How to take a screenshot of 3 fingers on Xiaomi: full instructions with settings and life hacks

Xiaomi smartphones based on the shell MIUI They offer unique ways to create screenshots, beyond the classic power and volume buttons, and one of the most convenient methods is a three-finger screenshot that allows you to instantly save the screen without looking for physical keys. This feature is particularly useful for devices with large displays or when used with one hand.

However, not all users know how to activate and configure this gesture correctly. MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and smartphone models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step setting, discuss possible problems (for example, why the gesture does not work), and give tips on how to optimize the process, learn how to change the format of saved screenshots and where to find all the pictures taken.

Why is 3 fingers more convenient than the classic method?

The traditional method of creating a screenshot - pressing the power buttons + Reducing the volume – has several disadvantages:

• 🔹 Discomfort for large smartphones: on devices with a diagonal of 6.5" and above, it is difficult to reach both buttons with one hand.
• 🔹 Risk of Accidental Pressing: If you press sloppy, you can turn on Vibration Mode or call Google Assistant.
• 🔹 Wear of physical buttons: frequent pressing over time leads to backlash or breakage of keys.

The three-finger gesture solves these problems:

• ✅ Works on any screen, including main menus and games.
• ✅ It does not require an accurate hit - just swipe your fingers on the display from top to bottom.
• ✅ You can use it with one hand even if the smartphone is on the table.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50) Default gesture disabled. You need to activate it manually in settings Additional features.

According to Xiaomi Community, 68% of users who switch to a gesture screenshot no longer return to the button method.

Step-by-step: how to turn on a screenshot 3 fingers

Activation of the function takes less than a minute. Follow the instructions for your version MIUI:

For MIUI 14 (2023–2026)

1. Open the Settings. → Additional functions.
2. Select the Screenshots item.
3. Activate the screenshot switch with a gesture.
4. In the Gesture Type section, set Spend 3 fingers down.

For MIUI 12/13 (2020–2022 years)

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Slip on gestures and movements.
3. Find the Screenshot option with a gesture and turn it on.
4. Choose the direction of the gesture: Down (recommended) or Up.

After activation, check the function:

⚠️ Warning: If the gesture doesn't work, make sure there's no air bubble protective film on the screen - they can block the sensor. Also check if Do Not Disturb mode is on (it turns off the vibration and sound of the screenshot).

On some models (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) Extended gesture settings available:

• 📱 Sensitivity: regulates how fast a gesture should be performed (useful for slow swipes).
• 🔊 Shutter sound: You can turn off if screenshots are taken frequently (for example, for streams).
• 📁 Rescue folder: by default DCIM/Screenshots, But it can be changed.

Table: Compatibility of gesture with Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi devices support screenshots with 3 fingers. Below is the data on popular models (relevant to the user). MIUI 14):

If your model is not in the table, check the support through the settings menu. 9A, POCO M4) The function may be missing due to hardware limitations.

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On smartphones with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) gesture works even when the display is turned off – swipe your fingers on the black screen to take a screenshot of the lock.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

A gestural screenshot may not work for several reasons, and let's look at the typical errors and how to fix them:

1.Gestural unrecognizable.

If the three-finger swipe doesn't work:

• 🔧 Check if the option is included in the Settings → Additional functions → Screenshots.
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the touch driver resets the settings.
• 🖐️ Try to make a gesture faster or slower (set sensitivity).
• 🛠️ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version: in the old firmware were bugs with gesture recognition.

2. Conflict with other gestures

In some models (POCO F4 GT, Black Shark 5 - Screenshot gesture may conflict with:

• 🎮 Game Triggers (in Game Turbo).
• 👆 Swipe for return (in navigation settings).
• 🔒 Blocking gestures (for example, double touch for sleep).

Solution: Disable conflicting functions in Settings → System system → Gestures.

3. Screenshots are saved in the wrong format

By default. MIUI saves screenshots in PNG, Some apps (such as Telegram) work better with the JPEG. To change the format:

1. Install the file manager for Mi File Explorer.
2. Move to the DCIM/Screenshots.
3. Give me a screenshot. → More. → Convert to JPEG.

⚠️ Note: When converting to JPEG Transparency is lost (if it is in the PNG). Use Snapseed or Lightroom to edit screenshots.

Where screenshots are stored and how to manage them

All screenshots taken by gesture or buttons are saved by default in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Screenshots/

They can be accessed through:

• 📁 Gallery: Screenshots album.
• 🔍 File Explorer: Mi File Explorer or Google Files.
• ☁️ Cloud: if sync with Mi Cloud is enabled.

Tips for managing screenshots:

• 🗑️ Autocleaning: in Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning can be configured to remove screenshots older than 30 days.
• 🏷️ Tags: Google Photos automatically adds #screenshot and date tags.
• 🔒 Hidden Screenshots: Move files to the.hidden folder (via Explorer) to hide them from the gallery.

Important: Screenshots containing sensitive information (passwords, bank details) are not synced with Mi Cloud by default. For additional protection, use encryption through the Mi Security app.

Alternative ways to take a screenshot on Xiaomi

If the 3 finger gesture is not suitable, use other methods:

1. Power and volume buttons

Classic way:

1. Press the power + Volume reduction for 1-2 seconds.
2. Wait for the sound of the shutter and vibration.

On some models (Xiaomi 13) just one short press is enough – you do not need to hold the buttons.

Notification panel

Quick access through the curtain:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the Screenshot icon and tap it.

3.Voice assistant

If Google Assistant or XiaoAI is enabled:

• Say, OK, Google, take a screenshot.
• Or: XiaoAI, screenshot (for Chinese firmware).

4. Third-party applications

Popular utilities for screenshots:

• 📸 Screenshot Easy: Support for gestures and timer.
• 🎨 Screen Master: editing and annotations.
• 🖼️ LongShot: for long screenshots (scroll screens).

⚠️ Note: Third-party applications require permission to overlay over other windows, which may conflict with the MIUI Optimizer. After installation, restart the smartphone.

Tips for optimizing work with screenshots

To make the process of creating and managing screenshots as efficient as possible:

1. Set up quick access

Add the screenshot icon to:

• 🏠 Desktop: through the Tools widget.
• 🔘 Control Panel: C Settings → Control panel → Setting up.
• ⚙️ Sidebar (on models with Game Turbo).

2. Automate processing

Use MacroDroid or Tasker to automatically take action:

• 📤 Automatic upload of screenshots to Google Drive.
• 🗑️ Removing screenshots older than a week.
• 🔍 Search for duplicates among the images.

3.Edit the screenshots immediately after creation

Once you've taken the screenshot, you'll see a thumbnail in the bottom right corner, and you'll tap it to:

• ✏️ Cut or rotate the image.
• 🎨 Add text, arrows or blur.
• 📤 Share in messengers or social networks.

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For quick editing of screenshots, use the Markup app (pre-installed on the screenshots). MIUI 14) — it supports layering and transparency.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi