How to take a screenshot of Xiaomi Mi 9: all working ways in 2026

Xiaomi Mi 9, released in 2019, is still a popular smartphone due to its powerful hardware and support for current versions of MIUI. But even experienced users sometimes forget how to quickly take a screenshot – especially if you have previously used devices from other brands. In this article, we will analyze all the available ways to take screenshots on the Mi 9, including hidden functions and solutions for non-standard situations (for example, if the buttons do not work).

It is important to consider that the methods may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. At the time of writing (2026), the Xiaomi Mi 9 officially supports MIUI 12-14 based on Android 10-12. If your smartphone runs on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some methods may not work, we will mention this too.

Before you go to the instructions, check if you have system sounds on screenshots. They will help you see if the picture worked: go to Settings → Sounds and Vibrations → System sounds and activate the screenshot option. Now, when you successfully create a picture, you will hear the characteristic shutter click.

1. Classic method: power buttons + volume

It’s a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Mi 9. It doesn’t depend on the firmware version and is guaranteed to work even on custom Android builds.

The algorithm is simple:

• 📱 Open on the screen what you want to capture (application, web page, dialogue, etc.).
• 🔘 Simultaneously press the power button (right) and the volume button (top left).
• 🎯 Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see an animation screenshot.

If the picture does not work, check:

• ❌ Do you press the buttons for too long (more than 3 seconds – turn off / reboot will work).
• ❌ Is the volume button accidentally clamped (this will cause the reboot menu).
• ❌ Does the case block access to the buttons (especially important for thick silicone cases).

💡

If you can't press two buttons at once, try pressing the power button first, and then (after 0.5 seconds) adding the volume button, which works for 80% of motor-restricted users.

2. Screenshot with three fingers (gesture)

MIUI's signature feature is the ability to take screenshots without buttons, using a gesture, which is convenient if the physical buttons on your Mi 9 are worn or faulty.

To activate the function:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the option “Three-finger screenshot” and turn it on.
3. Test: Swipe down the screen with three fingers at the same time.

If the gesture doesn't work:

• 🧹 Make sure there are no greasy spots or moisture on the screen – the sensor may not recognize touch.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone: sometimes system gestures “hang” after a long work.
• 📱 Check if the gesture conflicts with other functions (e.g., Double-touch to wake up»**).

3. Quick Ball - Floating Virtual Assistant

Quick Ball is a unique MIUI feature that adds a translucent circle to the screen with quick access to key actions, including screenshots, especially useful for users with disabilities or those who often take screenshots.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Additional features → Quick Ball
2. Activate the Quick Ball slider.
3. In the widget settings, add the Screenshot icon** to the Quick Access Panel.

Now to take a screenshot:

• 🎯 Then, touch the floating circle (it is on the right).
• 📸 Select the screenshot icon** in the menu that appears.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works even with faulty buttons.
• ✅ Additional actions may be assigned (for example, screen recording).
• ✅ Quick Ball position can be moved around the screen.

4. Voice Assistant (Google Assistant or XiaoAI)

If you need to take a screenshot without touching the screen (for example, your hands are busy or the screen is dirty), you can use the voice assistant. Xiaomi Mi 9 supports two options:

Method 1: Google Assistant

• 🗣️ Say, OK, Google, take a screenshot»**.
• 📲 Or hold the Home button (if physical) and say the command.

Method 2: XiaoAI (branded assistant Xiaomi)

• 🔊 Activate the assistant by double pressing the power button (setting in Settings) → XiaoAI).
• 🗣️ Say “Take a screenshot” or “Screenshot».

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ It only works when connected to the Internet (for voice command processing).
• ⚠️ In some regions, XiaoAI may not support Russian.

Activate the voice assistant in the settings

Check the Internet connection

Make sure the microphone is not shut down.

Select the language of recognition (Russian/English)-->

5. Screenshot via the notification menu (for MIUI 12+)

The newer versions of MIUI (starting with the 12th) now allow you to take screenshots directly from the notification bar, which is handy if you use this section frequently.

Instructions:

1. 📱 Swipe your finger down to open the notification bar.
2. 🔍 Find the Screenshot tile (if it is not available, click Edit and add it manually).
3. 📸 Touch the icons – the picture will be taken instantly.

If the tile is missing:

• 🔧 Click "Edit"** in the notification panel.
• 🔍 Scroll down and find “Screenshot»**.
• 🖥️ Drag it to the active area (top of the screen).

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The screenshot tile in the notification bar only appeared in MIUI 12. If you have an older version of the firmware, update it or use other methods.

6. Alternative methods (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to a break in buttons or a firmware failure), alternative solutions can be used:

Important: Using ADB or third-party apps may violate MIUI’s security policy. If you take screenshots to work with sensitive data (banks, messengers), use only standard methods.

💡

If you often take screenshots for work, create a shortcut on your desktop using the Tasker or MacroDroid app, which will allow you to take pictures with a single touch.

Where can I find the screenshots?

By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 9 are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

To open it quickly:

1. 📁 Launch the Files app** (Folder icon).
2. 🔍 Go to the "Images" section» → «Screenshots».
3. 🖼️ Here will be all your photos sorted by date.

If the folder is empty:

• ❌ Check if saving is disabled in the camera settings (found on custom firmware).
• ❌ Make sure there is enough free memory on your phone.
• ❌ Try to take a screenshot again – sometimes the first shot is “lost” due to a system bug.

💡

Screenshots are automatically synced to Google Photos if the “Backup” feature is enabled in your account settings.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even on a reliable smartphone like the Xiaomi Mi 9, there can be some screenshot issues, and let’s look at typical situations and how to fix them.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Stopped working gestures or Quick Ball, reset the settings of additional functions in Settings → Additional functions → This will bring all the parameters back to factory without losing data.

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved

• 🔧 Check the permissions for the Files app** in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
• 🗃️ Make sure the Screenshots folder is not manually deleted.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the mediaserver system process “hangs».

Problem 2: Three finger gestures don't work

• 🧹 Clear the cache of the application "Luncher"** (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 🔧 Turn off and turn on the function again in gesture settings.
• 📱 Check if there is a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher) installed that can block gestures.

Problem 3: Buttons do not respond to pressing

• 🛠️ If the physical buttons are worn out, try using Quick Ball or a voice assistant.
• 🔧 Enable "Software buttons"** in Settings → Screen. → Program buttons (if disabled).
• 🔄 Reset the buttons and gestures settings** in Settings → System system → Resetting settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions