Taking screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected problems. Some models require you to press a combination of buttons with millisecond accuracy, others ignore gestures because of the security features on, and third, standard methods do not work at all because of custom firmware. This article will not just list the ways, but will analyze why sometimes screenshots do not work and how to get around typical errors.
We tested all the methods on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 (including global and Chinese builds) and identified key differences between the Redmi, POCO and Mi lineups. For example, on the POCO F5, the three-finger swipe gesture is disabled by default, and on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the button combination can conflict with the Game Space mode. If you tried to take a screenshot and received the message “Cannot save a screenshot” – here you will find a solution.
1. Standard method: button combination
The classic method works on all Xiaomi, Released models after 2016, but requires precise synchronization.
- 📱 Power button (right) + Volume reduction button (left)
- ⏱️ Hold on 1-2 seconds until the screenshot animation appears (white flash) + shutter)
- 🔊 If the sound is turned off, focus on the visual effect - the screen is "compressed" with a white stripe.
On models with a physical Domu button (e.g. Redmi 4A), the combination is different: Power button + Home. On POCO M3 and similar devices with a cut-out display ("monobrov"), the delay can be as high as 0.5 seconds - do not release the buttons too early.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Black Shark (gaming smartphones), the standard combination can conflict with Shark Space mode. To take a screenshot in the game, first exit this mode or use the screenshot icon in the game menu (appears when you swipe on the right).
| Xiaomi model | Button combination | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5 | Power + Volume reduction | It works in any mode, including games. |
| Xiaomi 13/14 Pro | Power + Volume reduction | May require double tapping due to protection from accidental screenshots |
| Black Shark 5/6 | Power + Home or button in Shark Space | Standard combination disabled in game mode |
| Redmi A1/A2 (budget) | Power + Volume reduction | Delayed response up to 1 second |
2. Three-finger swipe gesture (fastest way)
This method is available on all smartphones with MIUI 10 and later, but disabled by default on some models (for example, the POCO F4 GT).
- Go to Settings → Additional settings → Gestures.
- Find the item "Scream with a three-finger swipe" and turn on the slider.
- Test: swipe up the screen with three fingers at the same time.
The gesture works even on a locked screen (unless privacy protection is enabled). On the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 and other foldable models, the swipe should start from the main screen - on the external display, the gesture may not be recognized.
Is the gesture enabled in the settings?|The fingers touch the screen at the same time?|Is there any conflict with other gestures (e.g., “separate screen»)?|The screen is not blocked by screenshot protection?-->
⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 11 Pro+ And similar models, gestures can accidentally activate One-Hand Mode if the swipe starts too close to the edge of the screen.
3. Screenshot via notification panel
If buttons or gestures don’t work (for example, because of broken physical keys), use the Quick Settings Panel:
- 📲 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- 🔍 Find the screenshot icon (scissors or camera with a screen). If it's not available, click on "Edit" (pencil) and add it.
- 🖼️ Slip on the icon – the screenshot will be saved automatically.
This is a reliable way, but it has a limitation: on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T), the screenshot icon disappears horizontally. To return it, turn the phone back to the portrait orientation.
What to do if the screenshot icon is missing from the panel?
4. Voice command (for MIUI with Google Assistant)
You can take a screenshot in two ways:
- Using Google Assistant: Activate the Assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or holding the Home button. Say, “Take a screenshot” or “Photograph the screen.”
- Through XiaoAI (Chinese firmware): Hold the Power button to call XiaoAI. Say in Chinese: "" (jiétú) or in English: "Take a screenshot."
On the POCO X3 Pro and other MIUI models for POCO, voice commands may not work if the microphone access for system applications is disabled.
Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Microphone → Enable for “Google” and “XiaoAI”💡
If the voice screenshot doesn't work, try re-forming the command, for example, instead of "take a screenshot," say "save the current screen" or "take a picture of the display."
5. Screenshot in games and applications with lock
Some applications (banks, secure messengers, games) block the creation of screenshots.
- 🎮 The game space: on Xiaomi and POCO In games, a floating panel with a screenshot icon appears. If it's not available, turn it on to Settings. → Special facilities → Playing space.
- 🔒 Disable protection: In banking applications (for example, SberBank) go to the application settings and turn off “Ban screenshots».
- 📱 Second phone: If nothing helps, take a picture of the screen with another device (but the quality will get worse).
On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi K60 Pro in Privacy mode (turns on through the notification curtain), all screenshot methods are blocked at the system level. To take a picture, turn off this mode first.
6. Hidden features: Scrolling screenshot and editing
MIUI allows you to create long screenshots (scrollable) and edit them immediately after you create:
- 📜 Scrolling screenshot: Take a normal screenshot any way you want. Immediately after the thumbnail appears, tap it. Select Scrolling. Wait for automatic scrolling or manual scrolling.
Editing:
Edit
On POCO F5 and new Redmi models, the scrolling screenshot is unstable on Chrome and Facebook due to web browsing limitations.
Install the “LongShot” app from Google Play → Open the desired page → Launch the capture from the LongShot notification bar.💡
Scrolling screenshots don’t work in apps with dynamic content (like TikTok or Instagram Reels) because the screen updates faster than the system can capture.
7.Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications
If standard methods do not work (for example, on custom firmware or after resetting), use:
- 🖥️ ADB-Command: Adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png Requires connection to PC and enabled mode Debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 Use it to unlock the developer mode).
- 📱 Third-party apps: Screenshot Easy - supports gestures and timer. Screen Master - allows you to take screenshots with a delay (useful for animations). ⚠️ Applications require permission to capture the screen in Settings → Special facilities.