Xiaomi Mi A2 is one of the few smartphones of the brand that runs on a “pure” Android One instead of the proprietary shell MIUI. This feature affects the process of creating screenshots: some of the methods that are familiar to owners of other Xiaomi models simply do not work here. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to take a screenshot on the Mi A2, including button combinations, gestures and third-party utilities - taking into account the Android version and possible limitations.
We will focus on common errors: why the screenshot is not saved, where files are lost and how to return the feature if it stopped working after the update. Also compare the Mi A2 with other Xiaomi models - find out which methods are universal and which are unique for Android One devices.
1. Standard method: button combination
The most reliable and versatile method is to use physical buttons. On the Xiaomi Mi A2, you can simultaneously press the screenshot:
- 🔘 Power button (right) + volume reduction (left).
- 🕒 Hold for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is on) and see the animation.
- 📁 The image is automatically saved in the folder Pictures/Screenshots.
This method works on all versions of Android, including Android 8.1 Oreo (the original firmware Mi A2) and Android 10 (the latest official update).
⚠️ Note: Some firmware from third-party developers (for example, LineageOS) may change the purpose of the buttons. → Gestures → Buttons.
Make sure the buttons are not stuck or damaged.|
Turn off the case if it blocks access to the keys |
Check if Do Not Disturb mode is on (it can turn off the sound of the screenshot)|
Update the firmware to the latest version-->
2.The swipe gesture - does it work on the Mi A2?
Many Xiaomi models on MIUI support screenshots with three fingers wired across the screen. However, on the Mi A2 with Android One, this gesture is not available by default — it cannot be activated in standard settings. This is a key difference from devices on MIUI 10+, where the feature is available in the Additional → Screenshot section.
Alternatives:
- 📱 Install a third-party gesture app (like Screenshot Easy or Screenshot Touch).
- ⚙️ If you have custom firmware installed (e.g. Pixel Experience), check the gesture settings in the System menu. → Movements.
- 🔄 On some versions of Android 10, the option “Swipe on the screen” appears after manually enabling Settings. → System system → Gestures → Additionally.
Button combination |
Gestures (if supported)|
Voice Assistant (OK Google) |
Party of annex-->
3. Voice command via Google Assistant
If you have Google Assistant on, you can take a voice screenshot.
- Activate the assistant with the phrase “OK, Google” or by holding the Home button.
- Say, “Take a screenshot” or “Photograph the screen.”
- Confirm the action (if required).
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Works without manual intervention – convenient if your hands are busy.
- ✅ No need to remember button combinations.
Limitations:
- ❌ You need to connect to the Internet to process voice.
- ❌ In some languages (except English) the command may not be recognized.
💡
If Google Assistant doesn’t respond to the command, check the permissions for the application in Settings → Apps → Google → Permissions. Make sure that access to the screen and microphone is enabled.
4. Screenshot applications: when standard methods don't work
If none of the above methods are suitable (for example, a broken power button), use third-party utilities. A2:
| Annex | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot Easy | Gestures, timer, editing | Advertising in the free version |
| Screenshot Touch | Screenshots swipe, screen recording | Requires root for some functions |
| Super Screenshot | Scrolling through long pages | Plugins take up a lot of space |
How to install and configure:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Run and grant permissions to Overlay on top of other applications and access files.
- Select the activation method (such as shaking your phone or button in the notification bar).
⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Screenshot Touch) may conflict with Android 10 system gestures. If standard swipes (such as backup) stop working after installation, disable the application overlay in special features settings.
5 Where are the screenshots saved and how to find them
By default, screenshots on the Mi A2 are saved in the folder:
/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/How to open it:
- 📂 Through the Gallery: Open the album Screenshots.
- 🔍 Through Explorer: Follow the path above or search for Screenshot.
- ☁️ If sync with Google Photos is enabled, the images will appear in the web version of the service.
If screenshots are not saved:
- 🛠️ Check the space in the memory (needs at least 100 MB).
- 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes system processes “hang up».
- 📋 Make sure that the Gallery app has permission to access the files.
How to change the folder of saving screenshots?
6 Problems and Solutions: Screenshots Are Not Working
Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The button combination doesn't work. | Key sticking or damage | Try other methods (voice, app) |
| No sound in the screenshot. | System sound or Do Not Disturb mode is disabled | Check the volume in Settings → Sound |
| Screenshot black or blank | Conflict with an application (e.g. banking) | Use the built-in screen shooting function in this application |
| Not saved in the gallery. | Reading error SD-map | Save it to internal memory or format the card. |
If the problem persists after all the manipulations, try resetting your phone to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset). pre-backup data - reset will delete all user files.
💡
The Mi A2 with Android One doesn’t have a built-in scrolling screenshot feature (like in MIUI). Use third-party apps like LongShot or Scroll Capture to capture long pages.
7. Comparison with other Xiaomi models
Xiaomi Mi A2 stands out among the brand’s devices because of Android One, which affects the way screenshots are made available.
- 📱 Redmi Note 10/11 (MIUI 12+): Supports three-finger gesture, scrolling screenshots, fast buttons in the curtain.
- 📱 POCO X3 (MIUI for POCO): Quick Ball (floating circle for quick access).
- 📱 Mi A3 (Android One: Similar to Mi A2, but with support for the swipe on the screen gesture on some firmware.
The main difference between the Mi A2 is the lack of branded “chips” Xiaomi. But there are no unnecessary restrictions: for example, you can freely install any launchers or change system fonts without root rights.