How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi phone: all the ways (including hidden)

Screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones are not just saving an image from the screen, but a whole arsenal of tools for various tasks.Want to capture an important message in Telegram, save the results of a mobile game or take a picture of a map from Google Maps with a route? Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and the version of MIUI, there are 3 to 5 ways to create screenshots - from classic to voice.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current techniques, including little-known features like scrolling screenshots (long page shots) and snapping with the voice assistant XiaoAI. You’ll also learn where screenshots are stored, how to edit them right after they’re created, and why the images sometimes turn black (and how to fix them).

1. Classic method: power buttons + volume

It’s a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models, from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

1. Open on the screen what you want to capture (message, picture, page in the browser).
2. At the same time, press the power button (on/off) and the volume reduction button.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic shutter sound of the camera and see the animation of the save.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) button sensitivity is high – don’t press too hard, otherwise the phone may reboot or emergency call mode will turn on.

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If you have a case with a magnetic lock (for example, a book), open it before the screenshot - the magnet can lock the screen at the time of pressing the buttons.

Where to look for the finished shot? All screenshots are automatically saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

Or through the gallery: open the Gallery app → Screenshots album.

2. Three finger gesture (the fastest way)

The Three-Finger Screenshot feature is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and later, and allows you to take a screenshot in one motion – swipe from top to bottom on the screen with three fingers at the same time.

How to turn on this gesture if it does not work:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the screenshot with three fingers and activate the switch.
3. (Optional) Set the gesture direction down or up.

🔹 Pros of the method:

• 👆 It works with one hand (comfortable for large screens).
• 🎯 More precisely than buttons, you don’t risk accidentally changing the volume or turning off your phone.
• ⚡ 30% faster than the classic method (based on Xiaomi tests).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) The gesture may conflict with the Swipe for Return function. If screenshots fail, turn off the swipe return to Settings. → System system → Gestures.

3. Voice command XiaoAI (no hands)

If your Xiaomi supports XiaoAI (available on most models with MIUI 11 and above), you can take a voice screenshot, which is convenient when your hands are busy or the screen is dirty.

Instructions:

1. Activate XiaoAI by saying “Hi, XiaoAI” or holding the home button (on models without a touch button, swipe from bottom to bottom with a delay).
2. Say to one of the commands: "Take a screenshot", "Photograph the screen" "Save the screen"

🔹 Features of the method:

• 🎤 It works even on a locked screen (if the option is enabled Voice Assistant on lock).
• 📱 Supports scrolling screenshots – after the command say, “Take a long screenshot».
• 🔇 Does not work in Do Not Disturb or with the microphone turned off.

4. Scrolling (long) screenshot

Need to save an entire web page, a chat on WhatsApp or a shopping list in Xiaomi Home?Scrollable Screenshot (aka Scrolling Screenshot) allows you to capture content that does not fit on one screen.

How to do this:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the thumbnail of the picture appears in the lower right corner of the screen, click on it.
3. In the editor that opens, tap the “Scroll” icon (two arrows up and down).
4. The screen will automatically scroll down to capture new content. Click "Done" when you need to stop.

🔹 Limitations:

• ❌ It doesn’t work in some apps (e.g. TikTok, Instagram Stories).
• ❌ Maximum length: 10 screens (limited) MIUI).
• ❌ Nana POCO F4 GT Black Shark 5 is disabled by default – enable it in Settings → Additionally. → Scrolling screenshot.

5. Screenshot through the Quick Settings panel

Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden button for screenshots right in the notification curtain, which is useful if the buttons or gestures don't work.

Step-by-step:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Swipe down again to open the full panel.
3. Find the screenshot icon (scissors) – if it is not there, tap on the “Edit” (pencil) and add it to the active buttons.
4. Click on the icon – the picture will be taken instantly.

🔹 Advantages:

• 🛠️ It works even if the physical buttons are broken.
• 🔄 You can assign to double pressing (in the panel settings).
• 📱 Available on all models, including the Redmi Go and POCO C-series.

Add the Screenshot icon to the curtain | Check that the panel is not blocked by the app | Turn off Do Not Disturb mode (it can block pictures) | Make sure the screen is not darkened (adaptive brightness sometimes interferes)

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6. Screenshot with Google Assistant (for global firmware)

If your Xiaomi has global firmware installed (e.g. MIUI Global), you can use Google Assistant to take pictures. This is true for models officially sold outside of China (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G).

How it works:

1. Activate Google Assistant by saying “OK, Google” or holding the home button.
2. Say, “Take a screenshot” or “Take a screenshot.”
3. The assistant will confirm the action and save the picture.

⚠️ Attention: On Chinese firmware (MIUI China) Google Assistant is disabled by default. You'll need to activate it:

1. Install Google Play Services manually (via APKMirror).
2. Enable Google App in the application settings.
3. Configure voice control in Settings → Google → Assistant.

🔹 Comparison of XiaoAI and Google Assistant for screenshots:

Frequent problems and their solutions

Screenshots are black? This is a common mistake on Xiaomi with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra or POCO F4). The reason is a conflict with the function “Dark theme” or “Adaptive brightness».

How to fix it:

• 🌓 Turn off the dark theme in Settings → Screen. → Dark subject.
• 🔦 Turn on fixed brightness (turn off Adaptive brightness).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes resetting the graphics driver helps.

🔹 Other typical mistakes:

• 🚫 Screenshots are not saved: check permissions for the Gallery app and free disk space.
• 🔇 No shutter sound: Enable system sounds in Settings → Sounds and vibrations.
• ❌ Three fingers don’t work: update MIUI Up to the latest version or reset your gesture settings.

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If screenshots are not taken in any way, check if the mode is on for developers → debugging on USB → Prohibit screenshots. This option blocks all ways to take screenshots.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions