How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI 14/15

Screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones are a basic feature that everyone will need. Whether you need to save important correspondence, fix an error in the application or share interesting content, the ability to quickly take screenshots saves time. However, not everyone knows that MIUI has several ways to create screenshots at once, from the classic combination of buttons to voice commands and gestures.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for modern firmware versions (MIUI 14/15), including features for models with physical buttons and touch controls. You will learn how to take screenshots on Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 and other devices, as well as learn how to edit and share pictures immediately after they are created, and pay special attention to rare problems, such as when screenshots are not saved or a black screen appears.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

The most versatile method, which works on all Xiaomi models – from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. It does not require activation of additional features and works even when the system crashes.

To take a screenshot:

  1. Open the screen you want to capture.
  2. At the same time, press the power button (on/lock) and the volume down button.
  3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the save.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Holding the buttons too long can cause the shutdown menu.If it has happened, just press "Cancel" and try again with a shorter press.

β˜‘οΈ Checking before screenshot

Done: 0 / 4

Where to look for a screenshot? By default, the images are saved in the Gallery folder β†’ Screenshots or Files β†’ Images β†’ Screenshots. In MIUI 15, after you take a screenshot, a thumbnail appears in the lower right corner - click on it to edit or share immediately.

2. Screenshot with three fingers (gesture)

MIUI’s signature feature is the ability to take screenshots with a simple swipe three fingers down, a method that is convenient when it is difficult to press physical buttons with one hand (for example, on large smartphones like the Xiaomi 13 Pro).

How to activate:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Additional functions β†’ Gestures.
  2. Find the screenshot item with three fingers and switch on the switch.
  3. (Optional) In the gesture settings, you can select the swipe direction: down or up.

How to use:

  • πŸ‘† Place three fingers (usually index, middle and ring fingers) on the screen.
  • πŸ“± Quickly swipe them down (or up if you change the settings).
  • 🎯 Make sure the gesture is made clearly, otherwise the system may perceive it as a casual touch.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5) If the gesture is not available, check if the screenshots are not included in the Settings. β†’ Special features mode "One-handed control" - it blocks the recognition of multi-finger gestures.

What to do if the gesture does not work?
Check if Do Not Disturb or Game is on, they can block gestures, and make sure there are no greasy spots or protective film on the screen that interferes with the sensor.

3. Screenshot via notification panel

A lesser known, but no less convenient, way is to use a quick settings panel, which is suitable if the physical buttons are damaged or you prefer one-handed control.

Instructions:

  1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
  2. Swipe down again to turn the full panel around.
  3. Find a Screenshot icon (usually a scissors or a zipper rectangle) if it's not there, click Edit and add it to active shortcuts.
  4. Slap the icon - the picture will be taken instantly.

The advantage of this method is the ability to take a screenshot without sound (if the system shutter sound is turned off), and it also works in most applications, except for secure ones (for example, banking or other applications). DRM-content).

πŸ“Š What kind of screenshot do you use more often?
Power and volume buttons
Three-finger gesture
Notification panel
Voice assistant
Other

4. Voice Assistant (Google Assistant or XiaoAI)

If you have difficulty using buttons or gestures, you can take a screenshot with a voice command, which is especially useful for people with disabilities or when hands are busy.

Activation options:

  • πŸ—£οΈ Google Assistant: Say β€œOK Google, take a screenshot” (requires English locale or Russified version of the assistant).
  • πŸ€– XiaoAI (Chinese version) MIUI): Say "" (for Chinese firmware) on global versions. MIUI This method may not work.

⚠️ Attention: Voice commands for screenshots are unstable in some applications (e.g., privacy-protected games or messengers). Also make sure Google Assistant has screen access permission (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Google β†’ Permits β†’ Display over other windows).

Important: On Chinese firmware models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 for the Chinese market), voice commands may require connection to Chinese servers. For global versions of MIUI, Google Assistant is better.

5. Scrolling screenshot (long screenshot)

Scrolling (or β€œlong screenshot”) captures not only the visible part of the screen, but also content that is hidden outside the screen, which is indispensable for storing long chats, web pages or lists.

How to do this:

  1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
  2. Immediately after the miniature appears in the lower right corner, tap it.
  3. In the editor that opens, select the Scrolling option (or Long Screenshot).
  4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls down the screen and combines the pictures.
  5. Press Ready to save the result.

Limitations:

  • ❌ Does not work in applications with dynamic content (for example, in TikTok or Instagram Reels).
  • ❌ It can crop items if the page loads slowly (e.g. on a weak internet).
  • βœ… It works best in Telegram, WhatsApp, Chrome browser and standard apps MIUI.

πŸ’‘

If a long screenshot is cut, try scrolling the page manually to the end before creating a shot – this will help the system correctly define the boundaries.

6. Screenshot Problems and Their Solutions

Sometimes users find that screenshots are not saved, black or not available at all, and let's look at the main reasons and ways to eliminate them.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Screenshots are not savedInsufficient memory or folder errorClear space in Settings β†’ Storage or reboot your phone
Black screen on the screenshotDRM protection (in Netflix, banking applications)Use the built-in save function in the application itself
Three finger gestures don't work.Conflict with other gestures or protective glassCheck the settings in Additional Features β†’ Gestures
No screenshot icon in the notification barNot added to the shortcut in quick settingsEdit the panel: swipe down β†’ Edit β†’ add β€œScreenshot”

If none of these methods work, check:

  • πŸ”§ Are there any restrictions on settings β†’ Permits β†’ Special access β†’ Screen recording.
  • πŸ“± Is there a custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) installed where standard functions can be disabled? MIUI.
  • πŸ”„ Try resetting your gesture settings: Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Reset your gesture settings.

πŸ’‘

If screenshots are no longer saved after the MIUI update, try clearing the Gallery or Files cache in the settings.

7. Alternative methods: third-party applications

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can use third-party utilities, which offer advanced features: recording video from the screen, editing screenshots in real time, and automatically uploading to the cloud.

Popular applications:

  • πŸ“Έ Screenshot Easy – Supports delayed shooting and annotations.
  • πŸŽ₯ AZ Screen Recorder – in addition to screenshots, allows you to record video from the screen without root rights.
  • ☁️ Screen Master – automatically uploads photos to Google Drive or Dropbox.

⚠️ Note: When installing third-party screenshot apps, allow them to display on top of other windows only from trusted sources (such as Google Play.

To avoid problems:

  1. Before installing, check the reviews and rating of the application.
  2. Do not give access to Notification Management or SMS unless required for the job.
  3. After use, revoke unnecessary permissions in Settings β†’ Apps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi

Can I take a screenshot on the switched off Xiaomi?
No, screenshots are only created when the screen is active, but if the phone is getting stuck and doesn't respond to taps, you can try taking a picture via ADB (you need a PC connection and USB debugging enabled).
Why are screenshots kept in low quality?
By default, MIUI saves images in screen resolution, but some applications (such as games) may limit quality. To improve detail, try: Turn off power saving in Settings β†’ Battery. Use third-party apps with a quality setting.
How to turn off the shutter sound when screenshot?
You can turn off the sound in two ways: Turn the phone to Silent Mode (volume button down to vibration); Delete the system sound through the File Manager (root rights required: /system/media/audio/ui/screenshot.ogg. ⚠️ Deleting system files can cause failures!
Where are the screenshots on Xiaomi stored?
By default, the images are saved to /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/ or /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Screenshots/ If the folder is empty, check Gallery β†’ Albums β†’ Screenshots or use Google Files to search by creation date.
Can I take a screenshot in Safe Mode?
Yes, but only with physical buttons (Power + Volume Down) Gestures and notification panel in Safe Mode are disabled.