How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi: all ways to create a screenshot

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to capture the contents of the display. This can be correspondence, an interesting moment in the game, a setup instruction or an application error. Screenshot is a basic feature, but in the shell of MIUI (HyperOS), it is implemented with many nuances that not all users know. Standard methods may not work due to random settings or hardware features of the model.

There are several proven ways to capture an image, from the classic button combination to advanced gestures and voice control. MIUI allows you to flexibly adjust these parameters for yourself. In this article, we will discuss each method in detail, point out possible problems when creating images and tell you where to look for saved files. This guide will help you master the screen on any device of the brand.

Sometimes standard methods can be uncomfortable, such as when the volume buttons are tightly pressed or busy in the game. That's why Xiaomi's developers have implemented alternative options, such as three-finger gestures or using a notification curtain. Understanding all the options available will allow you to take screenshots in any situation without being distracted from the basic process of using a smartphone. Let's look at the basic tools in detail.

Classical method: button combination

The most common and reliable way to take a screenshot on any Android smartphone, including Xiaomi and Redmi, is to use physical buttons. This method works even when the touchscreen temporarily fails or the system has an interface failure, you need to simultaneously press the Power and Volume Down button. Pressing should be short but clear, lasting about 0.5 seconds.

It is important not to pinch the buttons for too long, as prolonged holding of the power and volume button can trigger an emergency SOS menu or start a device reboot, depending on the settings. If done correctly, you will hear the characteristic click of the camera shutter (if the sound is on), and the screen will blink. At the top of the display, a thumbnail will appear, which indicates the successful saving of the image to the clipboard and gallery.

Some users have noted that on models with a side fingerprint scanner combined with an on button, this method works especially convenient. However, if you have a model with buttons on the front or a specific layout, you may need to adapt. The main advantage of the method is its versatility, it works in safe mode, in games and even when some applications freeze.

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If the volume and power buttons are located on different sides of the case, use the index finger of one hand to clamping both buttons at the same time, this will speed up the process.

Screenshot with three fingers (Gestural)

One of the most popular features in the MIUI shell is the ability to take a screenshot with a simple swipe. A three-finger gesture allows you to instantly capture the screen without having to reach for buttons. This feature is especially useful when you hold the phone with one hand or are in horizontal mode. To activate this option, you need to go into the settings and turn on the appropriate switch.

The way to activate is to go to Settings → Additional settings → Screenshots. In this menu, find the "Three-finger screenshot" and put the slider into the active position. Then just swipe three fingers down the center of the screen. The system will instantly respond to movement and save the image. If the gesture doesn't work, make sure you swipe your fingers simultaneously and quickly enough.

It's worth noting that on some models with large screens or high-sided protective cases, gestures can be difficult to perform, and this method can conflict with navigation gestures if they're customized, but for most users, it's the fastest way, and it's ideal for creating a series of screenshots in a row, because it doesn't require changing the grip of the device.

Use of notification curtain and menu

The built-in functionality allows you to take screenshots through the control panel. This method is often overlooked as less convenient, but in situations where the buttons are busy or damaged, it becomes a salvation. To do this, you need to unlock the screen and lower the notification curtain (swipe from top to bottom). In the quick settings menu, find an icon with the image of scissors, usually it is signed "Screenshot".

Clicking on the icon instantly creates a snapshot of the current content of the screen. The advantage of this method is that it is completely software-based and does not depend on the physical state of the volume or power buttons. In addition, you can quickly go through the same menu to edit or submit a file. In some versions of HyperOS, the icon can be hidden in the second screen of the Quick Settings menu, so it makes sense to check both pages.

Another option to access the feature is through the multitasking menu. If you click on the menu icon (three dots or an app icon) in open window view, there may also be a Screenshot option. This is convenient if you want to take a snapshot of a particular application without going to it completely, however, this method does not work in all launchers and firmware versions.

Voice Control and Google Assistant

Xiaomi smartphones today have powerful voice controls. You can take a screenshot just by saying a command. This is especially true when your hands are busy or dirty, and you don't want to touch the screen. You just have to say "OK, Google" (or activate the assistant with a button) and say "Take a screenshot" or "Screenshot of the screen."

It recognizes the command and performs the action in a similar way to clicking buttons. It is important that the Google Assistant settings allow the lock screen and third-party apps to work. It is also worth considering that voice control requires an Internet connection for the most accurate speech recognition, although the basic commands can work offline, a hands-free method that is gaining popularity among users.

In addition, some global firmware versions have a command, "Hey Google, take a screenshot." If you have Google Assistant on, it will respond instantly. This is a good way to be versatile, because voice assistants run on top of most applications. The only limitation is that in some secure applications (banks, incognito mode), the security system can prevent the creation of screenshots regardless of the type-in method.

Long screenshot (Scroll)

Often you need to save a long page of the site, correspondence in the messenger or a list of products in the online store. A regular screenshot captures only the visible part of the screen. For such cases, Xiaomi provides a long screenshot (or scrolling). After creating a regular shot (by any of the methods described above), an icon with two down arrows or a “Scroll” button will appear in the upper right corner of the thumbnail.

By pressing this button, the system automatically scrolls down the screen, taking a series of images and gluing them into one long picture. You can stop the process at any time by touching the screen, or wait for the end of the page. The maximum length of this image is limited by screen resolution and RAM, but usually this is enough for 5-10 scrolling screens.

This feature is essential for saving checks, instructions and articles. It is worth remembering that if there is dynamically loaded content on a page (for example, a social media feed), a long screenshot can behave unpredictable, constantly downloading new items. In such cases, it is better to take a few ordinary pictures. The quality of the final image remains high, the text remains readable.

Where to look and how to edit screenshots

Once you've taken a picture, it's saved to the gallery. In the standard Xiaomi Gallery app, screenshots are automatically sorted into a separate album called Screenshots. This allows you to avoid clogging the main tape with photos from the interface. The path to the file system is usually: Internal Storage/DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots.

Once you've created a picture, you can click on the thumbnail to go to edit. The built-in MIUI editor offers a wide range of tools: cropping, adding text, drawing with a marker, blurring sensitive information (the "Magic" function or AI Retouch). You can add stickers or resize the image before sending it. This eliminates the need to install third-party applications.

If you plan to send screenshots often, it is convenient to use the Share function directly from the thumbnail. The image can be sent to the messenger, saved to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or copied to the clipboard. that when copied to the clipboard, the image takes up a significant amount of memory, so the buffer can be overwritten the next time you copy text.

Solving and setting parameters

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the screenshot is not taken or stored incorrectly. One of the common reasons is a crowded memory of the device. If the free space is running out, the system can not save a new file. Also, problems can arise due to conflicts of running applications or errors in the operation of the launcher of the system, in which case a simple reboot of the smartphone helps.

In the screenshot settings (Settings → Additional settings → Shrynshots), you can change the save format. JPG is used by default, but for better quality and preservation of details (especially text), you better choose the PNG format. PNG files weigh more, but do not lose quality when compressed. You can also set the preview area and actions after creating the image.

⚠️ Note: If screenshots are no longer saved after the firmware update, check the permissions for the Gallery app and the Screenshot system service.

Another important aspect is privacy: When sending screenshots to third parties, always check to see if personal data, such as passwords, card numbers, addresses, are in the frame. Use blur tools in the editor. Don't send original screenshots of metadata if you're worried about geolocation, although modern instant messengers often compress photos by deleting some of the metadata.

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Using PNG instead of JPG greatly improves readability of text on screenshots, which is critical for saving instructions and codes.