Xiaomi Mi 9 with support for NFC remains a popular smartphone even years after the release — thanks to the powerful hardware, the current MIUI firmware and convenient features. But many users still face difficulties in creating screenshots: the combination of buttons does not work, gestures conflict with settings, the screen does not fix. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to take a screenshot on the Mi 9, including rare methods for non-standard situations, and also tell you how to get around typical errors.
The peculiarity of the model - the presence NFC-chip, which sometimes interferes with gestures (for example, if a bank card or a tag is attached to the phone), and the result is also affected by the version of the gesture. MIUI: In firmware older than 12.5, some options have changed, and we've taken all of these things into account and developed a universal guide that's even suitable for custom builds.
1. Standard method: button combination
The classic method that works on 99% of Xiaomi devices is to press the power button and reduce volume simultaneously. On the Mi 9, this method should work regardless of the firmware version, but there are important details:
- 🔘 Press the buttons strictly at the same time – if you first press the volume, and then the power, the system will perceive this as an attempt to turn off.
- ⏱️ Hold the combination 0.5-1 second – too short press will not work, and a long one will cause the reboot menu.
- 📱 If you have a case installed, remove it - sometimes it blocks the full push of the buttons.
- 🔋 Make sure the battery is above 5% – at a critical level, the system can ignore commands.
After a successful screenshot, you will hear the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is not turned off) and see the animation in the upper right corner, and the picture will be saved in the gallery in the Screenshots folder or Screenshots (depending on the system language).
☑️ Check before screenshot buttons
⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), the button combination may conflict with the Fastboot function. If the phone vibrates and restarts after pressing, use alternative methods.
2. Screenshot gestures: how to set up and use
MIUI offers a convenient alternative to buttons, the three-finger-down gesture, which is especially useful if the physical keys are damaged or you prefer a single touch.
- Open Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
- Find the item Screenshot with three fingers and move the slider to the position VL.
- (Optional) Enable the screenshot Preview option to edit the picture immediately.
Now swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the screen (not necessarily vertically, a small angle is allowed) and the gesture works even on a locked screen (if the security settings allow notifications).
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The gesture's not working. | Function disabled in settings | Check the Settings Path → Gestures |
| It's just an accident. | Sensitivity is too high. | Turn off the gesture or reduce the trigger area |
| Conflict with the NFC | A tag or map next to the screen | Remove foreign objects from the top of the phone |
| Delay before the photo | System animations slowed down | Turn on the mode No animations in the developer settings |
On the Mi 9 with MIUI 13+ firmware, the three-finger gesture may conflict with the Smart Assistant feature (call down via swipe). To avoid this, disable the smart assistant or reconfigure it to another gesture.
3.Voice assistant: screenshot on command
If you're too lazy to push buttons or make gestures, you can use voice control. There are two options on the Mi 9:
- 🎤 Google Assistant: Say, OK, Google, take a screenshot. It only works when you're connected to the Internet.
- 🤖 XiaoAI (Integrated Xiaomi Assistant): Activate it with a long press on the Home button (if physical) or swipe from the bottom corner, then say “Take a screenshot” in Chinese or English.
The advantage of this method is that you can take a picture without touching the screen, which is convenient, for example, during games or watching videos.
- 🔇 Voice assistant must be activated in settings (Settings) → Annexes → All applications → XiaoAI).
- 🌐 Google Assistant requires English (USA) or Russian language.
- 🔊 In public places, the team may not work due to noise – use headphones with a microphone.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI (For example, 12.0.3) voice commands for screenshots are disabled by default. To enable them, go to Settings. → Voice input → Screenshot teams.
💡
If the voice assistant doesn't recognize the command, try to pronounce it more slowly, articulating the sounds clearly. Also, restarting the service will help: open Settings → Applications → XiaoAI → Stop, then activate the assistant again.
4. Screenshot via notification panel
A little-known but quick way is to use a quick setup panel, which is convenient if you need to take a series of screenshots in a row:
- Unwrap the notification curtain with a full swipe (from the top edge to the bottom of the screen).
- Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a zipper rectangle) and if it's not there, click on the pencil (Edit) and add the item to the active one.
- Slip on the icon – the picture will be taken instantly.
Advantages of the method:
- ⚡ Instant operation – no need to remember combinations.
- 🔄 The ability to take a screenshot with one hand (comfortable for large screens).
- 📂 The images are saved in the same folder as in other ways.
If the icon is not in the list of quick settings, upgrade to MIUI 12.5+ - in older versions, this feature was hidden.
How to return the screenshot icon to the notification panel if it is missing?
5. Special Applications: When Standard Methods Fail
If none of these methods worked (for example, because of damaged buttons or custom firmware), the utility side will come to the rescue, and we tested several applications and selected the most reliable ones:
| Annex | Features | Link (Google Play) |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot Easy | Floating button, timer, editor | Download |
| Screen Master | Support for long screenshots, GIF | Download |
| Super Screenshot | It works without root, minimalist interface | Download |
Before installation, check:
- 🛡️ Permissions: The application needs access to Overlay over other windows and Warehouse.
- 🔄 Compatibility: Some utilities do not work MIUI system constraints.
- 📱 Performance: On weak smartphones, floating buttons can cause lags.
On Xiaomi Mi 9 with MIUI 14 firmware, Screenshot Easy can conflict with Game Turbo. To avoid this, add the utility to the exception list: Settings → Special Features → Game Mode → Exceptions.
6 Problem Solving: Why Screenshots Are Not Working
Even on a proper Mi. 9 Sometimes there are errors in the creation of screenshots.-5 causes and ways of eliminating them:
- The screen is not fixed when pressing buttons Possible reasons: 🔋 Battery charge below 5% – connect charging. 🔄 Conflict with a button locking app (like Button Remapper) – remove it. 🛠️ Power button damaged – try other ways or contact the service.
- Three finger gestures don't work: 🔧 Restart your phone – sometimes resetting gestures helps. 📱 Check if left-handed mode is enabled in gesture settings. 🧲 Remove metal objects from the top of the screen – they can block the sensor.
Screenshots are kept in low quality
Decision:
- 🖼️ Turn off the “Screenshot Compression” option in Settings → Additionally. → Optimization.
- 📸 Set the screen resolution on Full HD+ (display-setting).
The feature does not work in all apps (for example, Instagram or TikTok can be blocked).