How to Take a Screenshot of Xiaomi Mi 9: All Ways (2026)

Xiaomi Mi 9 is still a popular smartphone thanks to its powerful hardware and current MIUI updates. But even experienced users sometimes forget how to quickly take a screenshot on this device – especially if you used iPhones or smartphones of other brands. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to create screenshots, including hidden firmware chips and solutions for unusual situations (for example, if the buttons do not work).

Important: the instructions are relevant for the Mi 9 on all versions of MIUI (10 to 14) and Android (9 to 13). Some methods may differ on custom firmware, which we will mention too. If your smartphone behaves differently after the update, check the problem-solving section.

1. Classic method: power buttons + volume

The most reliable and versatile method that works on all Android smartphones, including the Xiaomi Mi 9.

1. Open on the screen what you want to capture (message, page in the browser, game, etc.).
2. At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Note: if you press the buttons longer than 3 seconds, the smartphone can restart in Fastboot mode (on the Mi 9 this is activated by power retention). + Do not be afraid, just restart the device.

Screen unlocked and active |

No active calls or recordings|

The buttons don't stick and are clean |

Free at least 100 MB of memory-->

Where to look for a screenshot taken? By default, files are saved to the DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots folder. These can be edited immediately - after creating a toolbar (trimming, drawing, sending) will appear at the top of the screen.

2. Three-finger gesture (screenshot swipe)

A MIUI signature feature that makes it easy to create screenshots with one hand, to activate this way:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Three finger gesture.
2. Turn on the screenshot switch (if the option is disabled).
3. Check the sensitivity of the gesture in the Settings section of the gesture - with low sensitivity, the swipe may not work.

How to use:

• 👆 Swipe your three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (as if you were shaking off the water).
• 🎨 If you keep your fingers on the screen after swipe, the screenshot editing menu will open.
• 🔄 The gesture works in any application except secure applications (bank programs, some games).

💡 Useful tip: if the gesture conflicts with other functions (for example, scrolling in the browser), turn it off for specific applications in the special features settings.

Power buttons + volume |

Three finger gesture |

Quick Ball (floating button)|

Voice assistant |

Another way.-->

3.Floating Quick Ball button

Quick Ball is a virtual button from Xiaomi that saves time and makes it easier to access frequently used features, to customize it for screenshots:

1. Open the Settings. → Additionally. → Quick Ball.
2. Turn on the Quick Ball slider.
3. Click Quick Ball Settings and select Screenshot from the Quick Actions list.
4. Set the position of the button on the screen (left or right) and its transparency.

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Touch Quick Ball (a semi-transparent circle at the edge of the screen).
2. In the menu that appears, select the Screenshot icon (scissors).

⚠️ Warning: If Quick Ball interferes with games or applications, add them to Exceptions in the feature settings. Also, the button may disappear in full screen mode - to call it, swipe from the edge of the screen to the center.

💡

Quick Ball can be configured to call with a long press – this will prevent accidental touches while playing or watching videos.

4. Voice command via Google Assistant

If you don't feel comfortable using buttons or gestures, use the voice assistant, which works even if the screen is locked (when the OK Google option is enabled in the security settings).

Instructions:

1. Activate Google Assistant with your voice (OK Google) or hold the Home button (if you have one on your firmware).
2. Tell the command, “Take a screenshot” or “Screenshot.”
3. Confirm the action if the assistant requests permission.

🔹 Limitations of method:

• 🚫 Does not work in office applications with sensitive data (for example, Microsoft Teams).
• 🔇 Requires Internet connection for voice recognition (except offline commands).
• 📵 On some firmware MIUI Voice screenshots disabled by default – check permissions for Google in Settings → Annexes → Permits.

📌 Important: on Mi 9 s MIUI 12.5+ Voice screenshots are saved to a separate folder Assistant_Screenshots (inside Pictures).

5. Screenshot via the notification menu (for MIUI 14)

The latest versions of MIUI have the ability to take screenshots directly from the notification bar, which is convenient if you switch between applications frequently.

How it works:

1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
2. Find the Screenshot icon in the quick settings. If it's not there, click Edit and add it.
3. Touch the icon – the smartphone will immediately take a screenshot.

🔧 Panel setting: If the screenshot icon disappears after rebooting, pin it to the top of the quick settings (hold on and drag to the Fixed section).

6. Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications

If standard methods don't work (e.g., a power button is broken), you can take a screenshot through ADB or special utilities, which are a little more effortful, but they help in critical situations.

Method 1: ADB (for experienced users)

You will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and enabled debugging by USB on your smartphone.

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png


adb pull /sdcard/screen.png

📌 Explanation:

• The first command saves a screenshot in the memory of the phone.
• The second one is copying it to a computer.
• The file will be in PNG format with a resolution of the Mi 9 screen (2340×1080).

Method 2: Apps for screenshots

Google Play has dozens of screenshot utilities, and we tested three of them.

⚠️ Warning: Before installing third-party apps, check their permissions. Some utilities request access to special features — that's okay for screenshots, but don't give them access to the app. SMS or contact.

7. Solving screenshot problems on Mi 9

Sometimes screenshots can't be taken because of software failures or hardware constraints, and let's look at typical situations and their solutions:

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved

Reasons and methods of correction:

• 📱 Memory is gone: clear the cache or transfer files to the memory card. → Warehouse.
• 🔧 Gallery Failure: Clear the Gallery app data (Settings) → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the data).
• 📁 Incorrect folder: Screenshots can be saved in Internal Storage → MIUI → Screenshot (check through file manager).

Problem 2: The buttons don't work.

If the physical buttons do not respond:

• 🔄 Restart your smartphone (hold power for 10 seconds).
• 🛠️ Check the buttons for sticking or mechanical damage (clean them carefully with alcohol).
• 🖥️ Use it. ADB or third-party annexes (see section above).

Problem 3: Screenshots are black or blank

This is typical of secure applications (banks, encrypted messengers).

• 📸 Take a picture of the screen with another phone (unless the information is confidential).
• 🔒 Enable Developer Mode and turn off Screenshot Protection (if available).

💡

If the screenshots stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting System Apps in Settings → About Phone → Resetting (this will not delete personal data).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions