How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro: all working ways

Introduction: why screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro may not work

The Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, released in 2018, is still popular with users thanks to its powerful hardware and current MIUI updates. However, even on such a device, the basic feature of creating screenshots sometimes raises questions. The reasons can be different, from the banal ignorance of button combinations to software failures after updates.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to take a screenshot of the Mi 8 Pro, including standard methods and workarounds for atypical situations, and focus on the challenges that users face after switching to new versions of MIUI (such as MIUI 14 or HyperOS), where the interface and gestures may have changed.

If you've tried to take a screenshot before, but you didn't succeed, don't be quick to blame the phone. Maybe you just used the wrong method for your firmware version or didn't take into account the nuances of the settings.

Method 1: Classic button combination (always working)

The most reliable and versatile method is the use of physical buttons, which works on any version of MIUI and does not depend on the gesture settings or the voice assistant.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a message in the messenger or a page in the browser).
2. Press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left) at the same time.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Attention: If you press the buttons too hard or too low, the system may perceive this as an attempt to turn off the phone or change the volume.

Make sure the screen is not locked.

Fingers do not close the light sensor

The buttons are not stuck (check by pressing separately)

The sound is not turned off (otherwise you will not hear confirmation)-->

If the screenshot doesn’t work, try:

• 🔄 Repeat the combination, holding the buttons longer (up to 3 seconds).
• 📱 Reboot your phone – sometimes system processes block screenshots.
• 🔊 Enable sound (in Settings) → Sound - this will help you hear the confirmation of the shooting.

Method 2: Three-finger gesture (quickly, but requires adjustment)

MIUI has a handy three-finger swipe feature for taking screenshots, but it can be disabled by default. Here's how to activate it and use it:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the screenshot with three fingers and switch on the switch.
3. Return to the screen and swipe down the screen with three fingers at the same time (not necessarily vertically, a small angle is allowed).

💡 Useful advice: If the gesture doesn’t work, try it:

• 🧹 Wipe the screen – dirt or moisture can interfere with touch recognition.
• 👆 Use other fingers (e.g. ring, middle and index fingers instead of three adjacent fingers).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes the touch layer will “hang” after prolonged use.

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), this gesture may not work.

Method 3: 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 or your buttons are not working.

1. Activate voice assistant: For Google: say OK, Google, or hold the Home button (if you have one). For Alice: say Hello, Alice.

• 🗣️ Take a screenshot (for Google Assistant).
• 🗣️ Take a picture of the screen (for Alice).

❗ Important: This method requires:

• 📶 Internet connection (for voice command processing).
• 🔊 Enabled microphone (check permissions for assistant in Settings) → Annexes).
• 📱 Unlocked screen (on a locked screen, voice commands usually don’t work).

🔹 On Xiaomi Mi. 8 Pro with firmware MIUI 12.5+ Voice screenshots may not automatically be saved to the gallery. Pictures/Screenshots via file manager.

Method 4: Screenshot via notification panel (for MIUI 12 and later)

In the new versions of MIUI, a quick screenshot button has been added to the notification bar to use:

1. Pull the notification bar down twice (to reveal all icons).
2. Find the screenshot icon (usually looks like scissors or screen thumbnails).
3. Slip it on it - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

If no button:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Notification panel.
• 🔄 Find the Order of Badges section and add the Screenshot to the Active.
• 📱 Restart your phone if the changes don’t apply.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI The screenshot button may disappear after the updates. In this case, reset the notification bar settings in Settings → Annexes → Application management → System settings → Reset.

Method 5: Party of the application (if nothing works)

If standard methods don't work (for example, due to a system failure or custom firmware), you can use third-party apps.The best options for Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro:

• 📸 Screenshot Easy – Supports screenshots with gestures, timer and editing.
• 🖼️ Screen Master – allows you to take long screenshots (scroll screens).
• 🎮 Game Tools (built-in to the MIUI) — If you need to take a screenshot in the game.

🔧 How to install and configure:

1. Download the app from Google Play (like Screenshot Easy).
2. Run it and grant permissions to Overlay over other windows and access storage.
3. Follow the instructions in the app (usually activate a floating button or gesture).

❗ Warning: Some applications may request suspicious permissions (e.g. access to the Internet) SMS Install only proven programs with high rating (4.5).+).

💡

If screenshots are saved in low quality through the app, go to its settings and select the PNG format instead of JPEG.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even on a serviceable Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, there can be errors when creating screenshots.

1. Screenshot is not saved in the gallery

🔹 Reason: Screenshots folder is damaged or hidden.

🔧 Decision:

• Open Files → Internal Storage → Pictures and check if there is a Screenshots folder.
• If it's not there, create it manually.
• Reboot the phone.

2. shutter sound is there, but no screenshot.

🔹 Cause: Conflict with other applications (e.g. Clean Master or DU Speed Booster).

🔧 Solution: Go to Settings → Apps, find cleaning programs and disable their auto-run.

3.The three-finger gesture is not working.

🔹 Reason: The feature in the settings is disabled or the touch screen is faulty.

🔧 Decision:

• Check your gesture settings (see Method 2).
• Test the sensor with the Touch Screen Test app.
• If the screen is partially not working, contact the service.

💡

If none of the methods work, try resetting your phone to factory settings (don’t forget to back up!).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro