How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI 12/13/14

Screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones are not done in the same way as on most Android devices. The manufacturer has added several unique ways to MIUI - from the classic combination of buttons to gestures and voice commands. But even experienced users are often unaware of hidden features, such as the ability to create long screenshots of scrolling pages without third-party apps or take screenshots using Google Assistant.

In this article, we’ll cover the latest techniques for all modern models, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. We’ll look at not only the basic combinations, but also the little-known tricks that work even on devices with faulty physical buttons. And at the end, FAQs with answers to frequent problems (for example, why screenshots are kept in low quality or how to change the format from.png to.jpg).

1. Standard method: power and volume buttons

It’s a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the older models on MIUI 9/10 and the new ones with MIUI 14 based on Android 13/14.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialogue in Telegram or a page in Chrome).
2. Press the power button (on/lock) and the volume button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 or Black Shark 5) the button sensitivity is set differently:

• 🔹 Try pressing buttons faster (without long hold).
• 🔹 Check if Do Not Disturb mode is enabled - it can block the shutter sound.
• 🔹 Make sure the buttons are not contaminated (dust or moisture interferes with the operation).

Where to look for a screenshot? By default, files are saved to the DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots folder. In MIUI 14, a thumbnail appears in the bottom right corner of the screen, tap it to edit or share the screenshot immediately.

2. Three-finger gesture: quick screenshot without buttons

The Three-Finger Gesture is a MIUI feature that eliminates the need to press physical buttons, which is especially useful if:

• 📱 You have a broken power or volume button.
• 🎮 You are playing a mobile game (e.g. Genshin Impact or a mobile game). PUBG Mobile and don’t want to interrupt gameplay.
• 👆 One hand is occupied (for example, you hold on to a handrail in a transport).

To activate the gesture:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Select "Three-finger screenshot" and switch on the switch.
3. (Optional) Set the direction of movement: down the screen (default) or up.

Now, to take a screenshot, just swipe your three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (or bottom to top if you've changed the setting).

⚠️ Note: The gesture may conflict with other features, such as split screen (if you have a multitasking gesture enabled.

3. Screenshot via notification panel

If you don't feel comfortable remembering button combinations or gestures, MIUI has an alternative, a screenshot button in the notification panel, which works on all devices starting with MIUI 11.

Instructions:

1. Open the notification panel by swiping your finger from top to bottom.
2. Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissors or a rectangle with a curved angle).

Settings → Notifications Panel → Change order → Find “Screenshot” and drag it to the active area

1. Slip the icon - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 You don't have to remember the combinations.
• 📁 You can quickly edit the screenshot directly from the notification (short, add text, draw an arrow).
• 🔒 It works even if physical buttons are disabled (for example, when connecting to a computer). USB-debugging).

Disadvantage: On some models (e.g. Redmi 10A), the default screenshot icon is hidden and must be added manually.

💡

If the screenshot icon is missing after the MIUI update, reset the notification bar settings: go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots (menu) → Reset the settings

4. Voice commands: "Okay, Google, take a screenshot."

Xiaomi smartphones support voice control through Google Assistant, and it can take screenshots without touching the screen.

• 🧼 Your hands are dirty or wet.
• 🚗 You are driving (but keep in mind the safety rules!).
• 🦾 You have limited hand mobility.

How to set up:

1. Activate Google Assistant: Settings → Apps → Default → Assistant and Voice Input → Google.
2. Say “OK Google” or hold the home button (if you have one on your model).
3. Say the command: “Take a screenshot” or “Photograph the screen.”

Limitations:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI In Russia (without Google services), voice commands may not work. In this case, use Alice from Yandex - she also knows how to take screenshots on the command "Alice, take a screenshot" (you need to install the Yandex application).

5. Long (scrollable) screenshots

If you want to capture an entire web page, a chat on WhatsApp, or an Instagram list, a standard screenshot will not work — it will only capture the visible part of the screen. MIUI has a built-in Scrolling Screenshot (or Long Screenshot) feature that automatically glues several frames together.

How it works:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the miniature appears at the bottom of the screen, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, select the option “Scroll” (the icon with two arrows down).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls through the page and connects the parts into a single file.

Tips for a better result:

• 🌐 On web pages, turn off automatic downloading of content (for example, a feed in VKontakte), otherwise the screenshot will be cropped.
• 📱 In instant messengers (like Telegram), first scroll the chat to the beginning to capture all messages.
• ⚡ If the function is not working, check if it is included in Settings. → Additional functions → Scrolling screenshot.

Limitations:

• 🚫 Does not work in some applications (for example, in banking or screenshot protection).
• 📏 Maximum screenshot length: about 5 screens (depending on model).
• 🖼️ Quality can deteriorate when glued (especially on older devices).

6. Screenshots with Quick Ball (Virtual Button)

Quick Ball is a floating button on the screen that replaces the physical keys. It's useful for:

• 🎮 Gamers (does not interfere with games).
• 👴 Users with thumbs (no need to reach for the top of the screen).
• 🔧 Owners of devices with faulty buttons.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Additional features → Quick Ball.
2. Turn on the function and adjust the appearance (size, transparency).
3. In the Quick Action menu, add the Screenshot option.

Now, to take a screenshot:

1. Slip on Quick Ball (the ball on the screen).
2. Select "Screenshot" in the menu that appears.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) Quick Ball conflicts with navigation gestures. If the button does not appear, turn off full-screen gestures in the screen settings.

7. Screenshots in Safe Mode and on a Locked Screen

Sometimes you need to take a screenshot when the smartphone is locked (for example, to show the time or notification) or when safe mode is turned on (for diagnosing problems), in MIUI this is possible, but with limitations.

On the locked screen:

• 🔐 Use a button combination (power) + Volume down – this will work even without unlocking.
• 📵 Gestures and voice commands do not work on a locked screen.
• 🔒 Screenshot of notifications will be blurred if privacy is enabled (setting in Settings) → Lock screen → Confidentiality).

In safe mode:

• 🛡️ Only the power buttons work.+Volume and Quick Ball (if enabled before reboot).
• 🚫 Gestures, voice commands and notification panel disabled.
• 📁 Screenshots are saved to the same folder, but may not appear in the gallery until you exit Safe Mode.

If the screenshot is not created in safe mode, check:

1. whether the battery is sufficiently charged (less than 5% can block the function).


2. Is there a notification of overheating (at high temperature, screenshots are turned off).




Is the Do Not Disturb mode activated with system sounds blocked?

💡

In Safe Mode, MIUI disables all third-party ways to create screenshots, except for physical buttons, and this is done to diagnose software problems.

FAQ: Frequent Problems and Solutions