How to make a screen on Xiaomi’s phone: the complete guide

Xiaomi smartphones have become an integral part of the digital space, where visual information plays a crucial role: users constantly share correspondence, fix errors in applications, save interesting moments from games or important documents for later processing. The ability to quickly and correctly create a screenshot is a basic skill that saves time and nerves in critical situations.

The MIUI shell interface, and now the new HyperOS, offers many options for implementing this feature, from classic mechanical buttons to advanced gestures and voice control. However, the abundance of methods is sometimes confusing, especially for those who have recently moved from other brands or are just mastering the ecosystem of the Chinese manufacturer.

It’s worth noting that the functionality may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system and the specific firmware modification. Some budget models may have limitations, while flagship devices offer advanced editing capabilities immediately after image creation. Understanding these nuances will allow you to maximize the potential of your gadget.

Classical method using physical buttons

The most common and versatile method that works on the vast majority of devices, regardless of firmware version or model of the device, this method is ingrained into the muscle memory of Android users and has been the industry standard for many years.

It is important to observe the correct timing of the press. Pressing should be short and simultaneous, lasting about one second. If you hold your fingers too long, the phone may perceive this as a command to call the emergency menu or forced reboot, which is a common mistake of beginners. The screen should blink, and at the top of the display will appear characteristic animation of the camera shutter.

⚠️ Note: Some models with a side fingerprint scanner combined with the power button may have false unlocks when trying to take a screenshot.

If you're having trouble getting through the buttons because of their location or the size of the device, you can try changing the grip. Hold the phone with one hand and press with your fingers with the other, and check if there's a case that blocks access to the keys or makes their stroke too tight, which reduces the sensitivity of the response.

Use of the Additional Functions Menu

For those who are uncomfortable reaching for physical buttons, especially on large screens, Xiaomi has implemented a software analog: a virtual swipe-called dashboard that contains a set of commonly used tools, including taking a screenshot, which is especially relevant when the phone is lying on a table or used with one hand while lying down.

To activate this function, you need to swipe your finger from the top right or left corner of the screen (depending on the settings) down diagonally, you will see a semi-transparent menu where you need to select the scissors icon, then the system will create a snapshot of the current contents of the display, and the location of the call zone can be changed in the settings to avoid accidental activation during games or watching videos.

Customizing this feature requires care, as it can conflict with the control gestures in some applications. It is recommended to set the sensitivity to the average and choose the angle you least use for navigation. This will provide a balance between the availability of the feature and the absence of false positives in everyday use of the interface.

Screenshots via control panel (Stork)

Another convenient software method that doesn't require memorizing keyboards or making complex gestures is that the control panel, or "curtain," is always at hand and provides quick access to basic system functions. Among the standard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth switches, there is often a button to create a screenshot.

So if you can use this method, you just have to unlock your phone and swipe down to open the control center, and you can find an icon with a scissor or a rectangle, and if you can't see it on the first page, you might have to flip the list to the right or press the edit button to add that element to a prominent place, and clicking on the icon will instantly save the image to the gallery.

The advantage of using a curtain is that it can take a screenshot without the risk of accidentally changing the volume or unlocking the device in the wrong way. However, in situations where the screen is locked or in full immersion mode (for example, in some games), this method may not be available.

Voice control via Google Assistant

With technology now in place, you can control your smartphone with little to no touch, using voice commands. Google Assistant is great at taking screenshots, which is especially useful when your hands are busy or your device is in an awkward position, and it's an advanced way that requires pre-setting and a stable Internet connection.

To activate, you just say "OK, Google" or hold the home button for a long time (if it's configured), and then clearly say "Take a screenshot" or "Photograph the screen." The system recognizes the request, emits the shutter sound and saves the image. The accuracy of recognition depends on the user's diction, background noise level and the quality of the microphone.

⚠️ Warning: Voice control may not work in Do Not Disturb mode or if the microphone is busy with another app, and the command will not be executed if you are in secure applications, such as banking clients, where security policies prohibit screenshots from being taken.

Using a voice assistant opens up opportunities for people with disabilities who have difficulty using a touch screen or physical buttons, and it’s a great way to demonstrate the power of artificial intelligence in the home, but it’s worth remembering that in a noisy room or with a discharged battery (when power saving mode is on), this method may not be available.

Creating long screenshots (scrolling)

One of the most popular features in MIUI and HyperOS is the ability to create panoramic images spanning multiple pages of content, an indispensable tool for storing long correspondence in messengers, contact lists, browser articles or news feeds, a regular screenshot clips information, and this mode allows you to capture the entire content of the page.

The process begins with a normal screenshot of any of the methods described above. Immediately thereafter, a thumbnail of a newly taken image with several control buttons will appear at the top of the screen (or in the corner, depending on the OS version), and you will press the button with the down arrows or the "Scroll" button, and the system will automatically start scrolling down the page, adding new snippets to the image.

You can stop the process at any time by touching the screen or waiting for the end of the page. If the content on the page is dynamic (downloaded as you scroll), the function may not work correctly, creating gaps or duplicating elements. In such cases, it is better to take several separate long screenshots or use specialized applications to glue images.

Customization of gestures and additional parameters

Xiaomi’s shell provides a lot of customization for how you interact with your device. You can set up triple tapping on the screen to create a screenshot, which is one of the fastest, button-free methods, and it’s especially convenient for people who share content on social media.

To activate this mode, go to Settings → Additional Features → Screenshots (the path may vary slightly in different versions of MIUI). Here you can turn on the option "Triple tap" and select the area of the screen where this gesture will work. Also, the menu provides settings for the quality of saved images and format (JPG or PNG).

And don't forget to use a stylus if your model supports Mi Pen or similar accessories. Pressing a special button on the stylus or a certain pen movement can also be programmed to create a screenshot, a professional approach that designers and people who are actively working with documents on Xiaomi Pad tablets will appreciate.

Where to find and how to edit saved images

Once a screenshot is successfully created, the system automatically saves it to the gallery, usually a folder called Screenshots or Screenshots inside the main album, and newer versions of the shell will have a preview pop-up window that allows you to edit the image immediately, overlay the picture, add text or cut the extra edges.

Xiaomi’s screenshot editor has impressive functionality: You can blur sensitive data (such as card numbers or addresses), add arrows and shapes to highlight, and use pre-made templates to design. All changes are saved either as a copy or replace the original, depending on the action you choose when you leave the editor.

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Use the Long Screenshot feature with caution in applications with dynamic content uploading, as this can lead to artifacts in the image. It is better to take a few regular screenshots and glue them together later.

If you can't find the saved file, check your storage settings. You may have synced with the Xiaomi Cloud or Google Photos cloud and the image has been moved automatically. You should also make sure that there is enough free space on the device, as with crowded memory, new pictures may not be saved.

Possible problems and solutions

Despite the system’s fine-tuning, users may encounter situations where screenshots are not created, often due to security limitations in specific applications, such as banking programs, browser incognito mode, or DRM-protected streaming services, blocking the ability to capture the screen, keeping a black rectangle instead of the image.

In some cases, the problem may be a software failure of the shell itself. If none of the methods work, try restarting the device. It is also worth checking for system updates, as new security and stability patches often fix similar bugs. If the problem persists in only one application, try clearing its cache.

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Knowing all the ways to create screenshots on Xiaomi makes your smartphone a more powerful tool for work and communication, allowing you to instantly capture and transfer any information from the screen.