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

Screenshots on Xiaomi are not just about saving the screen, but about an arsenal of content tools. From the standard button combination to voice commands and gestures in MIUI, the manufacturer offers at least 5 ways to take screenshots, some of which are hidden in the depths of settings. But even experienced users often miss the nuances of why a screenshot is not saved in the gallery, how to take a scrolling page shot, or why some POCO models don’t have a three-finger gesture?

In this guide, we will look at all the current methods, from basic to advanced, including solutions for the Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and other popular models. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden feature “Long screenshot” in MIUI 14+, which allows you to capture the entire web pages and chats in instant messengers. And for those who prefer automation, we will show you how to configure the creation of screenshots by timer or voice through Google Assistant.

1. Standard method: button combination

The classic method works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the MIUI version or model.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO F-series and Black Shark button combinations can conflict with game modes. If a screenshot is not created, check if Game Turbo mode is active in the settings.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open the screen you want to save.
2. At the same time, press the Power button + Volume Down button.
3. Hold 1-2 seconds until the screenshot animation appears (white flash at the edges of the screen).
4. The finished shot will appear in the notification panel and automatically save to the Screenshots folder in the gallery.

This method is universal, but has limitations:

• 🔄 Does not work on a locked screen (unlocking required).
• 🎮 Can conflict with game triggers on Black Shark 5 Pro.
• 📱 On models with a subscreen scanner (for example, Xiaomi Mix 4) sometimes triggers accidentally when pressed.

2. Three-finger gesture: setting and nuance

The Screenshot by Gesture feature appeared in MIUI 9 and has since become one of the most convenient ways, but by default it is disabled - it must be activated manually.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the Screenshot item with a gesture and activate the slider.
3. Select the option: Swipe three fingers down (recommended) or Touch three fingers.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than a button combination, no need to look for keys.
• 🎯 Works in any application, including games (unless blocked by the developer).
• 🔧 You can adjust the direction of the gesture (up/down) for convenience.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Pad 5/6 And on other tablets, a three-finger gesture can conflict with the split screen function, in which case, turn off split screen in multitasking settings.

Check if the gesture is included in the settings|Make sure your fingers aren’t wet (the sensor may not work)|Turn off left-handed mode if gesture is not recognized|Reboot your phone if the gesture stops working-->

3. Quick settings panel: an alternative for lazy

If you're uncomfortable remembering keyboard shortcuts or gestures, MIUI has a built-in button for screenshots right in the notification curtain, a technique that is particularly useful for users with disabilities or on devices with faulty physical buttons.

Instructions:

1. Fly the notification curtain down (with one finger).
2. Find the Screenshot icon (scissors against the background of the rectangle).
3. If there is no icon, click Edit (pencil in the upper right corner) and add it to active shortcuts.
4. Slip the icon – the screenshot will be taken instantly.

Features of the method:

• 📌 The icon is available even on a locked screen (unless the protection is configured).
• 🔄 You can take a screenshot with a delay: hold the icon for 2 seconds for the timer to appear.
• ❌ Does not work in some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) due to security restrictions.

💡

Add the screenshot icon to the first line of the curtain – so you can take screenshots with one hand without opening the panel completely.

4. Voice commands: screenshots via Google Assistant

For those who prefer to control their phone with voice, it is possible to take screenshots through Google Assistant, which is especially convenient when hands are busy or you need to take a screenshot in an uncomfortable position (for example, while charging).

How to set up:

1. Activate Google Assistant with the “OK Google” command or hold the Home button.
2. Say, "Take a screenshot" or "Screenshot."
3. Confirm permission to access the screen (when you first use it).

Limitations and nuances:

• 🗣️ It only works when you connect to the Internet (requires command processing on Google servers).
• 🔇 In some regions (e.g. China), voice commands may be restricted.
• 📱 Xiaomi with custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) may require additional permissions.

5. Long screenshot: How to capture the entire page

Scrolling Screenshot (or Long Screenshot) allows you to save entire web pages, chats in Telegram/WhatsApp, and even lists in Mi Fit. This feature is available in MIUI 12 and later, but many users do not know how to use it.

Step-by-step:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the lower right corner of the screen, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, find the Scroll button (two arrows up and down).
4. Wait for the screen to scroll automatically. Use the slider on the right for manual scrolling.
5. Press Ready when you capture the desired fragment.

Wherever you need it:

• 📄 Saving checks from Sberbank Online or Tinkoff entirely.
• 💬 Archiving of long correspondence in messengers.
• 📊 Save statistics from Google Fit or Mi Band.

⚠️ Note: In some apps (such as Instagram or Instagram) VK) Scrolling screenshots can be blocked by developers for security reasons.

6. Hidden chips: timer, editing and automatic saving

MIUI offers a few additional options for working with screenshots, which are hidden in the depths of settings.

1.Timer screenshot

If you need to take a late-action shot (for example, for a screen selfie or interface preparation), use a built-in timer:

• Open the Quick Settings Panel.
• Hold the screenshot icon for 2 seconds.
• Select the delay: 3 seconds or 10 seconds.

2. Rapid editing

Immediately after the screenshot was created:

• Slip the thumbnail in the corner of the screen.
• In the editor, tools are available: Pruning, Drawing, Text, Mosaic.
• 💡 Tip: To quickly share an edited screenshot, click Share in the upper right corner.

3. Change of the format of conservation

By default, screenshots are saved to PNG, but you can change the format to JPEG (less weight) or WEBp (better quality):

1. Install the file manager for Mi File Explorer.
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Screenshot format.
3. Choose the format you want (not available on all firmware).

💡

The Smart Recognition feature in MIUI 14+ automatically detects text in screenshots and suggests copying it – this works even without an Internet connection.

7. Problem Solving: Screenshot is not saved or working

If screenshots are no longer created or are not saved in the gallery, check out the following points:

Problem 1: Screenshot taken but not shown in gallery

• 🔍 Check the folder. DCIM → Screenshots via File Manager.
• 📁 The folder may be hidden – turn on the hidden files in the Mi File Explorer settings.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the media scanner doesn’t update the gallery.

Problem 2: Three finger gestures don't work

• ⚙️ Make sure the function is included in the settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
• 👆 Try changing the direction of the gesture (up/down).
• 🧼 Wipe the screen – greasy spots or protective glass may interfere with recognition.

Problem 3: The button combination does not work

• 🎮 Check if the Game Mode is active (turns off in the notification curtain).
• 🔋 Make sure the buttons are not locked (e.g. in pocket mode).
• 🛠️ Some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro) may require button calibration in Settings. → System system → Buttons.

If nothing helps, try resetting your gesture settings:

Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset gesture settings

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with unlocked bootloader and custom firmware (like LineageOS), standard screenshot methods may not work. In this case, use apps from Google Play, such as Screenshot Easy or Super Screenshot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi