Xiaomi's current smartphones offer many convenient ways to create screenshots, from classic buttons to voice commands. But one of the fastest and most intuitive methods is to take a three-finger screenshot, which allows you to take a screenshot in one motion without being distracted by searching for buttons.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to turn on a three-finger screenshot on Xiaomi devices, which models support this feature, and what to do if the gesture suddenly stopped working. You will also learn about hidden settings that will help optimize the process, and about the typical errors that may cause the function to fail. Whether you are using the flagship model Xiaomi 14 Ultra or the budget Redmi Note 12, the instruction will be suitable for most devices based on MIUI.
Which Xiaomi models support screenshots with three fingers?
The three-finger screenshot feature is available on most Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI 10 and later.
- 📱 Flagship series: Xiaomi 12/13/14, Mi 10/11, Mix 4/Fold — Supports the function "out of the box" with the ability to fine-tune the gesture.
- 💰 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 — function is present, but may require manual inclusion in settings.
- 🪙 Budget models: Redmi 9/10, POCO M3/M4 — Support depends on the version MIUI. On old firmware, the function may not be.
- ⚠️ Outdated devices: Smartphones on MIUI 9 and below (e.g. Redmi 5 or Mi) A1) They don't support this gesture.
To know exactly if the feature is available on your device, check the version. MIUI Settings menu → If the version is older than 10.0, update the firmware through Settings. → Updating the system.
Step-by-step: how to turn on a screenshot with three fingers
You can activate the function in a few steps, but the main thing is not to miss the key settings, which are sometimes hidden in non-obvious menu sections.
- Open the settings on your Xiaomi smartphone.
- Go to the Additional Features section (some models may call it Special Features or Gestures).
- Select Screenshots or Quick Actions (depending on the MIUI version).
- Find the option "Screenshot with three fingers" and move the slider to the position "On".
- Test the function: swipe top-down on the screen with three fingers at the same time (no pauses).
If there is no screenshot on the menu, try an alternative route:
Settings → System and device → Gestures → Screenshot with three fingersIs the firmware updated to the latest version of MIUI?
Is there enough free memory (at least 1 GB)?
Are third-party launchers (Nova, Apex) disabled?
- Aren't they active? VPN or developer mode?-->
Sensitivity settings and additional parameters
Once you activate a function, you can optimize it for your needs, for example, if the screenshots are triggered accidentally or, conversely, are not fixed when you are moving fast.
For this:
- Return to the Settings menu → Additional features → Screenshots.
- Slip on the item "Gestural settings" (or Sensitivity).
- Adjust the slider "speed of movement": 🐢 Slowly – suitable if the gesture is triggered by accident. 🐇 Quickly – if the screenshot is not fixed when a sharp movement.
Turn on the option Vibration when triggered to feel a tactile response.
On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) the function "Gestural direction recognition" is available - it allows you to take a screenshot only when moving strictly from top to bottom, ignoring side swipes.
💡
If the screenshot is not saved, check the permissions for the Screenshots app in the Settings menu → Apps → Permissions management. Make sure that the save is enabled in the gallery.
What if the screenshot with three fingers does not work?
Sometimes the function fails even after setting it up correctly, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The gesture doesn't work. | Conflict with other gestures (e.g. swipe to return) | Turn off conflicting gestures in Settings → System → Gestures |
| Screenshot taken, but not saved | Insufficient memory or a ban on recording | Clear the memory and check permissions for the Screenshots app |
| The function disappeared after the update | Resetting MIUI settings | Turn on the gesture again or reset settings through Settings → Restore and reset |
| It's just an accident. | High sensitivity of the gesture | Reduce the speed of the response in the gesture settings |
⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the three-finger screenshot function may be disabled at the kernel level.
Alternative ways to take a screenshot on Xiaomi
If a three-finger gesture for some reason does not suit you, MIUI provides other methods:
- 🔘 Classical method: Press the Volume down + Meals for food 1-2 It works on all models.
- 🎤 Voice command: Activate Google Assistant and say, "Take a screenshot." Requires an Internet connection.
- 🖱️ Through the notification panel: Unfold the curtain and tap the Screenshot icon (if added).
- 🤖 With Quick Ball: Include a floating button in Settings → Special facilities → Quick Ball.
On some models (for example, Xiaomi Pad 6) a screenshot is available with a stylus – just touch the screen of Xiaomi Smart Pen twice.
How to add a screenshot button to the notification panel?
Tips for optimizing work with screenshots
Screenshots take up space in memory and can create a mess in the gallery. Here are some life hacks for effective management:
- 📁 Automatic Sorting: Enable the option of Grouping Screenshots in the Gallery → Settings → Smart albums. All the pictures will be collected in a separate folder.
- ☁️ Cloud Storage: Set up autoload screenshots in Google Photos or Mi Cloud to free up space on your device.
- ✂️ Quick editing: After creating a screenshot, tap the thumbnail in the lower right corner - an editor with cropping and blur tools will open.
- 🔍 Search by text: Google Photos can search for screenshots by text on them (for example, "confirmation code").
If you share screenshots frequently, install ShareX (for Windows) or Pushbullet – these let you instantly transfer pictures from your phone to your computer without wire.
💡
Clean your screenshot folder regularly – these can take up gigabytes of memory, especially if you play mobile games frequently or save chats from instant messengers.
Security: How to Protect Confidential Screenshots
Screenshots can contain personal information, such as passwords, bank details, correspondence, to protect such data:
- Use the hidden folder in the Xiaomi Gallery: Select a screenshot → More → Move to a hidden folder. Access to hidden files is protected by a password or fingerprint.
Set up automatic blurring through apps like Blisk or Snapseed.
Turn off preview screenshots in notifications: Settings → Notifications → Message Preview → Disable.
⚠️ Note: In some instant messengers (e.g. Telegram or Viber), screenshots of messages sent may notify the other person.