How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi 9: all ways + error solving

Xiaomi Mi 9 is still popular thanks to its powerful hardware and up-to-date firmware. But even experienced users sometimes forget how to quickly take a screenshot — especially if they are used to other brands. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to take screenshots on the Mi 9, including hidden MIUI features and bypass typical errors.

Many people think that it's enough to press two buttons to take a screenshot, but there are more convenient methods on Xiaomi, like a three-finger gesture or a voice command. What if the screen doesn't respond? We'll tell you how to take a screenshot even with a broken display or through a PC, plus a table comparing methods by speed and convenience, as well as answers to frequent questions about saving and editing images.

You don’t need third-party apps — all methods run on standard MIUI 10–14 firmware. But if you like automation, you’ll find a bonus at the end of the article: how to set up screenshots on a schedule or at certain events (like winning a game).

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

This is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Mi 9. The main advantage is reliability: the picture will be taken even if the touch screen is turned off or turned off.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open on the screen what you want to capture (application, web page, dialogue).
• 🔘 Press and hold the power button (right) and the volume button (left) for 1-2 seconds at the same time.
• 📸 You will hear the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is not turned off) and see the save animation in the upper right corner.

The image is automatically saved to the gallery in the Screenshots folder. If you have micro firmware or custom software installed, the path may be different - check the folder. DCIM/Screenshots.

⚠️ Note: This will not work on the Mi 9 with a damaged power button, in which case use the methods in the following sections or connect the phone to the PC.

2. Three-finger gesture: quick screenshot without buttons

Xiaomi’s signature feature is the ability to take screenshots in a simple move, which is convenient when you hold your phone with one hand and do business with the other (for example, drink coffee).

How to turn on and use:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Three finger gesture.
2. Activate the switch opposite the "Screenshot".
3. Now swipe three fingers down the screen and the picture is ready!

If the gesture doesn't work:

• 🧹 Make sure there are no greasy spots or moisture on the screen – the sensor may not recognize touch.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone: Sometimes system gestures “hang” after a long time.
• ⚙️ Check if the gesture is disabled in the lock screen settings (Settings) → Lock screen → Additionally).

On the Mi 9 with MIUI 12+, you can set the three-finger gesture to create a long screenshot (scroll screen). To do this, after a standard swipe, hold your finger on the screen - the system will suggest grabbing the scrollable area.

3. Screenshot via notification panel

Few people know, but the Xiaomi Mi 9 has a built-in button for screenshots right in the notification curtain, which saves you when physical buttons jam or you are afraid to break them with frequent pressing.

Step-by-step:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the screenshot icon** (usually hidden under the button) ⋮ or edit).

If no button:

• 🔧 Click Edit in the notification bar and drag the screenshot icon to the active area.
• 📲 Make sure you have an official firmware installed – this element may not be present in custom assemblies.

4. Voice command: "OK, Google, take a screenshot."

If you have Google Assistant or Alice on, you can take voiceshots of the screen, which is convenient when your hands are busy or you want to capture something quickly without distraction.

How to set up:

1. Activate the voice assistant (Settings → Google → Settings Google Assistant or Settings → Apps → Default → Voice Assistant).
2. Say the activation phrase: For Google, "OK, Google, take a screenshot." For Alice, "Alice, screenshot."

Limitations of the method:

• 🔇 It only works when the Internet is connected (the assistant needs cloud services).
• 📵 In some firmware, voice commands for screenshots are disabled by default – check the permissions for the assistant in the settings.
• 🔒 It won’t work on a locked screen or in recording-restricted applications (e.g., banking programs).

💡

If the voice assistant doesn’t recognize the command, try to reframe: instead of “take a screenshot,” say “take a screenshot.”

5. Screenshot via computer: when the phone doesn't respond

If the Xiaomi Mi 9 sensor is completely out of order or the phone is frozen, you can take a screenshot via a PC. USB-cable and on-debugging USB.

Instructions for Windows/macOS:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via the original cable.
2. On PC, install ADB Tools (you can download from the official Android website).
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
4. Run the command for a screenshot: adb exec-out screencap -p > screenshot.png The picture will be saved in the folder from where the command was launched.

If USB debugging is not enabled:

• 🔧 On the working phone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
• 💻 On a locked phone: you will have to use specialized service programs (for example, Mi). PC Suite, but they require authorization in Mi-account.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB Don't connect your phone to a public PC (e.g., in an Internet cafe) - this is a risk of data leakage.

6 Problem Solving: Screenshot is not saved or is obtained in black

Sometimes the screenshots on the Mi 9 don't save or are rendered blank, and here are the typical reasons and ways to fix them:

If the problem is not resolved:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – it resets temporary system errors.
• 📱 Check if apps are installed to block screenshots (such as AppLock or corporate ones). MDM-decision).
• 🔧 Reset the settings of the Gallery application** (Settings) → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Drop it).

7. Bonus: Automation of screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 9

If you often need screenshots (for example, for work or streams), you can set them up automatically:

• 🤖 Using MacroDroid (automation application): Create a macro with a trigger (for example, “Open App X”**). Add the action “Take a screenshot”**. Configure the save to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk).
• 📅 Scheduled: Use Tasker or Automate to create time-based tasks. Example: screenshot of the lock screen every day at 8:00 a.m.

For streamers and gamers:

• 🎮 Configure screenshots by pressing the gamepad (if connected via Bluetooth).
• 📹 Use Screen Recorder (built-in) MIUI) for simultaneous screen recording and taking pictures.

💡

Screenshot automation is useful for monitoring accounts, fixing game errors, or creating tutorials, but remember, frequent screenshots drain the battery 5 to 10 percent faster.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 9