How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi 9: all ways + hidden MIUI features

Xiaomi Mi 9 is still one of the most popular flagships of the brand, but many users do not fully understand how to take screenshots on this smartphone. Especially the difficulties arise for those who have switched from iPhone or devices from other manufacturers – button combinations and gestures in MIUI work differently. In this article, we will not only show the standard methods, but also reveal the hidden features of MIUI 12/13/14 for advanced screenshots, which even the official instructions are silent about.

It's important to understand that the methods may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. For example, MIUI 14 has a new gesture for long screenshots, but the older versions don't. We've taken all the nuances into account and broken the instructions so that you can choose the best way to suit your situation. And if you often take screenshots, don't miss the section on automating this process!

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

It is a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Mi 9, Mi 9 SE and Mi 9 Pro.

• 🔘 At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
• 📸 Keep them close. 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see an animation screenshot.
• 📁 The finished photo is saved in the Gallery folder → Screenshots or DCIM → Screenshots.

If you don’t get it the first time, try pressing the buttons at a minimum interval (power first, then volume) rather than at the same time, which is due to the hardware interrupt handling features of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, which is installed in the Mi 9.

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On some firmware (such as custom ones), the shutter sound is turned off. To return it, go to Settings → Sounds and Vibrations → System Sounds and turn on the "Screenshot Sound" option.

This is a reliable method, but it has a disadvantage: with frequent use, mechanical buttons wear out. If you take screenshots 20+ times a day, it is better to switch to gesture methods (described below).

2. The "three fingers down" gesture is the fastest way

A MIUI chip that saves time and saves buttons, and it's not on all firmware by default, so check the settings first.

1. Open Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the "Three Finger Screenshot" item and activate it.
3. Select the direction of the gesture (usually it is a downward movement, but you can adjust left/right).

Now to take a screenshot:

• 🖐️ Attach three fingers (usually index, middle and ring fingers) to the screen.
• 👇 Quickly swipe them from top to bottom (as if you were swiping the screen).
• 🎯 Screenshot ready! animation will appear in the top corner.

The advantage of this method is speed and no mechanical wear, but on a wet screen or with a protective glass, the gesture may not work the first time, in which case increase the sensitivity of the sensor in the display settings.

3. Long screenshot (scroll screen) for web pages and chats

If you want to capture not only the visible part of the screen, but also what is hidden outside it (for example, a long dialogue in Telegram or an article in the browser), use the scrollable screenshot function. It only works after you have created a normal picture:

• 📱 Take a screenshot of any of the above methods.
• 📜 Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the upper right corner, click on it.
• 🔄 In the editor that opens, tap the “Scroll” icon (two arrows down).
• ⚡ MIUI automatically scroll down the page and add the missing part to the screenshot.
• ✂️ If necessary, cut the excess and save the result.

This feature doesn't work in all apps, like Instagram or banking, and you can block scrolling for security reasons, and you can't take long screenshots in games or on the lock screen.

4. Screenshot by voice (Google Assistant)

If you have Google Assistant on, you can take voice screenshots, which is convenient when your hands are busy.

• 🎤 Say “OK Google” or hold the Home button (if you have one on your firmware).
• 🗣️ Dictate the command: "Take a screenshot" or "Screenshot".
• 📸 The assistant will confirm the execution and save the picture in the gallery.

This method does not work on all versions of MIUI, especially on Chinese firmware (where Google services are removed), and a voice screenshot may not work in games or applications with limited rights (for example, in Fortnite or PUBG Mobile).

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Voice commands for screenshots work only when you are actively connected to the Internet, since speech processing takes place on Google servers.

The alternative is to use Alice from Yandex, but it supports screenshots only on Russian firmware Xiaomi and requires a separate setup in the Yandex application.

5. Screenshot via notification panel (quick settings)

A little-known way that works even if you don't adjust gestures or buttons.

• 📲 Swipe your finger down to open the notification bar.
• 🔍 Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissors or camera icon).
• 🖱️ Slip on it – the screenshot will be taken instantly.

If the icon is not in the quick settings, you can add it:

1. Open the notification panel and tap the icon ⚙️ (Edit).
2. Find the screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.
3. Save the changes.

Add the screenshot icon to the quick settings|Check that the panel opens with a swipe down|Disable gesture blocking in games (if necessary)|Make sure there are no restrictions on the current application-->

This method is useful when you need to take a screenshot in applications where gestures are blocked (for example, in some games or banking programs). However, in MIUI 14, the icon may not be on Chinese firmware, in which case use alternative methods.

6. Screenshot automation: MacroDroid and Tasker

If you need to take screenshots on a schedule or under certain conditions (such as when you open a particular app), use automation apps.

Method 1: MacroDroid (simple)

• 📱 Install MacroDroid from Google Play.
• 🔄 Create a new macro command with a trigger (for example, Open Telegram app").
• 📸 Select Screenshot as an action (Availability Permit is required).
• 💾 Save the macro and activate it.

Method 2: Tasker (for advanced)

• 🛠️ Install Tasker and AutoInput plugin.
• 📝 Create a task with the AutoInput action → UI Interaction → Take Screenshot.
• 🔗 Attach the task to an event (such as shaking the phone or time of day).

Automation is useful for:

• 📊 Gathering evidence in games (e.g. records in games) PUBG Mobile).
• 📅 Archiving important notifications (e.g, SMS bank).
• 🤖 Application testing (automatic crash screenshots).

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If screenshots are saved in low resolution via MacroDroid, open the app settings and set the Quality setting to 100%. Also check that Xiaomi’s settings do not activate the power saving mode – it can limit background activity.

⚠️ Note: When you use Tasker or MacroDroid for screenshots in bank or encrypted messenger applications (such as Signal), you may violate their security policies.

7. Editing and managing screenshots

After creating the screenshot, MIUI offers basic editing tools:

• ✏️ Trimming: Hold your finger on the screenshot thumbnail after it is created to cut the edges straight away.
• 🎨 Drawing: In the editor, brushes, markers and addition of text are available.
• 🔍 Text recognition: click on the Text icon to copy text from the screenshot (works through Google Lens).
• 📤 Quick Submitting: Swipe the thumbnail left/right to share a screenshot in messengers.

If there are few standard tools, install third-party editors:

• 🖌️ Snapseed – for professional processing.
• 📏 PhotoRoom – to remove background.
• 🔤 Text Fairy – for text recognition offline.

All screenshots are saved by default in.png format with the resolution corresponding to the current screen resolution of the Mi 9 (usually 2340×1080 pixels).If you need to compress files, use the Squeeze app or convert them to.jpg through the Gallery.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 13/14 When you crop a screenshot through a standard editor, the original file is not saved, only the cropped version. If you need a source, first make a copy of the file manually.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 9