How to take a picture of the screen on Android Xiaomi: all the ways of 2026

Screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones are easier to do than it seems — the manufacturer has provided several ways, from the classic combination of buttons to voice commands. But many users face problems: the key combination does not work, the screen does not work, the menu does not have the necessary items. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of creating screenshots on devices Redmi, POCO, Black Shark and other Xiaomi lines running on MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-14.

We will focus on common mistakes: why a screenshot may not be saved to the gallery, how to change the format of the save (PNG/JPEG) and where to find the pictures if they “disappeared”, and consider hidden features that are not written about in the official instructions – for example, how to take a screenshot with a long page scrolling or record video from the screen without third-party applications.

If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS), some of the ways may be different — we’ll mention this separately, too. And at the end of the article, we’ll answer some of the common questions: can you take a screenshot on a phone that’s turned off, how to crop the picture immediately after you’ve created it, and why screens sometimes turn black.

1. Classic method: power buttons + volume

It’s a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models without exception, including the old Redmi 4X and the new Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

1. Open on the screen what you want to capture (message, page in the browser, map, etc.).
2. At the same time, press the power button (on/off) and the volume reduction button.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see an animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) The button combination may conflict with a Google Assistant call. If a voice assistant opens instead of a screenshot, turn it off in the settings: Settings → Annexes → Google Assistant → General. → Use the power button.

Where to look for a ready screenshot? By default, the pictures are saved to the DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots folder. If there is no folder, check Downloads or use the built-in Xiaomi Explorer (the Files icon on your desktop).

2. Screenshot by gesture (three fingers)

MIUI's signature feature is the ability to take screenshots with three fingers wire down, which is convenient when one hand is busy or the power/volume buttons are faulty, to activate the function:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Select the screenshot with three fingers.
3. Turn on the switch and read the motion hint.

Now, just swipe down the screen with three fingers (not necessarily touching at the same time).

• 👆 The gesture should be smooth – a sharp movement will not work.
• 📱 It only works on touch screens – if you have a Xiaomi Pad 6, the method is also applicable.
• ⚙️ In some firmware, you can adjust the direction of the gesture (up/down) in the same settings.

⚠️ Warning: If the gesture conflicts with other functions (such as Split Screen), turn them off temporarily.

3. Screenshot via notification panel

A lesser known, but no less convenient, method is to use a quick bar, suitable for those who do not want to memorize button combinations or gestures.

1. Pull down the notification curtain (with one finger for the short bar, two for the full one).
2. Find a Screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a zipper rectangle) if it's not there, click Edit (pencil in the upper right corner) and add the widget to the active ones.
3. Slip the icon - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than button search (especially on larger smartphones like Xiaomi) 13T Pro).
• 🔄 You can take a screenshot with one hand if the notification panel is in reach.
• 📁 Pictures are saved to the same Screenshots folder as other methods.

If the screenshot icon doesn’t show up even after editing the panel, check:

• 🔧 Version MIUI — in old assemblies (below) MIUI (11) this function may not be.
• 🛠️ Administrator rights for system applications (check Settings) → Annexes → Permits).

4. Voice screenshot via Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant on, you can take screenshots with your voice -- handy when you're busy or your phone's on the table.

1. Activate the assistant with the command “OK, Google” or holding the Home button (if any).
2. Say, Take a screenshot or take a picture of the screen.
3. Confirm the action (if required).

⚠️ Note: This method does not work in the following cases:

• 🔇 The microphone is disabled for Google (check permissions in Settings) → Confidentiality → Application authorizations).
• 🌐 No Internet connection (Assistant needs a connection to handle the command).
• 📵 Do not disturb or save charge mode is enabled.

Voice screenshots are saved to the same folder, but may have a different file name (e.g., a different file name, Screenshot_Assistant_20260515.png). If the picture doesn't show up, check the Pictures folder. → Assistant.

5. Scrolling screenshot (long screen)

If you want to save an entire web page, a messenger, or a contact list, a regular screenshot is not good. MIUI has a scrolling screenshot that glues multiple frames together into one long shot.

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the corner of the screen, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, select Scroll (an icon with two arrows down).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls through the page and collects a screenshot.

📌 Limitations of function:

If the Scrolling feature doesn’t appear, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI or use alternative apps like LongShot or Stitch & Share (available on Google Play).

💡

To speed up the process, close all background applications before you scroll, which will reduce the risk of “hanging” when you scroll automatically.

6. Screenshot via PC (ADB or Mi PC Suite)

If the sensor doesn't work or you need to take a screenshot of a locked phone (for example, to prove it in court), you can use a computer.

Method 1: Through ADB (for advanced users)

It will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot.

Instructions:

1. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices (the name of your device should be displayed).
4. Take a screenshot by command: adb exec-out screencap -p > screenshot.png The file will be saved in the folder where the command was launched.

Method 2: Mi PC Suite (Simple version)

The official utility from Xiaomi allows you to control your phone from a computer, including creating screenshots:

1. Download Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Connect your phone via USB and allow access to the data.
3. In the program, select the File Management tab or the Screen.
4. Press the screenshot button (camera icon).

⚠️ Note: When connecting via Mi PC Suite screenshots can be saved in low resolution (nearly a 720p). Use full-size images ADB.

💡

Screenshots via ADB are saved in PNG format without compression, which guarantees maximum quality.This is the only way to get a screenshot on a fully locked phone (if debugging over USB is enabled).

7. Solving screenshot problems

Sometimes screenshots don't save, they turn black, or they disappear from the gallery.-5 problems and solutions:

Problem 1: Screenshot is not saved to the gallery

Causes and solutions:

• 🗑️ Screenshots folder deleted → Create it manually through a conductor.
• 📵 Lack of memory → Free up space or change the save path in the camera settings.
• 🔧 Failure in the Gallery app → Clear the cache (Settings) → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

Problem 2: Black screenshot

This happens if:

• 🎮 You are trying to take a picture in a game or app with screenshot protection (e.g. Netflix, banking apps).

Problem 3: Three finger gestures are not working

What to check:

• ⚙️ Whether the function is enabled in the settings (Additional functions) → Gestures).
• 👆 Is the gesture performed correctly (should be strictly vertical).
• 🧤 Does the cover or protective glass interfere (try on a clean screen).

Problem 4: Screenshots are kept in low quality

By default, MIUI compresses screenshots to 80 percent quality. To change that:

1. Open the gallery and find any screenshot.
2. Tapnite Edit → More (⋮) → Quality.
3. Choose Original or High.

Problem 5: The screenshot button in the curtain has disappeared

Bring it back like this.

1. Pull the notification curtain down and press Edit (pencil).
2. Find a screenshot in the list and drag it into active icons.
3. Save the changes.

💡

If none of these methods work, try resetting MIUI to factory settings (with data saved). Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Reset MIUI settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi