How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite: all ways with pictures and videos

Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite is one of the most popular smartphones of 2018, which is still actively used due to the balanced characteristics and support for MIUI updates. However, many owners face difficulties when trying to take a screenshot: the combination of buttons does not work, the gesture is not recognized, the picture is not saved at all. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to create screenshots on the Mi 8 Lite, including hidden firmware functions, as well as how to fix typical errors and where to look for saved files.

The feature of the model is that it is based on MIUI, the Xiaomi brand shell, which is regularly updated, which means that the methods of creating screenshots may vary depending on the version of the firmware. We took into account all the nuances and prepared an updated manual for MIUI 10-14, you will also learn how to take long screenshots (scrollshots) and where to find additional settings for working with screenshots.

If you just bought the Mi 8 Lite used or after resetting your settings, you forgot how to take screenshots, don't worry. Our guide will be suitable even for beginners. And experienced users will find little-known life hacks here, such as how to take a screenshot with one hand or without using physical buttons.

1. Standard method: button combination

The most reliable and versatile method that works on all versions of MIUI is the simultaneous pressing of two physical buttons. On the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite, you need to create a screenshot:

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
2. Press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left) for 1-2 seconds.
3. Wait for the characteristic sound of the shutter (if the sound is turned on) and visual animation - the screen will slightly "blink".

⚠️ Attention: if you press the buttons not at the same time, but with a delay, either lock the screen or adjust the volume will work. Practice to sync the press - this requires a little skill.

Where to look for a screenshot after you create it? By default, all screenshots are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

Or through the gallery: open the Gallery app → go to the album Screenshots.

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If the screenshot is not saved, check if automatic saving in the MIUI settings is disabled. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → Gallery → Auto-save screenshots and turn on the option.

2.The three-finger gesture is a quick way without buttons

MIUI has a handy feature that allows you to take screenshots with a simple movement across the screen.

1. Swipe three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (as if you were swiping down).
2. Keep your fingers on the display for 0.5-1 seconds until animations appear.

This method is especially useful if you don’t have physical buttons working or want to take a screenshot with one hand (like when the phone is lying on the table).

⚠️ Note: if the gesture does not work, it must be pre-enabled in the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → gestures of buttons.
2. Find the screenshot option with three fingers and activate it.

Is the gesture activated in the settings?| Are clean fingers (no moisture/mud)?| Does the cover or film interfere?| Have you tried to move more slowly?

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If the gesture doesn’t work after you turn on, try restarting your phone — sometimes it helps to reset the touch recognition errors.

3. Screenshot via notification panel (MIUI 12 and later)

The latest versions of MIUI have the ability to take screenshots directly from the notification panel, which is convenient if you need to quickly capture the screen without memorizing the combinations.

1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
2. Find the Screenshot icon (usually it looks like a scissor or a rectangle with lightning).
3. Slip it on it - the picture will be taken instantly.

If the icon is not present, it can be added:

1. Open the notification panel and tap the icon ⚙️ (Edit).
2. Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.

This method doesn't work on MIUI versions below 12. If you have an old firmware, upgrade it or use other methods.

4. Long Screenshot (Scrollshot) - How to Capture the Entire Page

Sometimes you need to take a picture not only of the visible part of the screen, but also of what is hidden behind the scrolling — for example, a long chat, a web page or a list of comments. MIUI There's a long screenshot feature for this. How to use it:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the appearance of the thumbnail of the picture at the bottom of the screen, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, find the Scrolling button (or Long Screenshot) and click it.
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls through the page and connects all the parts into one file.

⚠️ Note: not all apps, like Instagram or TikTok, may not be able to get a scrolling shot because of the limitations of the platform, but it works perfectly in the app:

• 🌐 Browser (Chrome, Mi Browser)
• 💬 Messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)
• 📄 Documents (Word, Google Docs)
• 📱 System settings

Important: a long screenshot is saved as a separate file and can take up a lot of space — up to 5-10 MB if the page is very long. If the phone memory is full, we recommend clearing the cache beforehand or transferring old screenshots to the cloud.

5. Screenshot with voice assistant (Google Assistant)

If you have problems with your buttons or sensor, you can take a screenshot with a voice command via Google Assistant, which works on all versions of MIUI if you have Google Play Services installed on your phone.

1. Activate Google Assistant by saying “OK, Google” or by pressing the Home button (if it’s configured).
2. Tell the command to "take a screenshot" or "screenshot".
3. Wait for confirmation – the assistant will inform you that the screenshot was taken.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works without physical buttons.
• ✅ It can be used if the screen is cracked or the sensor is not responsive.
• ✅ Suitable for people with disabilities.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires Internet connection (to recognize voice).
• ❌ It may not work if Google Assistant permissions are disabled.

To check the permits, go to:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google → Permissions

Make sure that the microphone and storage are enabled.

6. Alternative methods: applications and ADB

If standard methods don't work (for example, because of a button break or a firmware failure), you can use third-party tools.

Method 1: Screenshot applications

Google Play has a variety of apps that allow you to take screenshots without using buttons.

• 📱 Screenshot Easy – Supports gestures and timer.
• 🖼️ Super Screenshot – allows you to take scrolling shots in any application.
• 🎯 Screen Master – has a built-in editor and screen recording function.

⚠️ Note: Check the reviews and permissions of the application before installing. Some programs may contain advertising or collect data. We recommend using only proven utilities with a rating above 4.5.

Method 2: Screenshot via ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone is connected to the computer, you can take a screenshot through ADB (Android Debug Bridge.This is useful if the screen is completely non-functional, but USB-debugging is on:

adb devices


adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png




adb pull /sdcard/screenshot.png C:\Users\YourName\Desktop

Where C:\Users\YourName\Desktop is the way to save to PC.

This method requires:

• 🖥️ Established ADB computer-driver.
• 🔧 Included Debugging by USB developer-setting.
• 🔌 Cable. USB Type-C (preferably original).

7 Where screenshots are stored and how to manage them

By default, all screenshots on the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite are saved in the Pictures/Screenshots folder. However, they can be moved, edited or deleted.

If the screenshots take up too much space, you can:

• 🗑️ Remove old photos (via Gallery) → Basket).
• ☁️ Move them to the cloud (Mi Cloud gives you 5GB for free).
• 📂 Archive in ZIP (via file manager).

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Clean your screenshot folder regularly, which can take up to 1-2 GB of storage if you have a lot of them. Use the Optimization feature in the Security app for automatic cleaning.

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

Sometimes screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite fail or are saved with errors.

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📁 Lack of memory: Clear cache or delete unnecessary files.
• 🔧 Automatic Save Disabled: Check the Gallery Settings.
• 🛠️ Firmware failure: Reboot your phone or reset the Gallery settings.

Problem 2: The button combination doesn’t work

What to do:

• 🔄 Try another method (for example, a three-finger gesture).
• 🔋 Check if the buttons are down (especially if the phone is falling).
• 📱 Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI Button bugs are often corrected.

Problem 3: Three-finger gestures are not recognized

Decisions:

• 🧹 Clean the screen of dirt and moisture.
• 🔧 Reactivate the function in settings (Special features) → Button gestures).
• 📲 Check if the cover or protective film is disturbing.

Problem 4: Screenshots are made black

This is a common mistake when trying to take a picture in:

• 🎮 Cheat-protected games (e.g, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire).
• 🎬 Annexes with DRM-Security (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video).
• 🏦 Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff).

Decisions:

• 📸 Use another phone to take pictures of the screen.
• 🎥 Shoot screen video (via Screen recording in curtain).

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If screenshots are not taken in a particular app, it's not a phone bug, it's a developer limitation, and these apps block screenshots from being taken for security reasons.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions