Screenshot of Xiaomi Mi 8: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is still popular with users thanks to its powerful hardware and support for the latest versions of MIUI. But even owners with experience sometimes face difficulties in creating screenshots — especially if they have previously used devices from other brands. In this article, we will analyze all possible methods for creating screenshots on the Mi 8, including little-known chips and solutions to typical problems.

Many people think that it's enough to just press two buttons to take a screenshot -- and that's true, but only in part. There are at least 5 alternative ways to do it on the Xiaomi Mi 8, and newer versions of MIUI 12+ have additional editing and instant sending options, and if your smartphone doesn't respond to standard combinations or screenshots are kept in low quality, here you will find the answers.

We will focus on saving problems (for example, when screenshots disappear from the gallery) and alternative methods for users with faulty buttons, and we will also reveal the secret of how to take screenshots of the pages you scrolle (for example, chats on Telegram or Instagram feeds) without third-party applications.

If you've just updated your firmware and you find that your usual gestures are no longer working, don't panic. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by setting up one setting in the Additional Features menu. Details are in the appropriate section.

1. Standard method: button combination

The classic method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Mi 8, is to simultaneously press the power button and reduce volume. Here's how to do it correctly:

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a WhatsApp message or a page in your browser).

2. simultaneously press and hold the Power button (right) and Volume Down button (left) for 1-2 seconds.

3 You will hear the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is on) and see the save animation at the top of the screen.

⚠️ Warning: Do not hold the buttons for longer than 3 seconds - this can cause the screen to accidentally turn off or reboot the device.If the screenshot did not work the first time, try pressing buttons with a slight delay (first Power, then Volume Down).

• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI (9-14)
• ✅ It does not require an internet connection.
• ❌ It may not work with faulty physical buttons.
• ❌ Uncomfortable to use with one hand

If the combination does not work, check:

1. Are the volume buttons locked in the settings (Settings → Sound → Volume buttons).
2. Do not disturb (it can block the shutter sound)
3. Are there any third-party button management apps (such as Button Mapper) installed?

💡

If you have a magnetic lock case (such as the Xiaomi Smart Cover), remove it before you take a screenshot – the magnet may accidentally lock the screen.

2. Screenshot by gesture (three fingers)

One of the most convenient ways is to use a three-finger gesture across the screen, which is enabled by default in MIUI 10 and later, but it may not be available on the factory-built Mi 8.

1. Go to Settings → Additional Features → Gestures → Screenshot with three fingers.

2. Activate the switch and select the gesture direction (usually Top Down).

3. Now swipe your three fingers across the screen in the given direction - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

This is especially useful if you don't have physical buttons working or you often take screenshots with one hand, for example, to capture a conversation in Viber, you just need one movement — you don't have to look for buttons.

• 👆 Squeeze three fingers (two or four will not work)
• 🔄 The direction of the gesture can be changed to the bottom up in the settings
• ⚡ It works even on a locked screen (if the option is enabled in the security settings)
• 🎨 After creating a screenshot, the editing panel immediately opens.

⚠️ Warning: If the gesture is not recognized, check if it conflicts with other features (such as Split Screen or Camera Quick Start.

Make sure the screen is clean (mud interferes with recognition)

Turn off the "For Left-handed" mode in the settings

Make sure that the gesture does not conflict with other functions.

Update the firmware to the latest version-->

3. Screenshot via notification panel

Few people know, but MIUI 12 and later has the ability to take screenshots directly from the notification panel, a method that is convenient when you need to quickly capture the screen without remembering combinations or gestures.

1. Unfold the notification panel by swiping your finger from the top edge of the screen down.

2.Look for the Screenshot icon (usually hidden under the Edit button).

3.Slip it - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

If the badge is not:

1. Click Edit in the notification panel.
2. Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.
3. Save the changes.

This method is especially useful for scrolling screenshots (we will talk about them later), since after pressing the button, a menu with additional options appears.

4. Voice command via Google Assistant

If you’re too lazy to remember combinations or make gestures, you can use the voice assistant, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones with Google Assistant installed (including the Mi 8).

1. Activate Google Assistant by saying OK, Google or holding the Home button.

2. Tell the command: Take a screenshot or take a picture of the screen.

3. Wait for confirmation - the picture will be saved in the gallery.

⚠️ Note: This method is required:

• 🌐 Internet connection (for voice recognition)
• 🎤 Permission to use the microphone for Google Assistant
• 🔊 Enabled voice input in settings (Settings) → Google → Assistant settings → Voice input)

This is convenient for taking screenshots without touching the screen (for example, if you are cooking and your hands are dirty) or for people with disabilities, but it is slower than others and requires a stable Internet connection.

5. Scrolling (long) screenshots

One of the most useful features of MIUI is the ability to create screenshots of the pages you scrolle, which is useful if you want to save:

• 📄 Long chat on Telegram or WhatsApp
• 📊 Web page with tables (for example, search results)
• 📱 Instagram feed or VK

How to do this:

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

⚠️ Note: The feature doesn’t work in all apps, for example, Google Maps or some banking apps, it may be blocked for security reasons, and long screenshots take up more space — one file may weigh 5-10 MB instead of the usual 200-500 CBB.

If the scroll option is inactive:

• Update the app you are trying to take a screenshot of.
• Check if the app supports this feature (the list of compatible is available on the official MIUI website).
• Reboot your smartphone – sometimes it helps to reset the system cache.

💡

Long screenshots are saved in.png format and may be too large to send by mail.Use compression via Google Photos or special apps.

6. Solving screenshot problems

Sometimes screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 8 don't save, disappear from the gallery or are taken in low resolution.

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery.

• 🔍 Check the folder. Pictures/Screenshots through any file manager (e.g., Mi File Explorer).
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the system does not have time to update the media base.
• 📁 Make sure that the device has enough memory (minimum 100 MB of free space).

Problem 2: Low quality screenshots.

• 🔧 Check the screen resolution in the settings (Settings) → Display. → Screen resolution. Must be FHD+ (2248×1080).
• 🎨 Turn off the power saving mode – it can reduce the quality of rendering.
• 🔄 Update the firmware: in older versions MIUI There was a screenshot compression bug.

Problem 3: The gestures or button combinations don’t work.

• 🛠️ Reset your gesture settings: Settings → Additional functions → Gestures → Drop it.
• 🔧 Check if third-party apps are conflicting (like Nova Launcher or Tasker).
• 📱 If the button combination doesn’t work, try using Power. + Increased volume (on some firmware).

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your system settings (without deleting data):

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose Reset all settings (not to be confused with Reset to factory!).
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.

💡

If screenshots are needed for work or study, set up automatic backup to Google Drive: Settings → Google → Backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 8