Xiaomi Poco F3 is one of the most popular smartphones in the Poco line, but even experienced users do not always know all the ways to create screenshots on this device. Unlike iPhones or Samsung smartphones, where the algorithm is standard, MIUI offers 5 different methods at once - from the classic combination of buttons to voice commands and hidden gestures.
In this article, you will find not only basic instructions, but also exclusive life hacks that work specifically on the Poco F3 (including models with global and Chinese firmware).We tested each method on MIUI 14 and Android 13 to ensure that information is up to date. If you are looking for a way to take a screenshot with one hand, save it to the cloud automatically or even record a long scrolling screen, read on.
1. Classical method: button combination
It’s the most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Poco F3.The algorithm is simple, but there are nuances that few people know about.
To take a screenshot:
- 🔘 At the same time, press the power button (right) and the volume reduction button (left).
- 🎯 Hold them down. 1-1.5 seconds - before the appearance of the screenshot animation and the characteristic sound of the shutter.
- 📁 The finished screenshot is saved in the folder DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots (depending on version) MIUI).
Important details:
- ⚡ If you press the buttons longer than 2 seconds, a forced reboot will work (on Poco). F3 It's a Hard Reboot function).
- 🔊 Shutter sound can be turned off in Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Systemic sounds.
- 🖼️ On some firmware after the screenshot, a thumbnail appears in the lower right corner - tap it to edit or share immediately.
☑️ Check before screenshot buttons
⚠️ Note: If you have a case with a magnetic lock (e.g. Poco) F3 Magnetic Case, it can block the pressing of buttons. Remove the case or try another way.
2. Three-finger gesture: quick screenshot without buttons
One of the most convenient ways, especially if you hold your smartphone with one hand, is enabled by default on most Poco F3 firmware, but it can be configured or disabled.
How to make a screenshot with a gesture:
- Place three fingers on the screen (anything but the big one).
- Swipe them down the screen (not necessarily vertically, a small angle is allowed).
- Release your fingers after vibration or sound.
Customization of the gesture:
- Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
- Find the screenshot item with three fingers and turn it on.
- You can choose the direction of movement (down or up) and turn off the vibration.
Why isn't the gesture working?
On the Poco F3 with MIUI 14+ firmware, a three-finger gesture can be used even on a locked screen (if the option is enabled in the security settings).
3. Google Voice Assistant or Xiao AI
If you need to take a screenshot without hands (for example, while streaming or recording a video), use voice commands. Poco F3 has two assistants available:
- 🎤 Google Assistant: Say “OK Google, take a screenshot” (in English and Russian).
- 🤖 Xiao AI (Mi AI): activate the assistant with a long hold of the power button and say “Screenshot” or “Take a screenshot".
How to set up:
- For Google Assistant: Check that it is included in Settings → Apps → Google → Assistant Settings.
- For Xiao AI: Go to Settings → Additional → Xiao AI and enable voice control.
⚠️ Attention: Voice screenshots do not work in banking applications, games with lock screen recordings and some messengers (for example, WhatsApp in incognito mode).
4. Screenshot with long scrolling (scrollable)
If you want to save an entire web page, correspondence or long post in one file, use the Scrolling Screenshot feature, which is built into MIUI, but many Poco F3 users are unaware of it.
Instructions:
- Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
- Immediately after the appearance of the thumbnail screenshot at the bottom of the screen, tap it.
- In the editor that opens, click on the Scroll icon (two arrows down).
- Wait until the system automatically scrolls the screen and connects the pieces into one long shot.
Limitations:
- ❌ Does not work in applications with dynamic content (such as TikTok or Instagram Reels).
- ❌ Maximum length of screenshot — ~10 screens (depending on the application).
- ✅ Works in Chrome, Telegram, VKontakte and most social networks.
💡
If the screenshot you are scrolling is cropped incorrectly, try to make it horizontally – sometimes this solves the cropping problem.
5. Screenshot via notification panel (quick settings)
A little-known method that works even if the power button is broken or the screen is not responsive to gestures.
- Turn the notification bar (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
- Find the Screenshot icon (usually hidden under additional buttons – swipe left on the Quick Settings panel).
- Slip on it – the screenshot will be taken instantly.
If the icon is missing:
- Open Settings → Notification Panel and Status bar → Change and organize tiles.
- Find the Screenshot tiles and drag them to the active area.
| Method | Speed. | Convenience with one hand | It works on a locked screen. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power buttons + volume | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. |
| Three-finger gesture | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes (if included in the settings) |
| Voice assistant | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. |
| Notification panel | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. |
| Scrolling screenshot | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. |
6. Hidden features and life hacks for screenshots on Poco F3
MIUI offers a few non-obvious features that make working with screenshots more convenient:
- 🔄 Auto Remove Duplicates: Include in Settings → Warehouse → Clean up the option “Delete duplicate screenshots” – the system will leave only the last shot of the same screens.
- ☁️ Autoboot to the cloud: Connect Mi Cloud or Google Photos and all screenshots will automatically sync (set up in Gallery) → Settings → Cloud).
- 🎨 Quick editing: After creating a screenshot, tap on the thumbnail at the bottom of the screen – an editor with cropping, blurring and adding text will open.
- 🔍 Search for text: In Google Photos, you can search for screenshots by text on them (for example, enter a "confirmation code", and the system will find all the pictures from the text). SMS).
Exclusive for Poco F3:
This device has a unique feature called Game Turbo, which allows you to take screenshots while playing without losing FPS.
- Open the game and call the Game Turbo panel (swipe from the top right corner).
- Slip on the icon "Screenshot" - the picture will be saved without pause in the game.
💡
On Poco. F3 Screenshots in games are saved in a separate folder Game_Screenshots They're not displayed in the default main gallery!
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even on a stable device like the Poco F3, screenshots can be difficult to get, and here are some of the most common ways to fix them:
- 🚫 Screenshot not saved: Check the space in memory (need at least 50 MB). Open the Gallery → Albums. → Screenshots - sometimes the pictures get into a hidden folder.Reboot the phone if the problem occurs after the update MIUI.
- 🔇 No sound when screenshot: Enable system sounds in Settings → Sounds and vibrations, see if the phone is silent.
- 🖱️ Three-finger gesture doesn't work: Update firmware to the latest version (in) MIUI 12+ Turn off other gestures in Settings → Additional functions that may conflict.
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI all ways to create screenshots have stopped working, reset the settings of the System Settings application in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Reset. It'll bring back the standard settings without losing data.