How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi 8: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Mi 8 is the flagship of 2018, which is still popular with users thanks to its powerful hardware and support for fresh firmware. But even owners with experience sometimes face the question: how to quickly take a screenshot on this device? Especially if the usual button combinations do not work due to MIUI updates or hardware features.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to capture screenshots on the Mi 8 (including the Mi 8 SE, Mi 8 Pro and Mi 8 Explorer Edition), as well as the typical bugs that get in the way. From the classic keyboard shortcuts to hidden gesture controls, you’ll learn how to lock the screen in any situation. Plus the bonus: what to do if screenshots don’t save or artifacts appear.

1. Standard method: button combination

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones is the simultaneous pressing of physical buttons. On the Mi 8, you can use:

• 🔘 Power button (right) + Volume reduction (left).
• 🕒 Hold both keys for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see the animation.
• 📁 The finished picture is saved in the folder DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots.

This method works on any version of MIUI (from 9 to 14), as well as custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. the main thing is not to be confused with the combination for forced reboot (power + volume increase), otherwise instead of screenshots, the phone will go into the reboot.

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If the buttons are stuck or are delayed, try cleaning the connectors with compressed air or a soft brush. On the Mi 8, a common problem is getting garbage under the volume key.

Important: on some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global for the European region), the shutter sound is turned off by default. To turn it on, go to Settings → Sounds and Vibrations → System Sounds and activate the screenshot Sound option.

2. Screenshot by gesture (only for MIUI 10 and later)

With the release of MIUI 10, Xiaomi added an alternative way to create a screenshot with a three-finger swipe down, which is available on the Mi 8, but you need to pre-enable it:

1. Open Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the Screenshot Swipe and activate it.
3. Choose the direction of the gesture: down or up (we recommend down so that it does not conflict with the notification panel).

Now, to take a screenshot, simply swipe your three fingers across the display from top to bottom (or bottom to top if you choose the other option), a method that is convenient for gaming situations where one hand is holding the phone and the other controls the game.

Limitations: A gesture may not work if:

• 🚫 The keyboard is active on the screen (for example, in messengers).
• 🚫 One hand mode enabled (it blocks multi-touch gestures).
• 🚫 Used screen protection with fingerprint – sometimes it conflicts with the recognition of swipes.

3. Notification panel: quick access

If the physical buttons are faulty or the gesture is uncomfortable, you can take a screenshot through the Quick Settings Panel.

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification curtain.
2. Find the Screenshot icon (usually hidden under the Edit button).
3. Slip it on it - the picture will be taken instantly.

If there is no icon, add it manually:

1. Open the curtain and press Edit (pencil icon).
2. In the list of Other Settings, find the Screenshot and drag it to the active area.

Open the notification curtain | Press "Edit" (pencil) | Find the screenshot icon | Move it to the top panel | Save the changes-->

This method is especially useful if you often take screenshots while playing or watching videos – you do not need to interrupt the process by pressing buttons.

4. Voice assistant Google or Xiao AI

Few people know, but you can take a screenshot of the Mi 8 with a voice command.

• 🎤 Activate Google Assistant (hold the Home button or say “OK, Google»).
• 🗣️ Say “take a screenshot” or “take a screenshot».
• 📱 The assistant will confirm the action, and the picture will be saved in the gallery.

The alternative is built-in Xiao AI (if installed):

1. Hold the Home button or say “Xiao Ai, screenshot.”
2. Confirm the command with a voice or tap.

Nuances:

• 🔊 Voice method requires an internet connection (to process commands).
• 🔇 In public places, it can work by accident – turn off voice control if it is critical.
• 📵 On some Xiao firmware AI Removed – only Google Assistant remains.

5. Screenshot in games and apps with Game Turbo

The Xiaomi Mi 8 supports the proprietary Game Turbo mode, which optimizes performance in games, and it also has a built-in feature for screenshots:

1. Start a game (such as PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
2. Swipe from left to right across the screen to open the Game Turbo panel.
3. Click on the Screenshot icon (or Screen Record if you need a video).

The advantage of this method is that the screenshot is taken without pause in the game (as opposed to a combination of buttons, which can lead to a delay).

• 🎮 Set up touchscreen sensitivity.
• 📊 Tracking. FPS processor temperature.
• 🔇 Disable notifications during the game.

6.Challenges with screenshots on the Mi 8 and their solution

Even on a reliable device like the Mi 8, users are faced with typical screenshot errors.

Additional advice:

• 🔄 If screenshots are taken with artifacts (strips, blur), try rebooting your phone - this resets the graphic cache.
• 🛠️ On custom firmware (for example, Havoc) OS) You may need to install Magisk module to properly work screenshots.
• 📱 If the screen is not responsive to gestures, check the touchscreen sensitivity in the engineering menu (#6484##).

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On Xiaomi Mi 8 with unlocked bootloader, screenshots in some banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online) may be blocked for security reasons, in which case use alternative methods (e.g., a second phone to take pictures of the screen).

7.Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications

If standard methods do not work (for example, a broken power button), you can take a screenshot through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or specialized utilities.

Method 1: ADB-team

1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Connect Mi 8 to USB and activate Debugging over USB in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times, then return to Additional Features → For Developers).
3. In the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) run: adb devices adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

Method 2: Apps from Google Play

Popular utilities for screenshots:

• 📱 Screenshot Easy – Supports Delayed Shooting and Editing.
• 🎨 Screen Master – allows you to take long screenshots (scroll screenshots).
• 🖼️ Super Screenshot – works without root rights, but requires screen access permission.

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Before installing third-party apps, check reviews — some utilities contain ads or collect data. On the Mi 8 with MIUI 12+, it is better to use proven programs like Screenshot Touch (no advertising, supports gestures).

Warning: Screenshot apps may conflict with power saving mode. If the pictures are not saved, add the utility to the list of Exceptions in battery settings.

8.Where to find and how to edit screenshots

By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 8 are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/


or




/storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Screenshots/

To quickly open the screenshots:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Go to the Screenshots (or Screenshots) album.
3. To edit, tap the picture and select Change (pencil icon).

In the standard MIUI editor, functions are available:

• 🎨 Cutting, turning, adding text.
• 🖌️ Hand drawing (hands, markers).
• 📏 Blurring specific areas (useful for hiding personal data).
• 🔍 Enlargement (zoom) for detail.

If you need more advanced tools, install:

• 📲 Snapseed (from Google) – Professional color correction.
• 🖼️ PhotoRoom – Removal of background and collages.
• 🎭 PicsArt – Stickers, Effects and Animation.

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On the Mi 8s AMOLED-screenshots in a dark theme may look too contrasting. To smooth out the colors, turn on Read Mode in the display settings before shooting, or use the Warm filter in the editor.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 8