How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi: 5 proven ways + problem solving

Screenshots on Xiaomi Mi are one of the most popular features that users use every day, from saving important correspondence to fixing errors in applications. Despite the apparent simplicity, many face difficulties: standard button combinations do not work, you can not take a screenshot in games or full-screen applications, and gesture controls refuse to work after updating MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to create screenshots on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones (including models of 2026), and solve typical problems that prevent users from fixing the screen.

Xiaomi devices feature several alternative methods of creating screenshots, which depend on the firmware version, model and even regional settings. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, a three-finger swipe gesture is available, and on the budget Redmi Note 12 this feature can be disabled by default. We tested all methods on current devices and collected unique data on the compatibility of methods with specific models (see the table in the “Comparison of methods”).

1. Standard method: button combination

The classic method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the firmware version is the simultaneous pressing of physical buttons. This method is reliable, but requires dexterity: if you press the keys out of sync, another function can work (for example, calling a voice assistant or locking the screen).

Instructions:

• 📱 Find the power button (usually on the right) and the volume button (left or right, depending on the model) on the smartphone case).
• 🔘 Press both buttons at the same time for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter or see the animation of the screenshot.
• 🖼️ The finished shot will appear in the notification panel and automatically save to the gallery in the Screenshots folder.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite), the power button is sensitive to prolonged pressing – if you press it longer than 2 seconds, the off menu will turn on. To avoid this, press short and sharp.

Make sure the screen is unlocked |Fingers don't close the buttons |System sound is on (to confirm) |Memory isn't full-->

2. Three-finger swipe gesture (MIUI 9 and newer)

The most convenient way for users who often take screenshots is gesture control, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 9 firmware and higher, but can be disabled by default.

How to turn on:

1. Open Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the screenshot with a three-finger swipe and translate the slider to the "On" position.
3. Test the gesture: swipe three fingers on the screen from the bottom up (not to be confused with a swipe to return back!).

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than a combination of buttons – no need to look for keys on the body.
• 🎯 Works in most applications, including games (unless blocked by the developer).
• 🔄 You can adjust the swipe direction (up or down) in the same settings.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) the gesture may conflict with the navigation gestures of the system. If the screenshot fails, check if the option Full-screen gestures are included in the Settings → Display.

3. Screenshot via notification panel

If the physical buttons don't work (for example, because of damage) or the gesture method is disabled, you can take a screenshot through quick settings, which is universal and works even on older models like the Xiaomi Mi A1.

Step-by-step:

• 📲 Unlock the screen and open the desired application or page.
• 🔽 Swipe your finger down to open the notification bar.
• 🔍 Find a screenshot icon (usually a scissors or screen thumbnail) and tap it.
• 📁 The picture will be saved in the gallery, and in the notification panel will appear the option for quick editing.

If the badge is not:

1. Click on the icon «⚙️ Edit" in the notification panel.
2. Find the “Screenshot” list and drag it to the active area.

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On some models (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro), the notification bar is divided into two parts: the first shows notifications, the second shows quick settings. To see the screenshot icon, swipe twice from top to bottom.

4. Voice command (Google Assistant)

A little-known but useful method is to take a screenshot with a voice assistant, which is useful if you have busy hands or sensor/buttons are not working, and is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with Google Assistant preinstalled (even on the budget Redmi 9A).

How to do this:

1. Activate Google Assistant by saying OK, Google or pressing the Home button (if you have one).
2. Tell the command: Take a screenshot or a screenshot.
3. Confirm the action if the assistant requests permission.

Limitations:

• 🔇 It does not work in offline mode (you need the Internet to recognize voice).
• 🎮 In some games, voice input may be blocked.
• 📵 On Chinese firmware (without Google services), this method is not available.

5. Screenshot in games and full-screen applications

Many users face a problem: in games (for example, Genshin Impact or in games). PUBG Mobile or interface-locked apps (like Netflix) standard ways of creating screenshots don't work. MIUI, which limits screen recording in some modes.

Decisions:

• 🎮 Gaming Turbo Mode: Enable it in the notification bar while playing - sometimes this will unlock the screenshots opportunity.
• 📱 Developer Mode: Activate the Debugging option USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times), then turn on the Disallow Screenshot Restrictions in the Developer Settings.
• 🖥️ Third-party utilities: Apps like Screen Master or Screenshot Touch can bypass restrictions, but require root rights.

⚠️ Note: In some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online), screenshots are blocked at the security level.

Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

To make it easier to choose, we have compiled data on compatibility and usability of each method on popular Xiaomi models, and focus on this table if you are not sure which one is right for your device:

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On the new flagships (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 Pro), the gesture screenshot works even in games, if you turn on the option “Allow screenshots in games” in the game turbo mode settings.

Problem Solving: Screenshots Are Not Working

If none of the methods work, check the following points:

1. Overflowing memory:

• 📱 Free up storage space (minimum 50-100 MB is required to save screenshot).
• 🗑️ Remove old photos from the folder DCIM/Screenshots.

Mishaps in MIUI:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – it will reset temporary system errors.
• 🛠️ Update the firmware: go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Restrictions of annexes:

• 🔒 Check if the app blocks screenshots (e.g., banking services or streaming platforms).
• 📲 Try taking a picture through the guest mode (if it is enabled).

Hardware malfunctions:

• 🔧 If buttons do not work, check them for sensitivity in Settings → Additional functions → Equipment test.
• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to charging – sometimes low battery power blocks screenshots from being created.

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If screenshots are saved in low resolution, check the camera settings in MIUI: Settings → Display → Screen resolution. Forced resolution change can affect the quality of the shots.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi