How many times have you tried to save important information from the Xiaomi screen but couldnβt remember the button combination? Or the gesture for the screenshot suddenly stopped working after the MIUI update? This problem is familiar to many owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphones β the brandβs interface offers several ways to copy the screen, but not all of them are intuitive.
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of creating screenshots on Xiaomi devices (including models from 2023-2026), compare them in speed and convenience, and also tell you how to return the feature if it is Suddenly disappeared after an update. From classic Power + Volume Down to voice commands and shooting via computer β choose the option that suits you.
1. Standard method: power and volume buttons
It is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the MIUI version or model, and is suitable even for devices with a faulty sensor.
To take a screenshot:
- Open on the screen what you want to save (web page, message, settings, etc.).
- Press the Power (on) button and the Volume Down button at the same time.
- Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see an animation of the screenshot.
β οΈ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) Long-term retention of these buttons can cause the switch-off menu. If this happens, try pressing the buttons short and sharp rather than holding them down.
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If the screenshot is not saved, check if Do Not Disturb or Game Turbo mode is enabled, which can block the creation of screenshots.
Where to look for a finished screenshot?
- π In the gallery: Screenshots folder (or Screenshots in Russian).
- π File Manager: Internal Memory β Pictures β Screenshots.
- π± In the notification panel: immediately after creation, a preview will appear with the buttons Share and Delete.
2. Three fingers down gesture (fastest method)
The gesture screenshot feature is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 9 and later.This is the most convenient way for those who often take screenshots - do not need to search for buttons or remember combinations.
How to turn on:
- Go to Settings β Additional functions β Gestures.
- Find the screenshot by gesture and activate it.
- Select the direction of the gesture: by default, this is a wire with a finger from top to bottom, but you can configure other options.
How to use:
- π Place three fingers on the screen (no matter where).
- π± Quickly swipe them from top to bottom (as if you were swiping the screen).
- π― Screenshot saved, thumbnail at the bottom of the screen.
β οΈ Note: If the gesture does not work, check it out:
- π§Ή Screen Cleanliness β dirt or protective glass may interfere with touch recognition.
- π§ Sensor Sensitivity Settings in Settings β Display. β Sensitivity of touch.
- π± Is the One Hand mode enabled (Settings) β Additional functions β One-hand mode).
3. Screenshot with voice assistant
If your hands are busy or your buttons are not working, you can take a screenshot with a voice command, using the built-in Google Assistant or XiaoAI (on Chinese firmware).
Instructions for Google Assistant:
- Activate the assistant by saying OK, Google, or holding the Home button.
- Tell the command: Take a screenshot or Make a screenshot (in English it works more stable).
- Confirm the action if necessary.
For XiaoAI (on Chinese versions of MIUI):
- π€ Tell me (XiΗoβΓ i tΓ³ngxuΓ©) activate.
- πΈ Then say it (JiΓ©tΓΊ) β It means screenshotΒ».
β οΈ Note: Voice commands may not work in some applications (e.g. banking or gaming) due to security limitations. Also make sure the assistant has access to Special Options settings.
Why doesnβt the voice assistant take a screenshot?
4. Advanced method: long screenshot (scroll)
Sometimes you need to save not only the visible part of the screen, but also what is hidden outside of it - for example, the entire web page, correspondence in the messenger or a list of settings. MIUI There is a βLong Screenshotβ function (or Scrolling Screenshot).
How to do this:
- First, create a regular screenshot in any of the ways described above.
- Immediately after the thumbnail appears at the bottom of the screen, click on it.
- In the editor that opens, tap the Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
- Wait for the system to automatically scroll through the page and connect the pieces into one long shot.
Limitations of the method:
- β It doesnβt work in some apps (e.g. Instagram, TikTok).
- β Can βshortβ dynamic content (video, animations).
- β On older models (Redmi) 5/6) function may not be present.
Open the content you want to use (slip through to the end)
Make sure that mobile internet or Wi-Fi is enabled (to download hidden parts of a page)
Close pop-up windows and banners
Check that the screen settings are turned off "Read Mode" (Settings β Display β Read Mode)
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5. Screenshot via computer (ADB and Mi PC Suite)
If the sensor or buttons on the phone don't work, you can take a screenshot from a PC, and there are two ways to do this: with ADB (for advanced users), or through the Mi PC Suite utility.
Method 1: Mi PC Suite (Simple)
- Download and install Mi PC Suite from the official website.
- Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (turn on debugging by USB In Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI β 7 times tap to unlock the developer mode).
- In the program, select the screenshot in the tool menu.
Method 2: ADB (for technical users)
adb devices # check the connection
adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png # screenshot creation
adb pull /sdcard/screen.png # download on PCβ οΈ Attention: When in use ADB Screenshot is saved in the root folder of the phone (/sdcard/). If you donβt see a file, check permissions or use a root file manager (e.g., Root Explorer).
| Method | Speed. | Difficulty | It works without buttons. | Suitable for long screenshots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power buttons + volume | ββββ | β | β No. | β No. |
| Three-finger gesture | βββββ | ββ | β Yes. | β No. |
| Voice assistant | βββ | βββ | β Yes. | β No. |
| Long screenshot. | ββ | βββ | β Yes. | β Yes. |
| Through PC (ADB) | β | ββββ | β Yes. | β No. |
6. Problem Solving: Screenshots Are Not Saved or Are Not Working
Sometimes the screenshot function suddenly stops working, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:
Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery.
- π Check the folder. Pictures/Screenshots via file manager β it is possible that the pictures are saved but not displayed in the gallery.
- π Restart your phone β sometimes the media scanner doesnβt update your library.
- π οΈ Clear the gallery cache: Settings β Annexes β gallery β Warehouse β Clear the cache.
Problem 2: The three-finger gesture doesn't work.
- π§ Go to Settings. β Additional functions β Gestures and turn on the function again.
- π± Check if the gesture conflicts with other functions (e.g., one-hand mode).
- π Reset your gesture settings to standard.
Problem 3: The power + volume buttons don't work.
- π Check if one of the buttons is stuck (move them carefully).
- π οΈ Update the firmware - in older versions MIUI There were combination recognition bugs.
- π Try an alternative combination: Nutrition + Increased volume (on some models).
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If neither method works, check to see if Guest or Child mode is enabled in user profiles, which often limit the functionality of screenshots.
On models Xiaomi 13/14 series with MIUI 14+ has a new feature: screenshots can be done by double pressing on the back panel (if you include in Settings β Additional functions β Double tap).