How to take a screenshot of 3 fingers on Xiaomi: full instruction

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often look for ways to speed up the device, and one of the most sought-after tools is to take screenshots. The standard method of using volume and power buttons is familiar to everyone, but it requires both hands or some effort, which is not always convenient. The three-finger screenshot feature allows you to instantly capture the contents of the display in one light movement, which is especially true in situations where the phone is in one hand or when you need to take many pictures in a row.

Unfortunately, by default, this option in the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS is often disabled or hidden in the depths of the menu, which is puzzling for users who are used to this feature on devices of other brands. The inclusion of a gesture requires minimal actions in the system settings, but the algorithm may vary slightly depending on the version of the software and model of your gadget. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of activation, sensitivity settings and solving common problems that users face when trying to use this convenient tool.

Inclusion of the feature in modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS

The process of activating the gesture in the current versions of firmware has become more logical, although it has moved to a new settings section. You need to open the main menu of smartphone settings and find the optional features. This is where all the tools for expanding the ability to manage the device without using physical buttons are concentrated. If you use the new HyperOS shell, the path can look like Settings → Additional features → Screenshots, where you need to activate the switch opposite the desired action.

When you go to Screenshots, you'll see a list of ways you can create images. The system will offer you a few options, including long-term button presses or using a control panel. We're interested in Swipe three fingers down or Gesture three fingers. By activating this switch, you allow the system to respond to touches with three fingers drawn from top to bottom across the screen. Importantly, some small-screen models may require a sharper, faster movement.

It is worth mentioning that in some regional versions of firmware (eg Global or EEA) the menu layout may differ from the Chinese versions of China ROM. If you do not find an item in the specified place, try searching for the settings by typing the phrase "screenshot" or "screenshot". This is a universal method that works on almost all Xiaomi devices regardless of the year of release. Also make sure that your version of MIUI is updated to the last available, since in older builds the functionality may be limited.

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If the search for settings does not give results, try to change the language of the system to English for a couple of minutes - sometimes the translation hides the necessary points in unexpected places.

Once you turn on the function, the system can ask you to read a brief instruction or show you animations of the correct gesture. Don't ignore this prompt, especially if you're using a smartphone for the first time. The right trajectory of your fingers is the key to successfully triggering the command the first time.

Customization of the gesture in the classic MIUI menu

In older versions of the shell or on previous generation devices, the activation algorithm may differ. Here, the path often lies through the Advanced Settings section, which is at the bottom of the list of basic parameters. Inside this menu, you should look for Keyboard Combinations or Shortcuts. This is where all the actions that can be performed without direct contact with the interface buttons are grouped.

Selecting the Keyboard Combinations section, scroll down to Screenshot, and you'll see a list of possible actions: long-pressing the Home button (if virtual), swiping down with three fingers, or other combinations. You'll need to choose the option of Lowering three fingers. After selecting, the system will ask you to confirm the action or show a demo video. This method is especially relevant for Redmi Note and Poco models released before 2022.

Interestingly, some versions of MIUI have the ability to customize the screenshot area when using a gesture, so you can choose whether the entire screen will be shot or just the active window of the application, which is useful for keeping confidential information when multiple windows are open in split screen mode.

Remember that changing the settings in this section may affect other shortcuts. For example, if you swipe three fingers per screenshot, the same gesture will not be used for other commands if they were preset by the manufacturer.

Use the Quick Settings button

An alternative and often more reliable way to capture screenshots on Xiaomi devices is to use a notification curtain, which is independent of the firmware version and works even in the rare cases where the touch screen reacts with a delay.

In the icon list, find an icon with a picture of scissors or a camera that is signed as Screenshot. If you don't see it on the first screen, swipe left or press the edit button (usually a pencil or three dots) to add this element to the active zone.

The advantage of this method is its versatility: it works in any application, including those that block the creation of screenshots by standard methods (although in banking applications the screen can still remain black for security reasons), and it eliminates the random taps that sometimes occur when trying to make a gesture with three fingers during active use of the interface.

For owners of large smartphones, such as the Mi Mix or the maximum versions of the Redmi Note, this option may be even more convenient, since it does not require you to reach the middle of the screen with your fingers.

Problems with gesture in the browser and applications

A common problem for users is when a three-finger gesture stops working in certain applications, such as the Chrome browser or MIUI Browser. This is due to the fact that many web pages use swipes for navigation (scroll up and down), and the system prioritizes content management over system commands, in which case the screenshot may simply not be created, or the page will start scrolling instead.

To solve this problem, you can try changing the settings of the browser itself or using alternative methods. Some users note that in the “Full-screen reading” mode in a standard book or browser, the gesture works more stable, and it is also worth checking whether the “One-Hand” mode is turned on, which reduces the screen workspace and can conflict with the recognition of three touch points.

If a particular app's gesture categorically refuses to work, check the permissions for that application in the system settings. Sometimes a restriction on the use of overlays or special features can block the creation of screenshots. In such cases, only the use of volume buttons or a voice assistant will help.

It is important to understand that in games, a three-finger gesture may also fail if the game uses multi-touch to control the character. In such moments, the system cannot distinguish the screenshot command from the game action. For games, it is better to use a button combination or a built-in screen recording function, which often has a separate overlay button.

Suggestions of sensitivity and additional actions

The MIUI shell offers flexible settings not only to enable but also to fine-tune gesture response. In the Additional Features menu → Screenshots, you can find options related to the behavior of the system after you take a picture. For example, you can customize whether a thumbnail will appear in the corner of the screen, which you can immediately send or edit.

And you also have to pay attention to the Long Screenshot function. After you've created a regular three-finger shot, you have a scrolling or more button in the menu that appears. You can click on it and grab a long page of the site or a messaging message. You can set the three-finger gesture so that the replay immediately after the first one automatically triggers the scrolling mode, although it requires some skill.

In some versions of the firmware, you can set up the gesture recognition area, you can tell the system to ignore touches in certain areas of the screen (such as the lower navigation bar) to avoid random screenshots during normal interface use, which is especially useful for users who often hold the phone at the lower corners.

And visual feedback, too, is important, so you can turn on the camera shutter sound or the vibration when you take a screenshot, so you can always be sure that the action is done, and that's done in the general sound settings and the haptic response of the system.

Table of compatibility of methods on different models

Different Xiaomi smartphone models may have nuances in implementing features. Below is a table that will help you navigate the available methods for popular series of devices. Note that the availability of the feature depends not only on the model, but also on the installed version of the software.

As you can see from the table, flagship models often have a wider set of gestures enabled by default, while budget devices require manual activation.

If your model is not listed, follow the general rule: the newer the device and the version of MIUI, the more likely you are to have advanced gestures. Owners of older models (released before 2018) may need to install third-party apps from the GetApps store to expand the functionality.

Alternative methods and voice control

If for some reason, a three-finger gesture doesn't work for you or isn't stable, the system offers great alternatives, and one of the most convenient is voice control through the Google Assistant or Xiao AI (in Chinese versions), just say "Take a screenshot" or "Ok Google, screenshot," and the device will execute the command.

Another interesting method is to use the back panel of a smartphone (Back Tap). In the menu Additional features → Gestures you can assign an action to double or triple tap on the back cover of the phone. This works even on devices in cases, if they are not too thick. By assigning this feature to create a screenshot, you will get the fastest access to the feature that does not require touching the screen at all.

For users who often work with documents, the feature of text recognition on a screenshot is relevant. After creating a picture with three fingers, the system will suggest recognizing the text in the image, which allows you to instantly copy text from a picture or photo to the clipboard, which greatly speeds up the work.

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The combination of methods (gestures + voice + back panel) gives maximum efficiency of smartphone control in any situation.

Remember to regularly clean up screenshot memory, as high-resolution images can quickly take up space. Use the built-in Cleanup tool in the Security app to remove similar or blurred images.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

⚠️ Note: When using a three-finger gesture in games or watching a video, make sure your fingers do not overlap important interface elements, as at the time of touch, the system may temporarily block the application response.

⚠️ Note: If you use a low-quality protective glass with thick edges, the sensor may not correctly recognize three simultaneous touches, in which case it is recommended to calibrate the screen or switch to the method with buttons.