How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi 8: all ways (including MIUI 14)

Why do you need screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 8?

Smartphone screenshots are no longer just “screen photos”; today, they are a tool for storing important information, showing bugs in apps, creating memes, or even proving in controversial situations. The Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is still a topical device thanks to its powerful hardware and support for the latest versions of MIUI (up to the 14th).

In this article, we’ll look at not only the standard button combinations, but also alternative methods: gestures, voice commands, and little-known MIUI features that will simplify the process. We’ll focus on the nuances of working on different versions of the firmware, from MIUI 10 (the original for the Mi 8) to MIUI 14 (the last supported one). If you’ve ever encountered a screenshot not saved or a part of the screen being “cut off,” here you’ll find solutions.

Before you go to the instructions, check the firmware version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. The availability of some features depends on this.

Method 1: Classical button combination

The most versatile method, which works on all versions of MIUI and does not require additional settings, is suitable even if you have disabled gestures or voice assistant.

1. Open on the screen what you want to capture (for example, a dialogue in the messenger or a page in the browser).
2. At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
3. Hold them no longer than 1 second - until the characteristic sound of the shutter and the screen blink.

If the screenshot didn't work out:

• 🔄 Try pressing buttons with a small delay (first power, after 0.2 seconds - volume).
• 📱 Make sure the buttons aren’t contaminated – on the Mi 8, they sometimes stick due to dust.
• 🔊 Check if the shutter sound is turned off in the camera settings (affects system sounds).

Buttons clean and serviceable | Screen unlocked | App not in background |Sound not disabled in silent mode-->

Where to look for a screenshot? By default, files are saved to the DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots folder (depending on the version of MIUI). In MIUI 12+, after you create a screenshot, a thumbnail appears in the lower right corner - click on it to edit or share immediately.

💡

If the screenshot is not saved, check the permissions for the Gallery app in Settings → Apps → Application Management → Gallery → Permissions. Sometimes they are reset after updating.

Method 2: Three-finger gesture (starting with MIUI 9)

The Three-Finger Screenshot feature was introduced in MIUI 9 and has since become one of the most convenient features, allowing you to take a screenshot by simply swiping down the display with three fingers (usually ring, middle and index) to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Screenshot gesture.
2. Turn on the switch next to the "Three finger screenshot" item.
3. (Optional) Set the gesture direction – the default is downward movement, but you can choose up or left/right.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than a combination of buttons – no need to look for them on the case.
• 🎯 It works with one hand (if the fingers are flexible).
• 🔄 You can take a scrollable screenshot (we will talk about it below).

If the gesture doesn't work:

• 🧼 Wipe the screen – greasy spots interfere with touch recognition.
• 📱 Check if the Do Not Disturb mode is on – it can block gestures.
• 🔧 Update the firmware: in MIUI 10–11 were three-finger recognition bugs.

Keyboard combination |Three-finger gesture |Voice command |Notification panel |Another way-->

Method 3: Scrolling (long) screenshot

Scrolling Screenshot captures not only the visible part of the screen, but also the part hidden behind the scrolling, which is indispensable for saving long chats, web pages or lists in apps. On the Xiaomi Mi 8, it works in MIUI 10 and later, but there are nuances:

How to do this:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears at the bottom of the screen, click on it.
3. In the editor that opens, tap the “Scroll” icon (two arrows up and down).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls through the page and connects the parts into a single file.

Limitations:

• 🚫 It doesn’t work in some apps (e.g. Instagram, TikTok) because of content protection).
• 📄 Maximum screenshot length – up to 10 screens (depending on the application).
• 🔄 If the scroll is “hung”, try repeating the action or restarting the phone.

Where does the long screenshot stay? In the same Screenshots folder, but marked _scroll_ It can be opened by any image viewer, but you'd better use Photoshop or edit. GIMP — standard-tool MIUI They do not always handle these files correctly.

Method 4: Voice command (for MIUI 12+)

If you have MIUI 12 or later, you can take voice screenshots without touching the screen.

1. Activate Xiaomi’s voice assistant (if it’s disabled): Settings → Voice Assistant → Enable.
2. Say to one of the commands: “Take a screenshot”; “Photography of the screen”; “Save the screen”.

Wait for confirmation - the assistant will voice: "Screenshot taken."

Important points:

• 🎤 It only works on Chinese, global or European firmware, and custom (e.g. xiaomi.eu) may not be supported.
• 🔇 In noisy places, the assistant may not recognize the command - speak clearly and close to the microphone.
• 📱 If the phone is connected to Bluetooth headphones, the command is triggered through them.

💡

Xiaomi’s voice assistant works offline – it doesn’t need the internet, unlike Google Assistant.

If the voice command does not work:

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 13-14, after the update, sometimes the permissions for the voice assistant are reset. → Annexes → Application management → Voice assistant → Permits and enable access to microphone and storage.

Method 5: Notification Panel (alternative to MIUI 10–14)

A little-known but useful way is to add a screenshot button to the notification bar, which is convenient if you don't have gestures or buttons working.

1. Turn the notification bar (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
2. Click on the Edit icon (pencil in the upper right corner).
3. Find the screenshot tiles in the list and drag them to the active area.
4. Press "Ready."

Now, to take a screenshot, it is enough:

1. Deploy the notification panel.
2. Slap on the screenshot icon.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 It does not depend on the performance of buttons or gestures.
• 📱 It works even on a locked screen (if the option is enabled in the security settings).
• ⚡ Faster than a combination of buttons – one tap instead of two buttons.

Limitations:

• 🚫 In some versions MIUI Screenshot tile may disappear after updating - check for it.
• 🔄 On the Mi 8s MIUI 10 Tile Sometimes Doesn't Work the First Time - Repeat Pressing.

Problem Solving: Screenshot is not saved or black screen

Even on a serviceable Xiaomi Mi 8, there are sometimes problems with screenshots. Let’s consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods helped, try resetting the app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi Mi 8 with MIUI 14 After resetting the application settings, you may need to re-authorize some services (e.g. Google Play or Mi Account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 8