How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi A3: all working ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Mi A3

Android One

MIUI

Xiaomi

Redmi Note

POCO

Mi A3

In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to take a screenshot of the Mi A3, including button combinations, gestures and third-party utilities, focus on common errors (for example, when screenshots are not saved or are turned black) and explain how to fix them, and you will learn where the images are stored and how to quickly edit them directly on the phone.

Although the Mi A3 was released in 2019, it is still relevant thanks to stable security updates and optimized performance. However, some users are faced with the fact that standard screenshot methods (such as swiping the palm) simply do not work here.

If you are looking for a way to take a screenshot of a particular window (like a game or a banking application) where standard methods are blocked, there is a separate block at the end of the article with solutions for such cases.

1. Standard method: button combination

The most reliable and versatile method that works on any Android smartphone is to press physical buttons simultaneously. On the Xiaomi Mi A3, use:

Combination: Power button + Volume reduction.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open the screen you want to capture.
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 camera’s characteristic shutter sound and see the save animation.

If the screenshot didn’t work the first time, try:

• 🔄 Press the buttons strictly at the same time – if you press one and then the other, the system will perceive this as separate commands (for example, turning off the screen or adjusting the volume).
• 🧹 Clean your hands of moisture or dirt – button sensors on Mi A3 Sometimes they work poorly when polluted.
• 🔋 Check battery power – at a level below 5%, some functions may be blocked.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi A3 There is no "scrollable screenshot" function (as in the MIUI), So long pages will have to be saved in parts or use third-party applications.

2. Gestures and alternative methods

Unlike smartphones with MIUI, where you can swipe three fingers or touch the palm, Xiaomi Mi A3 on Android One is deprived of these features.

Method 1: "Recent Appendices" button

If the physical buttons on your device are damaged, you can use the software multitasking button:

1. Open the screen.
2. Click on the recent apps button (square in the bottom navigation bar) and hold it for 1-2 seconds.
3. In the menu, select the item Take a screenshot.

Method 2: Google Voice Assistant

If you have Google Assistant enabled, you can take a screenshot with your voice:

1. Activate the assistant with the command “OK, Google” or with a long press on the Home button.
2. Say, take a screenshot.

This method does not work in all applications (for example, in games or banking services for security reasons).

3.Where screenshots are stored and how to find them

By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi Mi A3 are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

To find them quickly:

• 📁 Open the Gallery app → screenshot.
• 🔍 Use the built-in search in Google Photos upon request screenshot.
• 📂 Connect your phone to your PC and follow the way up via Windows Explorer or Finder (Mac).

If the screenshots are not displayed in the gallery, check:

1. Are they hidden in the.thumbnails folder?
2. Have you changed your save location through third-party apps (like Screenshot Easy)?
3. Is access to storage disabled for the Gallery application (check Settings → Apps → Gallery → Permissions).

4. Editing and sharing screenshots

Immediately after creating the screenshot, a quick action panel with options appears at the bottom of the screen:

• ✏️ Edit – cropping, drawing, adding text.
• 📤 Share - sending to messengers or social networks.
• 🗑️ Delete – Instant Deletion without going to the Gallery.

If the panel doesn't appear, look for a screenshot in the gallery and click on it, the same options will appear at the bottom. For advanced editing (such as blurring personal data), use the apps:

• Adobe Photoshop Express is for professional processing.
• Markup Hero – to add arrows and annotations.
• Screenshot Touch – for pruning and compression.

The Xiaomi Mi A3 doesn’t have a built-in screenshot text recognition (OCR) feature, but it can be added via Google Lens: open a screenshot in Google Photos → click the lens → highlight text to copy.

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To quickly take a series of screenshots (for example, for instructions), use the Screen Master app – it allows you to save pictures with a delay of 3-10 seconds.

5. Problems and solutions

If screenshots fail to be taken or they are saved with artifacts, check the following points:

Problem 1: Screenshots are not created

• 🔋 Make sure the battery is not discharged (below 5% of the function may be blocked).
• 🛠️ Restart your phone – sometimes helps with system failures.
• 📱 Check if Do Not Disturb or Saving Charge is enabled (they may limit background processes).

Problem 2: Black screen instead of screenshot

This is typical for DRM-protected applications (e.g. Netflix, Sberbank Online, some games).

• 🎬 Use screen recording (in Mi) A3 There is no built-in function, but it can be installed AZ Screen Recorder).
• 📱 Connect your phone to your PC and take a screenshot via Vysor or scrcpy.
• 🔄 Try logging in to the app under another account (sometimes the security is selectively triggered).

⚠️ Attention: Some banking applications (such as Tinkoff or VTB Online) block screenshots purposefully. If you need to save information, take a screen photo with another phone or use Screen recording and then retrieve frames.

Problem 3: Screenshots are kept in low resolution

By default, the Mi A3 saves pictures in screen resolution (720×1560 pixels).

1. Check if the compression in the gallery is enabled (Google Photos go to Settings → Traffic Saving).
2. Install Screenshot Easy and select Quality: 100% in the settings.

6. Screenshots in games and secure applications

Many games (like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) and banking apps block standard screenshot techniques.

Method 1: Screen recording followed by frame extraction

Install the AZ Screen Recorder app:

1. Run screen recording before opening the protected application.
2. Do the right action (for example, open the screen with a score in the game).
3. Stop recording and retrieve the frame through the built-in editor.

Method 2: Use of the second device

If you have a second smartphone or tablet:

1. Take a picture of the Mi A3 screen with another device.
2. For better quality, use the Document mode in the camera (it removes glare).

Method 3: ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If you have experience with ADB, you can take a screenshot through your computer:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

The file will be saved in the root folder of the device. Attention: this method requires debugging over USB enabled (Settings → About Phone → Assembly Number – press 7 times to unlock the developer mode).

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Screenshots in secure applications are always a trade-off between convenience and security, and banks and games block them for a reason: they are protection against fraudsters who can steal your data.

7. Third-party screenshot applications

If the built-in methods don't suit you, try specialized utilities. We tested them on the Xiaomi Mi A3 and selected the best ones:

Before installing, check the app's permissions - some utilities request access to Special Gesture Capabilities. This is fine, but if you're embarrassed, only use proven high-ranking programs.

How to choose the best application?

• 🎯 If you need a screenshot, Screenshot Easy.
• 📱 If you want gestures (like shaking your phone) Super Screenshot.
• 🔍 If you need text recognition, Screen Master.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Mi A3