How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Poco X3: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Poco X3 (and its modifications Poco X3 NFC and Poco X3 Pro) remains a popular smartphone due to the powerful hardware and flexible firmware MIUI. But even experienced users sometimes face difficulties in creating screenshots — especially if the standard combination of buttons or gestures do not work. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to take a screenshot on Poco X3, including hidden functions, and also solve typical problems: black screen on the screen, no sound of the response or the inability to save the picture.

It is important to note that methods may differ depending on the version of MIUI (for example, MIUI 12/13/14 changed the location of some settings) and the modification of the device. If your Poco X3 is running on custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), some of the functions may be disabled. We tested the instructions on the official firmware versions for Poco X3 NFC (surya) and Poco X3 Pro (vayu).

1. Standard method: button combination

The most reliable and versatile method is the use of hardware buttons, which works on all versions of MIUI and does not depend on gesture settings.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
2. At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
3. Hold them for 1–1.5 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound or see an animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Note: If you press buttons longer than 2 seconds, the smartphone may interpret this as an attempt to call Fastboot or Recovery.

Where to look for the screenshot taken?

• 📁 Screenshots folder in the gallery (Files) → Images → Screenshots).
• 🔍 Quick access: swipe down the notification panel and tap the screen thumbnail.
• 🌐 Cloud: If you enable sync with Mi Cloud, screenshots are automatically uploaded to the folder Xiaomi/Screenshots.

💡

If the screenshot is not saved, check the permissions for the Gallery app in Settings → Apps → Permissions Management → Storage.

2. Three-finger gesture (quick screenshot)

The Screenshot Gesture feature allows you to take screenshots in one motion without pressing a button, which is convenient if the hardware keys are damaged or you use your smartphone with one hand.

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the option “Triple-touch screenshot” (or “Gesturing for screenshot” in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Turn on the switch and select the action: Swipe three fingers down or touch three fingers down.

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Touch the screen with three fingers at the same time (for example, index, middle and ring).
2. Swipe down the screen (if you have chosen a swipe) or just hold your fingers for 1 second (if you have chosen a touch).

⚠️ Note: The gesture may conflict with other features, such as Split Screen or One-Hand Mode. If the screenshot doesn't work, turn off these options in Settings. → Screen.

Three fingers touch the screen simultaneously |Gestural made within the active zone (not at the edges) |The settings include the desired type of gesture (swipe or touch) |No conflicts with other gestures (e.g., "separate screen")

-->

3. Screenshot using the toolbar

MIUI 12 and later has a Quick Ball floating panel that lets you take screenshots, record screens and quickly open apps.

1. Open Settings → Additional functions → Quick ball.
2. Turn on the switch and adjust the appearance (size, transparency).
3. In the list of tools add "Screenshot" (scissors icon).

Now to take a picture:

1. Slip on the floating ball (by default it is on the right on the screen).
2. Select the screenshot icon in the menu.
3. The screen will blink and the picture will be saved in the gallery.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎯 Works in any application, even if the buttons are locked (for example, in games).
• 🔄 You can quickly take a series of screenshots in a row.
• ⚡ No need to remember button combinations.

Keyboard combination | Three-finger gesture | Quick Instrument Panel | Voice assistant | Another way-->

4. Voice command via Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant on, you can take voice screenshots, which is useful when your hands are busy or your buttons are not working.

1. Activate the voice assistant: Say “OK, Google” (if you have a voice start set up) or hold the Home button (if you have one on your navigation bar).

"Take a screenshot"

"Photograph the screen."

Confirm the action if the assistant requests permission.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI voice screenshots may not work due to security constraints:

• 🔧 Check the permissions for Google Assistant in Settings → Annexes → Google → Permits.
• 📱 Update Google App to Play Market.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes it solves voice control issues.

You can also use Alice from Yandex if it's installed as the default assistant, and the command for it is, "Alice, take a screenshot."

5. Screenshot of the page being scrolled (long screen)

If you want to save an entire web page, chat or a long list (for example, on Telegram or VKontakte), a standard screenshot will crop some of the content. MIUI has a built-in Scrolling Screenshot feature:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the appearance of the screen thumbnail in the lower right corner, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, select the option “Scroll” (the icon with down arrows).
4. Wait until the smartphone automatically scrolls through the page and connects the pieces into one long shot.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It doesn’t work in some apps (like TikTok or banking apps because of content protection).
• ❌ Can crop dynamic content (such as video or animation).
• ❌ Maximum screen length – about 10 screens (depending on model and version) MIUI).

6.Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications

If standard methods don’t work (for example, because of a button break or a firmware failure), you can take a screenshot through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or third-party utilities. These methods require a little more effort, but they are guaranteed to work.

Method 1: Through ADB (for power users)

You will need a computer with installed ADB-Drivers and Included Debugging USB smartphone.

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Tap on MIUI Version 7 times until the notification “You’ve become a developer!” appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Poco X3

terminal

PowerShell

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

The screenshot will be saved in the root folder of the storage under the name screen.png. To download it on your PC, use:

adb pull /sdcard/screen.png

Method 2: Third-party applications

If you don’t want to mess with ADB, install one of these apps from the Play Market:

• 📱 Screenshot Easy – Supports gestures, timer and editing.
• 🖼️ Super Screenshot – allows you to make screens with scrolling and annotations.
• 🔧 Screen Master – has a built-in editor and screen recording function.

⚠️ Attention: Screenshot apps require permission to overlay over other windows. Without that, they can't take a picture. → Annexes → Special access → Overlaying on top of other applications.

💡

ADB-The method is the only way to take a screenshot if the sensor or buttons of the smartphone are completely inoperable.

Solving screenshot problems on Poco X3

Sometimes screenshots don't save, they turn black, or gestures don't work, and let's look at the common mistakes and how to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Reboot the smartphone.
2. Clear the cache of the Gallery app (Settings → Apps → Gallery → Storage → Clear the cache).
3. Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Poco X3