How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi 12 Pro: all the ways (including hidden)

Xiaomi 12 Pro – flagship with AMOLED-display 2K+ And it's 120Hz, but even on this powerful device, users are sometimes lost when you need to save the screen quickly. Xiaomi can take a screenshot in at least 5 ways: from the classic combination of buttons to voice commands and hidden chips. MIUI. In this article, we will discuss each method with nuances for different versions of firmware, as well as solving typical problems (for example, when screenshots are not saved or a black screen appears).

The Xiaomi 12 Pro features scrollable screenshots (long screenshots) and integration with the Mi Cloud. We will show you how to set up automatic uploads to the cloud, change the save format (JPEG/PNG) and even take a screenshot using Google Assistant or Alice from Yandex. If you switched from an iPhone or other Android smartphone, pay attention to the comparison section of methods - there are familiar and unexpected options.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the 12 Pro. Suitable for any situation: games, videos, messengers or system menus. The main advantage is 100% reliability: the picture will be taken even if the touchscreen freezes or the Internet is turned off.

Instructions:

1. Open the screen that you need to save.
2. At the same time, press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left).
3. Hold for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound and see the save animation in the upper right corner.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi 12 Pro MIUI 14/15 If you hold the buttons long enough, you can use Power Mode (off/reset). To avoid this, press the buttons sharply and synchronously, without delaying the extra fractions of a second.

Where to look for the screenshot taken:

• 📁 Gallery: Screenshots folder (or Screenshots in English version) MIUI).
• 🔍 File Manager: Internal Memory → Pictures → Screenshots.
• ☁️ In Mi Cloud, if synchronization is enabled (see Section 6).

2.The Three-toed Swipe gesture is the fastest way

A MIUI signature chip that saves time: just swipe three fingers across the screen from top to bottom, and the screenshot is ready.This method is convenient for one-handed use (for example, when holding the phone in one hand) or if the power/volume buttons are difficult to access.

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

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Activate the Three-toe swipe switch down.
3. (Optional) Turn on the shutter sound and Miniature after the capture.

Nuances:

• 👆 The gesture only works on an unlocked screen.
• 🎯 The swipe should be vertical (not diagonally).
• ❌ It does not work in certain games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact, if Immersive Mode is enabled.

If the gesture doesn't work,

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 12 Pro with MIUI Global sometimes gets its gesture settings down after the update. Check if the switch has reset to Settings. → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting gesture settings.

3. Screenshot using the Quick Settings Panel

A little-known but useful method – especially if you need to take a late-action shot (for example, for a menu that disappears when you press the buttons) – there is a special screenshot button in the notification panel that allows you to set the capture timer.

Step-by-step:

1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
2. Find the screenshot icon. If it's not there, click Edit and add it to the active shortcuts.
3. Slip the icon and select:

• 📸 Take a screenshot - an instant snapshot.
• ⏱️ Delayed: 3 or 10 seconds timer (convenient for screen preparation).
• 📜 Long screenshot – scroll down the page (works in the browser, messengers).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works in any application, even where gestures are blocked.
• ✅ You can take a screenshot with one hand (if the notification panel is in reach).
• ✅ There is a preview before preservation.

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If the screenshot button disappeared from the panel after the update, reset the shortcut settings: Settings → Notification Panel → Reset to factory.

4. Voice commands: Google Assistant and Alice

For those who prefer to control the smartphone voice, Xiaomi 12 Pro supports the creation of screenshots through Google Assistant or Alice from Yandex. This method is convenient if your hands are busy or you need to take a picture without looking at the screen (for example, while charging).

Method 1: Google Assistant

1. Activate the assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
2. Say, Take a screenshot or take a picture of the screen.
3. Confirm the action (if required).

Method 2: Alice (Yandex)

1. Install the Yandex application with Alice (if not installed).
2. Say, Alice, take a screenshot.
3. When you first use, give permission to capture the screen in the special features settings.

Limitations:

• 🔇 Voice commands do not work on a locked screen.
• 🎤 In noisy places, the assistant may not recognize the team.
• 🔒 Some apps (such as banking) block screen capture via voice.

5. Long (scrollable) screenshots

Scrolling screenshots (or scrolling screenshot) let you capture an entire web page, chat in a messenger or a long list. On the Xiaomi 12 Pro, it works in most apps, but there are nuances.

How to take a long screenshot:

1. Take a regular screenshot in any way (buttons, gesture, panel).
2. Immediately after capture, a thumbnail with a Scrolling button (or Long Screenshot) will appear at the bottom of the screen.
3. Slip it and wait until the screen automatically scrolls down.
4. Press Ready when you capture the desired fragment.

Where it works and where it doesn't:

⚠️ Note: Long screenshots are saved in format PNG If the space on the phone is limited, it is better to cut unnecessary fragments before saving.

6.Setting up screenshots save: format, folder, cloud

By default, the Xiaomi 12 Pro saves screenshots in PNG format (without loss of quality, but more weight) in the Pictures/Screenshots folder. However, these settings can be changed, for example, switch to JPEG to save space or set up automatic boot in the Mi Cloud.

How to change the format of the save:

1. Install the file manager Mi File Manager (if deleted).
2. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Screenshots.
3. Select the file format: PNG (quality) or JPEG (space saving).

How to enable synchronization with Mi Cloud:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable screenshot synchronization.
3. Choose Wi-Fi only to avoid wasting mobile traffic.

On Xiaomi 12 Pro with MIUI 15, the Smart screenshot sorting feature has appeared: the system automatically groups pictures by application (for example, individual folders for Telegram, Chrome, etc.). To enable: Gallery → Settings → Organize by albums → Screenshots.

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If screenshots are not saved, check the permissions for the Gallery app in Settings → Apps → Permissions Management → Storage.

Problem Solving: Screenshots are not taken or saved in black

Sometimes Xiaomi 12 Pro users find that screenshots are not saved, black or gestures are not working, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved

• 📱 Reason: There is not enough space in the internal memory.
• 🔧 Solution: Clear the cache or transfer the files to SD-card (if supported) Check in Settings → Warehouse.

Problem 2: Black screen in the screenshot

• 🔒 Reason: Content protection in apps (Netflix, banks, some games).
• 🔧 Solution: Use an external camera or turn off Screenshot Protection in the app settings (if available).

Problem 3: Three-toed swipe is not working

• ⚙️ Reason: Gesture is disabled or conflicts with other functions (e.g. Smart Assistant).
• 🔧 Solution: Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures and turn it on again.

Problem 4: Screenshots are kept in low quality

• 📉 Reason: Power saving mode is enabled or screenshot compression option is activated.
• 🔧 Solution: Turn off Adaptive Brightness and check the gallery settings (Settings) → Image quality).

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If screenshots are taken but not displayed in the gallery, try updating the media base: install the Rescan Media app from Google Play and start the scan.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions