How to Take a Screenshot of Xiaomi Mi5: All Working Ways (2026)

Why are screenshots on the Mi5 not available?

The Xiaomi Mi5, released in 2016, is still popular with users due to its reliability and performance, but many owners have difficulty taking a screenshot — especially if the device runs older versions of MIUI 8 or MIUI 9.

Incorrect gesture settings (the function "Three-finger swipe" is often disabled by default);

- damaged system buttons (physical power or volume keys wear out over time);

shell conflicts (on some firmware, the button combination is blocked by the battery optimizer).

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to capture screenshots on the Mi5, including hidden MIUI features and workarounds for out-of-the-box situations, and if the standard methods don’t work, we have solutions for you.

Method 1: Standard button combination (works on all versions of MIUI)

It's a universal method that's guaranteed to work even on custom firmware.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
2. Press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left) at the same time.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Warning: If you have a magnetic lock case installed, it can block the Power button. Try removing the case or pressing with great effort.

Screen unlocked and active |

No active notifications for low battery charge |

The buttons Power and Volume are not stuck |

Do Not Disturb (it can block the sound of the screenshot)-->

Where to look for a finished screenshot?

• 📁 Screenshots folder in the gallery (path: Internal Memory) → DCIM → Screenshots).
• 🔍 Quick access: swipe down the notification bar – there will appear preview with the button “Share".
• 🌐 In the Mi Cloud (if sync is enabled in Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery).

Method 2: Three-finger swipe (fastest, but requires customization)

The "Three-finger Screenshot" feature was introduced in MIUI 9 and is saved in newer versions, allowing you to take a screenshot in one motion without pressing a button. Here's how to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Turn on the switch opposite "Three-finger swipe."
3. Test: swipe down the screen with three fingers at the same time (no pauses!).

🔹 Frequent mistakes when using gestures:

• 👆 Swipe is too slow or intermittent (should be smooth movement).
• 📱 The finger touches the edges of the screen (the gesture only works in the central area).
• 🔄 Left-handed mode enabled (check Settings) → Screen. → Left-handed mode).

Standard buttons |

Three-finger swipe |

Voice assistant |

Party of annex-->

If the gesture doesn’t work even after setting up, try:

1. Reboot your phone (sometimes helps to reset temporary gesture errors).
2. Clear the Launcher app cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Clear the cache).
3. Update MIUI to the latest available version for Mi5 (see the "Firmware Update" section below).

Method 3: Voice command via Google Assistant or Alice

If the physical buttons on your Mi5 are faulty and the gestures are uncomfortable, use the voice assistant, which works even with a broken screen (assuming the microphone is in good shape).

For Google Assistant:

1. Activate the assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
2. Say “take a screenshot” or “make a screenshot” (in English it often works more reliably).
3. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

For Alice (Yandex):

• 🎤 Say, "Alice, take a screenshot".
• 📲 Or click on the microphone icon in the Yandex search bar and say the command.

⚠️ Note: Voice commands may not work if:

• Access to the microphone for the assistant is disabled (Settings) → Annexes → Google/Alice. → Permits).
• Activated mode of energy saving (limits the background work of assistants).
• Unofficial firmware without Google services is installed.

💡

If the voice assistant doesn't recognize the command, try to pronounce it more clearly or reformulate it. For example, instead of "screenshot," say "screenshot."

Method 4: Screenshot via notification panel (hidden MIUI function)

Few people know, but MIUI 10 and later has quick access to screenshots right from the notification curtain, a method that is useful if buttons or gestures fail.

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the "Screenshot" button (scissors icon) 🖇️) bottom-row.
3. If there is no button, click on the pencil icon (✏️) edit the panels and add them to the active ones.
4. Slip the button - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

🔹 Advantages of this method:

• 🔥 No need to remember button combinations.
• 🛠️ It works even with faulty physical keys.
• 📱 Suitable for screenshots in games (where Volume buttons can be occupied by control).

If the Screenshot button is not on the quick settings list, then your version of MIUI does not support it, in which case update the firmware or use alternative methods from this article.

Method 5: Third-party apps for screenshots (if nothing works)

When standard methods don't work, Google Play apps come to the rescue, and we tested a few and selected the most reliable ones for Xiaomi Mi5:

⚠️ Note: When installing third-party apps for screenshots:

• 🔒 Provide only the necessary permissions (refuse access to contacts or SMS).
• 📥 Download. APK Only from the official Google Play – viruses are often found on third-party sites.
• 🔄 After use, delete the application if it is not needed constantly (extra services consume battery).

Solution: Why are screenshots not saved or black?

If screenshots are created but not displayed in the gallery or are kept blank, the reasons may be as follows:

🔧 Additional advice for Mi5:

• 🔄 If screenshots are saved in low resolution, check the camera settings in Settings → Screen. → Screen resolution (should be) 1920×1080).
• 📁 If the Screenshots folder is gone, create it manually through the file manager.
• 🔒 For screenshots on Snapchat or Tinder, use a second account – these apps block saving pictures.

💡

If neither method works, the cause may be a corrupted firmware, in which case only the Mi5 flashing through Fastboot or Recovery will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Mi5