Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just a means of communication, becoming powerful multimedia centers where users constantly interact with content. In the process of working with the device, it is often necessary to fix the current image on the display for further transfer or save. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices may encounter different methods of implementing this feature depending on the version of the MIUI or HyperOS firmware.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the available ways to take screenshots, from classic button combinations to advanced features such as long scrolling or automation through Google Assistant. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to make the most of your operating system.
Whether you’re holding a budget Redmi Note or a flagship Xiaomi 14, the basics of the system remain similar, although the visual design of the menu may differ.
Use of physical control buttons
The most common and time-tested method that works on almost all Android devices, including the Xiaomi lineup, is to press two hardware buttons at the same time: turn down the volume and lock the screen. It is important to press quickly and release the buttons immediately so that the system locks the command as a short action, not as a pinch.
If you do everything right, the camera's characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is on) will be heard, and the screen will blink. At the top of the display, a thumbnail notification will appear, allowing you to quickly move to edit or share a file, which is the most reliable method, since it does not depend on the sensor settings or third-party applications.
⚠️ Warning: Do not hold the buttons tight for too long, otherwise the off menu may be activated instead of taking a screenshot or emergency call mode may start.
In some cases, especially on older models or with protective glass, sensors may react with a delay. If the screenshot does not work the first time, try changing the rhythm of the pressing or using alternative methods described below.
☑️ Screening readiness check
Setup and use of gestures in MIUI and HyperOS
The MIUI shell and the new HyperOS provide users with enhanced gesture control, which is especially convenient for large-diagonal devices. The standard gesture for creating a screenshot is to swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the screen. However, this feature can be disabled by default, so it needs to be activated in the system settings.
To enable this option, go to the Settings menu, select Additional (or Advanced Settings), then search for Screenshots. Here you need to activate the switch that controls the three-finger gesture, and after you turn on, you can take pictures with one smooth movement of your hand.
- 📱 Open the settings and find the "Additional" section".
- 🖐️ Select "Screenshots" and turn on the option "Gesturing with three fingers".
- ⬇️ Swipe three fingers from top to bottom on any active page to check.
It’s worth noting that this method may be less convenient if you hold your phone with one hand or use a case with high sides that prevent touch. In addition, in some applications, such as games or full-screen video players, the gesture may not work due to the peculiarities of multi-touch processing.
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If a three-finger gesture doesn’t work in games, try adding the game to the exception list or use a floating menu to create screenshots so you don’t interrupt the gameplay.
Creating pictures through the menu and control panel
For those who prefer a visual interface or have difficulty pressing buttons at the same time, Xiaomi has introduced software methods, one of which is using a menu of additional features, which is called by swiping to the right of the screen (if the "Side menu panel" function is enabled), or through a special floating window.
You can also use the control panel (curtain). Swipe from top to bottom of the screen twice to turn all the switches around, and find the screenshot icon. Clicking on it will instantly create a copy of the current image. If you can't see this button, click on the edit icon (usually a pencil or three dots) and add the screenshot widget to the active area.
| Method | Action. | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons | Loudness - + Nutrition | Always. |
| Gesture. | 3 fingers down | We need to turn it on. |
| Curtain. | Icon at the control center | Always. |
| Voice. | Take a Screenshot Team | Internet is required |
The use of software buttons is especially important when hardware keys are damaged or unstable, which allows you to extend the life of the mechanical elements of the smartphone and ensures full functionality even in the case of physical defects.
The function of long screenshot and scrolling
One of the most useful features in Xiaomi’s ecosystem is the ability to create long screenshots that capture content that doesn’t fit on a single screen, which is indispensable when you save correspondence, web pages or long contact lists. Once you create a regular screenshot (by any means) in the corner, you will see a thumbnail with action buttons.
Click the Scroll button (the icon with the arrows down) and the system will automatically start scrolling down the page, stitching (gluing) the images into one long tape.The process will stop when you touch the screen or reach the end of the page. You can also manually stop scrolling at the right moment.
This mode requires more CPU and RAM resources, as complex real-time graphics processing takes place. On very long pages, the final file can have significant weight and high resolution, which is worth considering when sending through compressed quality messengers.
⚠️ Note: When creating a long screenshot, avoid touching the screen and scrolling the page manually, as this can lead to artifacts in the image or interrupt the process.
Voice control and Google Assistant
Modern technology allows you to control your smartphone without touching using voice commands. Built-in assistant Google Assistant or Xiao AI (in Chinese versions and global firmware with support) can take a screenshot of a voice request.
Say Take a screenshot or Make a screenshot (if the language of the system is English) and the system recognizes the command and performs the action by saving the image to the gallery. This method is especially convenient when the user's hands are busy or dirty, for example, during cooking or work.
- 🎤 Activate the voice assistant with a phrase or button.
- 🗣️ Say the command "Take a screenshot" clearly".
- ✅ Check the result in the notification or gallery.
The effectiveness of this method depends on the quality of speech recognition and the availability of an active Internet connection, and in conditions of high noise or poor network signal, the command may not be understood the first time.
Why is the voice assistant not responding?
Automation and additional settings
For advanced users, Xiaomi offers customization options for screenshot behavior. In the screenshot settings menu, you can change the save format (although JPEG remains the standard for compatibility), configure the removal of thumbnails after viewing, or change the location of edit buttons.
There are also third-party apps from the Google Play Store that extend functionality by adding the ability to take screenshots by shaking the device or on a schedule, but using such apps requires broad screen permissions, which can affect data security and autonomy.
New versions of HyperOS have introduced a smart screenshot feature that automatically detects content on the screen (such as a dialog box or an in-store product) and offers the best way to crop, eliminating the need to manually crop the image in the editor.
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Using built-in MIUI/HyperOS tools is preferable to third-party applications, as they are optimized to work with the system and do not consume battery in the background.