Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is the flagship of 2018, which is still relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and flexible firmware MIUI. But even experienced users sometimes forget how to quickly take a screenshot on this device, especially if you are accustomed to other brands. In this article, we will analyze all possible methods, from standard button combinations to hidden functions and third-party applications.
The Mi 8 Pro feature is the presence of AMOLED-We'll take into account all the nuances, including the flashing screen issues, when you create screens in games or videos. You will also learn how to edit screenshots immediately after creation and where they are saved by default.
If you've moved from an iPhone or a Samsung, the usual combinations may not work. Don't worry, there are alternatives in MIUI that not everyone knows about.
Standard method: button combination
The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Mi 8 Pro. It does not depend on the version of the MIUI or the shell, so it will fit even after resetting.
To take a screenshot:
- Open the desired screen (application, web page, settings).
- At the same time, press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left).
- Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the save animation.
On the Mi 8 Pro, the buttons are on opposite sides of the body, so it can be uncomfortable at first. Try clamping them with your thumb and index finger of one hand or using two hands for reliability.
⚠️ Warning: If you press the buttons longer than 3 seconds, you will force the reboot to go off. The Fastboot menu will appear on the screen - don't worry, just restart the phone manually.
☑️ Checking before screenshot
“Three fingers down” gesture: quick screenshot without buttons
MIUI 10 and later (and the Mi 8 Pro supports up to MIUI 14) has a hidden gesture screenshot feature that is enabled in settings and works even in games or full-screen applications.
How to activate:
- Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Screenshot gestures.
- Turn on the screenshot switch with three fingers.
- Choose the direction of the gesture: Top down (recommended) or bottom up.
Now, to take a screenshot, swipe three fingers down the screen (as if you were swiping down).
- 👆 The gesture should be smooth but fast – if too slow, scroll the page will work.
- 🎮 In games, it may conflict with control – disable the gesture in advance if the game uses multi-touch.
- 🔄 If the gesture doesn’t work, check if left-handed mode is turned on in the screen settings.
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If the gesture accidentally triggers in your pocket, reduce sensitivity in the settings or turn off the feature for the locked screen.
Scrolling Screenshot: How to Capture a Long Page
A standard screenshot captures only the visible part of the screen. But what if you want to save an entire web page, a Telegram correspondence or a list in Mi Fit? MIUI has a built-in Scrolling Screenshot (aka Long Screenshot).
How to do this:
- Create a regular screenshot in any way (buttons or gestures).
- Immediately after the thumbnail appears at the bottom of the screen, click on it.
- In the editor that opens, tap the Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
- Wait until the system automatically scrolls through the page and connects the parts into a single file.
Limitations of function:
| Type of content | Is it supported? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Web pages (Chrome, Mi Browser) | ✅ Yes. | It works best, but can crop dynamic content (like VC tape). |
| Messages (SMS, Telegram, WhatsApp) | ✅ Yes. | Telegram only captures uploaded messages (scroll up before the screen). |
| Applications (Mi Fit, AliExpress) | ⚠️ Partially. | In Mi Fit, graphics are not captured, in AliExpress - reviews with pictures. |
| Games and videos | ❌ No. | The function is blocked due to content protection (DRM). |
Why does a scrolling screenshot crop the content?
Screenshot by voice: Google Assistant and Alice
If the buttons or sensor don't work (for example, after a phone drops), you can take a screenshot with a voice command, which is suitable for Google Assistant or Alice from Yandex.
Method 1: Google Assistant
- Activate the assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
- Say, Take a screenshot or take a picture of the screen.
- Confirm the action in the window that appears.
Method 2: Alice (only for Russia)
- 🎤 Open the Yandex app with Alice or say, “Hi, Alice».
- 🗣️ Say, Alice, take a screenshot.
- ⚠️ The first time you use it, you will need to allow Alice access to Special Opportunities.
The voice method is convenient, but has limitations:
- 🔇 Does not work if the microphone is turned off or Do not disturb mode is turned on.
- 🛡️ In some banking applications, the screenshot is blocked for security reasons.
- 🌐 Take a screenshot commands may not work – use Russian.
Annex side: enhanced capabilities
The built-in MIUI tools cover 90% of tasks, but if you need additional features (like latency screenshots, annotations or cloud-based storage), it’s worth considering third-party utilities. We’ve tested 5 popular apps on the Mi 8 Pro – the best of them:
Top.-3 screenshot:
| Annex | Key functions | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot Easy | ✅ Delay to 10 seconds✅ Editor with meme jeeps✅ Keeping in PDF | ❌ Advertising in the free version❌ Requires access to notifications |
| Screenshot Touch | ✅ Floating button over games✅ Auto-cutting✅ Screen recording | ❌ Paid stickers❌ Not working. MIUI 14 no root |
| Screen Master | ✅ Screenshots in format PNG/JPG✅ Cloud backups✅ Sharing on social media | ❌ Registration is required for the cloud❌ Bugs with AMOLED-screen |
On Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, Screenshot Touch is in conflict with Game Turbo game mode – turn off optimization for playing in the settings before using it.
How to install and configure:
- Download the app from Google Play (links above).
- When you first start, allow access to Warehouse and Overlay over other windows.
- In the application settings, select:
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The application side is useful for automation, but the built-in MIUI tools are more reliable – they are not dependent on updates and do not require additional permissions.
Where are the screenshots stored and how to find them
By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro are saved in the folder:
/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/But there are nuances:
- 📁 If you used a scrolling screenshot, the file will be called Scrolling_screenshot_YYYYMMDD_hhmmss.png.
- 🖼️ Screenshots from some applications (e.g. Netflix or Sberbank Online) can be saved in a separate SecureFolder folder.
- ☁️ When synchronized with Mi Cloud, screens are duplicated to the cloud (check Settings). → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery).
How to quickly open the folder with screens:
- Open the Gallery app.
- Slip on the album icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the Screenshots album (it is created automatically).
If the screenshots are not displayed:
⚠️ Attention: After updating to MIUI 12+ Screenshots folder may be hidden. To return it, go to Settings → Warehouse → Files. → Settings → Show hidden files.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even on a reliable device like the Mi 8 Pro, screenshots can be taken with errors, and we've collected typical situations and ways to fix them:
Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved
- 🛑 Reason: Not enough space on the device.
- 🔧 Solution: Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clean or transfer files to SD-map.
Problem 2: Black screen instead of screenshot
- 🛑 Reason: Charge Savings mode is enabled or Dark theme conflicts with AMOLED.
- 🔧 Solution: Turn off the dark theme in Settings → Screen. → Dark theme or reboot your phone.
Problem 3: The three-finger gesture doesn't work
- 🛑 Reason: A function in settings or conflict with another gesture is disabled (e.g., Double tap to wake up).
- 🔧 Decision:
Issue 4: Screenshots blurred or with artifacts
- 🛑 Reason: Screen smoothing (Anti-aliasing) is included in the developer settings.
- 🔧 Decision: