How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi 8: all ways + error solving

The Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is still a popular smartphone thanks to its powerful hardware and support for current versions of MIUI. But even experienced users sometimes have difficulty creating screenshots — especially if they have updated the firmware or reset settings. In this article, we will analyze all working methods, including hidden MIUI features, and also solve typical problems: why screenshots do not save, how to change the format or find them in the memory of the phone.

It’s important to consider that there are 5 ways to take a screenshot on the Mi 8, from standard button combinations to gestures and voice commands. We tested each method on MIUI 10–14 firmware (including global and Chinese versions) and highlighted nuances that are not written in the official instructions, such as why the screenshot with three fingers can disappear after upgrading to Android 10 or how to return it through Settings →

If you're looking for a way to take a screenshot without sound, with long scrolling, or in games, there are solutions here, and at the end of this article, we've collected answers to a lot of questions, from changing the way you save it to recovering deleted images.

1. Standard method: power and volume buttons

It's a universal method that works on all versions of MIUI and Android, and it works even if the gestures are disabled or the touch screen is unresponsive.

To take a screenshot:

• 📱 At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
• 🔊 Hold for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound (if the sound is on) and see the save animation.
• 📁 The image will automatically be saved in the folder. DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots.

On the Mi 8 with MIUI 12+, after you take a screenshot, you'll see a quick action panel at the bottom of the screen.

• ✏️ Edit the picture (shortcutting, drawing, adding text).
• 📤 Share immediately in messengers or social networks.
• 🗑️ Delete the screenshot without going to the gallery.

⚠️ Warning: If the screenshot is not created, check if the volume button is clamped - this blocks the combination).

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If the power button is broken, use the three-finger method (Section 3) or connect the phone to your PC and take a screenshot via ADB (Section 5).

2. Screenshot with the gesture of "three fingers" (on and set up)

The triple-touch screenshot is a MIUI feature, but it's disabled by default to activate:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Screenshot button (on MIUI 14 the path may differ: Settings → Special features → Gestures).
2. Select the option “Triple-touch screenshot”**strong> and turn on the slider.
3. Test: swipe your fingers from top to bottom across the screen (not necessarily at the same time, the main thing is fast movement).

Advantages of the method:

• 👍 Works in games and applications where buttons are locked (for example, in the PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
• 🔇 You can turn off the shutter sound in the gesture settings.
• ⚡ Faster than a button combination (especially on larger screens).

⚠️ Attention: On the Mi 8s MIUI 10–11 gestures may conflict with the “Swipe to call notification panel” function**strong>. If the screenshot does not work, turn off the swipe in Settings → Lock screen and password → Lock screen gestures.

Is the slider activated in settings?| Is fast finger movement sufficient?| Does it conflict with other gestures?| Have you tried to restart the phone?

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3. Screenshot via notification panel (quick access)

If you don't want to remember the combinations, add a screenshot button to the Quick Settings panel, which is convenient for those who often take screenshots.

Instructions:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Click on the Edit icon**strong> (pencil in the upper right corner).
3. Find the screenshot in the list**strong> Drag it to the active area (usually the first 6-8 positions).
4. Now, when you swipe down, you'll have a screenshot button.> single-stack.

Nuances:

• 🔄 Nana MIUI The 14th button may be called Screen Capture.>.
• 📱 Some firmware requires a two-finger swipe to open the full Quick Settings panel.
• ❌ If the button is grey, then the function is disabled in the settings (see section 2).

Power buttons + volume | Three finger gesture | Notification panel | Voice assistant | Another way-->

4. Screenshot with long scrolling (for web pages and chats)

The Mi 8 supports scroll screenshots, which are useful for keeping long conversations on Telegram, articles or lists in apps, and doesn’t work in all apps (like Instagram), but covers 80% of the time.

How to do this:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the thumbnail of the picture appears at the bottom of the screen, click on it.
3. In the editor that opens, select the Scrolling icon**strong> (two arrows down).
4. MIUI will automatically scroll down and connect the frames. Repeat until you capture the desired fragment.
5. Click "Done"**strong> - a long screenshot will be saved as a separate file.

Limitations:

• 🚫 Not working on games, some banking apps and Netflix (due to content protection).
• 📏 Maximum length – about 10 screens (depending on the application).
• ⚠️ Chrome can crop the bottom of the page – try using PC mode**strong>.

5. Alternative methods: ADB, voice commands and third-party applications

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., a power button or sensor is broken), use one of these methods:

On the Mi 8 with MIUI 12+, the voice command “Take a Screenshot” works only when you are actively connected to the Internet – the assistant sends a request to Xiaomi servers for processing.

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To use ADB, be sure to enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times tap on version, then go back to Additional → For Developers).

6 Where screenshots are stored and how to change the way you save them

By default, all screenshots on the Mi 8 are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/


or




/storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Screenshots/

To change the place of conservation:

1. Install a file manager (e.g., Mi File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to Screenshots and click “Move”**strong>.
3. Select a new directory (such as Download or cloud storage).

If screenshots are not saved:

• 🔍 Check the free disk space (needs a minimum of 100 MB).
• 📂 Make sure the Screenshots folder is not deleted or renamed.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the system doesn’t have time to write a file.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 When you reset your Screenshots folder may disappear. To return it, take at least one screenshot, and the system will create the directory automatically.

7. Problem Solving: Screenshots are not taken or saved

If none of these methods work, check out these points:

If the problem remains:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version (check Settings → System Update).
2. Reset the settings of the Gallery app**strong> (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Gallery → Storage → Clear data).
3. Install an alternative screenshot app (like Screenshot Touch).

Frequent Questions (FAQ)