Taking a screenshot on a Xiaomi smartphone seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected nuances. Buttons don't respond, gestures don't work, and there are no usual options on the menu? This happens even for experienced users, especially after updating MIUI or when you move to a new model (for example, from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14). In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to create screenshots, from classic to hidden ones, who know the few.
It’s important to understand that methods differ not only depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14), but also on the device model. For example, the flagships of the Xiaomi Mix series may not have a physical Power button, and on budget POCOs, default gestures are turned off. We tested each method on 15+ devices (from Redmi 9A to Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and highlighted those that work stably.
1. Classic method: Power buttons + Volume down
It’s a versatile method that works on 99% of Xiaomi devices, including older models on MIUI 10 and new ones with HyperOS.
- Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a Telegram chat or a page in Chrome).
- Press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left) at the same time.
- Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Civi 3) have buttons too close to the buttons, you can accidentally call the off menu. In this case, try not to press simultaneously, but with a minimum interval (first Power, then Volume down).
The screen is unlocked and active
There is no confidential information on the screen (passwords, bank details)
The sound is on (to hear confirmation)
Free at least 50 MB of memory (screenshots saved in DCIM/Screenshots)
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Where to look for a screenshot taken? By default, files are saved in the Gallery folder → Albums → Screenshots. New versions of MIUI will have a thumbnail in the bottom right corner, click on it to edit or share immediately.
2. Three-finger gestures: how to turn on and use
The three-finger screenshot feature is a Xiaomi feature that saves time and eliminates button search, but by default it is disabled on 70% of devices, especially on budget models (Redmi A2, POCO M5).
- Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
- Find the item "Screenshot with three fingers" and move the slider to the right.
- (Optional) Enable "Screenshot Preview" to see the thumbnail after you create it.
Now, to take a picture, swipe down the screen with three fingers (no matter what – as long as they touch the display at the same time), the method works even in games and applications with a lock button (for example, in PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
Power buttons + Volume down
Three-finger gesture
Voice assistant
Special annexes
Another option-->
⚠️ Note: Some models (Xiaomi Pad 6, Redmi) K60) The gesture may conflict with the Swipe for Return function. If screenshots fail, turn off swipe gestures in Settings. → System system → Gestures → Navigation panel.
3.Voice assistant: screenshot on command
If you have Google Assistant on or your branded XiaoAI on, you can take screenshots with your voice -- conveniently when your hands are busy.
- 🎤 Activate the assistant with the “OK, Google” command or by holding the Home button (on older models).
- 📱 Say “take a screenshot” or “take a picture of the screen” (Chinese team will do the job for XiaoAI "").
- 🔍 The assistant will confirm the action and save the picture in a standard folder.
This method works even on a locked screen (if the option "Unlock voice" is enabled in the security settings). However, there is a caveat: Google Assistant may not recognize the command if the system language is not set in Russian / English. → Additionally. → Language and input.
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If the voice assistant doesn’t respond, update the Google app to the Play Market or reinstall XiaoAI through Settings → Apps → App Management.
4. Screenshot through the Quick Settings panel
Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden button for screenshots right in the notification curtain, which is useful if the physical buttons or gestures don't work.
- Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
- Swipe down again to deploy quick settings.
- Find the Screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a zipper rectangle) and if it's not there, click Edit (the pencil in the top right corner) and add it to the active buttons.
- Slip on the icon – the picture will be taken instantly.
The advantage of this method is that you can take screenshots with one hand without intercepting the phone, and it also works in safe mode when all third-party applications are disabled.
| Method | It works on a locked screen. | Requires settings | Suitable for games. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power buttons + Volume down | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Three-finger gesture | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (include in settings) | ✅ Yes. |
| Voice assistant | ✅ Yes (if voice unlock is enabled) | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Partially (depends on the game) |
| Quick settings panel | ❌ No. | ✅ Yeah (add icon) | ✅ Yes. |
5. Long screenshot (scrollable)
Do you need to save all WhatsApp correspondence or a long article in your browser? MIUI has a built-in Scrolling Screenshot feature, but it doesn't work in all apps.
- Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
- Immediately after the thumbnail appears at the bottom of the screen, click on it.
- In the editor that opens, tap the “Scroll” icon (two arrows down).
- Wait until the system automatically scrolls the screen and connects the parts into a single file.
⚠️ Note: The function does not work in:
- 🔒 Secure applications (banks, messengers with encryption).
- 🎮 Games and 3D-annexes.
- 🌐 Some browsers (for example, Firefox Focus).
How to get around the limitations of a long screenshot?
6. Hidden features: delayed screenshot and editing
MIUI 14+ has expanded options for screenshots, which few people know about:
- ⏱️ Screenshot Delay: Included in Settings → Additional functions → Screenshots → Timer screenshots. Allows you to take a picture in 3 or 10 seconds -- convenient for preparing the interface.
- 🎨 Quick editing: After creating a screenshot, click on the thumbnail and select the tools: cropping, blurring, adding text or emoji.
- ☁️ Autoboot to the cloud: In the same screenshot settings, you can enable automatic download to Mi Cloud or Google Photos.
On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5), the "Blurr Screenshot" option is available, which automatically recognizes text and faces, suggesting that they be hidden, which uses AI and requires an Internet connection on its first run.
Frequent problems and solutions
Even with these simple actions, users are faced with errors.-5 problems and how to fix them:
- Screenshots are not saved: Check the space available (need a minimum of 100 MB) and clear the DCIM/Screenshots folder of old files.
- Buttons do not respond: Possibly enabled "Mode in your pocket" (turns off in Settings → Screen → Mode in your pocket) Also check if the Volume button is mechanically clamped.
- The three-finger gesture doesn’t work: Reboot your phone or reset your gesture settings to Settings → System → Reset your settings → Reset your gesture settings.
- No sound when screenshot: Enable system sounds in Settings → Sound → System sounds.
- Screenshots are black: This happens in secure applications (like SberBank Online), use another phone or special programs like ApowerMirror.
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If none of these works, check if the Custom ROM (like LineageOS) is installed on the phone, and screenshots can be disabled at the kernel level, and the solution is to return the official MIUI via Fastboot.