Why are there so many ways to take screenshots on Xiaomi?
Smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO stand out among competitors not only for the price/quality ratio, but also the flexibility of the MIUI firmware. If on the iPhone or βnakedβ Android screenshot is done only by a combination of buttons, then here the developers have added 5 alternative methods β from gestures to voice commands. This is not just a marketing move: different ways are convenient in different situations.
For example, if you have a broken power button, you can still make a screen through the Quick Settings Panel or the voice assistant XiaoAI. AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro) will be useful to use the Scrolling Screenshot to capture the long pages as a whole. Next, we will analyze each method with the nuances of different versions. MIUI 12-14 and smartphone models.
Method 1: Classic button combination (works on all models)
Itβs a versatile method that works even on the oldest Xiaomi smartphones (like the 2018 Redmi Note 5) and doesnβt require any tweaks.
- Open the screen you want to capture (app, web page, settings).
- At the same time, press the Power (on) button and the Volume Down button.
- Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound and see the screenshot animation.
β οΈ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) the power button is too close to the volume control. If the screenshot fails, try:
- π Repeat pressing, but with a greater pause between the buttons (not simultaneously, but with an interval of 0.3 seconds).
- ποΈ Use two hands: one to hold the phone, the other to press buttons.
- π§ Enable the screen capture function in one touch (about it below).
βοΈ Check before screenshot buttons
Where to look for a screenshot? All screenshots are automatically saved in the DCIM β Screenshots folder or in the gallery in the Screenshots album. On models with MIUI 14 (for example, Xiaomi 13T), after creating a screenshot, a quick action panel appears at the bottom of the screen where you can immediately crop the image or share it.
Method 2: Three-finger gesture (the fastest method)
The Screenshot feature, which was introduced in MIUI 9, has since become a popular tool for users to take a screenshot in one motion, by swiping three fingers from top to bottom across the display.
- π 3 times faster than the button combination.
- π― It works even with one hand (comfortable for large smartphones like Xiaomi 12 Pro).
- π You can turn off the shutter sound in the settings.
How to turn on:
- Go to Settings β Additional functions β Gestures.
- Select the Screenshot item with a gesture and activate the switch.
- (Optional) Enable Scrolling Scrolling to capture long pages.
β οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The default gesture is disabled. If you don't find it in the settings, update the firmware to the latest version. MIUI through settings β The phone. β Updating the system.
What to do if the gesture does not work?
Method 3: Quick settings panel (for lazy)
If you are too lazy to remember button combinations or gestures, use the built-in icon in the Notification Panel, a method that is convenient when you need to take a screenshot in applications where gestures may conflict (for example, in games or video editors).
Instructions:
- Open the screen.
- Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Find the Screenshot icon (usually it looks like a scissor or a rectangle with lightning).
- Slip it on it - the picture will be taken instantly.
| Smartphone model | Where is the icon? | Should I tune in? |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | First page of the panel (near Wi-Fi) | No, it's on by default. |
| Redmi Note 12 | Second page (swipe left) | Sometimes hidden - add manually |
| POCO F4 GT | First page (near the flashlight) | No, but we can move it. |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | Not available by default | Added through Editing Panel |
If the icon is not present, add it:
- Open the notification panel and tap on Edit (pencil in the lower right corner).
- Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the top panel.
- Save the changes.
π‘
On Xiaomi Pad tablets, the screenshot icon is often hidden. To avoid looking for it, use the Power + Volume Combination combination, which is more stable.
Method 4: XiaoAI voice command (for Chinese firmware owners)
Xiaomi smartphones with Chinese or global firmware have a built-in voice assistant XiaoAI that can take screenshots on a voice command, which is especially convenient if your hands are busy or you are driving (but remember safety!).
How to set up:
- Activate XiaoAI: Settings β Applications β XiaoAI β Enable Assistant.
- Remember the command: βTake a screenshotβ or βPhotograph the screenβ (in English firmware β βTake a screenshotβ).
- Speak the command clearly when the screen is unlocked.
β οΈ Note: The function does not work on all models. POCO X5 Pro with global firmware XiaoAI may not be available, and voice commands do not work in Do Not Disturb mode or when the microphone is busy with another application (for example, during a call).
Advantages of the method:
- π€ No need to press buttons β enough voice.
- π It is available in 8 languages (including Russian in the latest versions). MIUI 14).
- π You can configure your own command in XiaoAI Settings β Voice commands.
π‘
Voice screenshots are convenient for creating guides or streams when hands are busy, but they are saved with a delay of 1-2 seconds, so they are not suitable for dynamic content (for example, video games).
Method 5: Scrolling Screenshot (for long pages)
If you need to save not only the visible part of the screen, but also the part that is hidden behind the scrolling (for example, a long chat in Telegram or a page in Chrome), use the Scrolling Screenshot feature. It is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and later.
How to do this:
- Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
- Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the lower right corner of the screen, tap on it.
- In the editor that opens, select Scroll (an icon with two arrows down).
- Wait for the system to automatically scroll through the page and connect the parts into a single image.
Limitations of function:
- β It doesnβt work in some applications (such as TikTok or banking software).
- β Can βshortβ dynamic content (e.g. animations or videos).
- β On weak smartphones (for example, Redmi). 8A) may slow down.
π‘ Tip: If the scrolling screenshot does not work, try it:
- π Use Chrome browser instead of built-in Mi Browser β it better supports this feature.
- π± Reboot your phone (sometimes helps with glitching) MIUI).
- π Manually take a few screenshots and glue them to Google Photos or Collage Maker.
Editing and managing screenshots
After creating the screenshot, MIUI offers basic editing tools:
- ποΈ Cutting: Change the boundaries of the image, removing unnecessary elements.
- π¨ Drawing: Add arrows, text or notes (convenient for instructions).
- π Blurring: Hide personal data (phone numbers, passwords).
- π€ Share: Send the screen to the messenger or cloud.
Where to find additional settings:
- Open the gallery. β Album "Screenshots".
- Slip on the desired picture and select Edit.
- For advanced features (such as adding stickers), use third-party apps like Snapseed or PicsArt.
β οΈ Note: On smartphones with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) long-term storage of screenshots in the gallery can cause pixels to burn out:
- ποΈ Regularly archive old screenshots to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
- π Enable a dark theme in the screen settings.
- π Reduce screen brightness when viewing static images.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even on new Xiaomi smartphones, users are having difficulty taking screenshots, and here are some of the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons don't respond. | System clotting or mechanical breakdown | Use a gesture or notification bar. If it doesn't work, check the buttons in Settings β About Phone β Diagnostics. |
| Screenshot taken with delay | Lack of RAM | Close the background apps through Recent Tasks. Reboot the phone. |
| Screenshots are not saved. | Ended disk space or gallery failure | Clear the memory or update the Gallery app through the Play Market. |
| Scrolling screen does not work | The application does not support the function | Try to screen in your browser or use third-party utilities like LongShot. |
If none of the methods work, check:
- Are there any restrictions on the app (for example, Netflix or banking programs block screenshots).
- Is the mode for children or the Guest mode in the settings turned on?
- Are there any administrator rights for third-party applications (they can block system functions).
π‘
If screenshots are kept in low quality, check the camera settings: sometimes the system compresses screenshots when memory is not enough. To fix, go to Settings β Storage β Free up space.