How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi A1: all working methods

Why screenshots on the Mi A1 are different from other Xiaomi

Xiaomi Mi A1 is a unique smartphone in the company’s lineup, released in 2017 as part of the Android One program. Unlike most of the brand’s devices running on the MIUI brand shell, this model received “pure” Android with minimal improvements to Google, which is why the standard methods of creating screenshots, familiar to owners of Redmi or POCO, may not work here.

The main problem with Mi A1 users is that the smartphone does not support proprietary MIUI gestures (for example, a thumb-down wire on the screen). Instead, it implements classic Android methods that may not seem obvious to those who have previously used other Xiaomi devices. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard key combinations to alternative solutions for non-standard situations.

It’s important to consider that after the firmware updates (especially to Android 9 Pie), some features may have changed, and we tested all of them on the latest versions of the software and provided nuances for each.

Method 1: Standard key combination (Power + Volume Down)

It’s a versatile method that works on all versions of Android, including the Mi A1.

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

The screenshot is automatically saved to the Pictures/Screenshots folder (or DCIM/Screenshots in some firmware) and to quickly find it, drop the notification bar and a thumbnail with the Share and Delete options will appear.

💡

If the combination does not work, check if the Volume Up button is not pressed. Mi A1 often conflicts if you press three keys at the same time (for example, when trying to take a screenshot while recording a video).

⚠️ Note: On some Android firmware 9 Pie for Mi A1 A bug has been detected: if you press the combination twice, the second screenshot may not be saved. 3-4 seconds.

Method 2: “Swipe your finger across the screen” gesture (only for the purpose of MIUI-firmware)

Although the Mi A1 was originally shipped with pure Android, some users have installed custom firmware based on MIUI. If your device is running such firmware (for example, MIUI 10 or MIUI 12), then a brand gesture is available:

• 👆 Swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the screen (without tearing your fingers off).
• 🎯 The gesture should start outside the top notification panel.
• 🔊 You will hear the shutter sound and a save notification will appear at the bottom of the screen.

To activate this feature (if it is disabled), go to: Settings → Additional → Special Features → Gesture for screenshot.

⚠️ Attention: On unofficial firmware MIUI for Mi A1 If the gesture is not created, try to disable other gestures in the Screen settings. → Gestures.

Method 3: Google Assistant voice command

If the physical buttons on your Mi A1 are damaged or you prefer contactless control, you can use a voice assistant.This method works on all versions of Android, but requires pre-configuration:

1. Activate Google Assistant: Go to Settings → Google → Settings for Google apps → Search, Assistant and Voice → Voice Assistant.
2. Turn on the Hey Google option and get voice recognition training.
3. Say the phrase, “OK Google, take a screenshot” or “Hey Google, take a screenshot.”

The assistant will confirm the execution of the command and save the picture to a standard folder, which is convenient for creating screenshots on the go, for example, while watching a video or playing a game, when you do not want to interrupt the process with the press of buttons.

Method 4: Third-party applications for advanced screenshots

If the built-in methods do not suit you (for example, you need to take a screenshot of the scrolling page or add markup), you can use specialized utilities. A1 fit:

• 📱 Screenshot Easy – Supports delay, editing, and save to the cloud.
• 🖼️ LongShot – Creates screenshots of long pages (e.g. chat rooms or websites).
• ⚙️ Screen Master – allows you to customize hotkeys and automatically trim unnecessary areas.

To install any of these applications: Play Store → Search → Utility Name → Install.

After installation, grant permissions for Screen Recording and File Storage.

Check the available space on the device (need ≥100 MB)

Update Google Play Services

Disable battery optimization for the app

Allow display over other windows-->

⚠️ Attention: On Mi A1 With Android 9 Pie, some screenshot apps may conflict with security. If the smartphone starts to brake after installing the utility, try turning off the Mi Protect feature in the security settings.

Problem Solving: Screenshots are not saved or buttons are not working

If none of the methods work, check the following points:

1. Button damage: The Volume Down button often wears out on the Mi A1. You can check its performance in the Settings menu → System → Gestures → Hardware Button Test.
2. Memory Lack: Screenshots are not saved if the device has less than 50 MB of free space. Clear the cache in Settings → Storage.
3. Application conflict: Antiviruses or cleaners (e.g. Clean Master) can block screenshots. Add an exception for system processes.

Mi A1 with Android 9 Pie firmware (PKQ1.180904.001) has a bug: after resetting the settings to factory screenshots cease to be saved to the gallery, although the creation notification appears. Solution - manually create a Pictures/Screenshots folder through any file manager.

💡

If screenshots are not saved, check the permissions for the Media Store application (Settings → Applications → All Apps → Media Store → Permissions).

Where to find screenshots and how to manage them

By default, all screenshots are saved in the folder: /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/.

They can be accessed in several ways:

• 📁 Through the Gallery: Open the Screenshots album (usually created automatically).
• 🔍 Using File Manager: Use Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer to navigate folders.
• ☁️ Google Photos: If sync is enabled, screenshots will be available on all devices.

To make it easier to work with screenshots: Keep your finger on the file in the gallery → Select "Share" or "Edit".

On the Mi A1, the built-in editor allows you to crop an image, add text or a drawing.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions