You can take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi, Redmi or POCO in a dozen ways, from the classic combination of buttons to voice commands and hidden gestures in MIUI. But most users use only one method for years, without even knowing about more convenient alternatives. This article will not just list all possible options, but also reveal the unique features of MIUI 14/15, which are not available in standard Android, and explain why sometimes screenshots do not save and how to fix it.
Xiaomi smartphones feature deep customization of the interface, for example, in new versions of the firmware has the ability to take scrolling screenshots (long screens of web pages) or save them directly to the cloud Mi Cloud without manual transfer. AMOLED-The screens can use Always-On Display to quickly access the latest screens, and then a detailed analysis of each method, taking into account the nuances of different models (from Mi 8 to Mi 14 Ultra).
1. Classic method: power and volume buttons
It is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of MIUI or Android version.
- Open the screen you want to capture (app, game, web page).
- At the same time, press the power button (on) and the volume reduction button.
- Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Mi) 10T or POCO X3) The power button is on the right and the volume control is on the left. If you have your thumbs, it may be uncomfortable to press them at the same time.
☑️ Checking before screenshot
Where to look for the screenshot taken? By default, the files are saved in the folder:
/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/Or through the gallery: open the Photos app → Screenshots album. MIUI 14+ has a separate Screenshots tab in the gallery's top menu.
2. Three finger gesture (the fastest way)
The Three-Finger Screenshot feature was introduced in MIUI 9 and has since become a popular method for many users, allowing them to take a screenshot in one motion without being distracted by searching for buttons.
- Go to Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot of three fingers.
- Turn on the switch (should turn blue).
- Choose the action: Swipe down (by default) or Touch and hold.
Now, to take a screenshot, simply swipe your fingers from top to bottom across the screen (as if you were shaking off the water).
- 👆 Works in any app, even in games (where power buttons can be locked).
- 🎯 Accuracy: You can make a screen of a specific moment without wasting time searching for buttons.
- 🔄 Supports scrolling screenshots (about them below).
⚠️ Note: If the gesture does not work, check it out:
- Is the child mode on (it blocks gestures)?
- Is a case with a magnetic lock (may interfere with the sensor) used?
- Whether the fingers are clean (dirty or moisture impairs recognition).
3. Notification panel and quick settings
If you're uncomfortable remembering gestures or button combinations, MIUI has a built-in screenshot button right in the notification curtain. Here's how to use it:
- Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
- Find a screenshot icon (usually a scissors or a screen thumbnail) If it's not there, click Edit (pencil in the upper right corner) and add it to the active tiles.
- Slip the icon - the screenshot will be taken instantly.
This method is convenient for:
- 📱 Users with one hand (no need to reach for buttons).
- 🔒 Situations where power buttons are blocked (for example, in banking applications).
- 🔄 Quick access to screen editing (trimming, drawing, text).
In MIUI 15, the notification panel added the function Long screenshot. After clicking on the screenshot icon, the option will appear Scroll - it will automatically "glue" several screens into one (useful for chats or web pages).
How to return the screenshot button if it is missing?
4. Voice assistant (for those who like to control voice)
Xiaomi has a built-in voice assistant (not to be confused with Google Assistant) that can take screenshots on command.
- 🎤 Hands are busy (for example, hold your phone with one hand).
- 🔊 You have limited finger mobility.
- 🤖 Want to automate the process (for example, make screens on a timer).
How to set up:
- Activate the voice assistant: Settings → Xiaomi Voice Assistant → Enable.
- Remember the commands: "Take a screenshot" is the standard shot; "Screenshot and share" immediately opens the send menu; "Long screenshot" opens for scrollable pages.
⚠️ Note: Voice commands only work on Chinese or global firmware MIUI. On custom builds (e.g. LineageOS), this feature can be disabled.
If the assistant doesn't respond:
- Check if the Microphone is enabled in the privacy settings.
- Update the Voice Assistant app in Google Play.
- Reboot your phone – sometimes the assistant “hangs” in the background.
5. Hidden features: Scrolling screenshots and editing
MIUI offers unique screenshot tools that are not available in pure Android.
| Function | How to turn it on | What do you need? |
|---|---|---|
| Long screenshot. | After a standard screen, tap on the thumbnail → Scroll | Keeping whole dialogues in messengers or articles |
| Editing | Slip on the screen miniature → Edit | Cutting, blurring, adding text/stickers |
| Quick shipment | Put it on the thumbnail. → Select the app (Telegram, WhatsApp, etc.) | Instant transfer without saving to the gallery |
| Save to Mi Cloud | Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization of screenshots | Automatic backup of screens in the cloud |
The “Long Screenshot” feature is especially useful for:
- 📄 Conservation PDF-files from web pages (for example, instructions).
- 💬 Archiving correspondence in Telegram or WhatsApp.
- 📊 Fixing tables or graphs that do not fit on a single screen.
⚠️ Note: On some sites (such as banking apps or Netflix), long screenshots may not work because of content copy protection.
💡
If you want to take a screenshot of a menu with drop-down lists (like in settings), open this menu first, then use a three-finger gesture. Standard ways can "crush" the drop-down list.
6. Screenshot problems: why not saved and how to fix
Sometimes screenshots on Xiaomi don't save or go missing, here are the main reasons and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot not saved | Lack of memory | Clear the cache or transfer files to the memory card |
| Black screen on the screen | DRM protection (e.g. on Netflix) | Use an external camera or other phone |
| No shutter sound. | System sound is off. | Settings → Sounds and vibration → Sound screenshot |
| Screenshots missing | Memory Optimizer Removes “Junk” | Add Screenshots folder to cleanup exceptions |
If the screenshots are no longer saved, follow the following steps:
- Check permissions for Photos: Settings → Apps → Photos → Permissions → Storage (should be allowed).
- Update MIUI to the latest version (save bugs are fixed in patches).
- Reset the settings of the Gallery app: Settings → Apps → Gallery → Storage → Clear the data.
💡
If screenshots are not taken in a particular application (e.g. in a game), it is likely to block this feature at the code level. MIUI have an integrated tool or an external camera.
7.Alternative methods: ADB, third-party applications and chips for developers
For advanced users, there are ways to take a screenshot without the standard MIUI tools:
- 🖥️ Through ADB (debug):
- 📱 Third-party applications (if standard methods do not work):
- 🔧 Developer mode:
⚠️ Note: Google Play screenshot apps may request permissions to overlay over other windows.This is secure, but don't install programs from unknown sources - they may steal screen data (passwords, bank details).
For Xiaomi owners with an unlocked bootloader, there is another life hack: you can install a Magisk module called Screenshot Delay, which adds a delay before a screenshot (useful for fixing temporary notifications).