename: Use a file manager (e.g. Mi File Explorer) to massively rename the template (e.g. Screen date time.png).
• ☁️ Cloud reservation: Enable autosynchronization with Google Photos or Mi Cloud in gallery settings.
• 🗑️ Cleanup: Remove unnecessary photos regularly through the Gallery → Albums. → Screenshots → Delete.

If screenshots are not saved:

1. Check the space in the memory (Settings → Storage).
2. Make sure that the Gallery app has permissions to access the files.
3. Restart your phone – sometimes the mediaserver system process freezes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 5