How to take a screenshot of the notification curtain on Xiaomi: all the ways (including MIUI 15)

Why doesn’t a standard screenshot capture the notification curtain?

Have you ever tried to take a screenshot of an open notification bar on Xiaomi, but only got an empty screen or a cropped image? That's not a coincidence - this is how privacy protection works in MIUI. By default, the system blocks the capture of system elements of the interface, including the notification curtain, the quick settings panel and some service windows. This restriction appeared in Android 10, but Xiaomi has further tightened it in its firmware.

The problem is relevant for all modern devices of the brand, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Even if you use alternative launchers or custom firmware, the limitation often remains. Fortunately, there are workarounds – both official (via the developer’s settings) and semi-automatic (using the use of the app). ADB In this article, we will discuss all current methods, including those that work on the MIUI 15 with May 2026 security patch.

Before you get to the instructions, consider that some methods require developer rights or a PC connection. If you need to save a notification (for example, a confirmation code), try the root-free methods first, which are described in the first sections.

Method 1: Using the Three-Finger Swipe gesture (without root)

The easiest way that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later is to activate the hidden screenshot function through gesture. Unlike the standard button combination, this method sometimes bypasses the system's limitations. Here's how to configure it:

1. Open Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Activate the Three-Finger Swipe option down.
3. Open the notification curtain and swipe with three fingers from top to bottom across the screen.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) This gesture may conflict with navigation gestures, and if the screenshot is not saved, check if Full-screen gestures are enabled in the screen settings.

Turn off full-screen gestures (if enabled)|

Activate the three-finger swipe in the settings |

Make sure the notification curtain is fully deployed |

Repeat the gesture 2-3 times (sometimes triggered on the 2nd attempt)

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If the method doesn't work, move on to the next method, and note that on devices with MIUI 15 and security patch 2026.05.01 or later, this gesture can be disabled at the kernel level, in which case the developer rights will be required.

Method 2: Enabling USB debugging and ADB command

For users who are ready to connect their smartphone to their computer, there is a reliable method through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which does not require root rights, but requires driver installation and minimal command line knowledge.

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version until you become a developer!

USB debugging

Settings → Additional settings → For developers

Connect the phone to the PC, confirm the trust in the computer on the smartphone screen.

ADB Tools

Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and do:

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

This command temporarily disables the system window caps.

1. Open the notification curtain.
2. Take a screenshot in the standard way (Loudness down + Nutrition).
3. Return the restrictions to the team (optional):

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 0

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB-Some applications (e.g. banking) may issue a warning about an "uncertified device" that will temporarily disappear after a reboot or cancellation of the command.

💡

If ADB does not recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers through Google’s official package. macOS may require permission to System Settings → Security.

Method 3: Screenshot applications with support for system windows

If previous methods have not worked, you can use third-party utilities that bypass the limitations of MIUI. The best options for 2026 are:

To install Screenshot Touch:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Run it and grant permission to Special Opportunities (in the security settings).
3. Open the notification curtain and click on the floating button of the app.

⚠️ Note: Apps that use the Accessibility Service may reduce device security, do not install them from unverified sources and revoke permissions after use.

Standard button combination |

Gestures (three-finger swipe)|

ADB-team|

Party of annex|

Another method-->

Method 4: Screenshot via screen recording (bypass)

If all previous methods failed, you can go for the trick of recording the screen and then extracting the desired frame, which works on 100% of Xiaomi devices, but requires additional actions:

1. Activate screen recording: Swipe down the notification curtain and find the Screen recording tile (if not, add via Edit tiles). Click on it and confirm the recording start.

Open the notification curtain and show the content you need.

ScreenRecordings

CapCut

💡 Useful tip: To speed up the process, record the screen in resolution 720p — This will make the file less weighty and the quality of the screenshot will remain acceptable.

Method 5: Root access and modification of system files

For advanced users who are ready to get root rights, there is a radical method - editing the build.prop file. It removes all restrictions on screenshots, but requires caution:

1. Install Magisk and get root.
2. With Root Explorer, open the file /system/build.prop.
3. Add a line to the end of the file:

ro.debuggable=1


persist.sys.ui.hw=true

1. Save the file, restart the device.
2. Now, a standard screenshot will capture the notification curtain.

💡 Developer tip: If you need to save notifications for testing regularly, use Android Profiler in Android Studio.It lets you capture system windows without restrictions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots of notification curtains