Modern smartphones have long evolved from simple means of communication into powerful multimedia centers, and the Xiaomi Mi 8 is no exception. AMOLED-Often, users need to capture not just a static image, but a whole process: a difficult level in the game, an in-app bug, or an important moment in correspondence. In such cases, a standard screenshot is not enough, and the video capture function comes to the rescue.
Mi 8 owners often face the question of where to find this option, as in different versions of the MIUI shell, the location of elements may differ. Android provides basic tools, but the manufacturer greatly expands their capabilities with its add-ons. Understanding how the built-in screenshotr works will save you time and not install unnecessary applications.
There are several ways to activate image capture: through the control panel, hotkeys or voice commands. Each method has its advantages depending on the situation. For example, if the hands are busy, it is easier to use voice, and for quick response to a change in the picture, a combination of buttons. Let's analyze all the options available in detail.
Standard methods for creating screenshots
The most obvious and quick way to get an image of the current screen on the Xiaomi Mi 8 is to use physical buttons. This method works at the system level and does not require any additional settings. You need to simultaneously press the on button (located on the right side) and the volume down button. You do not need to hold them for long, just a short press.
Once you've done the action, you'll hear the characteristic shutter sound of the camera, and in the top corner you'll see a smaller copy of the image you've taken, and if you click on it, you'll see an editor where you can crop it, add text or drawings, which is a basic feature that every Android user should know.
But the physical impact of the buttons is not always convenient, especially if you're holding the phone with one hand or you're afraid of damaging the keys, and then MIUI offers an alternative: swipe three fingers down the screen, and this motion activates the same function as the buttons, but without mechanical contact with the side faces of the body.
☑️ Checking the screenshot settings
It's worth noting that the three-finger method needs to be pre-activated in the settings. It can be disabled by default to avoid random screenshots when you flip through the tape. Go to the settings, find the "Advanced" section, and make sure that the "Three-finger Screenshot" option is enabled, so you can flexibly manage how you take your shots.
Use of notification curtain and control centre
The second popular method that is often overlooked by beginners is in the notification panel. On the Xiaomi Mi 8 with a MIUI shell, the top curtain is divided into two parts: notifications and feature shortcuts. Swipe top-down twice to reveal the full list of icons. Among them, you will find an icon with a picture of scissors or a camera - this is the quick screenshot button.
The advantage of this method is that you can take pictures without using your hands to clamp buttons, which is especially true when the phone is on the table. In addition, there is often a screen recording button hidden here if it is placed in the panel. If you do not see the right shortcut, click on a pencil or edit button to add it from the list of available ones.
Clicking on it will trigger a separate recorder app, which we'll talk about later, and for a normal static shot, look for the screenshot icon, which allows you to quickly respond to changes in the interface without unnecessary body movements.
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To quickly find a screenshot shortcut in the curtain, use an icon search or simply remember its location in the front row, as the system often places frequently used features there.
Voice control and Google Assistant
Technology has come a long way, and now you don't have to touch the screen to take a screenshot of the Xiaomi Mi 8. The built-in voice assistant Google Assistant or Mi AI (depending on the region and version of the firmware) can recognize commands and perform system actions. Just say "Ok Google" or activate the assistant button at home (if configured).
Say the phrase "Take a screenshot" or "Take a screenshot." The system will instantly respond and create an image of the current content of the display. This is ideal when the phone is attached to the holder, connected to an external display, or when your hands are dirty and you do not want to dirty the screen. Voice control opens up new horizons of availability.
You can also set up voice assistant activation without touching your phone, so go to Google and turn on OK Google at any time. Now your Mi 8 is always ready to capture the right moment on demand, which is especially useful for people with disabilities or in situations where the phone is out of reach.
Built-in function of recording video from the screen
If you don't have enough static images and you need to save a video row, the Xiaomi Mi 8 offers a built-in Screen Recording tool, which you can find in the Tools folder on your desktop or through an application search, a full-fledged recorder that allows you to record what's happening on the screen with or without sound.
When you start the app, you'll see a recording and settings button. You can select the sound source from the microphone (for your comment), system sounds (game or video sound) or no sound. You can also adjust video quality and resolution. For the Mi 8 with its FullHD+ screen, you should choose the highest quality for clarity.
⚠️ Note: When recording video with system sound in some applications (such as Netflix, Spotify or banking applications), the sound will not be recorded due to copyright and Android security restrictions.
Once you start recording, you'll see a floating control panel that allows you to pause the process, take a real-time screenshot, or complete the recording, and all the saved videos will automatically be sent to the gallery on a separate album"Screen_rec". It is convenient for sorting and quick access to recorded materials without unnecessary debris in the main tape.
Set up parameters and write permission
To get a quality result, it is important to adjust the recording parameters correctly. In the Screen Record application, click on the settings icon (cogs). Here you can choose the video resolution. For the Xiaomi Mi 8, the native screen resolution of 2160×1080 will be optimal, but if you plan to send video via the messenger, you can reduce it to 1280×720 to reduce the file size.
Another important parameter is frame rate. The standard value is 30 frames/sec, which is enough for most scenarios. However, if you're recording dynamic games, you should switch to 60 frames/sec to make the movement look smooth. Keep in mind that high frame rate increases the load on the processor and consumes battery power faster.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on the device |
|---|---|---|
| Permission | 1080p (Full HD) | Medium (balance of quality and size) |
| Frequency of personnel | 60 fps (for games) | High (GPU load) |
| Bitreit | 12 Mbps | Affects the clarity and size of the file |
| Sound source | Microphone + System | Depends on the app. |
Remember the orientation of the screen. The recorder usually automatically detects the device's rotation, but you can fix landscape or portrait orientation in the settings. This is useful if you're recording content for specific platforms like TikTok (vertically) or YouTube (horizontally), and if you're setting it right, you don't have to crop the video when editing.
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Optimal settings for recording gameplay on the Mi 8: 1080p resolution, 60 frames per second and system sound enabled (if the application allows).
Third-party applications for enhanced capabilities
While MIUI is functional, more advanced tools are sometimes needed. There are many screen recording apps in the Google Play Market that offer features not found in the stock recorder, such as the ability to draw on top of the screen in real time or overlay the webcam (picture-in-picture).
One popular solution is the AZ Screen Recorder or Mobizen app, which allows you to record at higher bitrates, has a built-in video editor and the ability to stream live on YouTube or Facebook, and it makes sense if you're creating content for a blog or conducting training streams.
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party recorders, carefully review the permissions you request. Many require access to files, microphones, and even location.
Using third-party software can lead to faster battery discharge, as such applications often run in the background and actively use the resources of the processor. If your Mi 8 began to warm or brake while recording, try to close unnecessary background processes or reduce the quality settings in the recorder application itself.