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

Xiaomi’s screenshot is one of the most popular features, but not all users know that their smartphone can do screenshots in a standard way. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14), there are up to 5 different methods available – from the classic combination of buttons to voice commands and gestures. And if you want to grab a long page or make a scrolling screen, there are also nuances.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including the little-known ones (for example, through Quick Ball or three-finger swipe), and also tell you how to edit screenshots right after creation and where they are saved. If you have Xiaomi with physical buttons or a completely buttonless smartphone, the instructions will suit both cases.

1. Standard method: power buttons + volume

It’s a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the budget Redmi and flagship Xiaomi 14.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (app, web page, settings).
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 F4) The sensitivity of the buttons is high – if you pinch them too long, an emergency call or reset can work.

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Where to look for a ready screenshot? By default, files are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

Or through the gallery: open the Photos app → Screenshots album.

2.Gestural screenshot: three-finger swipe down

If the buttons on your Xiaomi are broken or you just prefer gestures, turn on the "Three Finger Screenshot" feature, which is available on all devices with MIUI 10 and newer, but is disabled by default.

How to activate:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the screenshot with three fingers and move the slider to the right.
3. (Optional) Enable Preview screenshot to edit the picture immediately.

Now, to do the screen, swipe three fingers down from the top down on the screen.

• 👆 The gesture should be smooth – a sharp movement will not work.
• 📱 It only works on an unlocked screen.
• ⚙️ On some models (Redmi) 9A) It may interfere with the camera’s quick start gesture.

This method is particularly convenient for gamers, where you can screen while playing without interrupting the process, such as in Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile, where the power/volume buttons are occupied with control.

3. Screenshot via Quick Ball (floating panel)

Quick Ball is a floating quick access panel that appears on top of any screen.It lets you take screenshots, record screens, run apps, and even lock the device in one tap.The feature is available on all Xiaomi with MIUI 11 and later.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Additional features → Quick Ball
2. Activate the Quick Ball slider.
3. In the Quick Ball Settings section, add the Screenshot icon (usually it is already there by default).
4. Select the position of the panel (left or right) and its transparency.

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Slip on the Quick Ball floating ball.
2. In the menu that appears, select the Screenshot icon (scissors).

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than gestures or buttons, one tapa is enough.
• 🎯 Accuracy: You can screen any part of the screen, even if the buttons don’t work.
• 🔧 Flexibility: Quick Ball can add up to 5 commonly used features.

4. Voice assistant: "OK, Google" or Xiao AI

If your hands are busy or your buttons are faulty, you can take a screenshot with your voice, either with built-in Xiao AI (on Chinese firmware) or Google Assistant.

Method 1: Google Assistant (powered by global firmware):

1. Activate the assistant with your voice: say “OK, Google” or hold the Home button.
2. Tell the command, “Take a screenshot” or “Make a screenshot” (in English, it often works more stable).

Method 2: via Xiao AI (for Chinese firmware):

1. Press the home button or say Xiao AI Tongxue.
2. Say, "" (jiétú — "screenshot" in Chinese) or.

⚠️ Note: Voice commands may not work if:

• 🔇 The microphone for the assistant in the privacy settings is disabled.
• 🌐 No Internet connection (required to process commands).
• 📵 Do not disturb or save charge mode is enabled.

The voice method is convenient for taking screenshots on the go, but has a delay of 1-3 seconds (team processing time).

5. Advanced features: long screenshot and screen recording

Sometimes a screenshot isn’t enough, like saving an entire web page or chat in a messenger, and Xiaomi has a Scrolling Screenshot feature.

How to make a long screen:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the appearance of the screen thumbnail at the bottom of the screen, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, click the Scrolling icon (two up and down arrows).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls through the page and connects the parts into a single file.

Limitations of function:

If you need to record video from the screen (for example, for streaming or instructions), use the built-in Screen Recording feature:

• 📱 Open the Notification Panel and find the Screen Record icon (or add it manually).
• 🎤 Customize the sound source: Microphone, System sounds, or both.
• 🎥 Click the Record and confirm the beginning (the countdown timer will appear).

💡

To ensure that screen recording is not interrupted, open Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Screen recording before you start and allow access for the desired applications (for example, games or instant messengers).

6 Where screenshots are stored and how to edit them

By default, all screenshots are saved to the Pictures/Screenshots/ folder, but you can change the path. For example, if you have a microSD card installed, you can redirect the save to:

How to change the place of preservation:

1. Open the Photos app (Gallery).
2. Slip on three points → Settings → folders.
3. Select Screenshots and click Change Save Place.

Immediately after you create the screenshot, you see a thumbnail in the lower right corner, and tap it to open the built-in editor with the following features:

• ✏️ Drawing: brushes, markers, eraser (you can choose color and thickness).
• 📝 Text: Adding inscriptions with a choice of font and color.
• 🖼️ Trimming: change in screen size, turn, mirror reflection.
• 🔍 Blurring: hiding personal data (phone numbers, passwords).

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware, the editor may not have text recognition feature (OCR), It's available on global versions. To activate it, update the Photos app through the Mi App Store.

The screenshot can be taken:

• 📤 Share immediately in messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) through the icon.
• 🖨️ Printing with Google Cloud Print (if you have a printer connected).
• 🔗 Create a link for fast sending (Mi Share function).

7. Problem Solving: Screenshot Not Working

If none of these methods work, check the following points:

If the problem persists, try resetting your gesture settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset gesture settings (does not affect personal data).
3. Reset the device.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra), screenshots may not work in games due to cheating protection, in which case use external programs like AZ Screen Recorder (requires root rights).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions