How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi A1: the complete guide

Creating a screenshot on a device with pure Android, such as the Xiaomi Mi A1, often raises questions among users accustomed to the shell of MIUI. Unlike other models of the brand, it uses a stock system, where the logic of the interface and keyboard shortcuts may differ from what you would expect. Understanding these nuances allows you to instantly capture important information, correspondence or errors without unnecessary actions.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the available screenshot techniques, from classic physical buttons to advanced developer tools. A screenshot is not just a picture, but often the only way to either either add up a system or save a ticket. We will look at the full-time tools, voice control and even console commands so you can choose the most convenient option for your situation.

We will focus on possible problems when the device stops responding to standard commands, sometimes due to a software failure, and sometimes due to the features of the running application. A1 Screenshots are stored exclusively in the internal memory in the folder Pictures/Screenshots, What's important to consider when searching for files through a file manager.

Classical Method: A Combination of Physical Buttons

The fastest and most common method, running on the vast majority of Android smartphones, including the Mi A1, is non-configurable and is available immediately after the device is turned on. To implement it, you need to simultaneously press the volume down and the power button. It is important to keep synchrony: if you press them with a long delay, the system will perceive this as separate commands.

When you do the right thing, you'll hear the characteristic click of the camera shutter, and at the top of the screen, for a split second, you'll see a thumbnail of the shot, and the button combination is a hardware interrupt, so it works even when the touch screen is temporarily unresponsive or the interface is frozen, making it the most reliable method in critical situations.

If you don't get it the first time, don't panic. Often the problem is pressing too hard or too little. Try changing the rhythm: not just pressing, but pressing both buttons confidently and quickly at the same time. In some cases, it helps to change the angle of the fingers slightly to make contact with both button mechanisms.

⚠️ Warning: Don't hold the buttons too long. If you keep the Loudness and Power for more than 10 seconds, the phone will forcibly reboot and you risk losing unsaved data in open apps.

Using the Multitasking Menu

The second most popular method, which is particularly convenient when it is difficult to hit buttons with one hand, or when the physical power button is tight. Android One interface on Xiaomi Mi A1 allows you to take a screenshot directly from the list of running applications, which eliminates the risk of lubricating the image due to the trembling of the hands at the time of pressing.

To do this, click the "Recent" button (square or three bars depending on the navigation selected) to open the list of working applications. Find the desired window you want to shoot, and at the bottom of the application card find an icon with a picture of scissors or camera.

The advantage of this method is that it allows you to take screenshots of specific windows without accidentally clicking on the application itself, and it saves the resource of mechanical buttons that can wear out over time, but it is worth remembering that in multitasking mode, some dynamic elements (video, animation) can be frozen.

Voice control of Google Assistant

Owners of the Mi A1 with a clean version of Android are particularly lucky with integrating voice assistant. Google Assistant works natively and deeply here, allowing you to control the voice system. This is ideal when hands are busy or physical access to buttons is difficult. Just say the activation phrase or press the assistant call button.

Once activated, simply say, "OK, Google, take a screenshot" (or "Make a screenshot" in English), and the smartphone recognizes the command, creates an image, and immediately suggests options for sharing, editing, or saving. Voice commands work even on a locked screen if the appropriate setting is activated in the security settings.

And it's also remarkable because it's universal, and you can use it not only to take pictures, but also to find out where they've been stored. In some scenarios, like when you're using a smartwatch or a headset, voice is the only interface available.

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If Google Assistant doesn’t understand the command in Russian, try switching the assistant language to English in the settings and using the “Take a screenshot” command.

Special capabilities and management adaptation

For people with disabilities or who prefer software, Android has a special accessibility menu that allows you to take a screenshot button to a floating screen or assign it to a long keystroke, part of the adaptation of the control system that makes the smartphone more convenient.

To activate this feature, go to settings, select the "Special Features" section, and find the "Special Features Menu" item. Once enabled in the navigation bar (or swipe, depending on the Android version), a human icon or a floating button will appear, and clicking on it, you will see a list of actions where there is also a screenshot.

The good thing about this method is that it doesn't depend on physical buttons at all. You can create a screenshot just by touching the screen. This is especially true if the volume buttons on your Xiaomi Mi A1 have already started to flounder or go off. The software emulation is stable and fast.

Advanced level: ADB and debugging over USB

For developers and enthusiasts who automate processes or test applications, there is a method of taking screenshots through a computer. Using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool, you can take remotely screenshots without touching the device itself. This requires connecting a cable and an installed SDK on a PC.

First, you need to activate the developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the build number seven times. After that, a new option will appear in the settings menu for developers. Inside, you need to activate the USB debugging toggle.

Connect the phone to the computer and enter the command in the terminal:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

This command will take a picture and save it to the root of the internal memory. To pick up the file on the computer, use the second command:

adb pull /sdcard/screen.png

This method is ideal for creating instructions where you want to show a clean image without fingers covering part of the screen, or for automatically collecting logs and visual information from a variety of devices.

⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB Make sure you trust a particular computer. Connecting to someone else's or public PCs for debugging can lead to data leakage, as this mode gives wide access to the file system.

Where to look for saved screenshots and frequent problems

Once you have created an image, it’s important to know where to find it. In the Xiaomi Mi A1 file system, screenshots are sent by default to /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots. The standard Gallery app creates a separate album for them, which makes it easier to sort. If you don’t see the file right away, try updating your media library or rebooting your device.

A common problem is space shortage. If internal memory is crowded, the system may not create a new screenshot and simply make an error sound or keep silent. It's also worth checking the application permissions: if you use a third-party screenshot program, make sure it's authorized to "Screen Record" or access storage.

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where screenshots no longer save after the system update, in which case it helps to clear the cache of the Gallery application or reset special features if they conflict with the system hotkeys. Regular cleaning of the screenshot folder helps to keep the system running.

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The system folder for screenshots on the Xiaomi Mi A1 is always on the path of Pictures/Screenshots, regardless of the chosen method of creation.