Where Xiaomi saves screenshots: standard folders, settings and problem solving

You took a screenshot on Xiaomi, but you can't find it? This is a problem that many smartphone users of the brand know, because the way you save it depends on the version of the MIUI shell, the device model, and even the settings of specific applications. In some cases, files are "hidden" in non-obvious folders or disappear altogether from the gallery.

In this article, we’ll look at all possible screenshot storage locations on Xiaomi, from standard directories to hidden system folders, learn how to change the way you save, why files may not appear in the gallery, and what to do if screenshots suddenly disappear after a MIUI update. And for owners of older models (for example, Redmi Note 4X or Mi A1), we’ll give you separate instructions – their storage logic often differs.

Standard folders for screenshots on Xiaomi

Most modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with MIUI 10 and later) save screenshots in one of two folders:

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/ — main directory for screenshots taken by standard means (Power) + Volume Down or Swipe on the notification panel).
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Screenshots/ — alternative paths used in some models (e.g, POCO F3 or Redmi K40).

To find these folders quickly:

1. Open the File Manager app from Xiaomi.
2. Go to the Category section → Images.
3. Scroll down to the Screenshots folder (or Screenshots on Russian firmware).

If the folder is not in this section, check the root directory of internal memory through the Device tab in the same file manager, MIUI For the global market, the path may look like /Internal Storage/Pictures/Screenshots/.

Storage features on different versions of MIUI

The logic of saving screenshots has changed with the release of new versions of the shell.

If your model runs on custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the path may be different, and in such cases screenshots are often saved to /Pictures/Screenshots/ Android standard, without being tied to MIUI.

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On dual-firmware smartphones (such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra for the Chinese market), screenshots can be duplicated in folders of both systems.

How to change the folder of saving screenshots

By default, MIUI does not allow you to change the save path through system settings.

Method 1: Using third-party applications

Apps like Screenshot Easy or Super Screenshot (available on Google Play) allow you to:

• 📌 Select any folder to save (including Download or cloud services).
• 📌 Configure the file format (.png,.jpg,.webp).
• 📌 Add watermarks or crop screenshots automatically.

After installation of such an annex:

1. Open the application settings.
2. Find the Save Location (or Save Location) section.
3. Specify a new folder (e.g. /Download/Screenshots/).
4. Activate the Use as Default option (if any).

Method 2: Manually move through file manager

If you need to transfer existing screenshots:

Open Files | Go to Pictures/Screenshots |Select the files you want (long press) |Tap Move and select a new folder |Check that the files are displayed in the gallery-->

⚠️ Note: When manually moved, screenshots may disappear from the gallery. To show them again, add a new folder to the list of scanned directories:

1. Open the Gallery → Settings (three dots at the top).
2. Select Folders or Folder Management.
3. Activate the switch next to the new folder.

Method 3: Through ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to ADB, you can change the system settings for saving.

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and activate Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times pressed; then Additional → For Developers).
2. The command is: adb shell settings put system. screenshot_save_path /sdcard/New Pope/
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This method is recommended only for experienced users.

Why screenshots are not displayed in the gallery

If you took a screenshot but don’t see it in Gallery or Google Photos, the reasons may be:

• 🔍 The file is saved, but the folder is not scanned. The gallery doesn't update the library instantly. Try manually updating the library: open the gallery. → swipe down for update.
• 📂 Screenshot saved in a non-standard folder. Check Download, DCIM/Camera orthose.
• 🔄 Cloud conflict: If backup is enabled in Mi Cloud or Google Photos, files may be temporarily hidden during sync.
• 🛠️ File damage: If there is a memory shortage or system failure, the screenshot can be saved as an empty file (size 0 KB).
• 📵 Firmware limitations: Some custom firmware (e.g. HavocOS) save screenshots in the /data/media/0/Pictures/, root-rights-free.

If the screenshots are missing after the MIUI update, try:

1. Reboot the smartphone.
2. Clear the cache of the Gallery app (Settings → Apps → Gallery → Storage → Clear the cache).
3. Install a third-party gallery (such as Simple Gallery) and check the file display.

Where to look for screenshots on old Xiaomi models

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones from 2016-2018 release (for example, Redmi 4/4A, Mi 5, Mi Max) often face non-standard storage paths.

• 📱 Mi A1/A2 (Android One): /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/ — Screenshots can automatically upload to Google Photos if sync is enabled.

These models may also have display problems due to an outdated version of Media Provider (an Android system component).

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On older Xiaomi (before 2017), screenshots could be saved in.jpg instead of.png, making it harder to find them.

How to Recover Deleted Screenshots

If you accidentally delete a screenshot, you can try to restore it.

Method 1: Through the basket

In MIUI, deleted files first enter the Recycle Bin, where they are stored for 15 days:

1. Open the Files app** → Categories → Recycle Bin.

Method 2: With the help of specialized programs

If the cart is cleaned, use the utilities to restore:

• 🛠️ DiskDigger (for Android) – scans internal memory for deleted files.
• 💻 Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery (for PC) – connect your smartphone in File Transfer mode and scan the memory.

⚠️ Warning: The more data is written to the device after deletion, the lower the chances of recovery. Do not install recovery programs on the same memory where the screenshots were stored!

Method 3: Through Backups

If backup is enabled:

• 🌥️ Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Gallery and check for screenshots.
• 🖼️ Google Photos: Open the app → Library → Recycle bin (files are stored for 60 days).

Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi