How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi 11: all the ways from standard to hidden

Xiaomi 11 is the flagship smartphone series, which is still relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and flexible MIUI firmware. But even experienced users sometimes face basic tasks: how to take a screenshot of the screen if the buttons do not work or you need to grab a long page? In this article, we will analyze all possible methods - from classic to little-known, and also solve typical problems: where to look for saved pictures, how to edit them and why sometimes screenshots do not work.

Xiaomi 11 (including the Pro, Ultra and T models) features support for gesture controls and MIUI branded chips that make it easier to take screenshots. But not everyone knows that the toolkit includes not only a combination of downside + power buttons, but also voice commands, three-finger swipe or even screenshots through ADB for developers. We tested each method on real devices and collected step-by-step instructions with the nuances of different versions of the firmware.

Important: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some of the methods may not work, and then look at generic methods like Google Assistant or apps from the Play Market.

1. Classic method: Volume buttons + power

The most reliable and versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the 11-series, is suitable even if gestures are disabled or the touch screen does not respond to touch.

How to do this:

1. Open on the screen what you want to capture (for example, a message in Telegram or a page in Chrome).
2. At the same time, press the volume down button (down) and the power button.
3. Hold them for 1-1.5 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the save animation.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 13/14 Long-term retention of these buttons can cause the reboot menu. If the screenshot does not work, try pressing faster or check the button settings in the Settings → Additionally. → Buttons and gestures.

Check the Pictures/Screenshots folder in the gallery

Reboot your smartphone

Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI

Try another method (for example, three-finger swipe)-->

2.Gest method: three-finger swipe down

The MIUI signature chip, which saves time, doesn't have to look for buttons. It works on all Xiaomi 11 models if the feature is activated in the settings.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot.
2. Activate the Three-Finger Swipe Switch.
3. Choose the direction of the gesture: down or up (we recommend down - so it is more convenient).

How to take a screenshot:

1. Open the screen.
2. Swipe your fingers across the screen from top to bottom (or bottom to top if you have set it differently).
3. Wait for the beep and the save notification.

💡 Useful tip: If a gesture is triggered by accident (for example, in games), turn it off or change the direction of the swipe.

3. Voice assistant: "OK Google, take a screenshot"

The method for those who like to control a smartphone with voice or have sensor problems works through Google Assistant (preinstalled on all Xiaomi 11 with Google services).

How to set up:

1. Make sure Google Assistant is enabled: Settings → Google → Settings for Google apps → Search, Assistant and Voice → Google Assistant.
2. Activate the “Hey Google” option for voice launch.

How to take a screenshot:

• 🗣️ Tell me: «OK Google, take a screenshot (or "Hey Google, take a screenshot).
• 📱 The assistant will confirm the command and save the picture automatically.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI without GMS (For example, Chinese versions) Google Assistant may not be available. AI (Xiaomi’s assistant, but its capabilities are limited – it can’t take screenshots.

4. Long screenshot (scrollable)

If you want to capture an entire web page, a correspondence in the messenger or a long list in the application, a standard screenshot will not work. MIUI has a built-in Scrolling Screenshot (or Long Screenshot).

How to do this:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after saving the screen, a toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen. Click on the Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
3. Wait until the system automatically scrolls the screen and connects the pieces into one long shot.
4. Click "Ready" to save the result.

📌 Limitations:

• 🚫 It doesn’t work in some apps (e.g. Instagram, TikTok) due to developer restrictions.
• 🚫 Maximum length: about 5 screens (depending on model).
• 🚫 Xiaomi 11 Ultra may need to upgrade to MIUI 13+.

5. Screenshot via ADB (for developers)

An expert method for those who work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is useful if the sensor does not work or you need to automate the creation of screenshots (for example, for testing applications).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to unlock Developer Settings, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Screenshot command:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

To download the photo on PC:

adb pull /sdcard/screen.png C:\Screenshots\

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI If the team is not working, check access rights or use an alternative method:

adb exec-out screencap -p > screen.png

💡

ADB-The method is the only way to take a screenshot if the touch screen is completely inoperable, but USB-port.

Apps from the Play Market: Alternative Solutions

If standard methods don't work (e.g., edit screenshots on the fly or take delayed pictures), look at third-party utilities.-3 Applications compatible with Xiaomi 11:

💡 Tip: Check reviews before installing – some apps may conflict with MIUI Optimization (built-in system optimization). If screenshots are not saved after installation, add the app to the battery exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications.

Where to look for saved screenshots?

By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi 11 are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

How to get there:

• 📁 Through the Gallery: open the Gallery app, select the album Screenshots».
• 🔍 The File Manager: Mi File Manager → Internal memory. → Pictures → Screenshots.
• 🖥️ Through PC: connect the smartphone to USB in the "File Transfer" mode and follow the specified path.

⚠️ Note: If screenshots are not displayed in the gallery, but are in the folder, try:

1. Update the gallery (pull the screen down for an update).
2. Clear the cache of the gallery: Settings → Apps → Gallery → Clear the cache.
3. Reboot the smartphone.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even flagship smartphones like Xiaomi 11 sometimes have screenshot errors, and we’ve collected typical situations and ways to fix them:

🔧 Emergency: If screenshots are no longer saved after the update MIUI, Try resetting the Gallery app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Gallery → Storage.
2. Click "Reset settings."
3. Reboot your smartphone.

💡

If you need screenshots for work or study, set up automatic save to the cloud. To do this, activate Mi Cloud or connect Google Photos in the Gallery.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions