Owners of Poco smartphones, which run on the Android operating system with the shell MIUI or HyperOS, often face the need to save the image displayed on the display. This can be a screenshot of correspondence, instructions for setting up a router, a funny moment from a video or an important check from an online store. Unlike some other manufacturers, Xiaomi Poco has many ways to perform this task, and the choice of a particular method depends on the user’s personal preferences and situation.
Modern smartphones offer not just a copy of the screen, but also instant editing, cropping and sending a file. However, if you switched from a different brand or just bought a device, the standard combinations may not be obvious. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the options available, from classic physical buttons to advanced gestures and voice control, so you can choose the most convenient way to capture the image.
It’s worth noting that the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS offer advanced screenshot capabilities, including long-page scrolling and automatic text recognition. Understanding how to use these features properly makes everyday interactions with the gadget much easier.
Classical method using physical buttons
The most common and versatile way, which works on 99% of Android smartphones, including all models of the Poco line (from the old X3 NFC to the latest F5 and M5), is to press two buttons simultaneously. You need to press the Volume Down and the Power button.
If you hold the buttons for too long, you can start a shutdown menu or Google's voice assistant instead of a screenshot, so the action should be short and clear, resembling a light click. Once successfully executed, you will hear the characteristic sound of the camera shutter (if the sound is not turned off), and a thumbnail of the shot will appear in the upper corner of the screen, which is the main standard for all Android devices.
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If you have In-pocket mode enabled or a thick protective glass glued on, make sure you don't touch the proximity sensor when you press the buttons, or a screenshot may not be created.
In some cases, especially on older models or with certain system settings, a screenshot can be created with a long press only on the menu button (if it is virtual) or a specific combination, but for Poco it is the volume and power bundle that is relevant. This method is good for its reliability: it works even when the touch screen temporarily does not respond or the interface freezes.
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The combination of “Loudness down” + “Power” is the fastest and most reliable method, working 100% of the time, regardless of the firmware version.
Creating a screenshot through the control panel (Stork)
For those who prefer to avoid physical manipulation of buttons or whose keys may be damaged, Xiaomi has a convenient software method. You can take a screenshot just by using a control panel, often called a “curtain”.
Among the many icons, you need to find a button called a "Screenshot" (or scissors icon). If there's no one in the first row, try swiping the curtain sideways or pressing the edit button (usually a pencil or three dots) to add this shortcut to the visible panel, which is especially convenient when the phone is lying on the table or you're holding it with one hand, and reaching for the side buttons with the other is uncomfortable.
- 📱 Open the notification curtain with a swipe from top to bottom.
- 🔍 Find the Screenshot icon (scissors).
- 🖱️ Click on the icon - the sound of the shutter sounds.
- 📂 The image will automatically be saved in the gallery.
The advantage of this method is that it eliminates the risk of random volume changes or locking of the screen, which sometimes happens when using physical buttons. It is also a great option for people with limited hand motor skills who have difficulty performing accurate simultaneous pressing. MIUI system instantly responds to the command, creating an image of the current state of the interface.
☑️ Checking the availability of the function
Three-finger swipe (Three-finger swipe)
One of the most popular features of the MIUI and HyperOS shells is the ability to create a screenshot with just three fingers swiping across the screen, which is not activated by default on some global firmware versions, so it needs to be pre-enabled in the settings, which is ideal for situations where the phone is lying on a horizontal surface or when you hold it with both hands.
To activate this option, go to the settings section, look for "Additional Features" or "Extended Settings", and then select "Screenshot". Here you need to tick the box against "Three-finger Swipe" and after activation, just swipe three fingers from top to bottom on any part of the screen, and the system instantly creates a snapshot.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure that screenshot-protected apps (such as banking apps or incognito mode) are not running on the screen, or the gesture will not work and a ban notification will appear in the corner.
This method is often called “royal” by Poco users because of its elegance and speed, but it has a caveat: if you have a very big toe or wear a case with high sides, it can be physically difficult to perform the gesture, in which case it is better to use other methods described in the article.
What to do if the gesture does not work?
Use of Google Assistant and Voice Commands
Modern Poco smartphones are deeply integrated with Google’s ecosystem, allowing voice control to perform a variety of tasks, including taking screenshots. This method is especially relevant when the user’s hands are busy (for example, you are cooking with a prescription on your phone or holding a heavy object) and there is no way to touch the screen or buttons.
To activate, simply say "Ok Google" or "Hey Google" (if activated), and then say "Take a screenshot" or "Take a screenshot." The assistant will instantly perform the action, make a sound and show a preview. This is one of the most technologically advanced ways to demonstrate the capabilities of artificial intelligence in your pocket.
Alternatively, the Assistant call button is used if it is placed in a separate key or assigned to a long press of the power button, in which case physical interaction is minimized.
- 🗣️ Activate the assistant with a phrase or button.
- 📢 Say the command "Take a screenshot».
- ✅ The system will create an image of the current screen.
- 📤 Available instant sending via chat interface.
Voice control is not just a fashion homage, but a real-world accessibility tool that helps people with disabilities use their smartphones to their fullest, and in conjunction with Xiaomi’s smart home, it opens up a wide range of possibilities for handless control.
Long screenshot (scroll) and additional features
One of the most popular features for Poco users is the ability to create long screenshots (scrollshots), which is indispensable when you need to save long correspondence in the messenger, an article in the browser or a news feed in whole, rather than in parts. After creating a regular screenshot (by any of the above methods), a preview appears at the top of the screen.
In this preview, you click on the down arrow button or the Scrolling icon. The smartphone will automatically start scrolling downwards, capturing new areas of the screen. The process can be stopped at any time by touching the screen, or wait for the automatic completion when the content ends.
| Method | Speed. | Convenience | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons | Instantly. | High. | Physical access |
| Curtain. | 2-3 seconds | Average. | Working touchscreen |
| Three fingers. | Instantly. | Maximum. | Setting up on the menu |
| Voice. | 1-2 seconds | High. | Internet |
In addition, the screenshot editing menu on Xiaomi Poco provides tools for adding notes, drawing arrows and resizing, which makes the standard feature a powerful tool for creating instructions and reports. Remember that long screenshots take up more memory space, as their vertical resolution is much higher than the standard one.
Where are the screenshots stored and how to find them
Once you have successfully created a screenshot, the system automatically stores it in the device’s internal memory. The standard file path is like Inner Memory → DCIM → Screenshots or Inner Memory → Pictures → Screenshots, depending on the operating system version and regional settings, and you can find them through the standard Gallery or Files app.
The Gallery app usually has a separate album called Screenshots, which captures all the images created by any of the ways, making it easier to search and sort: you can quickly select unnecessary files and delete them to make space, or send them via instant messengers.
⚠️ Note: If you use cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud), screenshots can automatically sync and take up space in the cloud. Check your sync settings to avoid overflowing storage.
For advanced users, you can access files via a PC connection. Just cable your phone to your computer, select File Transfer mode, and follow the path above, which is convenient if you want to send a screenshot immediately by email or paste it into a document on your computer without needing to forward.
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Screenshots are stored in the DCIM/Screenshots folder and automatically sorted by date of creation, making it easier to find recent shots.