How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways (including hidden)

Screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones are easier than they seem — but only if you know all the available ways. Many users have been using the standard combination of buttons Loud down + Power for years, without even knowing that there are at least 4 alternative methods in MIUI. Meanwhile, a gesture screenshot or voice command can save seconds in critical situations — for example, when you need to fix a bug in a game or save proof in a messenger.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to create screenshots on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark phones (including models from 2023-2026). Particular attention will be paid to the hidden features of MIUI 14/15, which allow you to take long screenshots, edit them immediately after you create and even save them automatically to the cloud. If your smartphone does not respond to standard combinations, here you will find a solution.

1. Standard method: Volume and power buttons

It’s a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models, from the budget Redmi 10A to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

1. Open the screen that you need to lock.
2. Press the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time.
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 F5) Holding the buttons too long can cause the switch-off menu. Optimal time is 0.8–1.2 seconds.

Where to look for a screenshot after creation?

• 📁 In the gallery: Screenshots folder (or Screenshots in Russian).
• 🔍 File Manager: The Internal Memory Path → Pictures → Screenshots.
• ☁️ In the Mi Cloud, if sync is enabled (check Settings) → Xiaomi Cloud).

2.Gest screenshot: three fingers down

The screenshot gesture feature appeared in MIUI 10 and has since become one of the most popular among users, allowing you to take a screenshot in one motion without pressing physical buttons. Here's how to set it up and use it:

Activation of the gesture:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Select the screenshot with three fingers.
3. Turn on the switch and test the gesture on any screen.

How it works: swipe your fingers from top to bottom across the screen (not necessarily vertically, a small angle is allowed). The speed of movement should be average: moving too slowly or fast may not work.

Check to enable the function in settings | Make sure there is no gesture locking on the screen (e.g. in games) |Try the gesture on the home screen and in the app |Turn off the cover or film if they interfere with the operation-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (such as Black Shark 5 Pro), the default gesture screenshots are disabled due to game mode. → Special facilities → Gestures and enable the option manually.

3. Screenshot via Quick Ball (floating panel)

Quick Ball is a floating toolbar that appears on top of any screen, and is particularly handy for users with larger smartphones (such as the Xiaomi 13T Pro or Redmi K60 Ultra), where it is difficult to reach the volume and power buttons with one hand.

How to turn on Quick Ball:

1. Open Settings → Additional features → Quick Ball
2. Activate the slider and select the style of the panel (standard or miniature).
3. Click the icon settings and add the screenshot button to the Quick Access Panel.

How to use: tap the floating circle (it is on the side of the screen by default), then select the Screenshot icon. The picture will be taken instantly, without delay.

4.Voice assistant: screenshot on command

If you have Xiaomi’s voice assistant (or Google Assistant) on, you can take voice screenshots, which is convenient when your hands are busy or you need to lock the screen remotely (for example, while streaming).

Setup for Xiaomi Assistant:

1. Activate Assistant: Settings → Applications → Smart Assistant → Voice Assistant.
2. Say the phrase: "Take a screenshot" or "Screenshot".
3. Confirm the action (if required).

For Google Assistant, say, "OK, Google, take a screenshot." Note that on some models (like the POCO X5 Pro), this feature can be disabled by default to activate it:

Settings → Google → Google Services → Voice Search → Voice Control → Enable “Screenshots”

⚠️ Note: Voice screenshots don’t work in banking apps and some instant messengers (like WhatsApp in incognito mode) due to security restrictions MIUI.

💡

If the voice assistant doesn’t recognize the command, try re-forming it: instead of “screenshot,” say “picture the screen” or “save the screen.”

5. Long (scrollable) screenshot

Scrolling Screenshot captures not only the visible part of the screen, but also the part hidden behind the scrolling, which is indispensable for saving long pages in the browser, correspondence in Telegram or lists in Mi Fit.

How to do this:

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

🔹 Limitations:

• 🚫 It doesn’t work in some apps (e.g. TikTok, Instagram Reels).
• 📏 Maximum length – up to 10 screens (depending on model).
• ⚡ Requires a sufficient amount of RAM (on Redmi). 9A may slow down).

6. Screenshot via the food menu (alternative method)

Few people know, but in MIUI 12 and later, you can take a screenshot through the off menu, which is useful if the volume buttons or touch screen are not working.

Step-by-step:

1. Press the Power button for 2-3 seconds to turn off the menu.
2. At the bottom of the screen, look for the Screenshot icon (it can be hidden under the More or Additional button).
3. Slip on it - the picture will be taken without additional confirmation.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. Global) ROM Xiaomi 12T) This option is missing. To add it, install a firmware mod that supports an extended power menu (e.g. Xiaomi.eu).

7. Editing and managing screenshots

Once a screenshot is created, MIUI automatically prompts you to edit it.

• ✏️ Cut edges (tooling staffing).
• 🎨 Add text, drawings, stickers.
• 🔍 Blurr sensitive information (phone numbers, passwords).
• 📤 Instantly share via messengers or the cloud.

Where to find additional settings:

Settings → Applications → Gallery → Gallery settings → Screenshots

Here you can:

• Disable the screenshot thumbnail after creation.
• Revise the save format (JPEG/PNG).
• Enable automatic download in Mi Cloud.

💡

If you often have to edit screenshots, install a third-party app like Markup or Screenshot Touch – they offer more tools (for example, adding arrows or blurring along the outline).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi