You can take a screenshot on Xiaomi in seconds - if you know the right button combinations or hidden MIUI features. But many users still use only the standard keystroke method, although there are at least 5 alternative methods in the brand's smartphones. From the classic Power + Volume Down combination to voice commands and three-finger gestures - we'll talk about all the options, including little-known chips for old and new models.
It is important to understand that methods differ depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14) and the device model. For example, an advanced screenshot editor is available on POCO F5 with Android 13, and the Redmi Note 8 (2019) will have to do with basic features. In this article, you will find current instructions for all Xiaomi lines, including Redmi, POCO, Mi and Black Shark, as well as solutions to typical problems - when a screenshot is not saved or buttons do not work.
1. Standard method: Power + Volume Down buttons
It’s a versatile method that works on 99% of Xiaomi devices, from the budget Redmi A1 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
- Open the screen that you want to fix (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
- At the same time, press the Power/Block button and Volume Down.
- Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.
On models with MIUI 14, after creating a screen in the lower right corner, a thumbnail with buttons for quick editing or deleting will appear. On older versions (for example, MIUI 12), the screenshot is immediately saved in the gallery in the Screenshots folder.
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If the buttons don't work the first time, try pressing them at a minimum interval (0.3-0.5 seconds) instead of simultaneously.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) long-term retention of Power + Volume Down can trigger a reboot menu, in which case release the buttons immediately after the beep.
2. Screenshot with "Three fingers down" gesture
The Screenshot Gesture feature is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and later, and allows you to take a screenshot in one motion without pressing a button.
- Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Gesture for a screenshot.
- Turn on the switch opposite "Swipe three fingers down."
- Test the gesture: swipe the screen from top to bottom with three fingers (no matter what hand).
Advantages of the method:
- 👆 It works even with faulty power or volume buttons.
- 🎯 More precisely, the standard method - you can take a screenshot with one hand.
- ⚡ Faster: No need to look for keys on the body.
What to do if the gesture does not work?
On the POCO F4 GT and other Xiaomi gaming smartphones, there is an additional gesture: tap on the screen with three fingers. To turn it on, go to Settings → Additional → Gestures → Three-touch.
3.The Google Assistant Voice Assistant
If you have a smartphone with Google services (most of the global versions of Xiaomi), you can take a screenshot with a voice command.
- Activate Google Assistant by saying “OK, Google” or holding down the Home button (if you have one).
- Say, “Take a screenshot” or “Photograph the screen.”
- Confirm the action in the window that appears.
The method is convenient when:
- 🎤 Hands are busy (for example, you cook with a prescription).
- 🔧 The buttons or sensors are not working.
- 📱 You need to take a screenshot in one hand mode.
⚠️ Note: On the Chinese versions of Xiaomi (without Google Mobile Services), this method does not work. AI, Chinese-speaking «» (jiétú).
4. Screenshot through the Quick Settings panel
In MIUI 12/13/14, there is a button in the notification curtain to create screenshots.
- Pull down the notification bar (swipe from the top edge of the screen).
- Find the screenshot icon (scissors or a zipper rectangle) if it's not there, click Edit and add to the active buttons.
- Slip the icon – the screenshot will be taken instantly.
Pros of the method:
- ⚡ No need to remember button combinations.
- 📁 Screenshots are saved to the same Screenshots folder as other methods.
- 🔄 Works even in guest mode or with limited rights.
Add the “Screenshot” button to the notification curtain
Check that the panel is fully deployed (swipe down twice)
Make sure the screen is not locked (on some models, the screenshot does not work on locking)
Turn off the "Do Not Disturb" mode if it is active
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On Xiaomi 13T Pro and other flagships, the button may be missing by default.
- Open the notification curtain completely.
- Slip on the icon "Pencil" (editing).
- Find the “Screenshot” list and drag it to the active area.
5. Screenshot in Games via Game Turbo
If you want to capture a moment in the game (such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile), the standard methods may not work due to button locking.
- Launch the game and call the Game Turbo panel by swiping your finger from the top right corner of the screen inside (or pressing the icon in the notification curtain).
- In the menu, find the screenshot icon (scissors) and tap it.
- The image will be saved in the Games folder inside the gallery.
Features of the method:
- 🎮 It only works in supported games (see Settings for a list). → Special facilities → Game Turbo).
- 📊 You can take a series of screenshots (up to 5 pieces in a row).
- 🔊 Shutter sound is turned off so as not to interfere with gameplay.
| Xiaomi model | Support for Game Turbo | Max. screenshots in the series | Additional functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| POCO F5 | ✅ Yes. | 5 | Screen recording, notification blocking |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | ✅ Yes. | 3 | Performance mode, chatbots in games |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | ✅ Yes. | 5 | Adaptive brightness, tactile response |
| Redmi 10A | ❌ No. | — | Standard screenshots only |
6. Screenshot Problems and Their Solutions
Sometimes screenshots on Xiaomi are not saved or taken with artifacts. Consider typical errors and ways to correct them:
Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery.
- 🔍 Check the folder. DCIM/Screenshots via file manager.
- 📁 If there is no folder, create it manually.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
Problem 2: The buttons don't work.
- 🔋 Check if the battery is discharged (at the charge level) < 5% Some functions are turned off).
- 🛠️ Clean the mud buttons with an alcohol napkin.
- 🔧 Reset the key settings in Settings → System system → Buttons.
Problem 3: The screenshot is black.
- 🌑 It's normal for me. DRM-Secure applications (Netflix, banking programs).
- 📺 Try to take a picture through screen recording (in Settings) → Screen. → Screen recording).
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If screenshots don’t work in either way, check the permissions for the Screenshots app in Settings → Apps → App Management → Special Access → Screen recording.