How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways for MIUI 14/13/12

Taking screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected nuances: some models require you to pinch physical buttons, others support gestures, and in some versions of MIUI the function is hidden so deep that it is difficult to find it without instructions, especially for new devices in the Redmi Note 13 or Xiaomi 14 series, where the manufacturer is experimenting with the interface.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to take a screenshot on Xiaomi, from the classic button combination to voice commands and hidden Game Turbo features. You’ll learn how to save long pages, edit shots immediately after you create, and even take screenshots without sound (relevant to streamers or office meetings).

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

It’s a universal method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of MIUI version or model, suitable for devices from Redmi 9A to Xiaomi 14 Ultra flagships. The main advantage is reliability: even if the touch screen is jammed, physical buttons will work.

Instructions:

• 📱 Simultaneously press the power button (on/lock) and the volume down button.
• 🕒 Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is turned off, watch the screen animation).
• 📁 The finished screenshot will appear in the gallery in the Screenshots folder or in the notification (tap on it for quick editing).

💡

If you have Xiaomi Black Shark, press the power button + increase the volume – on gamers models, the logic of the buttons is inverted.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) Long-term button retention can cause the reset menu. If the screen is out or the menu appears, you've held the buttons for too long.

2. Three-finger gesture - quick screenshot without buttons

The Three-Finger Screenshot feature was introduced in MIUI 9 and has since become one of the most convenient features, allowing you to take a screenshot in one motion without taking your hands off a game or chat, and is especially useful for devices with large screens (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro), where it is inconvenient to reach the buttons.

How to turn on and use:

1. Open Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the screenshot with three fingers and activate the switch.
3. Test: swipe down the screen with three fingers (not necessarily at the same time, the main thing is movement).

Enable the function in the settings|Check the sensitivity of the gesture|Testing on different screens|Disable conflicting gestures (such as swipe notifications)-->

⚠️ Note: If the gesture does not work, check it out:

• 🔧 Does it conflict with other gestures (e.g. Swipe down for notification panel).
• 🧹 Screen cleanliness – greasy spots or protective glass with defects may interfere with recognition.
• 📱 Version MIUI: on certain firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced) System update required.

Power and volume buttons|Three-finger gesture|Voice assistant|Other-->

3. Script with scrolling (long shot)

Scrolling Screenshot (or Scrolling Screenshot) captures an entire web page, a long chat on Telegram, or a list of comments on social networks, and does not work on all models, but is supported by most devices on MIUI 12 and later.

How to do this:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the ways (buttons or gestures).
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears at the bottom of the screen, tap on it.
3. In the editor that opens, select the Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls through the page and connects the pieces into one snapshot.

🔹 Limitations:

• 🌐 It doesn’t work in some apps (like TikTok or screenshot-protected banking apps).
• 📄 Maximum length: 10 screens (depending on model).
• 🔄 Nana POCO-Devices may require inclusion in Settings → Special facilities → Scrolling screenshot.

4. Voice assistant Google or Xiao AI

If you need to take a screenshot without using your hands (such as while cooking or playing sports), you can use voice commands.

Method 1: Google Assistant

• 🎤 Say, OK, Google, take a screenshot».
• 📱 Or hold the Home button (on models with a physical button) and say the command.

Method 2: Xiao AI (Integrated Assistant Xiaomi)

• 🔊 Activate the assistant with a long press on the search button (or swipe on the lock screen on some models).
• 🗣️ Say “take a screenshot” or “take a screenshot” in Chinese ().

⚠️ Note: Voice commands may not work if:

• 🔇 The microphone for the assistant in the privacy settings is disabled.
• 🌍 Voice language is not the same as system language (e.g. Xiao). AI understands only Chinese or English on global firmware).
• 🎵 Do not disturb or play mode is enabled».

5. Screenshot through the Quick Settings panel

A little-known method that works even on devices with faulty buttons or sensors. Suitable for Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi models on MIUI 11 and later.

Instructions:

1. Turn the notification bar swipe from top to bottom.
2. Find the screenshot icon, if you don't have one, tap on the Edit icon and add it to the active tiles.
3. Slip on the icon – the picture will be taken instantly.

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than gestures or buttons (one touch).
• 🔧 It works even with sound and vibration off.
• 🎯 Accuracy: No risk of accidentally pressing the wrong combination.

💡

If the Screenshot icon disappeared after the MIUI update, reset the notification panel settings in Settings → Notifications → Additional → Reset tiles.

6. Screenshot in Games via Game Turbo

For gamers, Xiaomi has introduced a special Game Turbo mode that not only optimizes performance, but also adds convenient features – including screenshots. This is true for Black Shark or POCO F series devices, where gaming features are brought to the forefront.

How to take a screenshot in the game:

1. Start a game (such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).
2. Swipe from right to left across the screen to open the Game Turbo panel.
3. Slip on the screenshot icon (or "Capture").

🔹 Additional opportunities:

• 🎮 You can assign a screenshot to a floating button (configurable in Game Turbo). → Settings → Floating buttons).
• 📼 Screen recording (useful for streaming).
• 🔇 Disabling notifications during the game (so that the screenshot does not interfere with the gameplay).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11), the Game Turbo may conflict with standard gestures. If screenshots stop working, turn off the mode in the game settings.

7. Problem Solving: Screenshot Not Working

If neither method works, the causes can range from firmware bugs to hardware malfunctions.

Check physical buttons for pollution | Update MIUI to the latest version |Reset gesture settings |Deactivate energy saving mode |Check free space on the device-->

Frequent problems and solutions:

If screenshots stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous firmware version via Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Select an update pack.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions