How to take a screenshot of the lock screen on Xiaomi: all ways + problem solving

The lock screen on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a security guard, but also a place where important notifications, weather widgets, date, time and even personalized wallpaper are displayed. Many users want to save this screen - whether to show friends, create memes or capture important information (for example, meeting times on the screen). However, the standard way to take a screenshot (Loudness down + Power) on a locked device does not work. Why is this happening and how to get around this restriction?

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to take a screenshot of the lock screen on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, including bypassing the system limitations of MIUI. Also, you will learn which models support this or that feature, how to avoid errors and what to do if the screenshot turns out to be black. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-15 and Android 11-14, but we will specify features for older versions.

Why the standard method doesn’t work on the lock screen

All Xiaomi smartphones (and most Android devices) have been blocked from accessing the screenshot feature on the lock screen for two reasons:

• 🔒 Security: MIUI Limits the ability to save screen with confidential data (notifications, PIN-code, fingerprints).
• 📱 Technical limitations: At the Android level, the system blocks interaction with the interface before unlocking.
• 🛡️ Protection from intruders: Without this limitation, an attacker could take a screenshot of your screen from the screen. PIN-password.

But there are workarounds, from ADB to third-party applications, and we'll go into detail next, starting with the simplest ones.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) post-update MIUI 15 screenshot blocking has increased. If your smartphone is released after 2023, first check the Settings section. → Special features – there may be a hidden switch.

Method 1: Using Google Assistant (without root)

This is the easiest method that works on most Xiaomi devices with Google services. you don't need superuser rights or a PC connection.

How it works: Google Assistant can interact with the interface even on a locked screen if the OK Google feature is enabled.

• 🎤 Activate the voice assistant with the phrase “OK Google” or hold the Home button (if you have one).
• 📸 Tell the command to “take a screenshot” or “Photograph the screen».
• 📁 The finished screenshot is saved in the folder Pictures/Screenshots.

✅ Pluses:

• ✔️ Does not require a connection to a PC.
• ✔️ Works on MIUI 12-15.
• ✔️ There is no risk of resetting settings.

❌ Cons:

• ❌ In some models (for example, POCO F5) The voice assistant may not work on a locked screen.
• ❌ If Google services are disabled (for example, in China), the method will not work.

Method 2: ADB-Team (for advanced users)

If Google Assistant doesn't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a PC debugging tool that requires pre-configuration, but it gives you 100% results.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB developer-setting.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) and type in: adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen_lock.png
3. Copy the file on PC: Adb pull /sdcard/screen_lock.png C:\Screenshots\

⚠️ Important: If the lock screen is black, add a setting -d capture:

adb shell screencap -d -p /sdcard/screen_lock.png

Enable the developer mode (7 taps by build number in "About the phone")

Activate “Debugging by USB” in the developer settings

Install ADB drivers on PC (for example, via Mi PC Suite)

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trusted device-->

Method 3: Third-party applications (with security risk)

There are apps on Google Play that promise to take screenshots of a locked screen, but most of them either don't run on MIUI or require super-user rights (root), and we tested a few options and identified two relatively safe ones:

• 📱 Screen Master – works on 60% of Xiaomi devices, but can show ads.
• 🔍 Screenshot Touch – Supports gestures, but requires special features enabled by the Special Opportunity Service.

⚠️ Warning:

⚠️ Note: Screenshot apps often request access to Overlay over other windows and Special Features.This can be used to display ads or collect data.Install only verified programs with a rating of 4.5+.

🔹 How to reduce risks:

• Check reviews on 4PDA or XDA Developers before installing.
• Disable access to special features after use.
• Use a temporary Google account to download.

💡

Before installing a third-party application, back up your data through Settings → System → Backup. This will help restore your phone if the program causes a crash.

Method 4: Photographing the second screen (alternative method)

If none of these things worked, you can do the trick of taking a picture of the lock screen with another device, which is not ideal, but sometimes the only way out.

How to take a high-quality picture:

• 📸 Use a second smartphone with a good camera (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or iPhone).
• 💡 Turn on maximum brightness on both devices.
• 🔍 Bring the camera close to the screen, avoiding glare.
• 📐 Use Document or Macro mode for clarity.

✅ Pluses:

• ✔️ Works on 100% of devices.
• ✔️ Does not require settings.

❌ Cons:

• ❌ The quality is worse than the actual screenshot.
• ❌ There may be glare or distortion.

Method 5: Developer Mode + Hidden MIUI Functions

Xiaomi’s deep settings have hidden options that circumvent screenshot restrictions, which require developer mode activation and doesn’t work on all models.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option to Disable Screenshot Protection (Disable Screenshot Protection).
4. Reset the device.
5. Try to take a screenshot in the standard way (Loudness down + Nutrition).

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 12T), this option is called Minimize Security Limits and is hidden in the Local Updates section.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling screenshot protection may reduce device security. Once a screenshot is created, we recommend that you return the settings to their original state.

💡

If the option to Disable screenshot protection is missing, try updating MIUI before the latest version or use ADB-method.

What to do if the screenshot is black

Sometimes, instead of a lock screen, a black background is retained, because MIUI blocks the capture of secure content (protected areas of the screen).

• 🔄 Restart the device and try again.
• 🔧 Turn off the protection through ADB: adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1
• 📱 Use a different method (e.g., taking pictures of the second screen).

If the problem persists, check if Incognito is enabled in the lock screen settings (Settings → Screen Lock → Additional).

FAQ: Frequent questions about lock screen screenshots