How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi without buttons: all ways 2026

Broken power or volume buttons on Xiaomi are not a sentence for taking screenshots. Even if the physical keys don't respond, MIUI has at least 5 alternative methods, from gestures to voice commands. In this article, we'll break down each method with the features of the firmware and model range, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14.

Important: The methods work on all current versions of MIUI 12–14 and HyperOS, but some features may not be available on older devices (e.g. Redmi 4A or Mi A1). If your smartphone is released before 2019, check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Also note that screenshots from protected content (banking apps, Netflix, some games) can be blocked by the system regardless of the method of shooting, in which case only a digital camera or screen recording will help.

1.The "Three Fingers Down" gesture is the standard method in MIUI

The most reliable way, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices without any additional settings, the system recognizes the simultaneous touch of the screen with three fingers and saves the picture to the gallery.

How to turn on (if the gesture is turned off):

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Gestures.
2. Select a screenshot with three fingers.
3. Activate the switch and test the gesture on any screen.

Features of the method:

• 🔹 It works even on a locked screen (if the option is enabled in the security settings).
• 🔹 In some models (POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T) You need to hold your fingers for 0.5-1 second.
• 🔹 Does not conflict with other gestures (for example, swipe to return to the back).

⚠️ Warning: If the gesture doesn't work, check if the security glass or cover is in the way. Also clear the system cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three dots (menu) → Clear the cache.

2. the Quick settings panel - a universal method

If gestures seem uncomfortable, use the built-in button in the notification curtain, which works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the firmware version.

Step-by-step:

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the Screenshot icon (usually located next to Airplane Mode or Flashlight).
3. Tap the icon and the image will be saved in the DCIM/Screenshots folder.

If the button is not in the curtain:

• 📱 Click on Edit (pencil icon) in the notification bar.
• 📱 Drag the screenshot icon into the active area.
• 📱 HyperOS may need to be rebooted to apply changes.

Open the notification curtain|Find the "Edit" badge"|Add the "Screenshot" button"|Save the changes-->

The advantage of this method is that it doesn't require any gestures or voice commands to be memorized, and the disadvantage is that you need to do extra things if the curtain is already open for other purposes.

3. Google Voice Assistant or Xiao AI

For those who prefer to control a smartphone by voice, Google Assistant or branded Xiao AI (available on Chinese firmware) are suitable. Both assistants can take screenshots on command, but there are nuances.

Method 1: Google Assistant

1. Activate the assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
2. Say, “Take a screenshot” or “Photograph the screen.”
3. Confirm the action (if required).

Method 2: Xiao AI (only MIUI China)

• 🎤 Hold the Home button or say “” (Xiao Ai Tungsue»).
• 🎤 Dictate: "" ("Jie tu" - "screenshot»).
• 📲 Some models (Xiaomi Mix 4) have a command in English: "Take a screenshot».

⚠️ Attention: Voice assistants do not work on the lock screen and in some limited-enabled applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff.

4. Screen recording application with screenshot function

MIUI and HyperOS have a built-in Screen Recording app that can not only capture video, but also take static pictures, which is useful if other methods do not work due to software failures.

Instructions:

1. Open Screen Record from the app menu or through search.
2. In the bottom panel, select the Screenshot icon (near the recording button).
3. Confirm the action - the picture will be saved in the gallery.

Additional features of the application:

• 🎥 You can take a screenshot with a delay (3 or 10 seconds) to prepare the screen.
• 🖼️ Scrolling screenshot (long shot of web pages or chats) is supported).
• ⚙️ In settings (Three dots) → Settings can be selected for saving format (PNG or JPEG).

5. ADB-Teams for Advanced Users

If the software methods don’t work (for example, due to a firmware failure), you can take a screenshot via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a connection to a computer, but is guaranteed to work even on “bricks” with a working display.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with ADB-tools installed.
• 📱 USB-TypeC Cable (original for stable connection).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Commands to execute:

adb devices # Checking the connection of the device


adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png # Creating a screenshot




adb pull /sdcard/screen.png # Copying a file on PC

⚠️ Note: Some models (Xiaomi Mi 11 and later) require confirmation of debugging permission on the smartphone screen. If the screen does not respond to touch, this method will not work.

💡

If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers via Windows or using an alternative cable. On a Mac/Linux, you may need an adb kill-server command before reconnecting.

6. Alternative apps from Google Play

If the standard methods don't work, there are dozens of screenshot apps on Google Play.-3 Solutions that work without root rights and do not require buttons.

Best applications:

• 📲 Screenshot Easy – Supports gestures, timer and editing.
• 📲 Super Screenshot – can shoot scrollable pages and videos.
• 📲 Screen Master – Minimalist interface with support PNG/JPEG.

How to set up:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Grant permissions for Overlay over other windows and Storage.
3. Select the method of shooting (floating button, gesture or widget).

Important: Apps from third-party sources (not Google Play) may contain malicious code. Before installing, check reviews and ratings - it should be at least 4.2.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi