How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways of 2026

Screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones are not just about saving the screen, but a whole arsenal of tools for work, learning and communication. Whether you want to capture an important message in Telegram, save the test results in the game or share the MIUI settings with friends – the ability to quickly take screenshots saves time and nerves. But not everyone knows that Xiaomi has 5 different ways to create a screenshot, and some of them work even on a locked screen!

In this article, we’ll look at all the current techniques, from the classic button combination to voice commands to the hidden features of MIUI 14/15. You’ll learn how to take long screenshots (scrollshots) where stored files are stored, and why sometimes the picture does not work. And also a unique life hack for Xiaomi owners with a physical “Bixby” button (yes, there are still these!).

1. Classic method: power buttons + volume

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models - from the budget Redmi 10A to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

1. Open on the screen what you want to screen (for example, a dialogue on WhatsApp or a page in Chrome).
2. At the same time, press the power button (on/lock) and the volume down button.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the save animation.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) Holding the buttons too long can cause the switch-off menu. If the screenshot doesn't work, try pressing faster, almost synchronously.

This method works even if:

• 🔋 Phone is down to 1% (but not yet off).
• 📵 No Internet connection.
• 🔒 Screen is locked (but displays content that can be screened, such as a notification).

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If you can’t press two buttons at the same time, try using the second hand or put your phone on the table and press the buttons with your index and thumb.

2. The "three fingers" gesture is the fastest way

MIUI's signature feature is the ability to take screenshots in one motion across the screen, which is 30% faster than using buttons, and ideal for games or dynamic content.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Screenshot gestures.
2. Activate the "Three Finger Screenshot" switch.
3. (Optional) Enable "Long Screenshot" for automatic scrolling.

How to use:

• 👆 Swipe down the screen with three fingers at the same time (no matter what – you can large, index and medium).
• 🎯 For a long screenshot after the first shot, tap the thumbnail in the lower right corner and select Scroll".

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) If the gesture is not working, check if it is disabled in the navigation gesture settings.

3. Screenshot via notification panel

If you're uncomfortable remembering button combinations or gestures, MIUI has a built-in button for screenshots right in the notification curtain, a technique that is particularly useful for disabled users or smartphone owners with broken buttons.

Instructions:

1. Pull the notification curtain down twice (to open the full panel).
2. Find the Screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a zipper rectangle) and if it's not there, click on Edit (pencil) and add it to the active buttons.
3. Slip the icon - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 It works even if one of the physical buttons is faulty.
• 📱 No need to remember gestures or combinations.
• 🔒 You can use it on a locked screen (if the security settings allow interaction with notifications).

4. Voice commands: "OK, Google" and Xiao AI

Xiaomi smartphones support voice screenshots — which is convenient when your hands are busy or you’re driving (but keep in mind safety!).

Method 1: Through Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant installed on your Xiaomi:

1. Say “OK Google” or hold the Home button (if you have one).
2. Say the command: “Take a screenshot” or “Photograph the screen.”

Method 2: Through Xiao AI (China only/Global Firmware with Sina-based features)

Some models (such as the Xiaomi 13T Pro) have a built-in Xiao AI assistant:

1. Activate the assistant by holding the power button or say "Hey, Xiao AI."
2. Say in Chinese or English, "Take a screenshot" or "(jiétú)".

⚠️ Note: Voice commands may not work if:

• 🔇 The microphone is off. Google/Xiao AI privacy settings.
• 🌐 Phone's connected to VPN voice-limited.
• 📵 No Internet connection (voice commands require cloud processing).

5. Hidden features: screenshots in games and on a locked screen

Many people don’t know, but Xiaomi can take screenshots even when other smartphones don’t. Here are 3 unique scenarios:

1. Screenshots in games without lags

If you play Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile or Honor of Kings, standard methods can cause friezes.

• 🎮 Use the game turbo mode: swipe left in the game menu (called by a swipe from the edge of the screen) and tap the screenshot icon.
• 🕹️ Some models (such as Black Shark 5) have a physical Shark Space button. + volume-button.

2. Screenshot of locked screen

To screen the lock screen (such as a notification or wallpaper):

1. Make sure to Settings → Screen Lock → Additionally included is the option “Screenshots on the locked screen”.
2. Use a three-finger gesture or power + volume button.

3. Screenshot with Quick Ball (floating panel)

If you have Quick Ball enabled (floating circle in special features settings):

1. Slip on Quick Ball and select Screenshot.
2. For a long screenshot, hold the screenshot icon for 2 seconds.

Make sure the game doesn’t block screenshots in the settings

Turn off screen recording (if streaming)

Check the space available (screenshots in 4K take up to 5 MB)

Use the turbo mode for minimal lags-->

Where are screenshots stored and how to edit them

By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

or (on some firmware):

/DCIM/Screenshots/

To quickly find the last screenshot:

1. After creating the picture, tap the thumbnail in the lower right corner of the screen.
2. An editor will open where you can:

⚠️ Note: If screenshots suddenly stop being saved, check out:

• 📁 Screenshots folder for access rights (sometimes antiviruses block the recording).
• 🗑️ Free space on the device (when <500 MB system can automatically delete old screenshots).
• 🔧 Gallery app settings – sometimes screenshots are disabled there.

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Screenshots in PNG format (without loss of quality) take up more space than JPEG. If file size is important, convert them through the Files app or online services.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even on reliable devices like Xiaomi, there are sometimes screenshot issues. TOP-5 problems and how to fix them:

1. Screenshot not saved

Causes and solutions:

• 📸 No rights: Go to Settings → Annexes → Permits → Warehouse and check the rights for the Screenshots app.
• 🗃️ Delete Screenshots folder manually (via file manager) – it will recover automatically.

2. Black screenshot instead of content

This happens if you try to get a screen:

• 🎬 Video in the video Netflix/Disney+ (DRM-defence).
• 🏦 Banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online).
• 🔒 Some messengers with screen protection (for example, Signal in secret chats).

Solution: Use a second phone to take pictures of the screen or special apps like Screen Master (but they require root rights).

3.The three-finger gesture is not working.

Check it out.

• ⚙️ Is the gesture included in the Settings → Additional functions → Screenshot gestures.
• 👆 Do you do it right (should be strictly from top to bottom, not diagonally).
• 🧱 Is there any conflict with other gestures (for example, swipe to return).

4 Screenshots blurred or dark

Possible causes:

• 🌓 Adaptive brightness: Turn it off in the display settings before screenshot.
• 🔄 Screen refresh rate: On Xiaomi 13 Pro with 120Hz, screenshots can be obtained with artifacts - switch to 60Hz.
• 📱 Damaged Display: If only part of the screen is blurred, check the matrix for broken pixels.

5. Can't take a long screenshot

Long screenshots (scrollshots) do not work in:

• 📄 Some of them. PDF-viewers.
• 🌐 Infinite scroll web pages (such as Instagram or TikTok).
• 🎮 Games and applications with non-standard scrolling.

Solution: Take a few simple screenshots and glue them together in Google Photos or Collage Maker.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions