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

Screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones are one of the most popular features, but not all users know about all the available ways to create them. Some are used to using the classic combination of buttons, and some do not even know about the existence of gesture control or voice assistant. Meanwhile, depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13) and firmware versions (MIUI 12-14) are available to 5 different methods – from standard to hidden.

In this article, we'll not only list the ways, but also go through the nuances of why some devices don't have Power + Volume Down, how to take a long screenshot (scrollable), and what to do if the screenshot doesn't save. And also, we'll talk about the little-known Quick Cans feature, which makes editing screenshots much easier. If you've ever seen a screenshot turn black or cropped, here's the solution.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

The most versatile method, which works on all Xiaomi models – from the budget Redmi A1 to the flagship Mi 13 Ultra.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (app, web page, game).
2. At the same time, press the Power (on) button and the Volume Down button.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see the animation.

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F4) If you don't get a screenshot, try pressing short and sharp rather than holding it.

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.

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If the screenshot is not saved, check the permissions for the Screenshots app in Settings → Apps → Application Management → Screenshots → Permissions. Often the problem is solved by enabling storage access.

2.Gestural control: three-finger swipe

Swipe Screenshot is available on most devices with MIUI 10 and later, and is especially useful if the physical buttons are broken or you use your phone with one hand.

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the Swipe Screenshot and activate the switch.
3. Select the direction of the swipe (usually down).

Now to take a screenshot:

• 👆 Swipe three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (or in the selected direction).
• 🎯 Make sure your fingers touch the screen at the same time or the gesture won’t work.
• 🔊 Wait for a sound signal or vibration.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) This gesture may conflict with other functions, such as Split Screen. If you don't get a screenshot, check your gesture settings for duplicate commands.

3. Quick sprays (MIUI 12+): editing without opening the gallery

One of the most useful features of MIUI 12 and later is Quick Ball, which is a floating panel that appears immediately after you take a screenshot and allows you to:

• 🖌️ Edit the picture (shortcut, drawing, text).
• 📤 Share it in messengers without saving.
• 🗑️ Delete a failed screenshot.
• 📋 Create a long screenshot (scrolling).

To turn on the fast cans:

1. Take a screenshot of it any way you want.
2. In the notification that appears, click on Settings (cogs).
3. Activate the option to Show the cans after the screenshot.

Important: If the cans don’t appear, check if they are turned off in Settings → Notifications → Additional → Quick cans.

Take a screenshot.|Check the Notice of Conservation|Click on the thumbnail in the corner of the screen|Make sure that a toolbar is available-->

4. Voice assistant Google or Xiao AI

If buttons or gestures are not available (for example, due to a breakdown), you can take a screenshot with a voice command.

• 🤖 Google Assistant (works for all Xiaomi with Google Mobile Services).
• 🗣️ Xiao AI (Xiaomi built-in assistant, but requires Chinese firmware or global MIUI supportive).

Instructions for Google Assistant:

1. Activate the assistant with a voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
2. Say: Take a screenshot or Make a screenshot (in English it works more stable).
3. Confirm the action if necessary.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 11) Google Assistant may not have the right to create screenshots, in this case, only manually enabling permission in Settings will help. → Annexes → Google → Permits → Special access → Screenshots.

Power and volume buttons |Swipe gesture |Fast sprays |Voice assistant |Another way-->

5. Long screenshot (scrollable)

The Long Screenshot (or Scrolling Screenshot) feature allows you to capture all content — like a chat on Telegram, a page on Chrome, or a list on Instagram — and it doesn’t work on all apps, but it’s supported by most popular services.

How to do this:

1. Take a regular screenshot in any way.
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the corner of the screen, click on it.
3. In the editor that opens, tap the Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
4. Wait until the screen automatically scrolls to the end, or stop the process manually.

📌 Limitations:

• ❌ Does not work in games and some banking applications (due to content protection).
• ❌ Can crop dynamic content (such as Instagram stories).
• ✅ It works best in Chrome, Telegram, WhatsApp and standard apps MIUI.

6. Screenshot Problems and Their Solutions

Sometimes screenshots on Xiaomi fail or are saved with errors, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

🖼️ Screenshot turns out black.

Reason: Content protection in some applications (banks, Netflix, games)

• 🔄 Try another way (for example, gesture instead of buttons).
• 📱 Use the second phone to take pictures of the screen.
• 🔧 Turn off Content Protection in the app settings (if available).

📁 Screenshots are not saved

Causes and solutions:

• 🗃️ Check the space in the memory (Settings) → Warehouse).
• 🔒 Give permission to the Screenshots app to access the storage.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes helps with system failures.

🎮 In games, the screenshot doesn't work.

Many games (e.g. Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile) block screenshots.

• 🎥 Use screen recording (Settings) → Screen. → Record the screen, then take a screenshot of the video.
• 📷 Take a picture of the screen with another device.

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If the screenshot is not taken in a particular app, it is most likely a developer limitation: Try using guest mode (if available) or turn off data protection in the app settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi