How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways for Redmi, POCO and Mi

Contents

• Standard method: power and volume buttons
• Screenshot by gesture in MIUI (3 fingers)
• Through the Quick Settings Panel
• Google Voice Assistant or Xiao AI
• How to take a long screenshot (scrolling)
• Problem Solving: Screenshots Are Not Working
• Top.-3 applications for extended screenshots
• Frequent Questions (FAQ)

You can take a screenshot on Xiaomi in at least five different ways, from the classic combination of buttons to voice commands and hidden gestures. But many users still do not know about the full capabilities of their Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphones. For example, MIUI 14 has a long screenshot mode to capture entire web pages, and some models have a three-finger gesture that is not even mentioned in the official documentation.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all versions of MIUI (12 to 14), including rare ways and solving typical problems. And if your Xiaomi stubbornly refuses to take screenshots, there is a section on fault diagnosis at the end of the article.

⚠️ Important: on some models (e.g, POCO F5 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) Some of the functions can be disabled by default. Before using, check the settings in the section Additional → Special facilities → Gestures.

1. Classic method: power buttons + volume

It’s a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including older models on MIUI 9-11 and new flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialogue in Telegram or a page in Chrome).
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 camera shutter sound and see the save animation.

📌 nuance:

• 🔊 On some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) Shutter sound is off by default. To turn it on, go to Settings. → Sounds and vibrations → Systemic sounds.
• ⚡ If the screenshot did not work the first time, try to press the buttons not at the same time, but with a minimum interval (first power, then volume).
• 📁 All screenshots are saved in the folder DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots (depending on version) MIUI).

⚠️ Attention: on devices with mechanical buttons (e.g, POCO M3) Pressing too much can cause the screen to accidentally turn off, in which case try alternative methods in the following sections.

2. Screenshot by gesture (3 fingers) - hidden MIUI function

Few people know, but MIUI 12 and later has a built-in gesture to create screenshots — a finger wire across the screen. This feature is disabled by default, but it turns on in 10 seconds:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Special features → Gesture for a screenshot.
2. Activate the switch "Swipe with three fingers".
3. Choose the direction of the gesture: down (recommended) or up.

Now, to take a screenshot:

1. Place three fingers on the screen (for example, index, middle and ring finger).
2. Quickly swipe them from top to bottom (or from bottom to top if you choose another option).
3. The screenshot will be taken instantly, without delay.

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than pressing buttons – do not look for them on the case.
• 🎯 It works with one hand (if the fingers are flexible).
• 🔇 Silent mode: you can turn off the shutter sound in the gesture settings.

⚠️ Note: on some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro) the gesture may conflict with other functions, such as split screen or quick camera opening, in which case you will have to choose priority in the settings.

3. Screenshot through the Quick Settings panel

If the physical buttons on your Xiaomi don’t work (for example, after a drop or moisture), you can take a screenshot through the notification curtain.This method is suitable for all models, including the Redmi Note 11, POCO X5 and Mi 11 Lite.

Instructions:

1. Open the screen you want (like a chat on WhatsApp or a map on Google Maps).
2. Swipe down from top to top to open the notification bar.
3. Find the Screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a zipper rectangle) and if it's not there, click on Edit (the pencil in the upper right corner) and add it to the panel.
4. Slip the icon - the screenshot will be taken automatically.

📌 Tip: if the screenshot icon is missing even after editing the panel, update MIUI In the old firmware (for example, in the latest version, MIUI (11) this function may not be available.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) may not have a screenshot icon in the curtain.

4. Voice commands: Xiao AI or Google Assistant

If you need to take a screenshot without using your hands (like cooking or playing sports), you can use the voice assistant. Xiaomi offers two options:

Method 1: Xiao AI (Integrated Assistant)

It works on all devices with MIUI 10 and later:

1. Activate Xiao AI by saying “Hi, Siao” or holding the home button (on models with a physical button).
2. Tell the command, “Take a screenshot” or “Screenshot.”
3. The assistant will confirm the execution and save the image.

Method 2: Google Assistant

Suitable for devices with Google services (most global versions of Xiaomi):

1. Activate Google Assistant by saying “OK, Google” or holding the home button.
2. Say, “Take a screenshot” (English: “Take a screenshot”).
3. If the assistant doesn’t understand the command, try an alternative phrase: “Photograph the screen.”

🔹 Limitations:

• 🔇 Xiao AI Does not work on devices without Chinese firmware (for example, global ones) POCO M5).
• 🌍 Google Assistant requires Internet connection to recognize voice.
• 📵 On some models (e.g. Redmi) A1) Voice assistants are disabled by default.

⚠️ Note: If you use an informal firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu), voice commands for screenshots may be blocked due to security restrictions.

💡

If Xiao AI doesn’t respond to a command, try retraining it: say “Xiao AI settings” → “Voice control” → “Voice retraining.” This will help improve recognition.

5. Long Screenshot (Scroll) - How to Capture the Entire Page

The long screenshot (or scrolling screenshot) feature allows you to capture all the content that doesn't fit on one screen.

• 📄 Long chats on Telegram or WhatsApp.
• 🌐 Complete web pages (such as articles or instructions).
• 📊 Tables and lists in applications (Excel, Google Sheets).

Instructions for MIUI 12-14:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the appearance of the thumbnail screenshot at the bottom of the screen, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, click on the “Scroll” button (or “Long Screenshot”).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls the screen and combines the frames.
5. Click "Ready" to save the result.

📌 Important: the feature doesn't work in all applications. Here's a list of supported apps:

⚠️ Attention: if after clicking on "Scroll" the screen begins to twitch or the screenshot breaks, try:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🧹 Clear the cache of the application in which you are trying to take a screenshot (Settings) → Annexes → Select an application → Clear the cache).
• 📱 Use an app like LongShot.

6.The screenshot on Xiaomi doesn't work - what to do?

If neither of these methods helps you take a screenshot, the problem can be both software and hardware.-5 causes and solutions:

🔧 1. System or application freeze

Symptoms: buttons do not respond, the screen “hangs” when trying to take a screenshot.

Decision:

• 🔄 Restart the device (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
• 🚫 Close the problem application through Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Stop it.
• 🗑️ Clear the system cache: Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.

📱 2. Damage to buttons

Symptoms: Power or volume buttons don’t press, stick or require a strong press.

Decision:

• 🛠️ Try alternative methods (such as a three-finger gesture or a quick settings panel).
• 🔧 If the buttons are physically damaged, contact the service center.Average cost of replacing the button on Xiaomi — 800-1500 ruble.

🔒 3. Security restrictions (e.g. in banking applications)

Symptoms: When you try to take a screenshot, a notice appears “Screenshots are prohibited”.

Decision:

• 📵 This is normal behavior for applications with sensitive data (for example, Sberbank Online or Tinkoff.
• 📷 Instead of a screenshot, use a second phone to take a screenshot.

🤖 4. Failure to MIUI or firmware

Symptoms: Screenshots are taken but not saved, or an error appears "failed to save."

Decision:

• 📲 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Reset the settings of the "Screen Pictures" application: Settings → Annexes → Screenshots → Warehouse → Drop it.
• 📁 Check the available space on the device (requires a minimum of 500 MB).

🦠 5. Virus or malware

Symptoms: Screenshots are saved to unknown folders or disappear.

Decision:

• 🛡️ Scan your device with an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky).
• 🔍 Check permissions for applications: Settings → Confidentiality → Permits → Warehouse.

⚠️ Note: if the problem has occurred after the update MIUI, Try to retrace the previous version via Fastboot. Instructions for your model can be found on the forum. 4PDA.

💡

If the screenshots stopped working after a phone drop or moisture hit, most likely, the motherboard is damaged. In this case, self-repair is not recommended - contact the service center.

7. Top.-3 applications for extended screenshots

If the built-in MIUI features do not suit you, you can install third-party applications with additional features:

⚠️ Warning: Before installing third-party apps, check their permissions. If the program requests access to SMS, calls or geolocation for no obvious reason, this is a reason to be wary.

🔹 Tip: If you often take screenshots for work, set up automatic upload to the cloud. For example, in Google Photos, you can enable backup of the Screenshots folder:

1. Open Google Photos.
2. Slip on the avatar → Photo settings → Backup and synchronization.
3. Select Device Folders and activate Screenshots.

8. Frequent Questions (FAQ)