How to save screenshots to memory card in Xiaomi: 3 working ways

Screenshots on Xiaomi smartphones are saved by default to the device’s internal memory, quickly filling it with unnecessary files, especially for owners of budget models with 32-64 GB of storage, where every megabyte is on the account. Transferring screenshots to a microSD card solves the problem of space shortage, but in MIUI this feature is hidden deep in the settings – or not at all in new versions of the firmware.

In this article, we will analyze all available ways to change the way screenshots are saved: from standard tools. MIUI 12/13/14 Up to workaround solutions for models without support SD-cards (e.g. Xiaomi) 12/13 You will also learn why the system can ignore your settings and how to fix it without root rights. 11/12/13, POCO X5/F5 and flagship Xiaomi 14.

Why screenshots are saved by default in the memory of the phone

Xiaomi originally set up the system so that all media files (including screenshots) are saved to /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots.

• 🔹 Speed of operation: internal memory (eMMC/UFS) faster than microSD cards, which is important for instant screenshots;
• 🔹 Compatibility: Not all apps work properly with external drives due to Android limitations;
• 🔹 Security: Files on SD-It is easier to lose the card when the carrier is removed or damaged;
• 🔹 Optimization MIUI: The firmware automatically cleans the cache and unnecessary files in the internal memory, but does not touch it. SD-map.

However, for users who actively take screenshots (for example, for work, training or streaming), this becomes a problem: internal memory is clogged in a matter of days, and in some Xiaomi models (for example, the Redmi 9A) it is impossible to expand storage due to the lack of a microSD slot.

Method 1: Change the save path through MIUI settings (official method)

The easiest way is to use built-in MIUI tools. It works on most microSD-enabled devices (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO M4 Pro), but may not be available in flagships without a memory card slot (like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

Instructions:

1. Insert the memory card into your smartphone and make sure it’s formatted as portable storage (not as internal memory!).
2. Open the Camera app → press on ⚙️ Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
3. Scroll down to the Save Place section and select Memory Map.
4. Return to the main camera settings menu and find Save Screenshots (in some versions of MIUI it is hidden in Additional Settings).
5. Select a Memory Card and confirm the changes.

If you don't save screenshots, your model doesn't support this feature through standard settings, in which case you go to Method 2.

Formatting a card as a portable storage|Check the vacant space (minimum 1 GB)|Disable encryption SD-map|Reboot the phone after inserting the card-->

⚠️ Note: If you format your memory card as internal memory (Adoptable Storage option), the system may not allow you to select it for screenshots, in which case you will have to transfer files manually or use a third method.

Method 2: Using a file manager for manual transfer

If MIUI does not allow you to change the save path, you can configure automatic transfer of screenshots to SD-map using the File Manager (or a third-party, such as Solid Explorer).

Algorithm of action:

1. Take a screenshot in the standard way (Power button + Volume down).
2. Open the Files app → go to Images → Screenshots.
3. Select the files you want (or click Select All).
4. Click Move → Select Memory Map → create a Screenshots folder (if not) and confirm the transfer.

To automate the process:

• 📁 Create on SD-Screenshot folder map;
• 🔄 In the file manager, click ⋮ → Settings → Automatic activities;
• 🤖 Select Transfer of new files → specify the original folder /Pictures/Screenshots target-on SD-map;
• ⏰ Set up a schedule (for example, once a day).

The downside of this method is the delay in transfer (files don’t move instantly), but it works on all Xiaomi models, including those that don’t have a microSD slot (such as Xiaomi 12S), if you use cloud services.

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If you often take screenshots for work, set up the Screenshots folder to sync with Google Drive or Mi Cloud, so the files will automatically be copied to the cloud, freeing up space on the phone.

Method 3: Applications for Automatic Save on SD-map

If the first two methods do not work, use third-party utilities.

Example of settings in Screenshot Easy:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Go to Settings → Save folder.
3. Select a Memory Card → Create a folder (for example, ScreenEasy_Shots).
4. Activate the option to Replace the standard screenshot (require permission to access notifications).

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Screen Master) may conflict with system services. MIUI. If after installation screenshots have ceased to save at all, disable the option to Replace the standard method in the settings of the utility.

Alternative: Save screenshots to the cloud

If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support microSD (like the Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5 Pro), consider automatically uploading screenshots to the cloud.

Configure via Google Photos:

1. Install Google Photos.
2. Open the application → click on the profile avatar → Photo settings.
3. Select Backup and Sync → turn on the function.
4. In the Backup Management section, specify the Screenshots folder for automatic download.

Advantages of the method:

• 🌐 Access to screenshots from any device;
• 🔍 Search by text in screenshots (Google Lens function);
• 🗑️ Automatic space freeing on the phone (Option to Free up space).

Disadvantages:

• 📶 Requires an Internet connection;
• 💰 Restriction of free storage (15 GB per Google account);
• ⏳ Download large screenshots (for example, 4K) occupy.

Problem Solving: Why screenshots are not saved SD-map

Even after you've set it up properly, screenshots can still be stored in your internal memory, common causes and ways to address them:

If none of the methods worked:

• 🔧 Update the firmware MIUI Up to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds);
• 📱 Reset the settings of the Camera application in Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Drop it;
• 🛠️ Install custom restoration (TWRP) and edit the system file /system/build.prop, line ro.miui.screen_shot_save_path=/storage/XXXX-XXXX/Screenshots (root).

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On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the way to save screenshots can be blocked by security policies, in which case the only reliable way is to use third-party applications or manually transfer files.

Additional tips for working with screenshots on Xiaomi

To optimize the process of creating and storing screenshots:

• 🎨 Use Scrolling Mode for Long Screenshots: Take a Picture, Then Click Scrolling in the Notification Bar;
• 📏 Set up the hot keys: in Settings → Additionally. → Buttons and gestures assign a screenshot to triple tap the screen;
• 🔍 Enable a search by screenshots: in Google Photos or Gallery MIUI You can search for text in images;
• 🗑️ Automatically clean old screenshots: in Files → Categories → Images → Screenshots press ⋮ → Delete old files.

For models without a microSD slot (e.g. Xiaomi 12 or POCO F4):

• 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and transfer screenshots to your hard drive;
• ☁️ Set up automatic download in Telegram Saved Messages via bot @ScreenShotToCloudBot;
• 📱 Use the external SSD-adapter USB-C/OTG (maintained MIUI 13+).

FAQ: Frequent questions about saving screenshots on Xiaomi