Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face the challenge of saving images from the screen, whether it’s texting, a travel map or a screenshot of instant messaging, being able to capture what’s happening on the display quickly is a basic skill. However, the MIUI and HyperOS shell interfaces offer many ways to implement this feature that many users don’t even know about. Understanding all the available methods saves time and makes interaction with the device much more comfortable.
Creating a screenshot is not just about fixing a picture, but often the first step to more complex actions, such as editing, cutting snippets or creating long screenshots. In modern versions of firmware, image processing algorithms have become smarter, allowing you to instantly glue several frames into one long tape. It is important to know that different models can have minor differences in the logic of the menu, but the basic principles remain the same throughout the brand ecosystem.
In this article, we will cover all the ways to create screenshots, from the classic button combination to advanced control menu features, how to set up handy gestures, use voice control and automate the process through Google Assistant, and will also discuss specific settings that allow you to change the format of stored files and how they are written in the device memory.
Classical Method: A Combination of Physical Buttons
The most common and time-tested method, running on 99% of Android devices, including Xiaomi smartphones. The mechanics of the action are simple and require no pre-tuning. You need to simultaneously press and briefly hold two buttons: Down Volume and Power Lock. Successful execution of the action is accompanied by a characteristic sound of the camera shutter and a visual flash of the screen.
The main advantage of this method is its versatility, which works even when the touchscreen is temporarily unresponsive or the system is overloaded with background processes. Physical buttons take precedence over software, making them a reliable tool in emergency situations. However, if you hold the phone with one hand, reaching both buttons at the same time can be physically inconvenient, especially on models with a large screen.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the buttons clamped for too long. Prolonged retention (more) 3-5 second) power and volume combinations on some Xiaomi models can start the Recovery menu screenshot mode, which will require a device reboot.
When you create a picture, you have a thumbnail in the top right corner of the screen, and you click on it, and you get to the editor where you can overlay text, add arrows, or cut out the area, and if you ignore the thumbnail, the image automatically saves to the gallery, and it's worth noting that on some custom builds or certain applications (e.g., banking), this method can be blocked by security policies.
Use of the control menu and notification curtain
The MIUI shell is famous for its extended control center, which is placed in a separate curtain. This menu contains many useful widgets, including a button to create screenshots. To use this method, swipe from top to bottom (usually on the right if you have the separation of the curtains and controls) and find an icon with the image of the scissors. One tap instantly takes a picture of the current screen.
This is ideal for those who prefer visual control and are afraid of damaging mechanical buttons. In addition, the control menu often features a "Screenshot of the area" feature, allowing you to select a specific rectangular piece of the screen, rather than capture the entire image, which is especially useful when working with tables or documents where you need to save only a part of the data.
If there is no standard scissor icon in the curtain, you can add it through the edit menu. Click on the settings icon (cog) or the edit button in the control center, find the "Screenshot" section in the list of available widgets and drag it to the active zone. After that, the function will be available in a single touch. This also allows you to place the widget in the most convenient place for the finger.
Setting and using gestures with three fingers
One of the most ergonomic techniques that users love for speed and convenience, the essence of the method is to conduct three fingers from top to bottom on the screen. This feature is not active by default on all models, so it needs to be enabled in the system settings. The path to settings usually looks like this: Settings → Additional features → Screenshots.
In the screenshot settings menu, activate the three-finger gesture switch, and once activated, the system will respond to the corresponding movement in any part of the interface, except for secure applications, which is especially convenient for users with large smartphones, since it does not require reaching for buttons on the body or top of the screen.
☑️ Checking the setting of gestures
Consider that touchscreen sensitivity can affect the gesture. If you don't take screenshots the first time, try to swipe your fingers a little slower or faster, and make sure that there are no greasy marks or low-quality protective film on the screen that can distort multi-touch input.
Voice control via Google Assistant
For those who prefer voice control or other activities (such as holding a phone in their hand while navigating), Google Assistant is ideal. Simply say the phrase "OK, Google, take a screenshot" or "Take a screenshot." The system will instantly execute a command, emit an audible signal and save the image.
This method requires an active Internet connection and a microphone on, and it's especially relevant when physical access to buttons is limited or the phone is on the table, and the voice assistant can also open a newly created screenshot for editing, if you give the appropriate command immediately after creation.
It's important to note that voice commands may not work in some regions or on certain versions of firmware. If a standard phrase doesn't work, try changing the assistant language or checking your privacy settings. Voice control is a powerful automation tool that every advanced user should learn.
The function of a long screenshot (scroll)
It's often necessary to save long WhatsApp or Telegram correspondence, a browser article or a news feed, and it's long and inconvenient to take lots of regular screenshots and paste them by hand. Xiaomi has a built-in Scrolling feature that automatically creates a long image.
After you create a normal screenshot (any of the methods described above), a preview appears in the top corner, and it has a down arrow button or a Scrolling icon, and by clicking on it, the system will automatically scroll down the contents of the screen, grabbing new areas and combining them into a single file, and the process will stop when you hit the stop button or reach the end of the page.
| Parameter | A typical screenshot. | Long screenshot. |
|---|---|---|
| File size | Small (up to 2MB) | Medium/Large (up to 10+MB) |
| Format | PNG/JPG | PNG (most often) |
| Use of the | One frame. | Websites, correspondence, documents |
| Editing | Instantly. | After the scroll is completed |
⚠️ Note: Scrolling may not work properly in dynamic content download applications or in games, in which case it is better to use the standard method or third-party applications to record the screen.
Configure the way of saving and file formats
By default, all screenshots are stored in internal memory in the DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots folder. However, users can change this behavior. In some versions of MIUI, the option to change the format of the stored image from PNG to JPG is available. The JPG format takes up less space, but can lose quality when compressed, which is critical for texts and graphics.
To change your settings, go to Settings → Screenshots, where you can not only choose the format, but also adjust the actions after you create a picture, for example, you can turn off the thumbnail display if it interferes, or conversely, set up the automatic opening of the editor, these little things greatly improve the comfort of daily use.
Also worth mentioning is the possibility of using third-party file managers to automatically sort screenshots. By setting up a script or using manager functions, you can automatically move screenshots from certain applications to individual folders, making it easier to find the right information in the future.
Problem Solving and Frequent Questions
Despite the system's fine-tuning, users sometimes face difficulties, screenshots may not be created due to a lack of RAM, storage overcrowding, or conflicts with running applications, in which case a simple reboot of the device or clearing the system's cache helps.
If screenshots are created but not saved, check the permissions for the Screenshot or System UI application. Sometimes the crash occurs after a firmware update and requires a reset of the interface settings. In rare cases, the problem may be associated with corrupting system files, which requires a deeper diagnosis.
Understanding the nuances of screenshots makes your Xiaomi a more powerful tool for work and entertainment. Experiment with different methods to find the one that is right for you.