How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi phone: all ways with photos and videos

Taking screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you face unexpected limitations. For example, why does the POCO F5 not work the usual combination of buttons? Or how to take a screenshot if the sensor does not respond? This article covers all the current ways to create screenshots on devices with MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, including rare techniques for unusual situations.

We tested each method on 15 models, from the budget Redmi 12C to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and it turned out that even in 2026, many users are unaware of the hidden screenshot menu that allows you to edit images immediately after you create, or the ability to take long screenshots in any application, and meanwhile, these features save up to 30% of time when working with documents or correspondence.

The focus was on the challenges that device owners face after upgrading to HyperOS: the altered layout of controls and new gestures are often confusing. If your Xiaomi suddenly stopped taking screenshots in the usual way, the answer is right here.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

It is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the firmware version.

1. Open the screen that you want to capture.
2. Press the power button and the volume down button at the same time.
3. Hold for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see the animation.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Black Shark 5), this combination causes the reboot menu, in which case try to press the buttons 0.5 seconds shorter or use alternative methods from the following sections.

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If the screenshot is not saved, check if Do Not Disturb or Game Turbo mode is enabled, which can block the creation of screenshots.

Where to look for a finished screenshot?

• 📁 In the gallery: Screenshots folder or Screenshots
• 🔍 Through File Manager: Internal Storage → Pictures → Screenshots
• 📱 In the notification: tap the preview screenshot to open the edit menu

2. Three finger gesture (the fastest way)

The Three-Finger Screenshot feature is available on all devices with MIUI 10 and later, and allows you to take a screenshot in one motion without pressing buttons — ideal for games or applications where physical keys are locked.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the screenshot option with three fingers and activate it.
3. Choose the gesture direction: Top down or bottom up (recommended the former to avoid accidental positives).

How to use:

• 👆 Swipe three fingers on the screen in the selected direction.
• 🎯 For accuracy, start the gesture outside the display (for example, from the top edge).
• 🔄 If the picture does not work, repeat the movement more slowly.

⚠️ Attention: POCO X5 Pro and some other models, this gesture conflicts with the camera's Quick Open feature. If the screenshots don't work, check the gesture settings in the Camera section.

3. Screenshot via notification panel

The method is suitable for those who prefer visual controls. MIUI and HyperOS have a special button for screenshots in the notification curtain:

Step-by-step:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the Screenshot icon (usually located on the second page of the Quick Settings).
3. Slip it on it - the picture will be taken instantly.

Advantages of this method:

• ⚡ No need to remember gestures or button combinations.
• 🎨 Allows you to open the screenshot editor immediately.
• 🔄 It works even if one of the physical buttons is faulty.

Limitation: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 12), the screenshot button in the curtain is missing by default and must be added manually.

4. Voice assistant Google or Xiao AI

If you need to take a screenshot without using your hands (such as during cooking or repairs), use the voice assistant, which works on all devices with Google Assistant or branded Xiao AI.

Instructions for Google Assistant:

1. Activate the assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
2. Tell the command to take a screenshot or take a screenshot.
3. Confirm the action if necessary.

Instructions for Xiao AI (China only/global firmware with Sina-based features):

1. Hold the power button to call an assistant.
2. Say in Chinese, "" (jiétú) or in English, "Take a screenshot."

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices, voice commands for screenshots can be disabled by default. To enable them, go to Settings → Voice assistant → Teams. → Screenshot.

5. Long screenshot (Scrolling Screenshot)

The long screenshot feature allows you to capture all the scrollable content – for example, a chat in Telegram, a page in a browser or a list of products in AliExpress. Available on all devices with MIUI 9 and later.

How to do this:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the preview appears at the bottom of the screen, tap it.
3. In the menu that opens, select Scrolling or Long Screenshot.
4. Wait for the page to automatically scroll and click Ready.

Limitations and nuances:

• 🚫 It doesn’t work in some apps (e.g. TikTok, Instagram Stories).
• 📏 Maximum screenshot length – up to 10 screens (depending on model).
• ⚠️ On HyperOS, the option may be called an Advanced Screenshot.

Tip: If a long screenshot is cropped unexpectedly, try scrolling the page manually during capture – sometimes this helps bypass app restrictions.

6. Screenshot with ADB (for advanced users)

This method is useful if the sensor or buttons of the phone are not working, and you need to take a screenshot. It requires a connection to the computer and on debugging over USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable.
2. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in your phone settings).
3. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
4. On the computer, open the command line and type:

adb devices


adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

Where to look for a screenshot:

• 📁 In the root folder of the internal drive under the name screen.png
• 🔄 To transfer to PC, use the command: adb pull /sdcard/screen.png

⚠️ Warning: The path to screenshots may be different on HyperOS. If the command doesn't work, try it:

adb shell screencap -p | sed's/\r$//' > screen.png

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

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For most users, the three-finger gesture is optimal, combining speed and versatility. Power + volume buttons remain a backup option in case of failure.

Frequent problems and solutions

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery.

Decision:

• 🔍 Check the folder. DCIM → Screenshots via File Manager.
• 📱 Restart your phone – sometimes the system doesn’t have time to index new files.
• 🔧 In the gallery settings, turn on the display of hidden folders.

Problem 2: The three-finger gesture is not working on the lock screen.

Solution: This gesture is not designed to work on a locked screen for security reasons. Use the power + volume buttons.

Problem 3: Screenshots are black (in games or banking applications).

Solution: This is a limitation DRM-Some apps (e.g. Netflix or SberBank Online) block screenshots. No bypasses - use the second phone to take pictures of the screen.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions