How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi 6: all ways + error solving

Why are the Mi 6 screenshots not made the same way as other smartphones?

The Xiaomi Mi 6, released in 2017, became one of the company's first flagships with a frameless design and Snapdragon 835 processor. MIUI (Even in current versions, it retains unique features of creating screenshots that differ from standard Android solutions. + Volume Down, but there are gesture controls and hidden functions for advanced users.

The main problem with Mi 6 owners is that the way to take screenshots is not obvious. Many people find that screenshots are not saved in the gallery, disappear after a reboot or are taken with black fields. In this article, we will analyze all working methods (including little-known ones), and also solve typical errors associated with MIUI 8/9/10/11.

It is important to note that on the Mi 6 screenshots can weigh up to 3-5 MB due to the high resolution of the screen (1920ร—1080 at 428 ppi).If you need to save space, we will show you how to change the format of saving from.png to.jpg without loss of quality.

Method 1: Classic button combination (always working)

The most reliable method that works even when the system freezes or in safe mode. On Xiaomi Mi 6, use:

Power button + Volume Down button

How to do it right:

  • ๐Ÿ”˜ Press both buttons at the same time for 1-2 seconds.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Wait for the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is on) and the screen blink.
  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Screenshot will appear in the notification bar with the share and delete buttons.

If the picture is not taken:

  • โŒ Check if the Volume Up button is clamped (on the Mi 6 it is very close).
  • โŒ Make sure there are no dialog boxes on the screen (like permission requests) โ€“ they block the creation of screenshots.
  • โŒ Restart your phone if the combination doesnโ€™t work after the update MIUI.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some Mi 6 firmware (e.g, MIUI Global 12.5) Long-term Power retention + Volume Down can trigger a reboot menu.To avoid this, press the buttons short and sharp.

Is the application running on the full screen?

Are there any active screen recording notifications?

Is the battery level sufficient (below 5% of screenshots may not be saved)?

Is the power saving mode turned off (it blocks background processes)-->

Method 2: Three fingers down (fastest)

A MIUI proprietary feature that works on the Xiaomi Mi 6 regardless of the firmware version, which is convenient for taking screenshots with one hand or while watching videos.

How to set up:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Additional settings โ†’ Buttons and gestures โ†’ Screenshot gestures.
  2. Activate the swipe switch with three fingers.
  3. Choose the direction of the gesture: Down (recommended) or Up.

How to use:

  • ๐Ÿ‘† Place three fingers on the screen (for example, index, middle and ring fingers).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Move upwards (or downwards if you choose this direction).
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Screenshot will be taken instantly, without delay.

Advantages of the method:

  • โšก It works even with switched off hardware buttons.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Comfortable for games (does not interfere with the gamepad).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ You can take a series of screenshots in a row.

โš ๏ธ Warning: If the gesture doesn't work, check if it conflicts with other functions (e.g. Double-touch to wake up). โ†’ Screen. โ†’ Double touch.

๐Ÿ’ก

To take a screenshot of the screen, after the gesture with three fingers immediately swipe down again - the cropping mode will open.

Method 3: Notification panel (if buttons don't work)

An alternative method for cases where hardware buttons are damaged or the phone is in a case. MIUI for the Mi 6 has a built-in screenshot button in the notification curtain.

Step-by-step:

  1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
  2. Find the screenshot icon (usually hidden under the swipe to the right).
  3. Slip on it โ€“ the screenshot will be taken in 1-2 seconds.

If no button:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Open the Settings. โ†’ Notification panel โ†’ Edit badges.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Find the screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.
  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Record the changes by clicking Ready.

On the Mi 6 with MIUI 10 firmware and below, the screenshot button may not be available by default โ€“ it must be added manually through Settings โ†’ System Applications โ†’ Quick Settings.

MIUI versionAvailability of the default buttonIs manual adjustment required?
MIUI 8/9โŒ No.โœ… Yes.
MIUI 10โš ๏ธ Sometimes.โš ๏ธ Depends on the regional firmware
MIUI 11/12โœ… Yes.โŒ No.

Method 4: Voice command (for MIUI with Google Assistant)

If you have Google Assistant or Alice from Yandex, you can take voice screenshots, which is useful when your hands are busy or your screen is dirty.

For Google Assistant:

  1. Activate the assistant with the command OK, Google or hold the Home button.
  2. Say, Take a screenshot or a screenshot.
  3. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

For Alice:

  • ๐ŸŽค Say, Alice, take a screenshot.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Wait for the command to be processed (confirmation may be required).

Limitations of the method:

  • ๐Ÿšซ It does not work in games and some applications (e.g. TikTok, Netflix).
  • ๐Ÿšซ Requires an Internet connection to process voice commands.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Mi 6 with custom firmware may not work.

Classic button combination|Three-finger gesture|Notification panel|Voice command|Other-->

Method 5: Script with scrolling (long pages)

If you want to save an entire web page, a chat in Telegram, or a list in Mi Fit, use the Scrolling Screenshot feature, which is available in MIUI since version 9.

How to do this:

  1. Create a regular screenshot in any of the ways above.
  2. Immediately after the miniature appears in the lower right corner, tap it.
  3. Select Scroll (the icon with arrows down).
  4. Wait for automatic scrolling and saving the extended shot.

Tips for a better result:

  • ๐Ÿ“„ It only works in supported structure applications (not suitable for games or video).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ If the scroll is โ€œhungโ€, try manually pulling the screen down.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Maximum screenshot length โ€“ up to 10 screens (limited) MIUI).

โš ๏ธ Note: On the Mi 6 with firmware below MIUI 10 scrolling screenshots are saved in.png format and can take up to 10-15 MB. To reduce the size, use third-party apps (for example, Screenshot Easy).

How to cut a long screenshot after creating?
Open the picture in the standard MIUI gallery โ†’ click Edit โ†’ select the Trip tool โ†’ set boundaries โ†’ save as a new file.

Where are the screenshots stored and how do I find them?

By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 6 are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

How to get there:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Open the Files app (Folder icon on the desktop).
  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Go to the Images section โ†’ Screenshots.
  • ๐Ÿ” Or type in Screenshots search.

If the screenshots are missing:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Check the folder. DCIM โ†’ Screenshots (sometimes) MIUI change-way).
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Make sure that files are not deleted by an optimizer application (e.g. Clean Master).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Restore through Settings โ†’ Memory. โ†’ Recycle bin (if backup function is enabled).

How to change the format of the save from.png to.jpg:

  1. Install Screenshot Type Changer from Google Play.
  2. Choose the JPEG format and the quality is 90%.
  3. Reboot the phone.

๐Ÿ’ก

Screenshots on the Mi 6 are automatically archived after 30 days if the memory optimization function is enabled in MIUI.

Problem Solving: Screenshots are not saved, black screen, errors

Common Mistakes on Xiaomi Mi 6 and How to Fix Them

Problem.Reason.Decision
Screenshot not savedLack of memoryClear the cache in Settings โ†’ Memory
Black screen in the pictureConflict with DRM-protection (e.g. on Netflix)Use third-party applications (such as AZ Screen Recorder)
No shutter sound.System sound is off.Turn on the camera shutter sound in the settings โ†’ Sounds โ†’
Screenshots blurredAutomatic compression in MIUITurn off Adaptive Quality in Gallery Settings

If none of these methods work:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reset gesture settings: Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Reset your gesture settings.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Check Application Rights: Open Settings โ†’ Permits โ†’ Autostart and enable permission for Screenshot Service MIUI.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Update the firmware: Outdated versions MIUI (Below 10) may block screenshots in some applications.

Last Chance: If screenshots aren't taken even after a reset, try ADB-command (computer required):

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 6

Can I take a screenshot in a game without a black screen?
Mi 6 in games with protection (for example, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact) screenshots are blocked at the Android level. AZ Screen Recorder with Game Capture enabled. Connect your phone to your PC and take a picture via Scrcpy. Install custom Recovery (TWRP) and turn it off DRM-protection (risky!).
How to turn off the screenshot thumbnail in the corner of the screen?
The miniature appears due to the function Quick view in MIUI. To remove it: Open the Settings โ†’ Additional settings โ†’ Buttons and gestures โ†’ Screenshot gestures. Turn off the thumbnail option. Reboot your phone. If you don't have a point, use it. ADB: adb shell settings put global screenshot_show_preview 0
Why do screenshots weigh 5MB?
On the Mi 6 with Full HD+ resolution and MIUI shell, the images are saved in PNG format without compression. To reduce weight: Install Screenshot Compressor from Google Play. Use Photoshop Express to convert to JPEG. Turn off High-quality screenshots in the developer settings (Settings โ†’ Phone โ†’ MIUI version โ€“ tap 7 times).
How to take a screenshot using a computer?
Connect the Mi 6 to your PC via USB and use: For Windows: Vysor or Scrcpy (free). For Mac/Linux: Adb utility with adb exec-out screencap -p > screen.png. Universal: Online services like ApowerMirror (requires root). Before connecting, enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
Can I automatically upload screenshots to the cloud?
Yes, for this: Enable sync in Mi Cloud (Settings โ†’ Xiaomi Account โ†’ Mi Cloud โ†’ Gallery). Or set up Google Photos and activate Backup. For Yandex.Disk, use the Autoupload File app. Please note: screenshots taken in safe mode are not synced.