Creating screenshots on Xiaomi devices with a MIUI shell or a new HyperOS is implemented as conveniently as possible and offers many options for different use cases.
Unlike many competitors, the Chinese manufacturer does not limit the user to a single button, providing alternatives through menus, gestures and voice commands.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for creating screenshots, adjusting their quality and formats, and answering frequently asked questions.
Standard button combinations on a physical keyboard
The fastest and most familiar way, familiar to most Android gadget users, is to press two physical keys simultaneously.
You need to press the volume button and the power button (lock the screen) simultaneously for a split second.
When you perform the action correctly, you will hear the characteristic sound of the camera shutter, and a thumbnail of the image will appear in the upper corner of the screen.
If the system does not respond to your actions, try changing the force of pressing or timing – the buttons should be clamped almost synchronously, but not too long, otherwise the shutdown menu may work.
This method works on all tablet models, including the Xiaomi Pad 5 series, Xiaomi Pad 6 and older versions.
It’s worth noting that in some rare cases, when a device is under high load or a “heavy” application is running, the system may ignore the first signal, so try repeating the action.
☑️ Checking the efficiency of buttons
Use of notification curtain and control panel
If physical buttons are busy or you are uncomfortable reaching for them while playing or watching a video, you can use the software interface.
Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification curtain and find the icon with the image of scissors there.
Clicking on this icon instantly creates a screenshot of the current content of the display without using mechanical elements.
Sometimes the icon can be hidden in the second page of the Quick Settings menu, so if you don’t see it right away, pull the curtain again or click on the edit button (pencil) to add a shortcut to the first page.
This method is especially convenient when the tablet is fixed in the docking station or lying on the table, and it is impractical to take it into your hands.
Also, through the Control Panel Editing Menu, you can rename the shortcut or change its order of location for faster access in the future.
Why did the screenshot icon go missing?
Gesture control: three fingers down
One of the most popular features in MIUI and HyperOS shells is the ability to take a screenshot with a simple swipe of three fingers.
To activate this function, go to the Settings menu → Additional settings → Screenshots and turn on the appropriate switch.
After activation, it is enough to swipe three fingers on the screen from top to bottom to instantly capture the image.
This method looks spectacular and is often used in demonstration videos, but it requires a certain skill and spread fingers, which is not always convenient on compact screens.
It is important to consider that the gesture may not work if the screen is open application with a horizontal orientation, where it is physically difficult to place three fingers vertically.
The sensitivity of the touchscreen can also vary depending on the presence of a protective film or glass, so the gesture may require more confident and quick movement.
Screenshots via voice assistant and menu
For those who prefer voice control or can’t use their hands, interacting with a virtual assistant is great.
Say the command “OK, Google” or activate Google Assistant, and then say the phrase “Take a screenshot”.
The system recognizes the command and performs a screen capture just as if you pressed physical buttons.
An alternative is to use the built-in menu of additional functions, which is caused by a long press or a special gesture if such an option is activated in the Settings → Special Features settings.
Voice control is especially important for people with disabilities or in situations where the tablet is far away but connected to the headset.
Make sure the device microphone is not locked and access to it for system applications is allowed, otherwise the command may be ignored1.
💡
Use voice commands when your hands are busy or dirty, such as during cooking or repairs, to quickly save a recipe or instruction.
Creating long screenshots and editing them
Xiaomi tablets have powerful functionality for working with images, including a long screenshot or scrolling mode.
Immediately after creating a normal screenshot, a thumbnail appears in the corner - click on it to open the editing menu, and select an icon with down arrows or the inscription "Scroll".
The device will automatically scroll down the page content, creating a single long image, which is ideal for saving web pages, correspondence or documents.
You can stop scrolling at any time by touching the screen, or let the system reach the end of the page automatically.
| Function | Description | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| A typical screenshot. | Capture the current visible screen | Buttons or gestures |
| Long screenshot. | Capture a scrolling page | Menu after the photo |
| Selection of the field | Create a screenshot of only part of the screen | Editing menu |
| Screen recording | Recording video with actions on the screen | Notification curtain |
After creating a long image, the system will prompt you to save it to the gallery or immediately send it via the messenger.
Please note that in some applications, such as bank clients or incognito browser mode, the scroll function may be blocked for security purposes.
💡
A long screenshot is the best way to save the entire correspondence or article without making dozens of separate pictures.
Format setting, quality and problem solving
In the system settings, you can choose the format of stored images: PNG provides better quality without losing details, and JPG takes up less space.
Go to Settings → Screenshots to change these settings, and also turn off shutter sound or vibration when creating a shot.
If screenshots are no longer created or are saved in black, check if the Incognito mode in the browser or app is enabled.
The problem may also be a lack of free memory: clear the cache or delete unnecessary files so that the system can save a new file.
⚠️ Note: If you use Do Not Disturb or Game mode, screenshots can be created without sound or vibration, even if they are enabled in the general settings.
In rare cases, it helps to reset special features or update the system to the latest available version.
For advanced users, hidden functionality is available through ADB, allowing you to take screenshots with a timer or on a schedule, but this requires a connection to a computer.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party screenshot applications from unknown sources, you risk passing personal data to third parties, using only built-in tools.