How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi Max 3: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Mi Max 3 is the iconic 2018 phablet with a 6.9-inch screen that is still used by many users. Despite the age of the device, the functionality of creating screenshots in MIUI remains relevant, but has nuances due to the lack of support for new firmware versions. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to take a screenshot on the Mi Max 3, including hidden chips, and also solve typical problems when the screen is not saved or buttons do not work.

The model features a physical Home button (if not disabled in the settings), which affects keyboard combinations. In addition, the Mi Max 3 often features custom firmware or outdated versions of MIUI 9-12, where the screenshot interface may differ, and we took all these points into account and prepared a universal guide.

1. Standard method: button combination

The classic method works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Mi Max 3.

• 🔽 Power button (right) + 🔽 Volume down button (left).

Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is on) and see the save animation.

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If you have Do Not Disturb mode enabled, the shutter sound may not play, but the screenshot will still be saved.

On the Mi Max 3 with the physical Home button (if it is active), an alternative combination sometimes works:

• 🔘 Home button» + 🔽 Power button.

⚠️ Note: If you have custom firmware installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the standard combination may not work. In this case, use the notification panel method (section 2) or third-party applications.

2. Screenshot via notification panel (curtain)

This method is convenient if the physical buttons on the Mi Max 3 are worn or not working.

1. Turn the notification curtain swipe from top to bottom.
2. Find the screenshot button (an icon with scissors or a rectangle) If it's not there, tap the icon. ⚙️ Edit and add it to the panel.
3. Press the button and the screen will blink and the screenshot will be saved.

On MIUI 10-12, the button may be called Screen capture or Screen capture, and if it's not there even after editing the panel, update the firmware or use alternative methods.

Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone.|Open the curtain completely (swipe twice)|Push. ⚙️ Edit|Find the screenshot icon and drag it to the active area-->

3. Three-finger gesture (hidden MIUI function)

Xiaomi added a unique gesture to MIUI for screenshots that many Mi Max 3 users don't know, to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures → Screen gestures.
2. Enable the option “Screenshot with three fingers”.
3. Swipe down with three fingers across the screen (not necessarily simultaneously, but quickly).

This method is especially useful if the Mi Max 3 buttons are broken or if you often take screenshots in games where physical keys get in the way.

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware, the gesture may conflict with other features (e.g. split screen). If the screenshot is not saved, check the conflicting gesture settings.

Power buttons + volume | Notification panel | Three finger gesture | App side | I don't know how to take screenshots-->

4. Scrolling screenshot (long screenshot)

If you want to save an entire web page, messaging, or a long list, use Scrolling Screenshot, which works in standard Xiaomi apps (Browser, Messages, Contacts) and some third-party apps (e.g. Telegram, WhatsApp).

How to do this:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after saving the screen at the bottom, a screenshot will appear - tap on it.
3. Select the “Scroll” option (an icon with two arrows down).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls through the page and connects the parts into one long screenshot.

Limitations:

• 🚫 It doesn’t work for Google Chrome or some games.
• 📏 Maximum length – up to 10 screens (depending on the application).
• 🔄 If the screen is not scrolling, try taking a screenshot in Safe Mode (hold the power button). → Safe regime).

5. Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to breakage of buttons or custom firmware), use one of these options:

On the Mi Max 3 S MIUI 9 and below ADB-The screenshot command may require superuser rights (root). If you see a Permission denied error, use an alternative command with su.

6. Problem Solving: Screenshot is not saved

If the screenshot is not taken or saved, check these points:

• 📁 Screenshots folder deleted or damaged → Create it manually in your internal memory. → Pictures.
• 🔋 Lack of memory → Clear the cache in Settings → Memory.
• 🛠️ Failure of the system application com.android.systemui → Restart your phone or reset your app settings in Settings → All applications → Systemic UI.
• 🔒 Custom firmware restrictions → Check the Xposed or Magisk settings (if installed).

If the problem persists, try resetting to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!):

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select Reset (does not delete files in memory, but resets system settings).

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If screenshots are no longer saved after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous firmware version via Fastboot or Recovery.

7 Where screenshots are stored and how to find them

By default, screenshots on the Mi Max 3 are saved in:

• 📂 Internal memory. → Pictures → Screenshots (or Screenshots on Russian-language firmware).
• 🖼️ Also duplicated in the Gallery in the album Screenshots.

If the folder is empty, check:

• 🔍 Hidden files (enable display in file manager).
• 🗑️ The basket in the gallery (sometimes screenshots get there automatically).
• ☁️ Cloud Services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) – if Auto-Downloading is enabled.

To change the way we preserve:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/build.prop and find ro.miui.screenshot.path.
3. Change the path (super user rights are required!).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Mi Max 3