The Xiaomi Mi 6, released in 2017, is still popular with users thanks to its powerful hardware and up-to-date firmware, but even owners with experience sometimes forget how to quickly take a screenshot on this smartphone — especially if they used devices from other brands. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods, from the classic button combination to hidden MIUI functions that work even on older versions of the shell.
It's important to note that the Mi 6 doesn't support modern controls (like three-finger wiring), but it does have alternatives through the notification bar and Quick Ball menu. We'll also tell you where screenshots are saved, how to edit them directly on your phone, and what to do if you don't get a picture. If you've recently switched from an iPhone or Samsung, note the differences in the logic of the work - there's no separate Print Screen button like on your computer.
Method 1: Classic button combination (always working)
It is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Mi 6. It does not depend on the version of MIUI or the availability of root rights.
- Press and hold the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left).
- Hold them for at least 1 second until the screen blinks and save animations (or camera shutter sound) appear.
- Release the buttons after the notification “Screenshot saved” appears.
⚠️ Note: If you press the buttons too long (more than 3 seconds), the smartphone can start to reboot or activate the Fastboot mode. on the Mi 6 this is especially true because of the sensitive sensors.
The buttons are clean and not sticking |
Screen not locked |
Free enough memory (minimum 50 MB) |
Do Not Disturb (can block notifications)
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If the screenshot didn’t work the first time, try:
- 🔄 Change the press sequence: first press Volume Reduction, then Power.
- 🧹 Wipe buttons from grease or dust – they may not work due to pollution.
- 🔋 Make sure the battery is above 5% (at low charge, the system can ignore the combinations).
Method 2: Through the notification panel (if the buttons don't work)
If the physical buttons on the Mi 6 are worn or unresponsive, you can take a screenshot through the software menu, which requires that the notification bar be available (for example, not in a full-screen application like a game).
- Deploy the notification panel by swiping your finger from top to bottom from the top edge of the screen.
- Find a screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a zipper rectangle) if it's not there, click on Edit (pencil) and add it manually.
- Slap the icon - the screen will blink, and the picture will be saved in the gallery.
💡 Useful tip: If the screenshot icon is missing from the panel, update MIUI Up to the latest version available for the Mi 6 (e.g, MIUI In older versions (below) MIUI (10) this option may not be available.
How to add a screenshot button to the notification panel?
This method is convenient for:
- 📸 Quick photos in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
- 🎮 Screenshots in games (unless the notification panel is blocked).
- 📱 Users with limited motor skills (no need to press buttons).
Method 3: Quick Ball - Hidden MIUI function
Quick Ball is a floating button that appears on top of any screen and gives quick access to key features, including screenshots. On the Mi 6, it is disabled by default, but it is easy to activate:
- Go to Settings → Additional settings → Quick Ball.
- Activate the slider "Enable Quick Ball".
- In the button settings, select Screenshot as one of the options (usually a scissors icon).
Now to take a picture:
- Slip on a floating mug (by default it is translucent with a dot in the center).
- In the menu that appears, select “Screenshot”.
⚠️ Attention: On Mi 6s MIUI 9 and below Quick Ball may conflict with some applications (e.g. banking) If the screen starts to twitch after activating the button, turn it off and use other methods.
Buttons Power + Volume |
Notification panel |
Quick Ball|
Another way.-->
| Method | Pluses | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons | It works always, even when the system is down. | It takes two hands, wear buttons. | Quick pictures, emergency situations |
| Notification panel | No need to press buttons, it works in one touch | Not available in full-screen applications | Social media, browser. |
| Quick Ball | Convenient for single finger control | Can interfere with games, conflicts with certain applications | Users with disabilities |
Where are the screenshots saved and how to find them
By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 6 are saved in the folder:
/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/To find them quickly:
- Open the gallery app (Google Photos or MIUI Gallery).
- Go to the album Screenshots (usually it is automatically created by the system).
- If there is no album, use the built-in search for the word “Screenshot”.
🔍 What to do if screenshots are not saved?
- 📁 Check the available space on the device (needs a minimum of 100 MB).
- 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the system forgets to save the file.
- 🛠️ Update the Gallery app via Google Play.
- 📱 Make sure you don’t have garbage cleanup apps installed (like Clean Master) that can automatically delete screenshots.
💡
If screenshots are kept in low quality, check the camera settings: sometimes the system compresses screenshots when memory is not enough. To fix this, go to Settings → Storage → Free up space and clear the cache.
How to edit screenshots directly on your phone
After you take a screenshot of the Mi 6, you see a thumbnail in the bottom right corner of the screen, and you tap on it, and you can immediately open the editor with the basic functions:
- ✂️ Cutting – changing the boundaries of the image.
- 🎨 Drawing – brushes, markers, adding text.
- 🔤 Blurring – hiding personal data.
- 📤 Share - quick sending to messengers.
For advanced editing (such as adding arrows or mosaics), install third-party apps:
- 📱 Snapseed (from Google) – for color correction.
- 🖌️ PhotoRoom – to remove background.
- 🔍 Markup Hero – for annotations (arrows, text blocks).
⚠️ Note: When editing screenshots with sensitive information (such as bank details), always make sure that the original file is removed from the Screenshots folder. Even after cropping, the original image may remain in the device's memory.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even on a reliable device like the Xiaomi Mi 6, there can be errors when taking screenshots.
1. Screenshot not saved
Causes and solutions:
- 🚫 Run out of place: Clear the cache or transfer files to the memory card.
- 🔒 Application restrictions: Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) block screenshots for security reasons.
- 🐞 System failure: Reboot your phone or upgrade MIUI.
2. Black screen instead of screenshot
This is a problem for the Mi 6 when trying to take a picture in:
- 🎬 Video players (YouTube, Netflix) - due to copyright protection.
- 🎮 Protected games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact).
- 🔒 Annexes with DRM (like Disney.+).
💡 Solution: Use an external camera or screen recording via Settings → Additional settings → Screen recording.
3. The buttons are unresponsive
If the combination Power + Volume Down does not work:
- 🔧 Check if Fastboot mode is enabled (buttons are blocked).
- 🛠️ Test the buttons in the service menu: dial ##4636## and select Equipment Test».
- 🔄 Reset button settings in Settings → System system → Gestures and buttons.
💡
If none of these methods work, check if there are apps on your phone to block screenshots (such as AppLock or corporate apps). MDM-decision).