How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi A3: all ways + error solving

Xiaomi Mi A3 is one of the few smartphones of the brand that runs on a “pure” Android One instead of the proprietary shell MIUI. Because of this, the standard combination of buttons for screenshots here may differ from other Xiaomi models.

The Mi A3 feature is the lack of a physical Menu button, which complicates the usual algorithm for users who have switched from MIUI. In addition, depending on the version of Android (9 or 10), the menu interface may differ slightly. We tested all methods on firmware QKQ1.190910.002 (Android 10) and PQ3B.190801.002 (Android 9) – all methods work consistently.

Important: If you upgraded your smartphone to custom firmware (like LineageOS), some of the features may be missing, in which case use generic methods through ADB or third-party apps.

1. Standard method: "Power + Volume Reduction" buttons

This is the basic method that works on all Android devices, including the Xiaomi Mi A3.

• 📱 At the same time, press the on/lock button (right) and the volume reduction key (left).
• 🎯 Hold them for 1–1.5 seconds until the characteristic shutter sound or vibration.
• 🖼️ Screenshots will be saved in the gallery in the Screenshots folder (or Screenshots in Russian).

⚠️ Warning: Not to be confused with long-term retention (more than 3 seconds) - this will trigger the off/reset menu:

• 🔄 Press the buttons faster (sometimes a delay of 0.5 seconds is enough).
• 🧹 Clear the system cache in Settings → Memory. → Cache data.
• 🔋 Reboot your phone – sometimes crashes occur due to background software.

On the Mi A3, this method works even with a discharged battery (up to 5%), unlike gesture control, which turns off when the charge is low.

2.Gest method: "Three fingers down" (only for MIUI Launcher)

If you have installed a proprietary MIUI launcher (such as the MIUI Launcher from Google Play), an additional gesture method will appear:

1. 👆 Swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the screen (as with a notification swipe, but with more fingers).
2. 📸 Hold your finger on the screen until the screenshot animation appears.
3. 📁 The image will be saved in the same Screenshots folder.

⚠️ Note: This gesture doesn’t work on Android One – it’s only available after installation MIUI Launcher. To enable the function:

1. Download MIUI Launcher from Google Play.
2. Set it as the default launcher in Settings → Apps → Default launcher.
3. Activate the gesture in Launcher Settings → Additional → Screenshot with three fingers.

The advantage of this method is the ability to take screenshots with one hand, if you use the thumb, index and middle fingers. A3 his AMOLED-The screen and sensor sometimes trigger false touches.

3. Screenshot via notification panel (Android 10+)

In firmware based on Android 10 and later (for example, QKQ1.190910.002 for Mi A3) appeared a built-in button for screenshots:

• 📲 Swipe your finger down to open the notification bar.
• 🔍 Find the screenshot icon** (usually next to Airplane Mode or Flashlight»).
• 🖱️ Slip on it - the picture will be taken instantly.

If no button:

1. 🔧 Open the Settings. → Notifications → Control panel.
2. 🔄 Find the screenshot list and drag it to the active area.
3. 📱 Restart your phone if the changes don’t apply.

This method is convenient for advanced users who often take screenshots — you do not need to remember the combination of buttons. However, on the Mi A3 with its small notification panel (due to the cutout for the front camera), you sometimes have to scroll through the panel to find the button.

4. Screenshot with delay (via Google Assistant)

If you need to take a late screenshot (for example, to capture animations or menus that disappear when you press buttons), use Google Assistant:

• 🎤 Activate the voice assistant by saying “OK, Google” or holding the Home button.
• 🗣️ Tell the command, “Take a screenshot in 3 seconds».
• ⏳ Wait for the countdown - the photo will be taken automatically.

Alternative method without voice input:

1. 🔍 Open Google Assistant Swipe from the bottom corner of the screen (if the feature is enabled).
2. 📝 In the text box, type: Take a screenshot in 5 seconds.
3. 🖼️ Confirm the action - the timer will start immediately.

💡

If Google Assistant does not recognize the command, check the language of the system – it must match the language of the voice assistant (for example, both are Russian).

This method is useful for:

• 🎮 Capturing game moments (for example, in the PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty).
• 📊 Fixing errors in applications that disappear when you press buttons.
• 📷 Creating screenshots with effects (for example, when night mode is turned on).

5. Part of the annex for extended screenshots

If standard methods do not suit, install specialized utilities. the best options for Xiaomi Mi A3:

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications:

• 🔒 Denie access to Special Features if the application requests it for no reason.
• 📡 Check reviews – some utilities contain malicious code (for example, Screenshot Capture from unknown developers).
• 🗑️ Regularly clean the app cache in Settings → Annexes.

💡

The app side is useful for creating long screenshots (scrollable pages), but they can conflict with Mi A3 system services.

6. Problem Solving: Screenshot is not saved or working

Common Mi Mi A3 errors and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods work:

1. 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → System system → Resetting), pre-retaining the data.
2. 📥 Refuse your smartphone to the latest version of Android using the Mi Flash Tool.
3. 🛠️ Contact the service center – the problem may be in a damaged screen or motherboard.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions