How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi A3: all ways + secret MIUI chips

The Xiaomi A3 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2019, and is still in use today for its reliability and support for updates. But even experienced users sometimes have questions about basic features, such as how to take a screenshot on this device if the standard button combinations do not work or the touch screen refuses to respond. In this article, we will not only examine all the official ways to create screenshots, but also reveal little-known MIUI chips that will simplify the process.

It’s important to understand that the Xiaomi A3 runs on Android One firmware (unlike most Xiaomi devices with MIUI), but the manufacturer has added a few branded “chips” for example, it supports gestures for screenshots that are absent from “pure” Android. And there are hidden button combinations for special cases that are not written about even in official instructions. If you encounter a problem that screenshots are not saved or buttons do not respond, at the end of the article we will give a checklist for troubleshooting.

Let's get to the point! Here are 5 proven methods, including methods for when the sensor is down or the smartphone is connected to the computer, and a table comparing all methods in terms of speed and convenience, to choose the best one for you.

Method 1: Classic button combination (Power + Volume Down)

It's a universal method that works on 99 percent of Android phones, including the Xiaomi A3, and it doesn't require any settings, and it works even if the Internet is turned off or the smartphone isn't activated.

1. Open on the screen what you want to capture (message, page in the browser, game, etc.).
2. Press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left) at the same time.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the characteristic sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi A3 There's one thing that's special about this: if you press the buttons longer than 3 seconds, the smartphone will start the forced reboot procedure (the Fastboot menu will appear!

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

Internal Memory → Pictures → Screenshots

If the folder is empty, check the Gallery — sometimes screenshots fall into the Recent or Albums → Screenshots section. You can also use the built-in file search: open the Files app and type in the Screenshot search bar.

💡

If the screenshot is not saved, check if the Do Not Disturb mode is enabled with blocking notifications. In some firmware, this prevents the creation of screenshots.

Method 2: Three fingers down gesture (MIUI)

This is an exclusive feature for Xiaomi smartphones, which works on the A3, despite Android One. The essence of the method is: swipe three fingers from top to bottom of the screen and the screenshot is ready!

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Gestures and movements.
2. Find the screenshot with three fingers and switch on the switch.
3. (Optional) Here you can configure whether the screenshot will be saved immediately or the editor will open.

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• 👆 It works with one hand (comfortable for large screens).
• 🎯 More precisely than buttons, you do not need to press the combination with a goal.
• ⚡ 30% faster than hardware buttons (based on user tests).

⚠️ Note: If the gesture does not work, check it out:

• Is the mode for one hand on (it can block multi-touch)?
• Whether a film or glass with low sensitivity is installed, they interfere with the recognition of touch.
• Is not activated mode "Do not disturb" with the blocking of gestures?

One hand mode not enabled | Screen clean (no dirt/moisture) | Do not disturb mode disabled |Gest activated in settings-->

Method 3: Voice command via Google Assistant

If you don't have a button or a sensor, Google Assistant will come to your aid, and this method requires an Internet connection, but it doesn't depend on the physical condition of the smartphone.

1. Activate Google Assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button (if you have one).
2. Tell the command: Take a screenshot or Make a screenshot (in English it sometimes works more stable).
3. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

🔹 nuance:

• 🗣️ It only works if the Google Assistant is enabled in the settings (Settings). → Annexes → By default. → Assistant and voice input).
• 🌐 Requires Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔒 On some Xiaomi firmware A3 Voice screenshots are blocked in banking apps and games.

💡 Secret Lifehack: If voice input doesn't recognize a command, try writing it manually in the Google Assistant search box. Sometimes it works even without a microphone!

Power + Volume Down | Three-finger gesture | Voice command | Other method-->

Method 4: Screenshot via the notification menu (for MIUI)

MIUI firmware (even on Android One like A3) has a hidden feature of creating screenshots through the notification bar, which is convenient if you don't want to remember button combinations.

1. Open the notification curtain (swipe from top to bottom).
2. Find the screenshot icon (usually hidden under the button) ⋮ or edit).
3. Slip it – the smartphone will take a screenshot.

If the icon is not present, add it manually:

1. Unwrap the curtain and press. ⋮ → Edit.
2. Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.
3. Save the changes.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Xiaomi A3 This method is disabled by default. If you haven't found an icon, try updating your firmware or using alternative methods in this article.

Method 5: Screenshot via ADB (for advanced users)

If the sensor is not working or the smartphone is stuck, but you need to take an urgent screenshot, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) will help, this method requires a PC and minimal knowledge of the command line, but it works 100% of the time.

1. Download and install Platform Tools (included in Android SDK).
2. Connect Xiaomi A3 to your computer via USB and enable Debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → Assembly Number – tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → For Developers).
3. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device name should appear, which means that the connection is established.)

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screenshot.png

adb pull /sdcard/screenshot.png

The screenshot is saved to your computer under the name screenshot.png.

🔹 When will this method be useful:

• 🔧 If the sensor is not fully functional (for example, after a fall).
• 🖥️ For automation (you can write a script for a series of screenshots).
• 🔒 If you need to take a snapshot of the lock screen or system menu.

💡

ADB is the only way to take a screenshot if the smartphone doesn't respond to touch or buttons, but requires pre-setting the debugging over USB.

Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to decide, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method.

Important! On the Xiaomi A3 with Android One firmware, the three-finger gesture and the curtain icon can be disabled by default. If you don't find these features, upgrade to the latest version of the software or use alternative methods.

What to do if screenshots are not saved?

Sometimes users are faced with a problem: a screenshot is taken (sound is heard, animation is visible), but the file does not appear in the gallery.

• 📁 Screenshots folder deleted or damaged → Create it manually through the file manager.
• 🚫 Lack of space on the device → Clear the cache or transfer files to the memory card.
• 🔄 System failure → Reboot your smartphone.
• 🛠️ Firmware error → Check for updates in Settings → System system → Updating the system.

If the problem persists, try resetting the Gallery app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Gallery → Storage.
2. Click Clear the cache and Reset the settings.
3. Reset the device.

💡 Tip: Install a third-party screenshot app (like Screenshot Easy or Super Screenshot) that often works more stable than embedded tools.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi A3