Taking a screenshot of the notification panel (curtain) on Xiaomi is more difficult than a regular screenshot — the standard Power + Volume Down keyboard shortcuts don’t work when the curtain is deployed. The problem is that MIUI blocks the capture of system elements for security reasons. However, there are workarounds from the use of gestures to third-party applications.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hidden functions. MIUI, ADB-Instructions are relevant for all modern models - from Redmi Note 12 to flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, as well as for firmware MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions) If you tried to take a screenshot of the curtain and got a black screen or a notification "Can't capture protected content" - here you will find a solution.
Why is the standard method not working?
When trying to take a screenshot of the extended notification curtain on Xiaomi, users face two typical problems:
- 📱 Black screen on screenshot – instead of notification panel, a void or background color is displayed.
- 🚫 Error message: You cannot take a screenshot due to security restrictions».
The reason is the MIUI architecture: notification curtains refer to system overlays (overlays) that are by default secured from capture, and this is done to prevent sensitive data (such as the content of notifications from banks or messengers) from leaking.
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T s MIUI 14) after the 2026 security update, some methods may require unlocking the bootloader or root rights. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
Method 1: Using the “Three Fingers Down” gesture
The simplest method that works on most Xiaomi devices without any additional settings is to take a screenshot directly at the moment of deploying the curtain, not after.
- Activate the gesture for screenshot: Go to Settings → Additional Features → Gestures. Enable the option “Three-finger screenshot” (or “Three-finger swipe down”).
half-way
top-down
before the curtain is fully opened
If you get a clipped curtain, try again by adjusting the speed of the gesture. On some models (for example, the POCO F5), it is better to use two fingers to unfold the curtain and a third finger to gesture the screenshot.
Activate the "three fingers down" gesture in the settings
Open the curtain halfway (not to the end!)
Make a gesture quickly, until the panel is fully opened.
Repeat when cropping the top of the picture-->
Method 2: Screenshot via Developer Mode and ADB
For advanced users who are ready to connect a smartphone to a PC, the method requires the inclusion of debugging over USB and working with the command line, but is guaranteed to bypass the limitations of MIUI.
- Enable Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command in ADB: adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png This command saves a full screenshot, including the curtain, to the Internal Storage folder.
The app saves screenshots to the Pictures/ScreenMaster folder, and the downside is possible artifacts in the image (e.g., the app icon in the corner). Use any graphics editor (e.g., Snapseed) to delete them.
| Annex | Requires root. | It's working on MIUI 14. | Artifacts in the screenshot |
|---|---|---|---|
| ScreenMaster | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Sometimes (app icon) |
| Screenshot Touch | ❌ No. | ❌ No (blocked from 2023) | ❌ No. |
| Screenshot Ultimate | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
Method 4: Screen recording followed by frame
If all the previous methods didn't work, you just have to record the screen and then extract the frame you want, and this is a universal process, but it requires additional action.
- Turn on screen recording: Swipe down the notification curtain and find the Screen Record tile (or add it to Settings → Control Panel). Click on it and wait for the 3-2-1 countdown.
Open the notification curtain completely and hold it in this state for 2-3 seconds.
Movies/ScreenRecordings
VLC
CapCut
On the Xiaomi 13/14 series with MIUI 14, screen recording by default blocks notification capture from banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff).To get around this, temporarily disable notifications from these apps in Settings → Notifications before recording.
💡
If the video is dark, increase the screen brightness to a maximum before recording or use an editor (for example, Lightroom) to correct the exposure on the finished frame.
Method 5: Rooting and modifying the system (for experienced)
The most radical method is to obtain root rights and install the Magisk module, which disables the protection of system overlays, suitable only for users who are ready for risks (loss of warranty, possible failures).
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and wait 7 days).
- 📱 Install custom recovery (TWRP) and run the Magisk.
- 🛠️ Activate the Disable Flag Secure module in Magisk, which removes protection from system windows.
Once rebooted, standard screenshot methods (including Power + Volume Down) will start working with the curtain.
- ⚠️ Some banking applications (SberBank, VTB, Alfa-Click) will stop working on a rooted device.
- ⚠️ Updates MIUI airborne (OTA) They can break the system, they will have to be installed manually.
Standard keyboard combination
Three fingers down gesture
ScreenMaster Appendix
ADB-team
Another way.-->
Frequent mistakes and how to fix them
Even following the instructions, users often encounter problems.-3 mistakes and their decisions:
- Screenshot turns black: Reason: MIUI blocks the capture of protected content. Solution: Use ADB or screen recording (mode 4).
- Three finger gestures don't work: Reason: The gesture is disabled or conflicts with other settings. Solution: Go to Settings → Additional Features → Gestures and reset the gesture settings to factory.
ADB does not see the device
- Reason: Drivers are not installed or Charging Only is enabled.
- Solution: Install Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools and switch the connection mode to File Transfer.