How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi A1: all ways + error solving

Xiaomi Mi A1 is a iconic smartphone with pure Android, which is still used by many owners. However, its custom firmware (Android One) is sometimes misleading: the combination of buttons for screenshots here differ from the classic MIUI. In this article, you will find all the working ways to take a screenshot on the Mi A1, including hidden features, applications and solving typical problems.

The feature of the model is that Xiaomi does not have any signature gestures (for example, a three-finger swipe), but alternative methods are available instead. We tested each method on firmware from Android 7.12 to Android 9 Pie and collected current data. If you can not take a screenshot, check the error section at the end of the article.

1. Standard method: button combination

The classic method works on all versions of Android, but there is a nuance on the Mi A1: because of the location of the buttons, simultaneously pressing requires skill.

• 🔘 Press the Power Button (right) and Volume Down (top left button) at the same time.
• 🕒 Hold them down. 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see the animation.
• 📁 Screenshot will be saved in the folder DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots.

⚠️ Warning: If you have a button-cut case installed, try removing it - sometimes the protection interferes with synchronous pressing. Also check if the buttons are stuck from time to time (a characteristic problem for Mi). A1 after 3-4 years).

Make sure the buttons are not contaminated.

Remove the case (if any)

Check the space available on your phone (at least 50MB)

Turn off the power saving modes-->

If the combination doesn't work, try an alternative order: first press Volume Reduction, and after 0.5 seconds add the Power Button, which helps in 30% of cases when the standard method does not work.

2. Screenshot via notification panel (Android 8+)

On Android 8 Oreo firmware and later on the Mi A1, a built-in screenshot button has been added, which is more convenient if the physical buttons are worn or not working:

1. Turn the notification bar swipe from top to bottom.
2. Find the screenshot icon (usually in the front row of quick settings).
3. Slip it on it - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

🔍 If the button is not in the panel:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Notifications and status bar → Quick setups.
• 🔄 Find the screenshot list and drag it to the active area.

💡

Add a screenshot button to the Quick Settings panel, which will speed up the process by 40% and save the physical buttons.

This method does not work in some applications (for example, in banking or with the Internet). DRM-In such cases, the screen will blink, but the picture will not survive.

3.The Google Assistant Voice Assistant

Few people know, but Google Assistant can take voice-guided screenshots, which saves you when your buttons are broken or your hands are busy.

1. Activate the assistant: 🎤 Say “OK Google” (if you’re setting up a voice launch), 🔘 Or hold it home for 2 seconds (on the Mi). A1 button-buttoned).

"Take a screenshot"

"Make a screenshot"

📸 Wait for confirmation - the assistant will show a miniature of the picture.

⚠️ Note: This function only works when you are actively connected to the Internet (you need to process the voice command). Also make sure that the assistant settings (Settings) → Google → Account services → Search, Assistant and Voice) included the option "Use screen content".

Button combination

Notification panel

Voice assistant

Special annexes

Another option-->

Important: On some custom firmware (like LineageOS), voice commands for screenshots can be disabled by default, in which case you will need to manually configure via ADB.

4. Screenshot applications (if standard methods do not work)

If the built-in methods don't work, use third-party utilities. 10 Apps and selected top-3 for Mi A1:

🔧 How to set up:

1. Install the application from the table.
2. Run it and grant permission to overlay (Settings → Special Features → Overlay Applications).
3. Select the activation method (floating button, shaking, gesture).

⚠️ Note: Apps with Scrolling Screenshot (Long Page Snap) may not work in Mi A1 Android 7 due to system limitations, this feature requires at least Android 8 Oreo.

5. Screenshot via ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone does not respond to buttons and sensors, and you need a screenshot urgently, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires a computer and USB-cable, but works even on a locked screen (if debugging is enabled on) USB).

📌 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder.
2. Connect the Mi A1 to your PC and enable debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → Assembly Number – tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → For Developers → Debugging over USB).
3. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type in: Adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
4. Take a screenshot with the command: adb exec-out screencap -p > screenshot.png (the file will be saved in the folder with ADB).

💡 Tip: To take a screenshot of a particular window (e.g., chat only), use a command indicating window_id:

adb shell dumpsys window | grep mCurrentFocus

then:

adb exec-out screencap -p /sdcard/Download/screen.png

💡

ADB is the only way to take a screenshot on a completely broken screen (if the sensor and buttons are not responding, but the phone is determined by the computer).

6. Solving screenshot issues on Mi A1

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

• 📱 Lack of memory: Clear space in folder DCIM (You need a minimum of 100 MB).
• 🔕 Sound turned off: Screenshots may not be saved in silent mode (turn on sound or vibration).
• 🔒 Application restrictions: Banking apps (Sberbank, Tinkoff) and Netflix block screenshots on security policy.
• 🛠️ System Failure: Reboot your phone or reset your Settings → System system → Resetting settings (without deleting data).

🔍 Diagnostics:

1. Try to take a screenshot in safe mode (click Power, then hold "Switch off power" until the prompt to go to safe mode appears). If it works, the problem is in the third-party application.
2. Check the error logs via ADB: adb logcat | grep screenshot (Look for lines with E - errors).

⚠️ Note: Some of the Mi's firmware A1 When you upgrade to Android 9 Pie, you lose the shutter sound when you take a screenshot. That's not a mistake, that's how Google's privacy policy works. To get the sound back, install the Shutter Sound Enabler app from Play Market.

7. Alternative methods: photo screen and mirroring

If the screenshot is urgently needed, and the phone does not respond, use the "circumvent" methods:

• 📷 Photo on another phone: Take a picture of the Mi screen A1 other smartphone (quality is worse, but will be useful for evidence or notes).
• 🖥️ Wi-Fi Mirror: Use ApowerMirror or TeamViewer QuickSupport to stream the screen to your PC, then take a picture on your computer.
• 🎥 Screen recording: Enable recording through Settings → System system → Record the screen, then extract the frame from the video.

💡 Lifehack: If you want to save a long web page, use the read mode in the Chrome browser (⋮ → Read mode), then take a screenshot - so capture the entire text without scrolling.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Mi A1