How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi A2: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Mi A2 is one of the few smartphones of the brand that runs on pure 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 working methods, including gestures, voice commands and third-party utilities, as well as solve typical problems (for example, when screenshots are not saved or a black screen appears).

The Mi A2 is not a physical Menu button, which is often used in instructions for other Xiaomi devices, and it's all based on Power + Volume, but there are alternatives, and if you've been updating your firmware or installing custom software, some methods may not work, and we'll talk about that too.

1. Standard method: power and volume buttons

This is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi Mi A2 smartphones regardless of the Android version. The main condition is that the device must be unlocked (not in lock-in mode).

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Open on the screen what you want to capture (application, web page, settings).
• 🔘 Press and hold the Power button (right) and Volume Down button (left) for 1-2 seconds at the same time.
• 🎨 You will hear the sound of the camera shutter, and the screen will blink for a split second - this is a signal that the screenshot was taken.

Where to look for a finished shot? All screenshots are automatically saved to the Pictures → Screenshots folder (can be opened through the Gallery app or any file manager). If the folder is empty, check the Downloads section - sometimes the system saves files there.

⚠️ Note: If you have a magnetic lock case installed (such as the Xiaomi Smart Cover), it can block the Power button. remove the case before taking a screenshot or press a little harder.

Alternative method: food menu

On the Mi A2 with Android 9 Pie and later, the way is available through the off menu.This is convenient if the physical buttons don't work well or you prefer front-end solutions.

Step-by-step:

1. Press the Power button for 2-3 seconds until the off menu appears.
2. At the bottom of the screen, tap the Screenshot icon (the icon of scissors or cameras).
3. Confirm the action if necessary.

This method doesn't work on all firmware, and if you don't have a Screenshot icon, it's disabled in the settings.

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → System system → Gestures → Menu food.
• 📲 Enable the screenshot slider (if the option is available).

3. Screenshot by gesture (only for the MIUI)

If you have reflashed the Mi A2 on MIUI (e.g., through Xiaomi.eu or the global version), you will be able to take screenshots with a three-finger gesture. On pure Android One, this feature is missing.

How to set up:

• 👆 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Special facilities → Screenshot gesture.
• 🖐️ Turn on the option and select a gesture: swipe three fingers down or up the screen.
• 🎯 Test on the home screen – if everything works, a notification will appear about the creation of the screenshot.

The advantage of the method is speed: you do not need to press buttons. The disadvantage is random positives if you often use gestures to scroll (for example, in a browser).

4. Voice command (Google Assistant)

If you have Google Assistant on, you can take a voice screenshot, which is useful when your hands are busy or your buttons are not working, and it works on any Android device, including the Mi A2.

Instructions:

1. Activate the Assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button (if you have one).
2. Say the command: “Take a screenshot” or “Take a screenshot” (in English it works more accurately).
3. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

Limitations:

• 🔇 It only works when connected to the Internet (necessary for voice recognition).
• 📵 In some applications (e.g. banking), voice input may be blocked for security reasons.

💡

If Google Assistant doesn’t recognize the command, try to pronounce it more clearly or switch the language in the Assistant’s English settings.

Side of the screenshot annex

If standard methods don’t work (for example, because of broken buttons or custom firmware), you can use third-party utilities. We tested 3 reliable applications that are compatible with the Xiaomi Mi A2:

Check reviews before installing – some apps may not work on Android 10+ due to system limitations. Also avoid utilities that require root rights – getting them on the Mi A2 can lead to a loss of warranty.

⚠️ Note: Apps for screenshots with access to special features (for example, to intercept the screen) may conflict with banking programs. If after installation, SberBank Online or Tinkoff stopped working, disable permissions for screenshots.

6. Solving screenshot problems

If screenshots are not created or saved with artifacts, check out these points:

🔴 Problem: Screenshot is not saved

• 📁 Check the free space in the device memory (needs a minimum of 100 MB).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes helps with system failures.
• 🛠️ Update the Gallery app via Google Play.

🔴 Problem: Black screen in the screenshot

This is a common mistake when trying to take a picture in secure applications (banks, encrypted messengers).

1. Use the built-in screenshot feature in the app itself (if any). For example, in Telegram you can click on it. ⋮ → Share. → Screenshot.
2. Take a picture of the screen with another device (if privacy permits).

🔴 Problem: The buttons don't work

On Xiaomi Mi. A2 With worn volume buttons, screenshots can be taken through ADB-You can connect the device to the PC, you can debug the phone. USB and do it:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

The file will be saved in the root folder of the memory under the name screen.png.

💡

If screenshots stop working after a firmware update, try resetting to factory settings (with data saved), often resolving system services conflicts.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions