How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi smartphone: all ways + secret MIUI chips

Why does the standard method not always work?

You try to capture the screen of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro, but the combination of buttons stubbornly ignores your clicks? Or the screenshot turns out to be black, although the screen displays important information? The problem lies in three key points:

First, the MIUI version drastically changes the way gestures work. For example, MIUI 14 on Android 13 has a new way of screenshotting through the Quick Settings Panel, which is not found in old firmware. Second, branded applications (such as banking or streaming services) actively block the ability to save the screen for security reasons. Third, physical damage - even a microcrack under the power button can make it insensitive to short presses.

This article covers all the current ways to create screenshots on Xiaomi in 2026, including little-known chips for models with a high-end design. AMOLED-We tested each method on 15 screens and devices running HyperOS.+ Models from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Method 1: Classic button combination (on 99% of devices)

This is the basic method that all Xiaomi smartphones have supported since the Redmi 4A (2017).

1. Open what you want to capture on the screen (like a WhatsApp dialog or a map in Google Maps).
2. At the same time, press the Power button (right) + Volume Down button (left).
3. Hold them for 0.5-1 seconds until the characteristic sound of the shutter or vibration.

⚠️ Note: On models with a subscreen fingerprint scanner (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) Holding buttons too long can trigger Emergency Call Mode. If the screen blinks and a menu that says Emergency appears, repeat the combination faster.

Screen unlocked and active | Finger not closing buttons | System sound on (for audible confirmation) | No active calls or screen recordings-->

Where to look for the screenshot taken?

• 📁 Screenshots folder in the gallery (path: Internal Memory) → Pictures → Screenshots).
• 🔍 Quick access: swipe down the notification panel and tap on the screenshot preview.
• 🌐 Cloud: If you have Mi Cloud sync enabled, the screenshot will automatically upload to the Myoi Photos section.

Method 2: Three finger gesture (fastest, but requires adjustment)

The three-finger swipe screenshot is available on all devices with MIUI 10 and later, and allows you to take a screenshot by swiping three fingers from top to bottom at the same time, and the advantage of the technique is speed: you don't have to search for buttons or open menus.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Select a screenshot with a three-finger swipe.
3. Activate the switch and test the gesture on any screen.

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If the gesture is triggered by chance (e.g., when scrolling through the tape in TikTok), reduce sensitivity in gesture settings or turn off the feature for specific applications through Settings → Apps → Permissions → Special Access → Gestures.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) This gesture conflicts with the Split Screen function. If a swipe with three fingers opens a multi-window instead of a screenshot, turn off the split screen in Settings. → Screen. → Separate screen.

Method 3: Quick Settings Panel (for MIUI 12–14 and HyperOS)

If the physical buttons on your Xiaomi are worn out or you prefer visual control, use the virtual screenshot button in the Notification Panel.This method is especially handy for owners of the Redmi K60 or Xiaomi 13 Lite, where the Quick Settings Panel calls one swipe down.

Instructions:

1. Turn the notification bar swipe from top to bottom.
2. Find the Screenshot icon (usually located on the second page of the Quick Settings).
3. Slap it on, the screen will blink, and the screenshot will be saved.

If the icon is missing:

• 🔧 Press on. ⚙️ Edit in the notification panel.
• 🔍 Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.
• 📌 Secure the icon in the front rows for quick access.

Method 4: Google Voice Assistant or Xiao AI

For those who prefer to control the phone with voice (or if hands are busy), activate the screenshot through Google Assistant or branded Xiao AI. This method is universal for all models, including the Redmi 9A with limited gestures.

With Google Assistant:

1. Say OK, Google or hold the Home button (on older models).
2. Say the command: Take a screenshot or take a picture of the screen.
3. Confirm the action (if required).

With Xiao AI (China only/global firmware with Sino-based features):

1. Activate Xiao AI by holding the Power button (if the function is enabled in Settings → Xiao AI).
2. Say in Chinese: (jiétú) or in English: Take a screenshot.

⚠️ Attention: Voice commands may not work in restricted applications (such as SberBank Online or Netflix) that block screen access for third-party services.

Power keys + volume | Three finger gesture | Notification panel | Voice assistant | Another option-->

Method 5: Screenshot via ADB (for developers and advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., on Xiaomi with custom firmware or after a failed update), you can take a screenshot via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This is the only way that bypasses the limitations of apps and works even on locked screens.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB driver.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Screenshot command:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png

To download the file on PC:

adb pull /sdcard/screenshot.png C:\Users\YourName\Desktop

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ADB-This screenshot bypasses all application locks, but requires a PC connection. Use this method only if other methods are not available, such as when the system freezes or testing software.

Problem Solving: Why is the screenshot not working?

Even on the new Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+, users are faced with typical screenshot errors, and the most common reasons and solutions are:

💡 Advice for owners POCO: If screenshots are saved in low resolution, check the settings in Settings → Screen. → Screen resolution: on some models (e.g, POCO F4 GT) choice FHD+ instead QHD+ Screenshots are automatically reduced to 1080p.

Bonus: hidden screenshots on Xiaomi

MIUI and HyperOS offer unique features for working with screenshots that few people know about:

• 🎨 Edit immediately after creation: After a screenshot, tap on the preview in the notification - an editor with cropping, blurring and adding text will open. On Xiaomi 13 and later available AI-filters for automatic quality improvement.
• 🔄 Quick Submitting: Hold the screenshot preview in the notification and drag it to an app (like Telegram or WeChat) for instant sending.
• 📊 Screenshot statistics: In the Gallery → Albums. → Screenshots swipe down and you’ll see a schedule of activity (how many screenshots are taken in a week/month).
• 🔒 Hidden screenshots: In MIUI 14 You can hide screenshots from the gallery: move them to the.nomedia folder or use the Secure Albums function in Settings → Confidentiality.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi