Screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones are not just about saving the screen, but an arsenal of tools for work, learning and communication. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and the firmware version (MIUI 12-14), there are up to 5 different ways to take screenshots. But many users still use only a standard button combination, without even knowing the existence of gesture controls, voice commands or hidden functions like scrolling screens.
In this article, we will discuss all current methods, from basic to advanced, including solutions for cases when the power button broke or the touch screen did not respond. Particular attention will be paid to the unique MIUI feature Long Screenshot, which allows you to capture the entire web pages or chats in instant messengers. All instructions are tested on the latest firmware versions and adapted for the Russian and global versions of Xiaomi.
1. Standard method: power and volume buttons
It is the most reliable and versatile method, working on all Xiaomi models – from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
- Open on the screen what you want to save (message, photo, page in the browser).
- At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
- Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the save animation.
The screenshot is automatically saved to the DCIM → Screenshots folder (or Pictures → Screenshots on some firmware). If the sound is turned off, pay attention to the top notification bar, there will be a screen thumbnail icon.
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In the models with AMOLED-When you create a screenshot with buttons, you can experience a “ghost” press due to the high sensitivity of the sensor. To avoid this, press the buttons not strictly at the same time, but with a minimum delay of 0.3 seconds.
⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO F5) The standard button combination may conflict with a Google Assistant call. If the screenshot is not created, check your gesture settings in Settings → Special facilities → Gestures and movements.
2.Gestural commands: three-finger swipe
Screenshot Swipe is available in MIUI 12 and later, and allows you to take screens in one motion without pressing buttons. This is especially convenient for devices with large screens (such as the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3) or when one hand is occupied.
To activate this method:
- Go to Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot.
- Turn on the swipe option with three fingers down.
- Select the swipe direction (usually down, but you can configure left/right).
Now, just swipe your three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (or in the chosen direction) to take a screenshot. The sound and animation will be the same as when using the buttons.
How to turn off random screens from gestures?
| Xiaomi model | Support for the gesture | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11/12 | Yes. | It only works when the screen is vertically oriented. |
| POCO X4/X5 | Yes. | You can set the swipe in any direction |
| Xiaomi 12/13 | Yes. | Supports a “smart” gesture – recognizes the user’s intent |
| Black Shark 5 | No. | It uses its own JoyUI shell. |
3. Voice assistant: "Okay, Google, take a screenshot."
If you have Google Assistant on or XiaoAI on, you can do voice screenings, which is useful when your hands are busy or your buttons are not working.
- 🎤 Activate the voice assistant with the command “OK, Google” or “Hey, XiaoAI".
- 📱 Say “take a screenshot” or “make a screenshot” (in English firmware).
- 🔍 The assistant will confirm the implementation and show a screen miniature.
Voice method doesn’t work on all firmware — for example, Redmi with global MIUI may require pre-configuring permissions for Google Assistant in Settings → Apps → Permissions.
⚠️ Note: On Chinese firmware devices (such as those imported from abroad), voice commands may not work without first linking to a Chinese Mi Account, in which case it is easier to use gestures or buttons.
4.Long screenshot: Capturing scrolling pages
A unique feature of MIUI that is not found in pure Android is the ability to screen entire web pages, chats or documents, even if they do not fit on a single screen.
- 🌐 Mi Browser or Google Chrome
- 💬 Messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber)
- 📄 Annexes WPS Office, Google Docs
How to do this:
- Take a regular screenshot in any way (buttons or gestures).
- Immediately after the screen thumbnail appears in the lower right corner, a Scroll button (or Scroll on English firmware) will appear.
- Click on it – the screen will automatically scroll down, capturing a new fragment.
- Repeat until you reach the end of the page, then click Ready.
The finished "long" screen is saved as a single image in.png format. Maximum length - up to 10 screens (depending on the model). On the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, the function works even in split screen mode.
☑️ Preparation for the long screen
5. Alternative methods: for non-standard situations
If standard methods do not work (for example, the power button is broken or the sensor is not working), you can use:
Method 1: The button in the notification panel
In MIUI 13/14, in the control center (top-down swipe) there is a quick screenshot button.
- Open the notification panel completely.
- Click Edit (pencil icon).
- Find the screenshot icon and drag it to the active area.
Method 2: Mouse Connection (OTG)
If the sensor is not working, USB-port:
- 🖱️ Connect. USB-mouse-wise OTG-adapter.
- 📌 Press the right mouse button in the free screen space → Take a screenshot.
Method 3: ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)
If the phone is connected to a PC, you can do a screening using Android Debug Bridge:
adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.pngThe file will be saved in the root folder of the device, requiring debugging permission over USB.
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ADB-The method is the only way to take a screenshot if the screen is completely black, but the device is on and is determined by the computer.
6 Where screenshots are stored and how to manage them
By default, all screens are saved in:
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/ (firmware)
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Screenshots/ (china-fix)
To change the save folder:
- Install a file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
- Go to Settings → Storage → Default folder for screenshots.
- Select a new directory (e.g. Download/Screens).
For quick access to the screens:
- 🔍 Xiaomi Gallery has a separate album Screenshots.
- 🖼️ In Google Photos, screens are automatically grouped by date.
- 📤 To share a screen immediately after creation, click on its thumbnail in the notification.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) If you don't have enough memory, screens can be saved in compressed.webp instead of.png. This degrades editing quality. To avoid this, clear the cache in Settings. → Warehouse → Clean up.
7. Screen editing and annotation
Once the screenshot is created, MIUI suggests editing it.
| Tool. | Description | Hot keys (with the keyboard connected) |
|---|---|---|
| 🖊️ Pen | Hand drawing (3 line thicknesses, 12 colors) | Ctrl + 1 |
| 📝 Text | Adding inscriptions (Mi Sans and Roboto fonts) | Ctrl + 2 |
| 🔲 Blurring | Hiding Personal Data (phone numbers, passwords) | Ctrl + 3 |
| 📏 Pruning | Change of screen boundaries (retains proportions or free framing) | Ctrl + 4 |
The edited screen can be:
- 📤 Share directly in messengers (Telegram, VK, WhatsApp).
- 🖨️ Printing through Google Cloud Print.
- 🔄 Save as a new file (the original remains intact).
If a standard editor is not enough, we recommend installing:
- 🎨 Snapseed – for professional processing.
- 🖼️ PhotoRoom – to remove background.
- 📝 Markup Hero – for annotations and arrows.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even with a simple action like a screenshot, it can be difficult.