How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi: 7 working ways + secret MIUI features

Taking a screenshot on a Xiaomi smartphone seems like an easy task — until you encounter unexpected nuances. Some models support gestures, others require button combinations, and MIUI 14/15 has hidden features like long screenshots or screen recording with annotations. This article will not only list the standard methods, but also reveal exclusive chips for owners of Redmi, POCO and the flagship Xiaomi 13/14 series.

We tested all the methods on current firmware (including HyperOS), took into account the features of devices with physical buttons and completely buttonless models (for example, Xiaomi Mix Fold 3), and also tell how to circumvent restrictions, for example, take a screenshot in secure applications or games where standard methods are blocked.

1. Classic method: power buttons + volume

The most versatile method, working on all Xiaomi models - from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

1. Open the screen that needs to be screened.
2. At the same time, press the power button (on) and the volume reduction button.
3. Hold for 1-2 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) The sensitivity of the buttons is high – if you pinch them too long, turn off the screen or start Google Assistant.

Where to look for a screenshot after creation?

• 📁 Screenshots folder in the gallery (path: Internal drive) → Pictures → Screenshots).
• 🔍 Quick access via notification: swipe down from the top edge of the screen and tap on the preview screenshot.
• 🌐 Mi Cloud (if synchronization is enabled in Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery).

2. Three-finger gesture: how to set up and use

Screenshot by gesture is available on all smartphones with MIUI 10 and newer, but is disabled by default.

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Gesture for a screenshot.
2. Turn on the swipe switch three fingers down.
3. (Optional) Set the swipe direction down or up.

Now, just swipe your three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (or bottom to top if you choose this option) to take a screenshot.

• 👍 It works with one hand (comfortable for large smartphones like Xiaomi). 13T Pro).
• 🎯 More precisely than buttons, there is no risk of accidentally turning off the screen.
• 🔄 You can adjust the direction of the gesture to yourself.

⚠️ Note: The gesture will not work if multi-touch games or screenshot blocking apps (e.g., banking programs) are active on the screen.

Activate in "Special Features" |Select the direction of the swipe |Test on the home screen |Check the work in the applications-->

3. Notification panel: quick access to screenshots

If you don't want to remember button combinations or gestures, MIUI has a built-in button for screenshots.

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the screenshot icon (usually hidden under the button) ⋮ or ⚙️ — Put it on to open all the options).
3. Slip on the icon - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

If the button is not in the panel:

1. Open Settings → Notification Panel and Status bar → Change order.
2. Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.

This is convenient for Xiaomi tablets (such as the Xiaomi Pad 6), where gestures or buttons can be uncomfortable, and is also suitable for devices with faulty physical buttons.

💡

Add the Screenshot button to your quick settings to take screenshots in one tap – this will save time if you often need to capture information (such as a payment check or an in-app error).

4.Voice assistant: screenshot on command

Smartphone owners with Google Assistant or XiaoAI (in China) can take screenshots with their voice.

For Google Assistant:

1. Activate the assistant by voice (OK, Google) or holding the Home button.
2. Say “take a screenshot” or “make a screenshot.”

For XiaoAI (on Chinese firmware):

1. Hold the power button to call an assistant.
2. Say, "" (jie tu — "screenshot" in Chinese).

⚠️ Attention: Voice commands are not available in all applications due to security limitations. For example, in SberBank Online or Tinkoff, voice screenshots cannot be taken with the assistant will give an error: "It is impossible to perform an action in this application".

5. Long Screenshot (Scroll Screen): How to Capture the Entire Page

Scrolling Screenshot captures not only the visible part of the screen, but also the part hidden behind the scrolling, and works in browsers, instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and some applications.

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the preview screenshot appears at the bottom of the screen, tap on the Scrolling button (or Scroll on English firmware).
3. Wait for the page to automatically scroll down, capturing the content.
4. Press Ready when you need to stop.

🔹 Limitations:

• 🚫 Not working on Instagram, TikTok and some social networks (blocking) API).
• 📱 Nana POCO F4 GT Other gaming smartphones may require the inclusion of an option in Settings → Additionally. → Scrolling screenshot.
• 📄 Maximum screenshot length – up to 10 screens (depending on model).

⚠️ Warning: If after clicking Scrolling the screen twitches or the grip breaks, try:

• Turn off Windows animation in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on the version to open to the Developer, then find the option).
• Use Chrome browser instead of Mi Browser - it supports scrolling screens more stable.

6. Screenshot via ADB: for advanced users

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., in games or on a locked screen), you can take a screenshot via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and enabled USB debugging.

Step 1: Preparation

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

Step 2: Execution of the command:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

The file will be stored in internal memory on the path /sdcard/screen.png.

adb pull /sdcard/screen.png C:\Users\YourName\Desktop

🔹 When you need it. ADB:

• 🎮 For screenshots in games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile where standard methods are blocked).
• 🔒 If the smartphone screen does not respond to touch, but USB-debugging was included in advance.
• 📊 For automation (for example, taking screenshots on a schedule through scripts).

💡

ADB is the only way to take a screenshot of a locked Xiaomi screen without losing data, but it requires debugging presets, so it is not suitable for emergencies (for example, if the phone is already locked).

7. MIUI Secret Chips: Annotations, Screen Recording and Cloud Screenshots

MIUI and HyperOS offer advanced screenshot tools that many people don't know about.

🖍️ Screenshot editor:

• Immediately after creating a screenshot, tap on its preview - the built-in editor with tools will open:
• 🎨 Drawing (brushes, markers, eraser).
• 📝 Text (you can add inscriptions with a choice of font and color).
• 🔲 Blurring (to hide personal data).
• 📏 Trimming (change in screenshot size).

☁️ Cloud screenshots (Mi Cloud):

If you sync with Mi Cloud, all screenshots are automatically uploaded to the cloud.

1. Go to i.mi.com.
2. Sign in with your Xiaomi account.
3. Select the Gallery section → Screenshots.

🎥 Screenshot recording:

MIUI 14+ has a screen recording feature with the ability to take screenshots while recording:

1. Swipe down the notification bar and find the Screen Record.
2. Start the recording, then at any time tap on the icon. 📷 In the control panel – a screenshot will be taken without stopping the video.

🔹 Hidden feature: On Xiaomi 13/14 With HyperOS, hold the preview screenshot 2 Seconds – Quick Sharing Menu in Mi Share or Nearby Share (without needing to open the gallery).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi