Modern Xiaomi TVs are not just movie viewers, but also full-fledged multimedia centers with advanced features. One useful but often hidden feature is screenshots. This can come in handy for saving important moments from videos, fixing interface errors or just sharing an interesting shot with friends. However, not all users know that you can take a screenshot on a Xiaomi TV even without connecting a mouse or keyboard — just use a standard remote control.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the available ways to take screenshots, including the hidden button combination on the remote that works on most Mi models. TV (4A, 4S, 4X, 5 Pro, Q1 You will also learn where screenshots are saved, how to transfer them to other devices, and what to do if the standard method does not work. We will pay special attention to the nuances associated with different versions of PatchWall firmware and restrictions on some streaming services (for example, Netflix or Disney).+).
Why standard methods don’t work on all Xiaomi models
Before we get into the instructions, it’s important to understand why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for all Xiaomi TVs, because the company regularly updates not only the hardware (chipsets, memory), but also the software.
- 📺 Mi TV 4A/4S (2018–2020 Use an older version of the PatchWall shell with limited screenshot features. USB-storage.
- 🖥️ Mi TV 5 Pro / Q1 (2021–2023 – Supports saving screenshots to internal memory, but file paths may differ.
- 🔄 Android TVs TV 11+ — have a built-in screenshot feature in the menu, but it can be blocked on some streaming platforms.
In addition, content producers (such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video) actively block the ability to create screenshots through the Internet. DRM-This means that even if you press the button combination correctly, a black screen or error notification will appear on the protected content, which we will detail in the Restrictions section.
Method 1: button combination on the remote (works on 80% of models)
The fastest and most versatile method is to use a hidden button combination on the remote.It is suitable for most Xiaomi Android TVs, including PatchWall models.You do not need to connect additional devices or install applications.
Instructions:
- Turn on the TV and open the image you want to save (for example, a pause in a video or the main menu).
- Take the original remote control from Xiaomi (not universal!).
- Press and hold the Menu + Home buttons for 2-3 seconds at the same time until you hear a beep or see a flashing bezell around the screen.
- Release the buttons. The screenshot will be saved automatically.
Make sure the TV is not in "Energy Saving" mode.
Turn off Parental Control (can block screenshots)
Check the space in the internal memory (minimum 50 MB)
Use the original Xiaomi remote (universal may not work)-->
Where do you look for a saved screenshot? Files usually appear in the folder:
/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/It can be accessed through any file manager (such as X-Plore or embedded Files) or by connecting the TV to your PC via USB in data mode.
⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV 4A (Models of 2018) screenshots are saved only on the connected flash drive in.png format. USB-The drive is not inserted, the system will give an error "Can not save the picture".
Method 2: Through the Android TV menu (for new firmware)
If your TV is running Android TV 10/11 (relevant to the Mi TV 5 Pro, Q1, P1 and later), there may be a built-in feature for screenshots via the interface, a method that is more robust than a combination of buttons, but requires a few extra steps.
Step-by-step:
- Open the screen you want to save.
- Press the Settings (cog) button on the remote.
- Go to Settings → Device → Screenshot (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → Display and Sound → Additional → Screenshot).
- Select the option "Take a screenshot" and confirm the action.
Advantages of this method:
- ✅ It works even if the Menu button combination works. + Home doesn't work.
- ✅ Allows you to choose the format of saving (.png or.jpg).
- ✅ On some models, you can immediately share a screenshot via Mi Share or Google Drive.
| Model TV set | Supported version of Android TV | Availability of built-in screenshot function | Required. USB-accumulator? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4A (2018) | Android TV 8.0 | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Mi TV 4S (2019–2020) | Android TV 9.0 | ⚠️ Partially (only with) USB) | ✅ Yes. |
| Mi TV 5 Pro (2021) | Android TV 10.0 | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Mi TV Q1 / Q2 (2022–2023) | Android TV 11.0 | ✅ Yes (with limitations) DRM) | ❌ No. |
⚠️ Attention: On TVs with Google TV (for example, Xiaomi TV A2 2023) The path to the screenshot function may be different. Try searching for it in the settings for "snapshot".
Limitations and Problems: Why Screenshots May Not Work
Even if you’ve done all the steps correctly, there are a few reasons why a screenshot might not last:
- 🔒 DRM-Protection – most streaming services (Netflix, Disney)+, OKKO) They block the screenshots, and if you try, you'll see a black screen or a notification saying, "Screenshot forbidden".
- 🛑 Non-original remote – universal remotes often do not support the Menu combination + Use only the native remote from Xiaomi.
- 🗃️ Insufficient memory – if there is less than 50 MB of free space in the internal memory or on the flash drive, the system will not save the file.
- 🔄 Outdated firmware – on TVs with PatchWall version below 3.0, screenshots may not be available.
Solutions for each problem:
- To bypass DRM, you can try to take a screen photo with an external camera (for example, a smartphone), but the quality will be worse.
- If the remote is not original, plug in the Bluetooth keyboard and use the Ctrl + S combination (works on Android TV 10+).
- Clear Memory Through Settings → Storage or insert USB-accumulator.
- Update the firmware in the Settings section → About TV → System Update.
How to update the firmware if the screenshots do not work?
How to transfer screenshots from the TV to your phone or computer
So, taking a screenshot is only half the job, and now you have to take it out of your TV memory.
Method 1: Through USB-storage device (for older models)
If your Xiaomi TV saves screenshots on the flash drive:
- Put it in. USB-drive to the TV port (preferably formatted in the FAT32).
- Take a screenshot (via a button or menu combination).
- Remove the flash drive and connect it to the computer – the files will be in the Screenshots folder.
Method 2: Local area network (for Android TV 10+)
On new models, you can use the built-in file manager:
- Open the Files app on the TV.
- Go to Pictures. → Screenshots.
- Select the files you need and click "Share".
- Choose the transfer method: Mi Share (for Xiaomi devices), Google Drive or Send Anywhere.
Method 3: Connecting to a PC via USB (for power users)
This method requires the inclusion of the debugging mode:
- Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About TV → Tap 7 times on Android Version
- Go back to Settings → For developers and turn on “Debugging by USB”.
- Connect the TV to your PC via a USB-TypeC cable (the port is usually located on the side).
- Use it on the computer. ADB-The command for copying files: adb pull /sdcard/Pictures/Screenshots/ C:\Screenshots\
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If the TV is not determined by USB, try to use FTP-server (e.g. application) FX File Explorer with Remote Access).
Alternative methods: if the remote does not work
If the standard methods don’t work, try one of the alternatives:
- 🎮 Gamepad – connect a Bluetooth controller (e.g. from Xiaomi Game Controller) and use the Share combination + PS (Print Screen).
- 🖱️ Mouse and keyboard – connect them via Bluetooth or USB, Then press PrtSc (or Fn). + Insert on some keyboards).
- 📱 Double app – install on the smartphone Mi Remote or Android TV Remote Control to Emulate the Press of Menu + Home.
- 📷 External camera – if nothing helps, take a picture of your TV screen with your smartphone in Pro mode (with manual white balance settings).
For owners of Xiaomi TV Stick or Android TV consoles (such as Mi Box S), the process is similar, but instead of the remote, you can use the voice assistant Google Assistant with a command:
"OK Google, take a screenshot."(It only works with the English localization system).
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When you take screenshots, you often have a problem with the typical ones, and let's look at the most common ones.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Failure to save the picture" | Lack of disk space or no write permissions | Clear the memory or insert USB-accumulator |
| Black screen instead of screenshot | DRM-Defense (Netflix, Disney)+ etc.) | Use an external camera or turn off protection via Magisk (requires root) |
| Menu + Home buttons are not working | Unoriginal remote or outdated firmware | Update the software or use the keyboard |
| Screenshots are saved in low resolution | Quality settings in the screenshot menu | Change the format to.png in Settings → Screenshot |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 🔌 Is the TV connected to the Internet (some features require synchronization with your Mi Account).
- 🔄 Is the “For Children” mode on (limits access to system functions).
- 🛠️ Is the file system damaged (check through Settings) → Warehouse → Diagnostics).
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On Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (2023+), screenshots are saved by default to the Google Photos cloud. Check the sync in your account settings.