How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi A2: all the ways (including hidden)

Xiaomi Mi A2 is one of the few smartphones of the brand that runs on a “clean” Android One instead of the proprietary shell MIUI. Because of this, the standard combination of buttons for creating screenshots here differ from other Xiaomi models. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to take a screenshot, including alternative methods for unusual situations (for example, if the power button does not work).

The Mi A2 is not featured in Xiaomi’s signature gestures (like a three-finger swipe), but it supports universal Android features, which means that some methods will work on other devices with similar firmware. We’ve tested all of them on the current version of Android 11 (the latest official update for the model), but the instructions will remain relevant for custom firmware.

1. Standard method: button combination

The most reliable and versatile method is the use of hardware buttons. On the Xiaomi Mi A2, it uses power and volume reduction keys.

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 characteristic sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Warning: If you press the buttons too long (more than 3 seconds), a forced reboot or call to Google Assistant will work. The optimal retention time is exactly until visual confirmation appears (screen blinking).

Where to look for a finished screenshot? All screenshots are automatically saved in the folder:

Internal Memory → Pictures → Screenshots

They can also be found in the gallery - they are marked with a special scissors icon in the lower right corner of the preview.

Make sure the screen flashes.|Listen to the shutter sound.|Check the notification in the curtain|Open the Screenshots folder-->

2. Alternative method: through the notification panel

If the hardware buttons on your Mi A2 are worn or not working, use the software method through the notification curtain.

1. Turn the notification bar swipe from top to bottom.
2. Click on the icon «⚙️» (gear) in the upper right corner to open Quick settings.
3. Find the Screenshot tile (if not, tap Edit and add it to the active elements).
4. Now, when deploying the curtain, just press this tile - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

🔹 Pros of the method:

• 👍 It does not require physical buttons.
• 👍 You can make a gesture (for example, double touch on the tile)
• 👍 It works even with a locked screen (if the appropriate setting is enabled)

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware may not have Screenshot tiles. In this case, use the applications in Section 4.

3. Screenshot with Google Assistant

Owners of Xiaomi Mi A2 on Android One can use the voice assistant to take screenshots. This method is convenient if hands are busy or buttons are not available.

1. Activate Google Assistant with the “OK Google” voice command or by holding the Home button (if configured).
2. Say “take a screenshot” or “screenshot”.
3. Confirm the action in the window that appears (if required).

🔹 Limitations of method:

• 🗣️ It only works when connected to the Internet (for voice command processing).
• 📵 Does not work on a locked screen.
• 🔇 Requires microphone enabled and permission to use Google Assistant.

4. Apps for screenshots: top-3 variant

If the standard methods don't work (e.g., you need to take a scrolling screenshot or add annotations), install one of the specialized applications. We tested them on the Mi A2 and selected the best ones:

🔹 How to choose?

• 📱 For Scrolling Screenshots (e.g., Long Chats) – Screen Master.
• ⏱️ For Delayed Photos (Timer) – Screenshot Easy.
• 🛡️ For minimalists, Android built-in tools (see section 1).

💡

Before installing the app, check the reviews from the last month – some programs stop supporting older versions of Android, such as the Mi A2 (last updated in 2021).

5. Screenshot on locked screen

On the Xiaomi Mi A2, it is impossible to take a screenshot from a locked screen with standard means due to the limitations of Android One. However, there is a workaround using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and basic command-line skills.

Instructions:

1. Connect the Mi A2 to your PC via USB and enable USB Debugging in Settings → System → About Phone → Assembly Number (tap 7 times to unlock the developer mode).
2. Install ADB Tools on your computer.
3. Enter the command in the terminal: adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
4. Copy the file on PC: adb pull /sdcard/screen.png

⚠️ Note: This method captures the current state of the screen, including the locked one:

• 🔌 Connection to PC (not remotely).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB (What could be a security risk).
• 💻 Knowledge of the basics of working with the command line.

💡

ADB-The method is the only way to get a screenshot from a locked screen on Mi A2, But it requires technical training and a temporary connection to the computer.

6.Editing and sharing screenshots

Once you have created a screenshot of the Xiaomi Mi A2, you can edit it or share it right away.

1. Immediately after creating the picture at the bottom of the screen will appear panel with options: 🖋️ Edit – cropping, drawing, adding text. 📤 Share - sending to messengers or social networks. 🗑️ Delete – if you don’t need a screenshot.

If the panel is gone, open the screenshot from the gallery and tap "Edit" (pencil icon).

🔹 Editing tips:

• 🎨 Use blur to hide personal data (phone numbers, addresses).
• 📏 The pruning function automatically offers optimal boundaries.
• 🔤 Fonts and stickers are available after installing Google Photos.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even on a reliable device like the Xiaomi Mi A2, you can have some screenshot problems, and let’s look at the typical situations and how to fix them:

🔹 Additional advice:

• 🔄 If screenshots are kept in low resolution, check the camera settings (sometimes they affect the quality of screenshots).
• 📁 Screenshots folder may be hiding – turn on the display of hidden files in the file manager.
• 🔒 On some firmware screenshots of secure applications (for example, banking) are blocked by default.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions