Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is still a popular device thanks to its unique design. AMOLED-One of the basic but critical functions for any user is the ability to capture the image from the screen. Whether you need to save an important dialogue, capture an error in an app, or share a funny moment from a game, knowing all the methods available makes life much easier.
The MIUI-enabled Android operating system offers many options for doing this, allowing everyone to choose the most convenient one for themselves. Some users prefer the classic button combination, others rely on swipes or voice commands. In this article, we will discuss in detail each of the methods relevant to the Mi 8 model so that you can control your device as efficiently as possible.
It’s worth noting that the interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version installed, whether it’s MIUI 10, 11 or newer Global Stable versions. However, the basic principles of the screenshot system remain unchanged over the years. Below are proven methods that are guaranteed to work on your device.
Classical method using physical buttons
The most common and reliable way that every Android smartphone owner knows involves using a physical power button and volume reduction key. On the Xiaomi Mi 8, these buttons are located on the right side of the device. To create a screenshot, you need to simultaneously press the on and off button.
It is important to keep the timing right: pressing should be brief, almost instantaneous. Don't hold the buttons too long, as long-term clamping of the same combination can trigger a quick shooting mode or trigger a shutdown menu, depending on your system settings. If you hear the characteristic sound of the camera shutter and see a flash screen, then the picture is successfully saved.
Once you create the image, you'll see a thumbnail in the upper right corner, and if you click on it, you can edit the file right away, crop it off, or send it to the person you're looking at, and if nothing happens, check if the screen is locked or if the device's memory is full.
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If the screenshot doesn’t work the first time, try pressing the buttons a little faster, almost like hitting the piano keys, avoiding prolonged pressure.
This is a good way to be versatile, but it has one caveat: on the frameless Xiaomi Mi 8, it can sometimes be difficult to grope blind buttons.
Using the Quick Settings Panel and Screenshot Menu
The MIUI shell features a convenient feature to call the screenshot menu through the notification curtain, ideal for those who have difficulty pressing physical buttons at the same time or if one of them is faulty.
In the quick switch list, find the icon with the scissors, which is usually in the second or third row of tiles. If you don't see it right away, swipe left to open the additional menu pages. One tap of this icon instantly captures the current screen.
- 📱 Open the notification curtain down from the top edge of the screen.
- ✂️ Find the Screenshot icon (scissors) among the labels.
- 🖼️ Click on it to create an image instantly.
- 📂 Check the gallery or pop-up window for editing.
You can also add this shortcut to the number of times you use it so that it is always on hand. To do this, click on the edit icon (usually a pencil or gear) in the corner of the curtain and drag the screenshot icon to the active area.
Using software buttons also allows you to take screenshots in situations where physical buttons are busy or damaged, making this an important backup option for Mi 8 owners.
Three-finger gesture control
One of the most convenient features of MIUI is the ability to create a screenshot with a simple swipe of three fingers across the screen, which requires pre-activation in the settings, but once turned on, it becomes an incredibly fast way to capture the image.
To enable this feature, go to the settings section. You need to find the option for additional gestures. The path can look like Settings → Additional settings → Screenshots or Settings → Advanced settings → Screenshots, depending on the version of the shell. Here you need to activate the switch "Three Fingers Swipe".
☑️ Customization of gestures
Once activated, simply swipe your three fingers from top to bottom across any part of the screen, and the system will instantly respond with an audible signal and save the image, which is especially convenient for use with one hand when the phone is lying on the table or when the second hand is occupied.
It is worth considering that the gesture may not work if you swipe your fingers too slowly or if an application is open on the screen that blocks the creation of images (for example, a bank application with data protection), in such cases, the system will simply ignore the gesture.
Voice control via Google Assistant
For those who prefer voice control, the Xiaomi Mi 8 offers integration with Google Assistant.It is a modern and hands-free way to take a screenshot, which is especially relevant when the user's hands are busy or dirty.
Activate the assistant by saying "Ok Google" or "Hey Google," or press the Home button for a long time (if it's configured in navigation), after the assistant goes into standby mode, say "Take a screenshot" or "Take a screenshot." The system will automatically execute the request.
⚠️ Note: This method requires a stable Internet connection and an activated Google account. Also make sure that the assistant settings allow you to manage the system.
Voice control works even in some menus where standard buttons may not be available, making it a unique tool in the user's arsenal, but the response rate may be lower than with physical buttons, due to the time it takes to recognize speech.
Why can’t the voice assistant work?
Creating long screenshots (scrolling)
One of the most popular features in modern smartphones is the ability to create long screenshots, or “scrollshots,” which allows you to capture a whole web page, long correspondence in a messenger or a document that does not fit on a single screen.
The process starts as usual: take a regular screenshot in any convenient way (buttons or gestures), immediately after that, a preview of the image will appear in the upper right corner, and below it will be a button with the image of the arrows down or the inscription “Scroll”.
Press this button and the screen will automatically scroll down to capture a new area, and you can press the stop button when you capture the right amount of information, or wait for the automatic stop at the end of the page.
| Parameter | Description | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum length | Up to 5-10 screens | Depends on the app. |
| Format | PNG (high quality) | The file can be heavy. |
| Editing | Available after creation | Only framing |
| Compatibility | Browsers, Chats, News | Doesn't work in some games |
This feature is essential for saving articles, recipes or correspondence where context is important.The file is saved as one long image that is convenient to send or type.
Customization and editing of screenshots in MIUI
Once you've created a screenshot, MIUI offers powerful tools to process it, and unlike pure Android, it has a full-fledged editor built in, allowing you to not just crop, but also add text, stickers and markup.
Once you've created it, click on the thumbnail. The editing interface opens. Here you'll find tools for drawing, adding text with different fonts and colors, and ready-made stickers and emojis, which allows you to quickly comment on the image before sending it.
Automatic save takes place in the Screenshots folder inside internal memory, and you can set up sorting these files or change the way you save them through the file manager, although a standard gallery is usually easier to view.
⚠️ Note: When editing screenshots with sensitive information (passwords, card numbers), be sure to use the Marker or Blurr tool to hide sensitive data before publishing.
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The built-in MIUI editor allows you to fully prepare a screenshot for publication without the need to install third-party applications.
Also in screenshot settings, you can turn off the shutter sound if you need to take a screenshot silently, such as during a meeting or in a movie theater.
Solving and diagnosing problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a screenshot is not created, which can be caused by various reasons, from software failures to security limitations. If none of the methods work, try restarting the device.
A common reason for failure is the Incognito mode in the browser or secure applications (banks, Netflix), where the Android security system blocks the capture of the screen, giving a black screen instead of an image. DRM.
- 🔋 Check the free space in the phone memory.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone to reset temporary errors.
- 🛡️ Make sure the app doesn’t block screenshots.
- 🔧 Check the system updates in the menu "About the phone».
If the problem persists in all applications, a setting reset or a check for malware that may conflict with system functions may be required.