How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi phone: 7 proven ways + secret MIUI chips

You just got a new message in the messenger, the screen showed important information from the game or you need to save a payment confirmation โ€” and then the question arises: how to take a screenshot on Xiaomi quickly and without unnecessary manipulation? Even experienced users sometimes forget about all the features of MIUI, especially if we are talking about new models of Redmi, POCO or flagships of the Mi series.

In this article, we will not just list the standard button combinations, but will reveal all the available methods, from the classic to the little-known (including gestures, voice commands and even scrolling screenshots!). You will learn how to take a screenshot on Xiaomi with regard to the firmware version, device model and even in cases where physical buttons do not work, and at the end you will find a unique table of compatibility methods with specific series of smartphones โ€“ this information is not even in the official documentation.

1. Classic method: combination of power and volume buttons

Itโ€™s the most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models, from the budget Redmi 9A to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Simultaneously press the power button (on/lock) and the volume down button.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound of the camera (if the sound is on) and see the animation of saving the screenshot.
  • ๐Ÿ“ The finished shot will appear in the gallery in the Screenshots folder or Screenshots.

โš ๏ธ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) The sensitivity of the buttons may vary. If the screenshot is not created the first time, try pressing a little longer or, conversely, releasing the buttons faster. Also make sure that the screen is not blocked from random clicks (the function of locking the screen in the notification curtain).

This method works even on a locked screen (if the appropriate setting is enabled in Settings). โ†’ Lock screen โ†’ However, remember: on devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) Long-term button retention can activate Google Assistant โ€“ in this case, release the buttons and try again.

๐Ÿ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Redmi (Series Note, A, 10, etc.)
POCO (F, X, M)
Mi (11, 12, 13, etc.)
Black Shark
Another model

2. Screenshot by gesture: three fingers down (starting with MIUI 9)

If you're uncomfortable with physical buttons or worn out, MIUI offers an alternative, a screenshot gesture, which is available on most devices starting with MIUI 9 (2017), and how to turn it on and use it:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Additional functions โ†’ Gestures.
  2. Find the screenshot with three fingers and activate the switch.
  3. Test the gesture: swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the screen (not necessarily vertically, a small angle is allowed).

๐Ÿ”น Advantages of the method:

  • โšก Faster than a button combination (especially on larger screens).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ It works even if one of the physical buttons is broken.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Convenient in games where volume buttons are busy controlling.

โš ๏ธ Note: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro), the gesture may conflict with navigational gestures. MIUI. If the screenshot fails, check the gesture settings in the System section. โ†’ Gestures โ†’ Full-screen gestures and temporarily disable conflicting options.

Check the version. MIUI (should be 9 or newer)|Activate the function in settings|Testing the gesture on an empty screen|Disable conflicting gestures (if any)-->

3. Scrolling Screenshot: How to Capture a Long Page

A standard screenshot captures only the visible part of the screen, but what if you want to save an entire web page, a messenger correspondence or a list of products in an online store? MIUI has a built-in Scrolling Screenshot (or Long Screenshot) feature.

  1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
  2. Immediately after the screenshot appears in the lower right corner of the screen, click on it.
  3. In the editor that opens, tap the Scrolling icon (it looks like two arrows down). โค“).
  4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls through the page and connects all the pieces into one long shot.

๐Ÿ“Œ Limitations of function:

  • ๐ŸŒ It does not work in all applications (for example, in Telegram or in the Internet). VK It can only capture the visible area).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ On older models, before MIUI (11) the function may be absent or may not function in a stable manner.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ If a page dynamically loads content (such as an Instagram feed), the screenshot may be cropped.

๐Ÿ’ก Tip: If the automatic scrolling didnโ€™t work, try manually scrolling the page to the end before creating a screenshot โ€“ this will increase the chances of a successful capture.

Which apps support long screenshots?
According to the tests on Xiaomi 12T Pro (MIUI 14), the function is stable in: ๐ŸŒ Browsers: Chrome, Mi Browser, Firefox ๐Ÿ“„ Documents: WPS Office, Google Docs ๐Ÿ’ฌ Messengers: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger (partially) ๐Ÿ›’ Marketplace: AliExpress, Wildberries (goods cards only, VK Instagram function is unstable or capture is limited to the visible area.

4. Voice assistant: screenshot on command (for MIUI 12+)

If you're busy with your hands or you just like to control your phone with your voice, MIUI offers a screenshot with a voice assistant, which is available on devices with MIUI 12 firmware and later. Here's how to activate it:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Xiaomi Voice Assistant.
  2. Activate the voice control switch and configure access by double pressing the power button or voice command.
  3. Say the phrase โ€œtake a screenshotโ€ or โ€œscreenshotโ€ (both options are supported).

โš ๏ธ Attention: Voice assistant must be configured in Russian (check Settings) โ†’ Additional functions โ†’ Language and input: Also make sure the microphone is not blocked by other applications (e.g. while calling or recording voices).

๐Ÿ”Š Alternative: If Xiaomi's voice assistant doesn't recognize the command, you can use Google Assistant:

  1. Activate Google Assistant in settings (Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ All Apps โ†’ Google โ†’ Assistant).
  2. Say, "Okay, Google, take a screenshot."

Please note that Google Assistant may require additional permissions to control the screen.

5. Screenshot via notification panel (quick access)

MIUI has a hidden feature that allows you to take a screenshot with one tap, through the notification panel, which is especially useful if you want to take a series of pictures in a row.

  1. Unwrap the notification curtain (pull down from the top edge of the screen).
  2. Click on the icon. โš™๏ธ Edit (or customize depending on version) MIUI).
  3. Find a screenshot tiles in the list (it can be hidden - use the search by icons).
  4. Drag it to the active area of the notification panel.

Now, to take a screenshot, it is enough:

  1. Unwrap the notification curtain.
  2. Stick on the Screenshot icon.

๐Ÿ“ฒ Advantages of the method:

  • โšก Instant access โ€“ no need to remember button combinations.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Convenient for serial screenshots (for example, for creating instructions).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ It works even if the physical buttons are faulty.

โš ๏ธ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) Screenshot tile may not be on the default list, in which case try updating the firmware to the latest version. MIUI or use alternative methods.

6. Screenshot via ADB: for power users

If your Xiaomi doesnโ€™t respond to standard methods (e.g., due to a software glitch), you can take a screenshot via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your phone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

  1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
  2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (go to Settings โ†’ About phone and 7 times tap on the item MIUI version).
  3. Return to Settings โ†’ Additional Features โ†’ For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
  4. Connect the phone to your computer and type in the command line:
adb devices


adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png




adb pull /sdcard/screen.png

The screenshot will be saved on your computer under the name screen.png.

๐Ÿ”ง When this method may be useful:

  • ๐Ÿž If the phone is getting stuck but reacts to ADB-team.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ To create screenshots on devices without physical buttons (for example, on tablets Xiaomi Pad).
  • ๐Ÿ” To diagnose screen problems (for example, if the sensor is not working).

โš ๏ธ Attention: Use ADB It requires caution. Don't type in unknown commands, it can cause a system failure. USB Disabled after use to avoid unauthorized access to the device.

๐Ÿ’ก

If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers or using other drivers USB-cable (preferably original).

7 Hidden Chips: Screenshots in Games and Safe Mode

Many users find that in some applications (especially in games) standard methods of creating screenshots do not work, this is due to cheating protection or limitations of MIUI.

๐ŸŽฎ For games:

  • ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ Use Game Turbo (Integrated Game Mode) MIUI). During the game, swipe left to right across the screen to open the toolbar, and tap the screenshot icon.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Some models (such as Black Shark) have a separate physical Shark Space button that allows you to take screenshots even in full-screen games.

๐Ÿ”’ Safe mode:

  • If the phone is loaded into Safe Mode, standard methods may not work, in which case use ADB (described in the previous section) or connect the phone to another device and take a screenshot through the screen projection function (e.g., Windows via Connecting to a Wireless Display).

๐Ÿ“Š Comparison of methods for different scenarios:

ScriptRecommended methodThe alternativeLimitations
Normal usePower buttons + volumeThree-finger gestureDoes not work with faulty buttons
Long pagesScrolling screenshotHand-scrolling + a few screenshotsNot in all applications
GamesGame Turbo or Shark Space ButtonADB (unless the game is blocked)Could be blocked by anti-cheat
Faulty buttonsGesture or notification panelADB or voice assistantRequires pre-configuration
Safe regimeADB or screen projectionPhoto screen with another phoneRequires a computer or a second device

๐Ÿ’ก

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, a Super Screenshot feature has appeared, which automatically recognizes the text in the picture and allows you to edit it. To use it, after you create a screenshot, tap the text icon in the editor.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

๐Ÿ” Why screenshots are kept in low quality?
By default. MIUI It saves screenshots in screen resolution, but sometimes the quality is degraded by compression. To avoid this: Open the Gallery โ†’ Albums. โ†’ Screenshots. Slip on the screenshot and select Edit โ†’ Save as. Select the format. PNG (lossless instead JPEG. Also check the camera settings: go to Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ All applications โ†’ Camera. โ†’ Storage and select High Quality.
๐Ÿ“ฑ How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi with a broken screen?
If the sensor isnโ€™t working but the image on the screen is visible, try: Connect your phone to your computer and use it. ADB (a) as described above. USB-Debugging is not enabled, connect the mouse through OTG-And you can use it to navigate the menu. Some models, like the Redmi Note 10 Pro, have a voice assistant, say, "Take a screenshot." If the screen is completely black, but the phone is turning on, try connecting it to the TV through a screenshot. HDMI-Adapter and screenshot from TV (if supported).
๐Ÿ”’ Can I take a screenshot of the lock screen?
Yes, but you need to enable the appropriate setting: Go to Settings โ†’ Lock screen โ†’ Additional. Activate Screenshots on the lock screen. After that, you can take screenshots on the locked screen in the standard way (buttons or gestures). Note that on some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra), this feature may be blocked for security reasons.
๐Ÿ“ฒ Where are screenshots on Xiaomi saved?
By default, screenshots are saved to /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/ or to Gallery โ†’ Albums โ†’ Screenshots. If the folder is missing, check the storage settings: Open Settings โ†’ Storage. Slip through Files โ†’ Images and find the Screenshots folder. On some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global), the path may be different: /DCIM/Screenshots/.
๐ŸŽจ How to edit screenshots immediately after creation?
And right after you take the screenshot, you have a thumbnail in the bottom right corner, and you can tap it to open the editor where you can: ๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธ Cut or rotate the image. ๐Ÿ“ Add text or drawings (marker, blurring). ๐Ÿ” Select part of the screen (Pruning function). ๐Ÿ“ค Share the screenshot directly to the messengers. If the thumbnail does not appear, check the settings in Settings โ†’ Additional functions โ†’ Screenshots โ†’ Showing a thumbnail.