How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi phone: all the ways for MIUI 12-14

Screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones are not just about saving the screen, but an arsenal of tools for work, learning or communicating. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and the firmware version (MIUI 12-14), there are up to 5 different ways to create screenshots — from classic button combinations to hidden gestures. But many users face problems: hot keys do not work after an update, the toolbar disappears or screenshots are saved to an unknown folder.

In this guide, we will break down all the current methods for creating screenshots on Xiaomi, including rare tricks for devices with physical buttons and touch controls. You will learn how to take scrolling screenshots of long pages (such as chats on Telegram or tapes in TikTok), where to find saved files, and why sometimes screens are saved with black bars. POCO F5 Black Shark – separate instructions based on their unique shells.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

The most versatile method, which works on all Xiaomi models – from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. the button combination works even on locked devices (if the appropriate setting is enabled) and does not depend on the version of MIUI.

To take a screenshot:

1. Open the screen you want (like a WhatsApp dialog or a map in Google Maps).
2. At the same time, press the power button (on) and the volume reduction button.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound or see the save animation.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) prolonged retention of these buttons may cause the switch-off menu. If the screenshot fails, try pressing faster or check the gesture settings in Settings → Additional functions.

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If you have a magnetic lock case (such as the Xiaomi Smart Cover), remove it before you take a screenshot – the magnet can block the sensors and prevent the combination from working.

2. Three finger gesture (sliding down)

The MIUI chip, which speeds up the creation of screenshots by 2 times, is especially convenient for devices with large screens (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60 Pro), where it is difficult to reach the power buttons and volume with one hand.

How to set up and use:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Screenshot gestures.
2. Activate the switch Sliding three fingers down.
3. On any screen, swipe three fingers at the same time from top to bottom (not necessarily vertically, a small angle is allowed).

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• 👆 Works on a locked screen (if the option is enabled in the security settings).
• 🎯 More precisely, classic buttons – you can take a screenshot of a specific moment in a video or game.
• ⚡ Hurry up. 30-40% Compared to physical buttons (based on Xiaomi Lab tests).

3. Quick settings panel (for MIUI 12 and later)

A little-known but extremely useful way to do this is especially when you need to take a screenshot with one hand or on devices with faulty buttons (for example, after the Redmi Note 11 crash). MIUI 12.

Instructions:

1. Deploy the notification panel (swipe from top to bottom from the top edge of the screen).
2. Find the Screenshot icon (usually it is hidden - click on Edit or More).
3. Drag the icon to the active area of the panel for quick access.
4. Now, when deploying the panel, just press the icon to take a screenshot.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, POCO Launcher) The screenshot icon may not be available, and in this case, use an alternative method: long-pressing the "Airplane Mode" icon (in the "Airplane Mode" icon). MIUI 13/14 This triggers a menu with additional options, including a screenshot).

4. Scrolling (long) screenshots

A unique MIUI feature that allows you to capture the entire screen — for example, a long chat in Viber, a page in Chrome or a track list in Spotify. Works on all devices with MIUI 11 and later, but there are nuances for web pages and some applications.

How to take a scrolling screenshot:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after saving the bottom of the screen, a thumbnail with the Scrolling button (or Long Screenshot) will appear.
3. Click on it and wait until the system automatically scrolls down the screen, capturing the content.
4. To stop, press Ready or manually trim the excess.

🔹 Limitations and life hacks:

• 🌐 Does not work in Google Chrome when Light Mode is enabled (turn it off in the browser settings).
• 📱 Telegram captures only visible messages – use Export History for long chats.
• 🎮 In games (such as Genshin Impact) scroll is not available – use screen recording followed by a frame.

5. Screenshots with voice assistant

If you have busy hands or sensor/buttons, you can take a voice screenshot through Google Assistant or Xiao AI (in China), a method that requires pre-tuning, but is extremely convenient for people with disabilities or in situations where physical interaction with the phone is difficult.

Setting up for Google Assistant:

1. Open Settings → Applications → All Apps → Google.
2. Go to Google Assistant → Voice Input and activate OK Google.
3. Say, “OK Google, take a screenshot” and the system will execute the command.

🔹 Alternative for China: On devices with Xiao AI Use the command. "" (pronounced Xiao Ai Tongxue, jietu").

Make sure the microphone is not silenced.

Enable access to Google Assistant in security settings

Check your internet connection (required to process the command)

Add the "screenshot" command to the list of quick actions (in the Assistant settings)-->

6. Hidden functions and problem solutions

Even experienced Xiaomi users encounter non-obvious screenshot bugs, and here is a list of common problems and solutions:

🔧 Problem 1: Screenshots are saved with black stripes on the sides.

⚠️ Warning: This is due to the immersive display mode enabled (hiding notches and navigation buttons). → Screen. → Full screen mode → Hide the cuts.

🔧 Problem 2: Three fingers fail after updating.

Solution: Reset gesture settings to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset additional features.

🔧 Problem 3: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery.

Check the DCIM → Screenshots folder through the file manager, if it is not available, create manually or restart the device.

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On devices with MIUI for POCO (like POCO F4 GT), screenshots are saved by default to the Pictures/Screenshots folder, not to DCIM.

🔧 Issue 4: The screenshot displays sensitive information (passwords, bank details).

Use the built-in screenshot editor (appears immediately after creation) or install Markup Hero from Google Play to blur sensitive data.

7.Where to find and how to manage screenshots

By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi are saved in the DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots folder (depending on the model), but they can be quickly found and edited without searching the folders:

📂 Access methods:

• 🖼️ Through the Gallery: Open the album Screenshots (automatically created by the system).
• 🔍 Through File Search: Enter type: Image screenshot in the search bar.
• 📱 Through the notification bar: immediately after you create a screenshot, click on its thumbnail for quick editing or sending.

🛠️ Managing screenshots:

• 🗑️ Delete: Select a few screenshots in the gallery and click Delete (in) MIUI 14 supported basket with recovery within 30 days).
• 📤 Export: Use the Export function in PDF (available when selecting multiple screenshots to create a document from a series of images.
• 🔒 Protection: Transfer screenshots to the Protected folder (configure to the Gallery) → Settings → Secure folder).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi