How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi phone: all ways + hidden chips

Taking a screenshot on Xiaomi seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected problems. The combination of buttons does not work because of the case, the scroll gesture captures unnecessary elements, then nothing happens on new versions of MIUI. And if you want to capture a long web page or video? It already requires hidden functions that most users do not even know.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to create screenshots on Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones. POCO — From classic to little-known, you'll learn how to get around the limitations of the system where the images are stored, and how to edit them directly in the gallery without third-party applications.+), where the screenshot algorithm has changed due to the updated HyperOS interface.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

The most reliable method that works on all Xiaomi models – from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 13T Pro.

1. Open on the screen what you want to shoot (application, web page, message).
2. At the same time, press the power button (on/lock) and the volume down 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) If the combination conflicts with a Google Assistant call, if a voice assistant appears instead of a screenshot, turn it off in the settings: → Annexes → Google Assistant → General settings → Use the power button.

This method is universal, but has disadvantages:

• 🔘 It is not easy to use one hand on large smartphones (e.g. Xiaomi). 12S Ultra with a diagonal of 6.73").
• 🛡️ It may not work if the buttons are contaminated or protected by a thick cover.
• ⚡ Not suitable for video or animation capture (special methods are needed, below).

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If the buttons don't respond, try pressing them with a slight delay: first press the power button, and after 0.5 seconds add the volume button. This helps on models with slow sensors.

2. scroll gesture with three fingers (the fastest way)

The gesture screenshot feature was introduced in MIUI 10 and has since become a popular method for many users, allowing you to take a screenshot in one motion without pressing a button. Here's how to set it up and use it:

1. Go to Settings → Additional Features → Gestures → Screenshot by gesture.
2. Activate the switch (if the function is disabled).
3. Choose the gesture direction: Top down or bottom up (we recommend the former so as not to conflict with navigation).
4. Now swipe your three fingers across the screen in the given direction – the screenshot is ready!

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Instant result – no need to look for buttons.
• 👆 It works in any position of the phone (even upside down).
• 🎯 Accuracy: Capture the right moment in dynamic content (e.g. in a game).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed), the gesture may accidentally trigger when scrolling through the browser. To avoid this, reduce the sensitivity of the gesture in the settings or turn it off for specific applications through Special Permissions.

Check if the screenshot gesture mode is enabled in the settings|Make sure there are no greasy spots on the screen (they block the sensor)|Try to make a gesture slower if it doesn’t work.|Reboot your phone if the function suddenly stops working-->

3. Screenshot using the notification panel

If the physical buttons don't work (for example, after a phone drops) and the gestures are turned off, the Quick Settings Panel will come to the rescue, which is suitable for all versions of MIUI and HyperOS:

1. Deploy the notification bar by swiping your finger from top to bottom (some models need to do this twice).
2. Find a screenshot icon (usually a scissors or a screen thumbnail) If it's not there, click on Edit (the pencil in the upper right corner) and add it to the panel.
3. Slip the icon - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

📌 Useful Lifehack: If the screenshot icon is missing after the update, reset the notification bar settings:

Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Reset the settings of the notification panel

This method is convenient when:

• 🔧 Take a screenshot with one hand (for example, when the second is occupied).
• 🛠️ Power or volume buttons are faulty.
• 📱 You use a protective glass with a cutout under the sensors, which interferes with gestures.

Power and volume buttons|Three-finger gesture|Notification panel|Voice assistant|Other-->

4.Voice Assistant and Google Assistant

If you need to take a screenshot without touching the screen (like when your hands are dirty or you're cooking with a prescription), take voice commands. Xiaomi supports two options:

Method 1: Built-in XiaoAI (for China/global firmware)

1. Activate the assistant by saying, “OK, Google” or “Hi, Siri” (on older models).
2. Tell the command to take a screenshot or take a picture of the screen.
3. Confirm the action if necessary.

Method 2: Google Assistant (works on all models with Google Services)

1. Call the Assistant by holding the Home button or saying “OK, Google.”
2. Say “Take a screenshot” or “Take a screenshot” (in English it works more often).

⚠️ Note: Voice commands may not work in some applications (e.g., banking or screenshot-protected games), and on models without Google services (e.g., the Chinese version of Xiaomi 13), this method is not available.

🔹 When you need it:

• 🎤 When hands are busy (for example, during cooking or repairs).
• 👨‍🦽 For people with disabilities.
• 🔍 If you need to take a screenshot unnoticed (for example, in transport).

5. Advanced features: long screenshot and screen recording

Sometimes a screenshot is not enough, like when you need to save an entire web page, a messaging app, or an in-app process, and MIUI and HyperOS have tools to do this.

📜 Long (scrollable) screenshot

The feature allows you to capture all content that does not fit on one screen (for example, an Instagram feed or an article in a browser).

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the miniature appears in the lower right corner, tap it.
3. Select the Scroll option or Long Screenshot (the titles may vary).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls through the page and connects the parts into a single file.

⚠️ Note: Not all apps are working, for example, Telegram or WhatsApp, it is blocked due to privacy policies, and dynamic content issues (e.g. TikTok feed) may also be encountered).

🎥 Screen recording with sound

If you want to capture video from a screen (such as gameplay or video instructions), use the built-in recorder:

1. Deploy the notification bar and find the Screen Record icon (if not, add through Edit).
2. Slip on it and select the parameters: 🔊 Sound capture (microphone, system sounds, or both). 🎯 Permission (recommended) 1080p Balance the quality and size of the file). 👆 Showing touches (useful for tutorials).

Recording.

📊 Comparison of conservation formats:

6 Where screenshots are stored and how to edit them

By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi are saved in the DCIM/Screenshots folder or in the Gallery → Screenshots album. However, the path may differ depending on:

• 📱 Telephone models (on POCO folder is sometimes used Pictures/Screenshots).
• 🔄 Versions MIUI/HyperOS (In the new firmware may be subfolder by date).
• 🛠️ Storage settings (if you reassigned a save path).

🔍 How to find screenshots:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. In the bottom menu, select Albums.
3. Scroll down to Screenshots (or Screenshots) folder.
4. For convenience, you can fix the folder on the main screen: hold its icon and drag it up.

🎨 Editing screenshots:

Immediately after you create the screenshot, a thumbnail appears in the lower right corner, and tap it to open the quick edit menu:

• ✂️ Cutting – changing the boundaries of the image.
• 🖌️ Drawing – adding arrows, text, blur.
• 📝 Add text (fonts can be changed in the settings).
• 🔗 Share - quick sending to messengers.

💡 Hidden chip: If you hold your finger on the screenshot thumbnail, you will open a scrolling mode (if it is available for the current application), which is convenient when you forget about this feature after you have created the picture.

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On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14), the screenshot editor supports AI tools: you can automatically remove the background or improve the clarity of text.

7. Problem Solving: Screenshot not taken

If neither of these methods works, there can be different causes, from software failures to hardware failures, and we'll look at the most common problems and their solutions.

🚫 Problem 1: Buttons are not responding

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🛡️ A cover or protective glass blocks the buttons → Remove the cover and try again.
• 🔋 Battery discharged (below 5%) → Connect the charger.
• 🔄 System freeze → Restart your phone (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
• 🛠️ Damaged buttons → Try other methods (gestures, notification panel).

📵 Problem 2: Three finger gestures don't work

What to do:

1. Check if the function is included in Settings → Additional features → Gestures.
2. Update the firmware: Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Reset gesture settings: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset gesture settings.

🔒 Problem 3: Screenshot blocked in the app

Some apps (e.g. Netflix, SberBank Online) block screenshots.

• 📱 Use the second phone to take pictures of the screen.
• 🎥 Turn on screen recording (video can then be converted into screenshot).
• 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and take a picture via adb shell screencap (for advanced users).

⚠️ Note: HyperOS models (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Pro) may require screen recording permission for some applications. → Annexes → Permits → Screen recording.

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If screenshots are kept in low quality, check the camera settings: sometimes the system automatically compresses screenshots. To fix this, go to Settings → Screen → Screen Resolution and select the maximum value.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi