How to set up and take a screenshot on your Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

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 version of the MIUI firmware, various methods are available, from the classic combination of buttons to innovative gestures and voice commands. But many users do not even suspect that screenshot settings can be customized — change the format of saving, add editing, or automatically delete metadata.

In this article, we will discuss not only basic ways to create screenshots, but also hidden MIUI features that save time. For example, did you know that Xiaomi can take a screenshot of a page you scrolle automatically (without manual gluing)? Or that some models have a “superscreenshot” mode with text recognition? If your phone does not respond to standard button combinations or you want to optimize the process, read on.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones – from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. The combination of power + volume buttons works even on a locked screen (if the appropriate setting is not disabled in Settings → Lock screen).

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 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 shutter sound or see the save animation.
• 📁 Screenshot is automatically saved to the Pictures folder → Screenshots (or) DCIM → Screenshots on some firmware).

⚠️ Note: On models with a physical button "Google Assistant" (e.g., Google Assistant, POCO F5) Accidentally pressing it can interrupt the screenshot. To avoid this, turn off the sensitivity of the side button in Settings. → Buttons and gestures → Google Assistant Button.

2. Three-finger gesture: quick screenshot without buttons

Three-finger gestures are a MIUI feature that makes it easy to create screenshots with one hand, and it works on all devices with MIUI 10 and newer, but can be disabled by default.

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the "Three Fingers Screenshot" and turn on the switch.
3. Test the gesture: swipe down the screen with three fingers at the same time (not necessarily strictly vertically, a small angle is allowed).

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Instantly activate – no need to look for buttons.
• 🎨 Ability to edit the screenshot immediately (stripping, drawing, adding text).
• 🔄 It works even in games and applications with button locking (for example, in the case of the game, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).

💡 Useful tip: If the gesture works by accident (for example, when scrolling the tape in TikTok), reduce sensitivity in the settings or turn off the feature for specific applications through Settings → Annexes → Permits → Special access → Gestures.

Enable the function in Settings → Gestures|Test on the main screen|Calibrate sensitivity|Add exceptions for games-->

3. Notification panel and quick settings

A lesser known, but no less convenient, way is to use a notification panel, a technique that is suitable for users who often take screenshots of web pages or long chats where they want to capture scrollable content.

Instructions:

1. Turn the notification bar full swipe down (not short!).
2. Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a rectangle with lightning) if it's not there, click Edit and add the tiles manually.
3. For a long screenshot (scrolling page) after the first frame, click Scroll or Expand.

Features of the method:

⚠️ Warning: If you click on the screenshot icon and you get an error, "Can't take a screenshot," check if it's "No sound" or "Do not disturb" mode. MIUI Block screenshots in these modes due to privacy policies.

4.Voice Assistant and Google Assistant

For users who prefer voice control, there are two options:

• 🗣️ Google Assistant (works on all models with Google Mobile Services).
• 🤖 XiaoAI (branded assistant Xiaomi, available in China and global firmware with a wide range of products) MIUI 12+).

Method 1: Google Assistant

Activate the assistant with a voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button, then say:

Take a screenshot.


or




Screenshot.

✅ It works even if your hands are busy, but requires an internet connection to recognize your voice.

Method 2: XiaoAI (for Chinese firmware)

Press the power button for 1-2 seconds to call XiaoAI, then say in Chinese or English:

(Jiétú - "screenshot")


or




Take a screenshot

💡 Useful tip: If voice commands are not recognized, check the microphone settings in Settings → Sound and vibration → Microphone and make sure there are no restrictions for the assistant in Settings → Annexes → Permits.

5 Screenshots in games and secure applications

Many users face a problem: in games (for example, Call of Duty Mobile) or banking applications (SberBank Online), screenshots are blocked. MIUI Android, but there are workarounds.

Solutions for games:

• 🎮 Use the built-in screen recording (Settings) → Screen. → Screen recording, then extract the footage from the video.
• 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC through ADB Take a screenshot of the screencap command: adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
• 🔄 Enable Developer Mode and Disable the Restriction: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times) Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Disable "Ban screenshots"

⚠️ Note: Disabling screenshot restrictions in banking applications may violate their security policies.Some banks (e.g. Tinkoff) block access to an account when they detect such actions.

💡

In anti-cheat games (such as Free Fire or Mobile Legends), any attempt to take a screenshot programmatically (via ADB or root) can result in an account ban.

6. Additional settings: format, folder, editing

By default, screenshots on Xiaomi are saved in PNG format with screen resolution, but this can be changed, and options for automatic editing and deleting metadata are also available.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Additional functions → Screenshots.
2. Choose: 📂 Save folder – change to Download or Mi Cloud. 🖼️ Format — PNG (lossless JPEG (less). ✏️ Editing – Enable automatic tool opening after creating a screenshot. 🔍 Delete Metadata – Disable geotags and device information (useful for privacy).

💡 Useful tip: If you share screenshots frequently in messengers, enable the option “Compress When Submitted” in the same settings. This will reduce the weight of the file without noticeable loss of quality (ideal for Telegram or WhatsApp).

For advanced users: If you need to automate screenshots (for example, for streaming or software testing), use applications like Tasker or MacroDroid with the Secure Settings plugin to execute commands without manual intervention.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi