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

Are you trying to save an important message in a chat, capture an error in an app or share a funny meme from Instagram, but do not know how to take a screenshot on Xiaomi? No problem - even experienced users sometimes overlook all the available ways. Redmi, POCO and other models based on MIUI offer at least 5 different methods of creating screenshots, and we will break each of them with nuances for different versions of the firmware.

In this article, you will find not only standard button combinations, but also hidden MIUI features that are not mentioned in the official instructions, such as how to take a screenshot with one hand or save a long web page as a whole, and we will also explain why sometimes photos are not saved and how to fix this without resetting.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models - from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

• 📱 At the same time, press the power button (on/off) and the volume reduction button.
• 🎯 Hold them down. 1-2 seconds until the screen blinks and save animations appear.
• 🔊 You will hear a characteristic shutter sound (unless the system sound is switched off).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) Holding the buttons too long can trigger emergency mode, and optimal time is until the white bezels around the screen appear.

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

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

Or in the gallery on the Screenshots album, on MIUI 14+, a thumbnail appears in the lower right corner, and click on it to edit or share right away.

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If the power button is broken, use the alternative methods in the following sections – they do not require physical keys.

2. Screenshot by gesture (three fingers)

The gesture screenshot feature is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and up, and is especially handy if you often take screenshots with one hand or the buttons on your phone are worn out.

1. Open Settings → Additional functions → Screenshot by gesture.
2. Activate the switch Screenshot with three fingers.
3. Choose the direction of the gesture: down (recommended) or up.

Now to take a screenshot:

• 👆 Place three fingers on the screen (no matter which one you can use).
• 📲 Move them down (or up if you choose this direction) quickly).
• 🎨 The screen will blink and the picture will be saved in the gallery.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The gesture may conflict with the Swipe for Return function. If screenshots fail, turn off swipe gestures in the navigation settings.

Make sure the screen is clean (mud interferes with finger recognition)

Disable the magnetically mounted case (can block the sensor)

Check that the gesture is enabled in the settings

Make a test swipe on the main screen-->

3. Screenshot via Quick Ball (floating button)

Quick Ball is a virtual button that appears on top of any screen, not only makes navigation easier, but also allows you to take screenshots with a single touch, especially for devices with large screens (such as the Xiaomi Pad 6 or the POCO X5 Pro).

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Additional features → Quick Ball.
2. Turn on the Quick Ball slider.
3. Click Settings and add the screenshot option to the toolbar.
4. Select the position of the button on the screen (left or right).

Now to take a screenshot:

• 🎯 Touch Quick Ball (Grey Round Icon).
• 📸 In the menu that appears, select the screenshot icon (scissors).

🔹 Quick Ball works even in games and applications where standard gestures may not work (for example, in the case of a mobile phone). PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).

Power and volume buttons

Three-finger gesture

Quick Ball

Voice assistant

Another way.-->

4. Voice command via Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant enabled (or Alice from Yandex), you can take screenshots with your voice, which is convenient when your hands are busy.

For Google Assistant:

• 🗣️ Say, OK, Google, take a screenshot".
• 📲 Confirm permission to access the screen (when you first use it).
• 🎨 The picture will be saved in a standard folder.

For Alice (only on Russian-language firmware):

• 🗣️ Say, "Alice, screenshot".
• 🔄 If the team does not work, check whether access to Special Opportunities for Yandex.Browser is enabled.

⚠️ Attention: Voice screenshots do not work in banking applications (for example, SberBank Online), games with blocking overlays and some messengers (for example, Telegram in secret chats).

5. Screenshot of a long page (scroll)

Should you save the entire web page, WhatsApp chat, or a long VK post? MIUI has a built-in Scrolling Shot feature, but it doesn't work in all apps. Here's how to use it:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the thumbnail of the picture appears at the bottom of the screen, click on it.
3. In the screenshot editor, select the Scrolling option (an icon with two arrows down).
4. 📜 Wait until the system automatically scrolls through the page and takes a long shot.
5. 🖌️ If necessary, cut the excess and save.

🔹 Where it works: Mi Browser, Chrome, VKontakte, Telegram (not in all chat rooms).

❌ Where it doesn’t work: Instagram (due to app restrictions), banking apps, some games.

💡 Alternative: If the built-in scroll doesn’t work, use apps like LongShot or Scroll Capture from Google Play.

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The scrollable feature appeared in MIUI 12 and only works in supported applications.

Screenshot via the notification menu (for MIUI 14+)

The latest versions of MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 have another way to go, through the notification bar, which is convenient if you switch between tasks often and don’t want to memorize gestures.

How to do this:

• 📱 Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
• 🔍 Find the Screenshot (Scissors icon) button in Quick Settings.
• 📸 Click on it – the picture will be taken instantly.

If the button is not in the panel:

1. Open Settings → Notification panel and controls.
2. Press Change the Order.
3. Find the screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) may not have this button.

Table: Methods compatible with Xiaomi models

🔹 Note: On Android One devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A3) Only standard Android methods are available – buttons and voice assistant.

Frequent problems and solutions

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery.

• 🔧 Check if saving is disabled: Settings → Annexes → gallery → Permits → Warehouse.
• 🗃️ Make sure your phone has enough memory (minimum 500MB of free space).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes helps reset the system cache.

Problem 2: The three-finger gesture doesn't work.

• 🔍 Check if the function is included in the Settings → Additional functions.
• 🧹 Clear the Launcher app cache (settings) → applications → systemic → Launcher).
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.

Problem 3: The screenshot shows a black screen (in games or banking applications).

🔒 This is a screenshot protection that the app developer has installed, and you can't get around it without root rights. The alternative is to take a picture of the screen with another phone.

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If screenshots are delayed, turn off the interface animation in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers → Animation and select No Animation).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions