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

Taking screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected problems. Some models support gestures, others require button combinations, and in some versions of MIUI the function is hidden in the settings. This article will help you understand everything from standard methods to little-known chips that work even on older devices.

We tested all methods on the latest MIUI 14/15 firmware (including global and Chinese versions) and took into account the features of the popular series: Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T and budget models like Redmi A2. Particular attention was paid to typical errors - for example, when screenshots are not saved or a message appears "Can not take a screenshot".

If you're looking for a way to take a screenshot without buttons (like touch issues) or want to automate the process, you'll find solutions here. And for owners of MIUI devices for POCO, there's a separate section: the interface is different, and the standard instructions often don't work.

1. Standard method: button combination

The classic method that works on all Xiaomi models released after 2016 is to press the power buttons and reduce the volume simultaneously, and it is important to do this in synchrony, otherwise either lock the screen or adjust the sound.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Open the screen you want to capture (application, web page, settings).
• 🔘 Press the Power button (right) and Volume Reduction (left) for 1-2 seconds.
• 🎨 You will hear the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is on) and see the save animation in the upper right corner.
• 📁 Screenshot is automatically saved in the folder DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra), the combination may differ due to the non-standard location of the buttons. If you have a physical Google Assistant button (like the POCO F4 GT), press it with the power button.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13 and older, if you hold the buttons for more than 3 seconds, a forced reboot may trigger. Release the keys immediately after the animation appears!

The screen is unlocked and active

The screen area is not hidden by system notifications

Sound on (for audible confirmation)

Free at least 50 MB in the memory of the device-->

2.Gestural screenshots (no buttons)

The MIUI feature is the ability to take screenshots with a three-toed gesture, which is available on most models, but is disabled by default, to activate:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Select the "Screenshot" option.
3. Activate the switch next to “Swipe three fingers down.”

Now, just swipe your three fingers across the screen from top to bottom (as if you were swiping the contents), and the gesture works in any application except the secure ones (banking programs, some games).

Nana POCO-The path to settings may be different: → System applications → If you don't have an option, update the firmware in the old versions. MIUI for POCO Screenshot gestures were not supported.

An alternative gesture is tapping the back of your hand ("Double Tap to Wake" in the extended settings), but it is less reliable and can be triggered by accident.

3. Screenshot using the notification panel

The most versatile method that works even if the buttons or the sensor are not functioning.

1. Turn the notification bar swipe from top to bottom.
2. Find the Screenshot icon (usually a scissor or screen thumbnail) and if it's not there, tap on Edit (pencil) and add the widget manually.
3. Click on the icon – the screenshot will be taken instantly.

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for the European region) have a widget hidden to return it:

Settings → Notification Panel → Order of icons → Find “Screenshot” and drag to the active area

The advantage of this method is the ability to take a screenshot with a delay (useful for menus that disappear when pressed). To do this, hold the screenshot icon for 1-2 seconds - the option "Latency 3 seconds" will appear.

Button combination

Three-finger gesture

Notification panel

Voice assistant

Another option-->

4. Voice Assistant and Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant enabled or your branded XiaoAI enabled, you can take voice screenshots, which is convenient for people with disabilities or when hands are busy.

For Google Assistant:

• 🎤 Say “Okay Google, take a screenshot” (Okay Google, take a screenshot»).
• 📲 Or press and hold the Home button (if physical) and say the command.

For XiaoAI (Chinese firmware):

• 🔊 Activate the assistant with a long press of the power button or voice («»).
• 🗣️ Say "" (in Chinese, take a screenshot»).

Limitations:

• ❌ Does not work in screenshot blocking apps (Netflix, some banks).
• ❌ Nana POCO-Devices with global firmware XiaoAI disabled by default.
• ❌ Requires an Internet connection to process voice commands.

💡

If the voice assistant doesn’t recognize the command, add it manually to Settings → Voice Input → User commands and write down the phrase “take a screenshot”.

5. Screenshot of a long page (scroll screen)

Scrolling screenshot captures an entire chat, web page, or notification list that doesn’t fit on a single screen, and doesn’t work in all apps, but is supported in:

• 🌐 Mi Browser and Google Chrome.
• 💬 WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber.
• 📄 Xiaomi Community, Mi Home apps.

How to do this:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after saving the screen, a thumbnail will appear at the bottom with the "Scroll" button (or "Long Screenshot"). Click on it.
3. 📜 The screen will automatically scroll down, capturing content. Click "Done" when you need to stop.

Limitations:

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 10 Pro and similar models with AMOLED-Scrolling screens can cut the bottom of the screen because of the curved edges of the display. To avoid this, turn on Full Screen mode in the screen settings before capture.

6.Problems and solutions

Even on new Xiaomi devices, users are faced with screenshot errors. Let’s look at typical cases and how to fix them.

6.1 Screenshot not saved

If there is no saving notice after clicking the buttons or gesture, check:

• 📂 Destination folder: Sometimes screenshots get into Internal Storage → MIUI → Screenshots.
• 🚫 Permissions: Go to Settings → Annexes → Permits → Storage and make sure that the Screenshots system application is allowed access.
• 🗑️ Free space: If the memory is less than 100 MB, the system can automatically delete screenshots.

6.2. Message “Cannot take a screenshot”

This error occurs in three cases:

1. Secure apps: banks, payment systems, some games (like Genshin Impact) block screenshots. No solution is a restriction of Android.
2. Firmware error: MIUI 13.0.4-13.0.6 had a bug with screenshots saved. Update to the latest version.
3. Damaged system files: Reset settings via Settings → About Phone → Reset settings (select App Settings Reset).

6.3 Screenshots blurred or dark

The problem is typical for devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro) Causes and solutions:

• 🌓 Adaptive Brightness: Turn it off in Settings → Display. → Brightness.
• 🔍 Screen resolution: set up FHD+ In Settings → Display. → Permission.
• 🎨 Color Profile: Select “Standard” instead of “Saturated” in the screen settings.

💡

If screenshots are taken but not displayed in the gallery, check the DCIM/.thumbnails folder - sometimes thumbnails are cached incorrectly. Delete the contents of this folder and restart the device.

7. Alternative methods (for experienced users)

If standard methods do not work, third-party tools or system functions can be used.

7.1. ADB-screenshot

It's good for developers, or if the phone's connected to a PC.

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png


adb pull /sdcard/screenshot.png

The file will be saved in the folder where the command was started. USB debugging is required to work (includes in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times on the build number, then go back to Additional Settings → For developers).

Screenshot applications

Third-party utilities offer advanced features:

• 📸 Screen Master: support for scrolling screens in any application, editor.
• 🎬 LongShot: Capturing video from the screen + screenshot.
• 🖼️ Screenshot Touch: Creating screenshots of the icon touch in the notification bar.

⚠️ Note: Screenshot apps require permission to "Capture Screen» (android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO Do not install programs from unverified sources, they can intercept your data!

Screenshot via computer (Mi PC Suite)

The official Mi PC Suite utility allows you to control your phone from a PC, including creating screenshots:

1. Download the program from the official website.
2. Connect your phone via USB (in file transfer mode).
3. In the program interface, select the "Device Management" tab → "Screenshot".

FAQ: Frequent questions