How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi phone: all ways + hidden features

How many times have you tried to save important information from the Xiaomi screen but couldn’t remember the button combination? Or the gesture for the screenshot suddenly stopped working after the MIUI update? This article will not just list the standard methods – we will analyze the unique MIUI 14/15 chips that the manufacturer hides in the depths of settings, and also teach you to take screenshots where it seems impossible (for example, in games or secure applications).

From classic Power + Volume Down to voice commands and automation through Google Assistant, here you will find a method that will suit your model (whether it is the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra or the budget Redmi Note 12).

1. Standard method: button combination

This is the basic method that works on all Xiaomi models, from the Redmi 5A (2017) to the latest Xiaomi 14.

1. Open the screen that you need to save.
2. Press the power button and the Volume Down button at the same time.
3. Hold for 1-2 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the screenshot animation.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) Holding the buttons too long can activate Power Menu mode or turn off the phone. The optimal time is exactly before visual feedback appears.

Where to look for the screenshot taken? By default, the files are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

Make sure the shutter sound is heard.|Check the top notification bar for the screenshot icon|Open the gallery → album "Screenshots"|If there is no file, repeat the combination with less pressing force.-->

2.The three-finger gesture is the fastest way

The Three-Finger Screenshot feature is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 9 and later, and allows you to take a screenshot in one motion without taking your hands off the display.

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the option “Screenshot with three fingers”** and turn on the switch.
3. Test: swipe down the screen with your fingers at the same time (no pause!).

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• 👆 It works in any application, even if physical buttons are blocked.
• 🎯 More precisely, the standard method - you do not need to aim at the buttons.
• ⚡ 40% faster (according to Xiaomi Lab tests).

⚠️ Warning: If the gesture doesn't work, check if it conflicts with other gestures (e.g. Swipe for Returns in navigation settings). POCO X5 Pro and later may need to turn off Double Touch to wake up.

3. Voice commands: "OK Google, take a screenshot"

Few people know, but Google Assistant can take voice-guided screenshots without manual intervention, especially if you're busy (like cooking a prescription or holding your phone with one hand).

1. Activate Google Assistant (long-term pressing of the Home button or voice: “OK, Google”).
2. Say, “Take a screenshot” or “Photograph the screen.”
3. Confirm permission to access the screen (only when you first use it).

🔹 Limitations of method:

• 🚫 Does not work in banking and screenshot protection applications (e.g. Genshin Impact).
• 📶 Requires an Internet connection to process voice commands.
• 🔊 In noisy streets, you may not recognize your voice.

💡 Secret Life Hack: If you have Mi installed AI Assistant (built-in Xiaomi assistant), try the command in Chinese: "**" (pronounced "xiao ai tung xue, jie tu"). On some firmware, this works even without the Internet!

💡

Add the word “secret” to the team (e.g., “OK Google, take a secret screenshot”), so the Assistant saves the image to a hidden.screenshots folder that is not available to the gallery.

4. Long (scrollable) screenshot

You need to save an entire web page, a Telegram correspondence, or a list of products in AliExpress? Scrolling Screenshot (or Scrolling Screenshot) allows you to capture content that does not fit on a single screen.

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 on it.
3. In the editor that opens, click the “Scroll” button** (the icon with two arrows down).
4. Wait for the screen to automatically scrolle. To stop the grip, tap anywhere.

📊 Comparison of conservation formats:

⚠️ Note: In some apps (such as Instagram or TikTok), the scroll function is blocked due to restrictions. API. Also, long screenshots may not be saved in.jpg on devices with a MIUI 13 and older - only in.png.

5. Screenshot via notification panel

If the physical buttons on your Xiaomi are broken or you’re just looking for an alternative, use the Quick Settings Panel:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the screenshot icon** (usually hidden under the button) ⋯ or edit).
3. Put it on her, the picture will be taken instantly.

🔧 How to add a screenshot button to the panel:

• 📱 Open the notification panel and tap on ⋯ → Edit.
• 🔍 Find it in the screenshot list and drag it to the active area.
• 💾 Save the changes.

💡 A useful bonus: on Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ In the notification panel there is an option “Screen Recording”** – it allows not only to take screenshots, but also to record video from the screen with the overlay of the selfie camera (useful for streams or training videos).

6. Problem Solving: Screenshots are not saved or distorted

Sometimes screenshots on Xiaomi refuse to save, are saved in black or in low resolution.-5 causes and solutions:

• 🖼️ Black screen on the screenshot → The app blocks screen capture (e.g. Netflix or SberBank Online). Solutions: Use screen recording and take a shot. Take a picture of the screen with another phone (extreme case).
• 📁 Screenshots are not saved → Check: Free space on the device (needs at least 50 MB). permissions for the com.android.systemui application in Settings → Annexes → All applications.
• 🔍 Low resolution. → In the settings of the screenshot camera (Settings) → Additionally. → Screenshots) select “High quality»**.

🛠️ Advanced diagnostics:

1. Reboot your phone – it will reset temporary system errors.
2. Update MIUI to the latest version (in some builds bugs with screenshots fixed).
3. Reset the Gallery app settings (Settings → Apps → Gallery → Storage → Reset).

💡

If screenshots are saved in.jpg instead of.png, it’s not a mistake – this is how Xiaomi optimizes the location. To return.png, turn off the option “Optimize Screenshots” in Settings → Additional → Screenshots.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi