How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi phone: all the ways for MIUI 12-14

Taking a screenshot on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected nuances. For example, why does the Redmi Note 12 not work with the usual combination of buttons? Or how to take a screenshot with one hand on a POCO F5 with a huge screen? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, from classic to hidden MIUI features that not all users know.

What's special about Xiaomi phones is that they update their firmware regularly, changing the control logic, and what worked on MIUI 12 might not work on MIUI 14, and vice versa. We tested all the methods on current models (2023-2026) and put them together in one guide, and we'll also tell you where the screenshots are saved, how to find them quickly, and why the screen sometimes doesn't lock.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

It’s a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

• 📱 At the same time, press the power button (on) and the volume down button.
• 🎯 Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter or see the animation screenshot.
• 📁 The finished screenshot will appear in the notification panel – tap it to open.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) this combination can cause the reset menu if the buttons are pressed too long. The optimal retention time is exactly 1 second.

If the method didn't work:

• 🔄 Check if physical buttons are locked (for example, because of a cover).
• ⚙️ Make sure that screenshots are not turned off in the settings (path: Settings) → Special facilities → Gestures and buttons).
• 🔋 Reboot your phone - sometimes glitches MIUI block out standard combinations.

2. Screenshot with three fingers (MIUI gesture)

The three-finger screenshot feature is a Xiaomi feature that makes it easy to take screenshots with one hand.

1. Open Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Turn on the switch opposite "Three-finger swipe."
3. Choose the direction of the swipe (down or up – depending on the model).

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Place three fingers on the screen (for example, index, middle and ring finger).
2. Then, make sure you see them down (or up) quickly.
3. Wait for the beep and the save notification.

💡 Useful advice: If the gesture doesn’t work, try it:

• 🧼 Wipe the screen – dirt or moisture interferes with the recognition of touches.
• 🔄 Switch the direction of the swipe in the settings.
• 📱 Use a different set of fingers (such as a large one) + pointer + middle-class).

Enable the function in the MIUI settings

Select the direction of the swipe (down/up)

Clean the screen from pollution

Check the sensitivity of the sensor (Settings) → Display. → Sensitivity of touch)-->

3. Screenshot using the Quick Settings Panel

Few people know, but MIUI has a built-in screenshot tool right in the notification curtain, which is convenient if the physical buttons are broken or you prefer not to remember the combinations.

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Swipe down again to open the full panel.
3. Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a rectangle with lightning).
4. Slip it, the screen will be saved automatically.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global) the icon is hidden by default:

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.

📌 This method is particularly useful for POCO F4 GT and other game models, where the power and volume buttons are often occupied by game triggers.

4. Scrolling screenshot (long screenshot)

If you want to save not only the visible part of the screen, but the entire page (for example, a chat in Telegram or an article in the browser), use the feature "Scrollable Screenshot" It is available in MIUI 12 and later.

How to do this:

1. Create a regular screenshot in any of the ways described above.
2. Immediately after the miniature appears in the lower right corner, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, select the option “Scroll” (an icon with two arrows down).
4. Wait until the screen automatically scrolls to the end and click "Done".

❗ Limitations:

• 🚫 It doesn’t work in some apps (like TikTok or Instagram due to content protection).
• 📄 Maximum screenshot length – up to 10 screens (depending on model).
• 🔄 If the scroll is “hung”, close the editor and try again.

5. Screenshot by voice (Google Assistant)

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

1. Activate Assistant with the “OK Google” voice command or hold the Home button.
2. Say, "Take a screenshot" or "Photograph the screen."
3. Confirm the action (if required).

⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all Xiaomi models, as it depends on the version of Google Services:

• 🔄 Update Google App to Play Market.
• 📱 Check if the Assistant is enabled in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → All applications → Google → Notifications → Assistant).
• 🌐 Make sure the voice language is set in Russian (in the Assistant settings).

💡 Lifehack: Xiaomi 13 Pro and POCO F5 Voice screenshots work even with the screen turned off (if the “Hey Google” function is enabled in standby mode).

6 Where screenshots are stored and how to manage them

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

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

To find them quickly:

• 📂 Open the Files app (or any file manager).
• 🔍 Go to the "Images" section" → "Screenshots".
• 🔎 Or search for the keyword “Screenshot".

📊 Comparison of formats and quality of screenshots on Xiaomi:

🔧 How to change the format of screenshots:

1. Install a file manager with conversion support (e.g. FX File Explorer).
2. Select the screenshot → “Convert” → select JPEG/PNG.
3. Or use online services like Squoosh (from Google).

1. Open Google Photos.

2. Go to Settings → Backup and Synchronization.

3. Enable the option and select the quality "High (free)".

Now all new screenshots will be duplicated in the cloud and will not take up space on the phone.-->

7. Problem Solving: Screenshot not taken

If neither of these methods works, there are many reasons, from the trivial to the technical.

• 🔇 Shutter sound turned off: In some regions (e.g. Japan), screenshots are taken without sound by default. To turn it on, go to Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Systemic sounds → Screenshot sound.
• 🛡️ Content protection: Apps like Netflix, SberBank Online, or Wildberries block screenshots for security reasons.
• 🔧 Failure MIUI: If after the update, gestures stopped working, reset the interface settings: Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings → Resetting settings MIUI.
• 📱 Damaged buttons: On POCO M5 And other budget models, volume buttons often break. → Special facilities → Physical buttons.

🚨 Critical error: If you try to take a screenshot of the phone restarts or turns off, it may indicate that you are not using a screenshot:

• Damaged firmware (reflashing through Mi Flash Tool is required).
• Memory malfunction (diagnosis is needed in the service center).
• Conflict with custom recapaveri (e.g., TWRP).

💡

If screenshots are not saved, check permissions for the Screenshots app in Settings → Apps → All Apps → Screenshots → Permissions (Should be enabled with “Storage” and “Display over Other Windows”).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi