Creating a screenshot on Xiaomi smartphones is a basic feature that will be useful to every user. Whether it’s saving important correspondence, fixing an error in the application or just wanting to share interesting content, the ability to quickly take a screenshot saves time and nerves. However, not everyone knows that Redmi, POCO and other brands have 5 different ways – from the classic combination of buttons to voice commands.
In this article, we will look at all the current techniques, including little-known features like scrolling screenshots or taking pictures with Google Assistant, and focus on typical problems (for example, when screenshots are not saved) and nuances for older models on MIUI 10 and later. If you are a Xiaomi user, here you will find answers to even non-obvious questions.
1. Classical method: button combination
The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models – from Redmi 4A to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. To create a screenshot, press two buttons at the same time:
- 🔘 Power button (on/off) + volume-button
- 🕒 Hold them down. 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is on) and see the save animation.
- 📁 The picture will automatically appear in the gallery in the Screenshots folder or Screenshots.
This works even on a locked screen (if you have set the settings in Settings → Lock screen enabled). However, there is a caveat: on some models with MIUI 12+, if you hold the buttons long, the shutdown menu can work. To avoid this, press the combination short and sharply.
⚠️ Note: On devices with a physical Menu button (e.g., Redmi) 3S) This method may not work, so use alternative methods in the following sections.
2. Screenshot by gesture (three fingers)
The MIUI feature is the ability to take a screenshot with a simple swipe three fingers down, which is convenient when you hold your phone with one hand and you press buttons with the other.
- Open Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot with a gesture.
- Turn on the swipe switch with three fingers.
- Choose the direction of the gesture: down or up (we recommend down – it is easier to avoid accidental positives).
Now, just swipe your three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (or bottom to top if you choose this option), and you take a screenshot, which works even in games and full-screen applications where the navigation bar is hidden.
Check if the gesture is enabled in the settings|Make sure your fingers don’t touch the edges of the screen|Try swipe in different applications|Reboot your phone if the gesture doesn’t work-->
Important: On some models (e.g. POCO F3), the gesture may conflict with other features, such as Split Screen. If the screenshot fails, turn off unnecessary gestures in the settings.
3. Scrolling (long) screenshot
If you want to save an entire chat, web page or list (like search results), a standard screenshot will not work — it will only capture the visible area of the screen. For such cases, MIUI has a scrolling screenshot feature (also known as a “long screenshot”).
How to do this:
- Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
- Immediately after the thumbnail of the picture appears in the lower right corner of the screen, click on it.
- In the editor that opens, tap the Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
- Wait for the system to automatically scroll through the page and connect the pieces into one long shot.
- Press Ready to save the result.
The feature works in most applications, except for some games and banking programs (due to security restrictions), the maximum screenshot length is up to 10 screens (depending on the model and version of MIUI).
| Annex | Whether scrolling is supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Yes. | Works in chat rooms and dialogue lists | |
| Telegram | ✅ Yes. | Doesn't work in secret chat rooms. |
| Google Chrome | ✅ Yes. | It may not work on dynamic pages (e.g., infinite scrolling) |
| ❌ No. | Blocked by the application policy | |
| Sberbank Online | ❌ No. | Prohibited for security reasons |
4. Screenshot with Google Assistant
If the physical buttons on your Xiaomi don’t work (for example, after a phone drop) and the gestures are turned off, you can take a screenshot with a voice command.
- Activate Google Assistant by saying “OK, Google” or holding the Home button (if you have one).
- Tell the command to take a screenshot or take a screenshot.
- Confirm permission to access the screen (when you first use it).
This works on all devices with MIUI 11 and later, where Google services are installed, and the main advantage is that you do not need to press buttons or make gestures.
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If the voice assistant doesn't recognize the command, try saying it in English, "Take a screenshot." Sometimes it works better.
5. Screenshot via notification panel (quick settings)
Few people know, but in MIUI, you can add a screenshot icon to the Quick Settings panel, which is convenient if you take screenshots often and don't want to remember button combinations.
- Open the notification bar by swiping down from the top edge of the screen.
- Click on the icon. ⚙️ Edit (pencil).
- Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.
- Press Ready.
Now, when swiping down, you just need to tap a new icon to take a picture, which is especially useful on devices with MIUI 13/14, where the notification bar supports setting the items.
⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. custom) may not have a screenshot icon on the quick settings list. MIUI before the latest version or use other methods.
Typical problems and their solutions
Sometimes screenshots on Xiaomi don't save, get black, or some methods don't work, and let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them.
Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery
If the shot is taken (shutter sound heard) but does not appear in the Screenshots folder, check:
- 📂 Default folder: Sometimes files are saved to DCIM → Camera or Pictures.
- 🔄 Permissions: Open Settings → Annexes → gallery → Permits and enable access to storage.
- 🗑️ Free space: If the memory is less than 500 MB, the system may not save new files.
Problem 2: Black screenshot
If the picture is completely black, one of two things is to blame:
- 🔒 Secure Content: Some apps (such as Netflix or banking) block screenshots.
- 🖥️ Rendering error: Reboot your phone or upgrade MIUI last-minute.
How to bypass the screenshot blocking in banking applications?
Problem 3: Three finger gestures are not working
If the swipe doesn't work:
- 🔧 Check if the gesture is enabled in the Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures.
- 🧹 Clear the system cache: Settings → The phone. → Memory. → Clear the cache.
- 📱 Make sure there is no protective film or glass on the screen that interferes with gesture recognition.
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If none of the methods work, try resetting your gesture settings to factory: Settings → System and device → Resetting → Reset gesture settings.
Additional chips: editing and fast sending
Once you have created a screenshot on Xiaomi, you can edit it or share it without saving it.
- ✏️ Quick editing: After you take a screenshot, tap on the thumbnail in the lower right corner. The built-in editor with tools for cropping, drawing and adding text will open.
- 📤 Instant sending: swipe the thumbnail to the left – a quick send menu will open to Telegram, WhatsApp or other instant messengers.
- 🔍 Text search: in the gallery, open the screenshot and click Extract text (available on the MIUI 12.5+). The system recognizes the text and allows you to copy it.
On devices with MIUI 14, the smart screenshots feature appeared: the system automatically recognizes phone numbers, email addresses and other data in the picture and suggests taking an action (for example, save contact or open a map).