How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi A2 (Mi A2): all ways + life hacks 2026

The Xiaomi A2 (or Mi A2, as it was called when it was released) is still a popular smartphone among users who appreciate clean Android One and reliable hardware. But even such a proven device has nuances: for example, not everyone knows how to quickly take a screenshot, especially if the power button is broken or the screen does not respond to touch. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways, from classic to hidden, and also tell you where the screenshots are saved and how to edit them.

It's important to understand that the Xiaomi A2 runs on Android stock, so some of the features that are familiar to MIUI are missing, like the three-finger-down gesture or the built-in screenshot editor from Xiaomi, but there are alternative solutions that you'll learn more about.

If you’re looking for a way to take a screenshot of the Xiaomi A2 Lite, the principles are the same, but with adjustments for other specifications (e.g., smaller RAM can affect the performance of some applications), and we’ll mention this in the corresponding section.

1. Classic method: power buttons + volume

It’s a versatile method that works on 99% of Android smartphones, including the Xiaomi A2.

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 reduction 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.

⚠️ Note: If you press the buttons too long (more than 3 seconds), the smartphone may interpret this as a command to force a reboot or call the recovery menu.

Where to look for a ready screenshot? By default, files are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

💡

If the screenshot is not saved, check if automatic saving is disabled in the settings of the Gallery or Files application.

Share.

Delete

2. Screenshot by gesture (if buttons do not work)

The Xiaomi A2 with Android One doesn’t have a built-in screenshot gesture feature (unlike MIUI), but it can be added in two ways:

• 🔧 Through special features settings: activate Assistive Touch (a virtual button on the screen) that simulates physical keystrokes.
• 📱 Third-party apps, such as Screenshot Touch or Screenshot Easy (available on Google Play), allow you to take screenshots by touching an icon in the notification bar or shaking your device.

⚠️ Note: Screenshot apps require the right to display over other windows and access storage. Do not install them from unverified sources - this can lead to data leakage.

If gestures don't work because of a sensor failure, try restarting your smartphone or checking the integrity of the screen at the service center.The Xiaomi A2 often fails the touchscreen plume after falls.

3. Screenshot via Google Assistant (voice or text)

Few people know, but Google Assistant can take screenshots of voice commands or text requests, which saves you if the buttons or screen are faulty.

1. Activate Google Assistant: Voice: Say OK, Google or press the Home button (if physical). Gesture: swipe diagonally from the corner of the screen (if Swipe is enabled to call Assistant).

Take a screenshot.

Take a screenshot

Confirm the action if necessary.

🔹 Limitations of method:

• ❌ Does not work in some applications (for example, in banking or limited rights).
• ❌ It may not work if the Assistant access to the screen is disabled (check in Settings). → Annexes → Google → Permits).

4. Scrolling screenshot (long screenshot)

The Xiaomi A2 doesn’t have a built-in scrolling screenshot feature (like MIUI or Samsung), but it can be implemented with third-party tools:

For most users, the best option with LongShot is:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open the page you want to capture (for example, an Instagram feed or an article in your browser).
3. Run LongShot and select Auto Scroll mode.
4. Press Start and wait for the process to be completed.

💡

For scrolling screenshots in the Chrome browser, you can use the GoFullPage extension – it saves the entire page to PDF or PNG without having to glue the parts together.

5. Saving and editing screenshots

By default, screenshots on the Xiaomi A2 are saved in PNG format with a resolution corresponding to the screen resolution (2160×1080 for the Mi A2). To change the save location or format:

• 📁 Save folder: Use a file manager (such as Files by Google) to transfer files to the cloud or memory card.
• ✏️ Editing: Built-in tools are minimal (trimming, drawing), but you can install Photo Editor or Snapseed for advanced features.
• 🗑️ Autoclean: Enable in Settings → Warehouse → Free up space Automatically remove old screenshots.

⚠️ Note: If screenshots take up too much space, check the folder Pictures/Screenshots Applications like Clean Master sometimes create copies when optimized.

6. Screenshot Problems and Their Solutions

If screenshots fail to be taken or they are saved with artifacts, check the following points:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your settings (but back up first!). Go to Settings → System → Settings Reset → App Settings Reset.

The Xiaomi A2 with firmware below Android 10 may not support screenshots in some games (such as PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) due to cheating protection, in which case only screen recording will help.

7. Alternative methods: ADB and PC

For advanced users, there is a way to take a screenshot through the command line using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is true if the smartphone is connected to a computer, but the screen does not respond.

1. Install Platform Tools (download from Google’s website).
2. Connect Xiaomi A2 to your PC via USB and enable Debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → Assembly Number – tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → System → Developer).
3. Open the command line in the adb.exe folder and type: adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
4. Take a screenshot with the command: adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png
5. Download the file on PC: adb pull /sdcard/screenshot.png

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB The wrong commands can cause data loss or soft-brick of a device. If you're not sure, trust the experts.

For Windows users, there is an easier way – the scrcpy program. It not only duplicates the screen of the smartphone on the PC, but also allows you to take screenshots directly from the computer (Ctrl + S button).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi A2