How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi 9: all ways with photos and videos

Xiaomi Mi 9 is still a popular choice among users, despite the release of new models. One of the basic functions that you have to use daily is to create screenshots. But not everyone knows that this device has 5 different ways to take a screenshot at once, from the classic combination of buttons to hidden chips MIUI, which are not talked about even in the official instructions.

In this article, we will discuss each method in detail, with explanations, step-by-step photos and nuances to help avoid errors, such as why sometimes a screenshot is not saved in the gallery or how to take a long screenshot on the Mi 9, and at the end, answers to frequent questions and life hacks that will simplify the work with the screens.

If you've just moved from an iPhone or other Android smartphone, some of the ways that might seem unusual, like a three-finger gesture or a button in the notification panel, are unique MIUI chips that aren't in standard Android. But don't worry, after reading this article, you can take screenshots of Xiaomi Mi 9 in a matter of seconds, even with your eyes closed.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Mi 9, Mi 9T and Mi 9 SE. It does not require customization and works even if gestures or notification panel are disabled.

To take a screenshot:

1. Open on the screen what you want to shoot (page in the browser, message in the messenger, etc.).
2. Press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left) at the same time.
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 (over 3 seconds), you will be forced to restart or call Google Assistant. on the Mi 9 this is especially true because of the sensitive sensors.

Where to look for a finished screenshot?

• 📁 In the gallery folder → Screenshots (or) DCIM/Screenshots file-manager).
• 🔍 In the notification panel – immediately after creation, a preview will appear with the buttons Share and Delete.
• ☁️ If you have Mi Cloud sync enabled, the screenshot will automatically upload to the cloud.

Camera shutter sound |Animation at the edges of the screen |Notification in the curtain |File in the Screenshots folder-->

This is a reliable way to do this, but it's not always convenient, for example, if you're holding a smartphone with one hand, it can be difficult to press two buttons on different sides of the case at the same time, and alternative methods can help.

2. Three-finger gesture: quick screenshot without buttons

MIUI offers a unique feature, swipe three fingers across the screen to create a screenshot, which is one of the fastest ways, but you need to turn it on first in the settings.

How to activate a gesture:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Three finger gesture.
2. Turn on the Screenshot Switch (or Screenshot depending on the MIUI version).
3. Choose the direction of the swipe: down (recommended) or up.

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Touch the screen with three fingers (usually index, middle and ring).
2. Swipe down the screen in a smooth motion (no need to push hard).
3. Release your fingers after the beep.

⚠️ Note: If the gesture does not work, check it out:

• 🧹 Screen cleanliness – greasy spots or low-sensitivity protective glass may interfere with recognition.
• 👆 Proper movement – swipe should be smooth, without delay.
• 🔄 Availability of updates MIUI — In older versions (below 12), the gesture may not work smoothly.

The advantage of this method is that it's fast and can take a screenshot with one hand, but it can conflict with other gestures, like grabbing a screen to multitask.

3. Screenshot via notification panel

If you're uncomfortable remembering button combinations or gestures, MIUI has a built-in screenshot button right in the notification bar, a way that's suitable for those who often take screenshots and want to minimize their actions.

How to add a screenshot button to the curtain:

1. Open the notification bar by swiping your finger from top to bottom.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (Edit or Set up).
3. Find the screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Open the screen.
2. Pull the notification panel down.
3. Click on the screenshot icon (usually looks like a scissors or a rectangle with lightning).

On the Xiaomi Mi 9 with MIUI 12+, the screenshot button in the curtain allows you to immediately select the area of the screen to capture (for example, only the upper half).

⚠️ Note: In some games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact - the notification panel is blocked, so this will not work.

4. Voice command: "OK, Google, take a screenshot."

If you have Google Assistant enabled, you can take voice screenshots — it's convenient when your hands are busy or your screen is dirty — and it works even on a locked screen (if you're configured to unlock your voice).

How to set up:

1. Make sure Google Assistant is enabled: Settings → Google → Google Assistant settings.
2. Activate voice control: Say “OK, Google” or press the Home button while holding it.
3. Say the command: "Take a screenshot" or "Screenshot".

Advantages of the method:

• 🎤 Works without hands – convenient while cooking, driving (if the smartphone is fastened) or playing sports.
• 🔒 Can be used on a locked screen (if voice unlock is configured).
• 🌐 Supports several languages (including Russian and English).

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 Does not work in Do Not Disturb or if the microphone is turned off.
• 🔋 Extra battery is used due to constant listening to the voice.
• 🎮 In games, it can conflict with voice chat.

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If the voice assistant doesn’t recognize the command, try to pronounce it more clearly or go to the Google Assistant settings and retrain the voice model.

5. Long screenshot (scroll screen) on Xiaomi Mi 9

Sometimes you need to capture not only the visible part of the screen, but also what is hidden outside of it — for example, the entire web page, correspondence in the messenger or a list of comments. MIUI There is a long screenshot function (or Scrolling Screenshot).

How to make a scrolling screen:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the preview screenshot appears at the bottom of the screen, click on the Scroll icon (or Long Shot).
3. Wait until the system automatically scrolls down the page and connects the parts into a single file.
4. Click Ready when the desired fragment is captured.

⚠️ Attention:

• 📱 The feature doesn’t work in all apps, such as Instagram or TikTok, but a long screenshot may not work due to platform limitations.
• 🔄 If the page is scrolling too fast, try taking a screenshot in read mode (in Mi Browser or Chrome).
• 📁 Long screenshots are saved to the same folder, but can take up significantly more space (up to 10 MB per file).

If you don’t get a long screenshot, try alternative apps from Google Play, such as:

• LongShot – supports manual scrolling and cropping.
• Stitch & Share – Stitch and Share puts a few screenshots together.
• Picsew – allows you to edit screenshots before saving.

6.Challenges with screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 9 and their solutions

Sometimes screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 9 They don't save, they turn black, or they don't work.-5 problems and ways to correct them.

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery.

• 🔍 Check the folder. DCIM/Screenshots through the file manager – sometimes files are saved but not displayed in the Gallery.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – it will reset the cache of the media scanner.
• 📥 Install an alternative gallery (e.g. Google Photos).

Problem 2: The power + volume buttons are not working.

• 🔧 Check if one of the buttons is clamped (for example, because of the cover).
• 🛠️ Turn on No Sound mode and try again – sometimes vibration interferes with the operation.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI last-minute.

Problem 3: The three-finger gesture doesn't work.

• 👆 Make sure the function is included in the settings → Special facilities.
• 🧼 Wipe the screen – dirt or fat interferes with touch recognition.
• 🔧 Try changing the direction of the swipe (up/down).

Problem 4: Screenshots are black.

• 🎮 This is normal for screenshot-protected games (such as Free Fire or banking apps).
• 🔒 Check if Incognito mode is enabled in the browser.
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes it helps with graphics driver crashes.

Problem 5: The long screenshot is not working.

• 📱 Update the app you’re trying to take a screenshot of.
• 🔄 Try a different browser (e.g. Chrome instead of Mi Browser).
• 🛠️ Enable the option to Allow long screenshots in the settings MIUI (if available).

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If none of these methods work, reset your MIUI settings to factory settings (but back up your data first!).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 9