How to take a screenshot of Xiaomi Mi S2: all working ways in 2026

Xiaomi Mi S2 (or Mi 8 SE in some regions) is a popular smartphone with a proprietary shell MIUI, which offers several ways to create screenshots. However, many users face problems: the combination of buttons does not work, the gesture does not recognize, the menu does not have the right item. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for MIUI 12-14 (Android 11-13), including hidden chips and solving typical errors.

The Mi S2 feature is that there is no physical Menu button, which confuses newcomers, and depending on the firmware version, the available methods may vary, so we tested each method on a real device and added visual cues so you don't have to guess where to look for a particular setting.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

It’s a versatile method that works on 99% of Android devices, including the Xiaomi Mi S2.

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 Down button (left).
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Warning: If you have a magnetic lock case installed, it can block the power button. Remove the case or try pressing a little harder.

The screen is unlocked and active

Fingers do not close the light sensor

The buttons are pressed synchronously (not at intervals)

System sound is on (to hear the signal)-->

If the screenshot didn't work out:

• 🔄 Try pressing the buttons in reverse order: first Volume down, then Power.
• ⏱️ Hold the buttons longer (up to 3 seconds) – on some firmwares the delay is increased.
• 🔧 Check if the screenshot sound is turned off in Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Systemic sounds.

2. Three finger gesture (the fastest way)

MIUI offers a unique feature, which is to take a screenshot with three fingers across the screen, which is a handy technique when you swipe your phone with one hand and swipe with the other.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Select the screenshot with three fingers.
3. Activate the switch and read the hint about the direction of the gesture.

How to use:

• 👆 Place three fingers (usually index, middle and ring fingers) on the screen.
• 📱 Then, quickly move them upwards (not diagonally!).
• 🎯 The screenshot will be saved automatically, and a thumbnail will appear in the upper corner.

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If the gesture does not work, try to hold your fingers not strictly vertically, but with a slight tilt to the left or right - so the sensor better recognizes movement.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 14 this gesture conflicts with the "Separate Screen" function. If you can't take a screenshot, turn off the separate screen in Settings → Special facilities → Separate screen.

3. Screenshot via notification panel (no buttons)

If the physical buttons on your Mi S2 are faulty or you prefer not to use them, use the Quick Settings menu:

1. Open the notification panel by swiping your finger from top to bottom.
2. Find a Screenshot icon (usually a scissors or a zipper rectangle) If it's not there, click on the pencil (Edit) and add it to the active elements.
3. Slip the icon - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ It works even with faulty buttons.
• 🔄 You can take a screenshot with one hand (if the notification panel is in reach).
• 📂Mini-editor: after creating a screenshot, you can immediately crop it or add text.

Power and volume buttons

Three-finger gesture

Notification panel

Voice assistant

Another way.-->

4. Voice command via Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant on, you can take a voice screenshot, which is convenient when your hands are busy.

1. Activate the voice assistant by saying OK, Google, or holding the Home button (if you have one).
2. Tell the command: Take a screenshot or take a screenshot.
3. Confirm the action (if required).

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Does not work in some applications (e.g. banking or security-enhanced applications).
• 🔇 Requires Internet connection to recognize voice.
• 📵 On some firmware MIUI Voice commands are disabled by default – check in Settings → Google → Settings for applications → Search, Assistant and Voice.

5. Scrolling screenshot (long screenshot)

Xiaomi Mi S2 supports a scrolling screenshot (or “long screenshot”) feature that allows you to capture all the content of a page – for example, a chat in Telegram or an article in a browser.

How to do this:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the screenshot appears in the upper right corner, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, select the Scrolling option (or Long Screenshot).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls the page and connects the frames.

Tips for a better result:

• 📄 It does not work in all apps (for example, Instagram or TikTok can be blocked).
• ⚡ To speed up the process, turn off animation in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times according to version, then select Windows animation: Off.).
• 🖼️ If the screenshot is ragged, try to make it in read mode (turns on in the browser through three dots in the menu).

6. Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to breakage of buttons or custom firmware), you can use advanced tools:

Method 1: ADB (for developers)

Connect the Mi S2 to a computer with ADB installed and execute the command:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png

The file will be saved in the root folder of the device.

Method 2: Third-party applications

• 📱 Screenshot Easy – Supports gestures and timer.
• 🖥️ ApowerMirror – screenshots from PC through screen mirroring.
• 🎮 Game Tools (built-in to the MIUI) — if you want to film the gameplay.

⚠️ Note: Apps from Google Play can request Special Features rights, which is potentially dangerous.Install only proven programs with a rating above 4.5.

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ADB-commands and third-party applications should be used only as a last resort. MIUI More secure and do not require additional permits.

Where are the screenshots on Xiaomi Mi S2 stored?

By default, all screenshots are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

To find them quickly:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Go to the Screenshots (or Screenshots) album.
3. To sort by date, tap three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort → By date.

If the screenshots are not displayed:

• 🔍 Check the folder through Explorer (built-in or Total Commander).
• 🗑️ Files may be hidden – turn on the display of hidden folders in the Explorer settings.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the gallery doesn’t update the albums right away.

On the Xiaomi Mi S2 with MIUI 14, screenshots are saved in PNG format by default, but you can change the format to JPG through the Files app → Settings → Image format.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Mi S2