How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Mi Max: all the ways (including hidden)

Xiaomi Mi Max is a iconic 6.44-inch phablet Released in 2016, but still in the hands of many users. You can take a screenshot on this device in at least 5 different ways - from the classic button combination to hidden MIUI functions. The problem is that on different versions of the firmware (from MIUI 7 to MIUI 12.5) and modifications (Mi Max, Mi Max Prime, Mi Max 2), these methods can work differently or even be absent.

In this article, we will discuss all current methods, including those that are not documented in the official instructions, you will learn how to take screenshots using physical buttons, gestures, voice commands, and also through ADB — if the sensor has stopped working.

1. Classic method: power buttons + volume

It is a versatile method that works on all versions of Xiaomi Mi Max (including Prime and Mi Max 2) regardless of firmware.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (like a WhatsApp dialog or a page in Chrome).
2. Press the power button (right) and the volume button (left) at the same time.
3. Hold them for 1-1.5 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Note: The Mi Max with worn buttons can only be triggered by one tap (e.g. turning off the screen instead of a screenshot:

• 🔧 Try pressing the buttons with more force or from a different angle.
• 📱 Check if the buttons are clogged with dust (relevant for devices older than 3 years).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes system lags block the processing of combinations.

The screenshot is saved in the DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots folder (depending on the MIUI version). If the folder is not available, check Download.

2.Gestural MIUI: Screenshot with three-finger swipe

Starting with MIUI 9, Xiaomi has a feature of creating screenshots without buttons – with a gesture, which is especially convenient for the Mi Max with its huge screen, where it is difficult to reach the buttons with one hand.

To activate this method:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Turn on the switch "Swipe with three fingers".
3. Select the swipe direction (usually downwards – it’s more convenient on larger screens).

Now to create a screenshot:

1. Place three fingers on the screen (for example, index, middle and ring fingers).
2. Then, move them down (or in the direction you choose) without taking your fingers off the screen.

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If the gesture doesn't work, try to swipe your fingers more slowly or with a lot of pressure. On a Mi Max with a worn sensor, you may need to calibrate the screen (in the engineering menu).

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS), this gesture may conflict with other features. If the notification bar opens after the swipe instead of a screenshot, turn off the gesture in the settings.

3. Screenshot via notification panel (quick settings)

In MIUI 10 and later, a separate screenshot button is added to the Quick Settings panel, which is the most reliable way to do this if the physical buttons or sensor are not working properly.

How to use:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Swipe down again to deploy the full Quick Settings panel.
3. Find the Screenshot icon (usually looks like a scissor or a rectangle with lightning).
4. Slip it on it - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

If no button:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Notification panel → Change the order.
• 🔍 Find it in the screenshot list and drag it to the active area.
• 📌 Set the position by clicking on the pin icon.

This method works even if the screen is locked (but not on all versions of MIUI), and it is also useful for creating screenshots in games where the button press can be intercepted by the application.

4. Voice commands: "OK, Google, take a screenshot."

If you have Google Assistant (or Alice from Yandex) on, you can take voice screenshots, which is convenient when your hands are busy or the buttons are not working.

Instructions for Google Assistant:

1. Activate the assistant with the OK Google command or by holding the Home button.
2. Say, “Take a screenshot” or “Photograph the screen.”
3. Confirm the action (if required).

For Yandex Alice:

1. Open the Yandex app or activate Alice with your voice.
2. Say, "Alice, take a screenshot."
3. If the function does not work, update the Yandex application to the latest version.

⚠️ Note: Voice screenshots may not work in some applications (e.g., banking or security-enhanced ones). MIUI 8 and below this function may not be available.

5. Screenshot via ADB (for advanced users)

If the sensor or buttons on the Xiaomi Mi Max are completely out of order, you can take a screenshot via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a PC and enabled debugging over USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate USB Debugging.

Mi Max

Command line.

Terminal

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).

adb exec-out screencap -p > screenshot.png

Screenshot.png will be saved in the folder where the command was launched.

On the Xiaomi Mi Max with MIUI 11+, you may need additional permission to access the screen through ADB. If the command does not work, try:

• 🔌 Disconnect and reconnect USB-cable.
• 🔄 Reset. ADB-Adb kill-server and adb start-server.
• 📱 On the phone in the window Allow debugging? tick "Always allow from this computer».

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ADB-Screenshots are saved in format PNG They're not compressed, so they're better than standard methods, and they're useful for keeping small text or graphs.

6.Challenges with screenshots on Xiaomi Mi Max and their solutions

Even on a proven device like the Mi Max, there can be errors in screenshots, and here are some of the most common ways to fix them:

If none of the methods work, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (at <5% some functions are turned off).
• 📱 Availability of updates MIUI (In older versions there are bugs with screenshots).
• 🛠️ System File Integrity (can be checked through Settings) → The phone. → System verification).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Mi Max