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

You just got an important message in the messenger, found a funny meme in social networks or you need to save a payment confirmation - and then the question arises: how to take a screenshot on Xiaomi quickly and without unnecessary movements? Smartphones brand (including sub-brands Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) offer several ways to create screenshots - from classic combinations of buttons to innovative gestures and voice commands. But not all of them are equally convenient, and some are hidden in the depths of the MIUI settings.

In this article, we're not just going to list the standard methods, but we're going to reveal the unique Xiaomi chips that even the official instructions don't mention. For example, did you know that some models can take a screenshot of a scrolling page in one click? Or that the Xiao AI voice assistant can save the screen on command - even when the phone is locked? And we'll also look at why the POCO F5 doesn't work the usual Power + Volume Down, and what to do about it.

Whether you have a Xiaomi 14 Ultra flagship or a budget Redmi 12C, you will find the right way for your model. And yes, we have included all versions of MIUI (including the global and Chinese), so the instructions will work regardless of the firmware region.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, from the Mi A1 (2017) to the latest models of 2026.

1. Open on the screen what you want to capture (message, page in the browser, game).
2. At the same time, press the Power button (on/lock) and the Volume Down button.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the save animation.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 GT Or Black Shark 5, which may cause a reboot menu, and if you have one, skip this method and read on.

Where do I look for a screenshot? By default, all screenshots are saved in a folder:

Gallery → Albums → Screenshots

Or on the way to the file manager:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

💡

If the screenshot is not saved, check the permissions for the Gallery app in Settings → Apps → Application Management → Gallery → Permissions. Lack of access to storage is a common cause of the problem.

2.The three-finger gesture is the fastest way

A MIUI signature feature that saves time: instead of pressing buttons, just swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the screen, which works on all devices with MIUI 9 and newer (i.e., 99% of current Xiaomi smartphones).

How to turn on the gesture if it is turned off:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the screenshot with three fingers and activate the switch.
3. (Optional) Enable the screenshot Preview option to edit the picture immediately.

🔹 Pros of the method:

• 👆 It works in any application, even in games.
• ⚡ Faster than pressing buttons (0.5 seconds vs 1.5-2 seconds).
• 🎨 You can immediately open the editor for cropping or drawing.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) The gesture may conflict with the swipe function to return back. If the screenshot fails, turn off the swipe navigation in Settings. → Display. → Full-screen display.

3. Screenshot via notification panel (for lazy)

If you don't want to remember button combinations or gestures, use the built-in button in the notification curtain, which is ideal for those who take screenshots infrequently or prefer visual control.

Instructions:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find a screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a rectangle with lightning). If it's not there, tap it. ⚙️ Edit and add the button manually.
3. Click on the icon – the picture will be taken instantly.

🔹 Hidden Panel Opportunities:

• 📱 On some models (Xiaomi) 13T, POCO X5 Pro) long press of the screenshot button allows you to select the screen area to capture.
• 🔄 If you swipe the screenshot icon left / right, you can take a long screenshot (scrolling page).
• 🖼️ V MIUI 14 Lag time capture (3 or 10 seconds) is useful for fixing temporary notifications.

4. Voice assistant Xiao AI - screenshot on command

Owners of smartphones with support for Xiao AI (Xiao voice assistant) can take screenshots without hands at all! the feature works even on a locked screen (if enabled in the settings).

How to set up:

1. Activate Xiao AI in Settings → Xiao AI → Voice Assistant.
2. Enable the option of voice recognition in the locked state (optional).
3. Say the phrase: “Xiao AI, take a screenshot” or “Screenshot”.

🔹 Features of the method:

• 🎤 Works up to 3 meters (if Voice Awakening is enabled).
• 🔒 You can take a screenshot without unlocking your phone (for example, to fix a notification).
• 🌐 Supports teams in Chinese, English and Russian (depending on the firmware region).

⚠️ Note: On models without a separate chip for Xiao AI (Like Redmi. 10A) The voice assistant may or may not be able to detect commands in noisy areas, and then you'd better use other methods.

5. Long screenshot (scrolling page)

Need to save the entire Telegram dialog, a long article in your browser or a list of products in AliExpress? a standard screenshot will capture only the visible part of the screen, but MIUI has a scrolling screenshot feature (also known as Scrolling Screenshot).

How it works:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the appearance of the thumbnail of the picture in the lower right corner, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, click on the Scrolling button (or Long Screenshot).
4. Wait until the page automatically scrolls down and click Ready.

🔹 Limitations and life hacks:

💡

A long screenshot is saved as a single file in PNG format, but its length is limited to 10 screens (in MIUI 14).For longer pages, use specialized applications such as LongShot or Stitch & Share.

6. Secret chips and hidden functions

Xiaomi likes to hide useful options in the depths of settings. Here are some little-known tricks that go beyond standard instructions:

🔹 Screenshot with delay (timer):

• 🕒 V MIUI 12+ You can set up a delayed screenshot. To do this, hold the screenshot icon in the notification panel and select Latency 3c or Delay 10c.
• 🎮 Useful for games where you need to have time to open the desired menu before capture.

🔹 Screenshot in Recovery Mode:

• 🛠️ If the phone is stuck on the logo or on the Fastboot menu, plug it into your PC and use the command:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/recovery_screenshot.png

The file will appear in the root folder of the device.

🔹 Automatic text recognition:

• 📄 After creating a screenshot, tap on the thumbnail and select Recognise the text. MIUI Automatically copy all text from the image (works offline!).
• 🌍 Supports 10.+ languages including Russian, English and Chinese.

7. Problem Solving: Why isn't the screenshot working?

If none of these methods work, the reasons may be as follows:

🔧 Emergency: If you need a screenshot urgently and your phone is glitchy, connect it to your PC and use it. ADB-team:

adb exec-out screencap -p > screenshot.png

The file will be saved in the folder where the command was executed.

💡

On models with MIUI for POCO (e.g., POCO X3 Pro), sometimes resetting gesture settings: Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting gesture settings. After that, restart the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi