The Xiaomi Mi 5, released in 2016, is still popular due to its high-quality screen and performance. However, many users, especially those from other brands, often wonder how to capture an image on the display. The standard screenshot procedure here has its own nuances, characteristic of the MIUI shell on which the operating system of this device is based. Understanding these features will allow you to quickly save the necessary information, correspondence or images without having to install third-party software.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for creating screenshots on Xiaomi Mi 5. You will learn not only about the classic keyboard combination, but also about more convenient ways, such as three-finger swipes or using the notification menu. We will also touch on the topic of setting the quality parameters and format of stored files so that your pictures are always as clear and convenient for further sending or processing.
To start with, it's important to note that MIUI offers multiple levels of access to the screen capture function, which is designed to make it easier for users to handle the phone in a variety of situations, such as when one hand is inconvenient, alternative methods can be used. Regardless of the method chosen, the final image is stored in a standard gallery, where it can be edited immediately or sent to the interlocutor via instant messengers.
Classical method: button combination
The most common and common way for most Android users is to simultaneously press physical buttons. On the Xiaomi Mi 5, this feature works stably and does not require additional activation in the settings. The mechanism of action is simple: the system captures the current state of the display matrix at the time of closing the volume and power button contacts.
To take a picture, you need to place your finger on the side of the device where the power button is, and with your other finger, press the volume rocker. It's important to press them almost simultaneously, with minimal delay. If you press the buttons too long, the phone may perceive this as a command to turn off or call the emergency menu.
⚠️ Warning: Do not push the buttons too hard and harshly to avoid damaging the mechanical body elements that may already be worn out on the Mi 5 because of the age of the device.
Once you've done the action, you'll hear the characteristic snap of the camera shutter (if the sound is on), and a thumbnail of the image will appear at the top of the screen, which is a signal that the screenshot is stored in internal memory. If the image does not appear, try changing the rhythm of the press or checking if the device is locked.
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If the buttons are physically worn out and react poorly, try pressing the extreme parts of the volume swing where the stroke may be more free.
Using three-finger gestures
The MIUI shell is famous for its handy gestures, and the Xiaomi Mi 5 is no exception. The three-finger swipe screenshot feature is one of the most ergonomic options, allowing you to take screenshots literally on the fly without taking your hands off a comfortable grip position. However, by default, this feature is often disabled, so it needs to be activated manually.
To enable this option, go to your smartphone's settings menu. You'll need to find the section that handles the extra features of the system. The path may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but it usually looks like this: Settings → Additional features → Screenshot. In the menu that opens, you need to activate the switch opposite to "Three Fingers Swipe".
Once activated, the algorithm becomes extremely simple: Open the app or page you want to shoot. Put three fingers (usually big, index and middle, or index, middle and ring) to the top of the screen and quickly swipe them down. If done correctly, the screen will blink, and you will hear the shutter sound.
- 👍 The advantage of the method: speed of execution and the ability to take screenshots with one hand, if the phone is lying on the table.
- 👎 Disadvantage: may conflict with other control gestures if they are configured in the system.
- ⚙️ Customization: Gesture sensitivity can be adjusted in the engineering menu, but standard settings are usually sufficient.
It’s worth noting that the three-finger gesture works not only on the desktop, but also in most applications, with the exception of some full-screen games or banking applications with enhanced data protection, where screenshots are blocked at the security level.
Creating a screenshot through the curtain menu
The third popular way that Xiaomi Mi 5 owners can use is to use a quick action panel, often referred to as a “curtain,” which is especially relevant if physical buttons are intermittent or if you need to take a screenshot while the screen is busy playing video and touching can be paused.
To use this method, swipe from top to bottom across the screen to open the control center. In the icon grid, find an icon with a picture of scissors or a camera, signed as "Screenshot." If you don't see it on the first page, switch to the second page of the panel or click the edit button (usually a pencil or gear) to add this feature to the active one.
Once you click on the icon, the system instantly snaps a picture of the current contents of the display, and it's a great visualization technique: you see the button, you press it, you get the result, but it requires two hands, or very dexterous control with one hand, if the phone is on the table.
| Method | Speed. | Convenience with one hand | Risk of accidental pressing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons | Tall. | Average. | Low. |
| 3 finger gesture | Very high. | High. | Medium. |
| Curtain menu | Medium | Low. | Low. |
If a standard icon is missing, check the notification bar settings, as system widgets may have been removed when customizing the interface.
Voice control and Google Assistant
Modern smartphones, including the Xiaomi Mi 5 with updated versions of Android, support voice control. This may seem less practical in a noisy place, but in situations where hands are busy or dirty, the voice command becomes a salvation.
To take a screenshot with your voice, say an activating phrase, like "OK, Google," and then say "Take a screenshot" or "Take a screenshot." The system recognizes the request and executes the action. The accuracy of recognition depends on the quality of the diction, the noise level and the version of the software.
Why might the voice assistant not work?
This method requires pre-setting and permission to access screen data. In some cases, especially on older versions of firmware, the function may not work well, but for people with disabilities or in specific use cases, it is an alternative option for image capture.
- 🗣️ Requires clear diction and no background noise.
- 🌐 It often depends on having an active internet connection.
- 🔒 Can be blocked in high-security applications.
Setting up the parameters and format of screenshots
After you take a screenshot of the Xiaomi Mi 5, you can edit the image before you save it to the gallery. Immediately after you capture it, you get a preview in the corner of the screen. If you click on it, you get an editor where you can cut the edges, draw arrows, add text, or bloat sensitive information.
You can also change the format of the stored files in the system settings. By default, screenshots are saved in the PNG format, which provides high quality without loss, but takes up more space. In some custom firmware or through third-party utilities, you can switch to JPG, which will reduce the file size, but can reduce the clarity of small text details.
⚠️ Note: When editing screenshots immediately after creation, do not close the editor window abruptly, otherwise the changes may not apply to the file».
The folder in which all the images are saved is usually called Screenshots and is located at the root of internal memory or in a folder. DCIM. The way she looks like this: /internal_storage/Pictures/Screenshots. Knowing this path, you can easily find the desired image through the file manager and send it by mail or via Bluetooth.
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The PNG format is preferred for text screenshots, as it retains font clarity better than JPG.
The solution: why not take a screenshot
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, Xiaomi Mi 5 users sometimes run into problems, the most common cause is a software failure of the MIUI interface. If neither buttons nor gestures work, try restarting the device, often solving the problem of the suspended system services responsible for processing input.
Another common cause is application conflict: Some programs, especially those that draw over other windows (e.g. blue light filters, floating window voice recorders), can block system gestures. Try disabling all of these tools and checking the screenshot again.
It’s also worth checking for system updates. Older versions of firmware may have bugs that have been patched in newer releases. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and check status.
- 🔄 Rebooting a device often solves 90% of software glitches.
- 🚫 Check if Do Not Disturb mode or special features blocking input are enabled.
- 📱 Make sure there is no protective film on the screen that interferes with multi-touch gestures.