How to freeze the screen on the Xiaomi phone: screenshot, sensor lock and other functions

Why you might want to freeze your screen on Xiaomi

The phrase “freeze screen” on Xiaomi smartphones is often understood differently by users. Some are looking for a way to take a screenshot (i.e., “freeze” the current image), others want to lock the sensor so they don’t accidentally click on the screen, and others try to suspend the application without closing it. In this article, we will analyze all three scenarios — taking into account the features of MIUI firmware and gesture controls.

It is important to clarify that Xiaomi does not have a universal function of “freezing” the screen in a literal sense (as in some custom firmware), but the same result can be achieved with a combination of standard tools. For example, locking the sensor is useful when watching video in transport, when random touches interfere, and a screenshot is needed to store important information.

Note: all methods are tested on MIUI 14 and HyperOS (for models 2023-2026), but most of them work on older versions of firmware, starting with MIUI 12. If your smartphone is released before 2019, some gestures may not be available - in this case, use alternative methods.

Method 1: How to take a screenshot ("freeze" the image on the screen)

The most common request is to save the current frame. Xiaomi has three standard ways to take a screenshot, two of which work even on a locked phone (if the appropriate setting is enabled).

• 📱 Power buttons + volume down: simultaneously press the on and down button for 1-2 seconds. the screen will blink, and in the notification panel will appear a preview of the screenshot.
• 👆 Three-finger swipe gesture: swipe three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (setting is included in Settings) → Additionally. → Screenshots).
• 🔧 Quick Settings Panel: Swipe down from the top edge of the screen and click on the Screenshot icon (if not, add through panel editing).

Once you have created a screenshot, you can edit it (short it, add text) or share it via instant messengers. All screenshots are saved in the Pictures → Screenshots or DCIM → Screenshots folder (depending on the model).

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If the screenshot cannot be made with buttons, check if this method is disabled in the settings: Settings → Buttons and gestures → Power button → Screenshot

Method 2: How to block the sensor (to deny touch)

If you need to “freeze” the screen in the sense of turning off the response to touch (for example, to give the phone to the child or avoid accidental pressing), use the lock function of the sensor. MIUI It's implemented through:

1. Do Not Disturb mode with lock screen: swipe down to open the notification bar, hold the Do Not Disturb icon, and select Lock Sensor. The screen will remain on but will not respond to touch.
2. Security app: Open Security → Application Lock and enable Sensor Lock option.
3. Power button holding gesture: On some models (e.g. POCO F5), a long press on the power button offers the option of “Block the sensor”.

Note: Locking the sensor does not turn off physical buttons (volume, power).To completely freeze the phone, use the Power + Volume up combination for a forced reboot (but this is an extreme case!).

Method 3: How to suspend the application ("freeze" it)

MIUI has an app freeze feature that pauses applications without deleting them, which is useful if you want to:

• 🛑 Stop background activity of the messenger or game.
• 🔒 Block access to the application without deleting it (for example, to control usage time).
• 📱 Free RAM without closing the application completely.

To freeze the app:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want and click on Freeze (or Stop if there is no Freeze option).
3. Confirm the action. The application will remain on the list, but will not consume resources.

Defrosting is done in the same way, through the application management menu, and note that some system applications (such as Settings or Phone) cannot be frozen.

Method 4: Using the Second Space mode for isolation

If you want to not just freeze the screen, but completely isolate some of the phone's features, use Second Space mode, which is a separate user profile with its own apps and settings.

• 🔐 Create a “clean” space without unnecessary applications for work.
• 👶 Launch a limited profile for your child with blocking purchases and installing programs.
• 📱 Test new applications without affecting the main profile.

To turn on Second Space:

1. Go to Settings. → Second space.
2. Click on “Create a Second Space” and follow the instructions.
3. Set up apps and restrictions for a new profile.

Switching between spaces is done via the notification panel or by gesture (if enabled in the settings) All data in each space is stored separately, including files, accounts and settings.

Method 5: Using third-party applications for advanced features

If standard MIUI tools are not enough, you can install third-party utilities to freeze the screen.

• 🛡️ Touch Lock: Blocks the sensor by timer or until unlocked by password.
• ⏸️ App Freezer: Extended Freezing of Applications with Automatic Defrosting.
• 📱 Second Screen: Creates a virtual screen over the main screen for demonstration (useful for presentations).

Warning: When using third-party applications to lock the sensor or freeze system processes, conflicts with MIUI may occur. For example, some utilities may cause overheating or accelerated battery discharge. Before installing, check reviews and ratings in Google Play.

Install the app only from the official store (Google Play)

Check the number of downloads (minimum 100,000+)

Check out the reviews for bugs with MIUI

Set up permissions manually (open Settings → Apps → Permissions)

Create a backup of data before use-->

Frequent problems and their solutions

When trying to freeze a screen on Xiaomi, users encounter common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

⚠️ Warning: If the screen is dead after locking the sensor and does not respond to the buttons, connect the phone to charge. On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3) It unlocks the screen.

• 🚫 Screenshot buttons do not work: check settings in Settings → Buttons and gestures → Power button. Maybe the function is disabled or conflicting with the case.
• ❌ The three-finger gesture doesn't work: go to Settings → Additionally. → Screenshots and enable the option “Swipe with three fingers».
• 🔄 The app doesn't defrost: reboot your phone or clear the Settings app's cache → Annexes → Application management → [name] → Clear the cache.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge after freezing: some applications (such as games) continue to consume resources even when frozen. → Battery → Optimization.

If none of these things worked, try resetting your gesture settings to the standard: Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting gesture settings. This won't delete your data, but it will return all the control elements to the factory settings.

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Before resetting your gesture settings, record or photograph the current combinations – after resetting, you will have to reset them.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions