The Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite, which is part of the Android One program, offers a clean interface, but some features are implemented differently than in the MIUI shell. Users often wonder how to capture the contents of the screen, as the usual methods may differ or be hidden. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to create screenshots.
Whether you need to save a chat, an app bug, or an interesting shot from a game, a screenshot is a basic feature that should work seamlessly. We’ll look at standard button combinations, advanced gestures, and even voice commands for your device.
We will also discuss file storage issues and possible problems that may arise when trying to save an image, and understanding these nuances will allow you to effectively manage media files on the Redmi 6 Pro (the second name of the model).
Classical method using physical buttons
The fastest and most time-tested way to capture a screenshot on any Android device, including the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite, involves using a physical keyboard, which works even when the touch screen is temporarily unresponsive or locked in a particular app.
To do this, you need to hold two buttons simultaneously, Volume Down and Power, which you need to hold for no more than one second, and if you hold them too long, the phone can go to the off menu or start Google Assistant mode.
⚠️ Attention: Press the buttons at the same time. If you press one and then the other, the screenshot will not work, and you will simply change the volume or unlock the screen.
Once successful, the camera's characteristic shutter sound is heard (if the sound is on), and a thumbnail appears in the top corner of the screen for a split second, which is a signal that the image is stored in the gallery.
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If you have a protective glass or thick case installed, press the buttons more confidently to ensure contact with microswitches inside the case.
Using the Quick Settings Panel
The Android operating system running on the Mi A2 Lite has a convenient software way to take pictures without using buttons, which is especially useful if the physical keys are damaged or you take a screenshot of the menu called by the power button.
To use this method, swipe from top to bottom across the screen to open the notification curtain. Depending on your version of Android, you may need to swipe again to see the full list of tiles.
If you don't see the icon right away, click on a pencil or edit button (usually at the bottom of the tiles list).Look for Screenshot widgets in the available ones and drag it to the active zone. Now the function will always be at hand.
- 📱 Open the notification curtain with a swipe from top to bottom.
- 🔍 Find the Screenshot Tile (Screenshot).
- 🖱️ Click on the tile once to instantly create a screenshot.
This is a completely software-based method that doesn't rely on hardware buttons, which extends the life of the mechanical parts of a smartphone, and it's ideal for creating a series of screenshots in a row.
Voice control of Google Assistant
Because the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite runs on pure Android, it has deep integration with Google services. You can take a screenshot just by asking for a voice assistant. It's convenient when hands are busy or the phone is lying on the table.
Activate the assistant with the phrase “OK, Google” or long press of the “Home” button (if the navigation menu is configured). After activation, clearly say the command “Take a screenshot” or “Take a screenshot”.
The system will automatically process the request and save the current image to the screenshot folder, you will hear the confirming sound, and the screen will display a notification of successful capture, which requires an Internet connection for the most accurate speech recognition.
Screenshots with gestures (Special features)
Unlike the MIUI shell, Android stock doesn’t have a built-in “three fingers” gesture by default. However, Mi A2 Lite users can activate this feature through the special features menu if this option is available in your firmware version, or use third-party solutions.
Check the settings along the Settings path → System → Special Features. If there's a feature on it that's connected to the Features menu or gestures, check it out. Some Android updates have a feature called Special Features Menu that adds a floating button to the screen.
By adding a Screenshot button to this floating menu, you can take one-click screenshots anywhere on the interface, an alternative to physical buttons that doesn't require swiping by curtain.
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse this with the “Three Fingers” function MIUI. On Mi. A2 Lite (Android One) such a native feature may not be without installing additional launcher applications or modifications.
Using a floating menu is a great option for people with limited motor skills or for those who prefer software-based hardware management.
Where to store and how to find the screenshots
Once you've created a screenshot, it's important to know where to look. On the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite, all images are saved by default to the device's internal memory. The file path is standard in the Google ecosystem.
Open the Google Photos or Gallery app, and it'll have a separate folder or album called Screenshots or Screenshots, and in the file manager, the path will look like /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots.
| Parameter | Description | Default value |
|---|---|---|
| folder | Location in the file system | Pictures/Screenshots |
| Format | Image file type | PNG (lossless) |
| Permission | Size in pixels | 1080 x 2280 (Full HD+) |
| Metadata | EXIF data | Date, time, device model |
Files are saved in PNG format, which ensures high quality without the compression artifacts typical of JPEG. This is important if you plan to edit a screenshot or send it to high quality messengers.
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All screenshots on the Mi A2 Lite are saved in PNG format for maximum text and interface quality.
Editing and sharing immediately after creation
Immediately after you take a screenshot of any of the ways, a pop-up notification with a thumbnail appears in the corner of the screen (usually the bottom one), and if you click on it, the built-in editor will open.
You can do basic things like cropping, drawing, adding text, or highlighting important areas in color, so you don't have to open a separate app for simple editing.
You can also send a file to a messenger (Telegram, WhatsApp) or save it to the cloud from this menu, and if you ignore the notification, it will disappear in a few seconds, but the file will remain in the gallery.
- ✂️ Cutting: Remove the extra edges of the image.
- 🖍️ Drawing: highlight important elements with a marker.
- 📤 Share: Send the file directly to the app.
Using a built-in editor saves time and disk space, as it does not require the installation of heavy third-party applications for processing graphics.
Solution: Why screenshots are not saved
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a screenshot is not created, most often due to Android security policy, some applications, such as bank clients, incognito mode in the browser or Netflix, block the creation of screenshots.
In such cases, when you try to take a screenshot, you will see a black screen or a ban notification.This is not a malfunction of the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite, but data protection from unauthorized copying.
Why is the screenshot black in some apps?
It can also be a lack of free memory, because if the internal storage is crowded, the system will not be able to write a new file, and check the space available in the storage settings.
⚠️ Note: If screenshots are not taken anywhere other than secure apps, check for system updates. Bugs in older versions of Android sometimes affect the clipboard and graphics engine.
To free up space, you can use the built-in Cleanup function or transfer old photos to your computer, which will restore the screenshot function to work.