How to unlock screenshots in applications on Xiaomi: from MIUI before ADB-team

You try to take a screenshot in a banking app, messenger or game on Xiaomi, but instead of a saved picture, you see a notice saying, “The app does not allow screenshots”? This problem is familiar to many owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphones — it is related to the security policy of MIUI and the restrictions of the applications themselves. In some cases, blocking is justified (for example, to protect financial data), but often it interferes with legitimate actions – for example, when you need to save a chat, payment confirmation or game moment.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to circumvent the ban, from simple MIUI settings to advanced methods using ADB and third-party utilities. Importantly, not all methods are universal - some only work on certain versions of firmware or models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12).

Why Xiaomi is blocking screenshots in apps?

The ban on screenshots is not a fad of Xiaomi, but a combination of two mechanisms:

1. Application restrictions: Banking programs (SberBank, Tinkoff), messengers with secret chats (Telegram, WhatsApp) or streaming services (Netflix, Disney)+) Block the ability to create screenshots through the flag FLAG_SECURE It protects sensitive data from leakage.
2. Politics MIUI. Firmware MIUI (Especially versions 12-14) tightly controls screen access, for example, it can block screenshots even in games if the developer has specified cheating protection (as in the game). PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).

Interestingly, on naked Android (like the Google Pixel), many apps allow screenshots, while on Xiaomi, the same programs block this feature, due to the additional layers of security in MIUI, which sometimes work excessively aggressively, even when there is no real threat.

Method 1: Disable protection in MIUI settings

The easiest way is to check the privacy settings in MIUI, and some firmware versions have an option that allows you to ignore the limitations of the application.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Permissions → Special Permits.
2. Find the item “Ban screenshots” (or “Privacy Protection” in older versions).
3. Turn off the slider for the problem app or completely deactivate the option globally.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later, this item may not be available — the manufacturer has removed it from the interface.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make a backup copy of important data

Battery charge should be >30%

Turn it off. VPN (It can interfere with the system menu)-->

Method 2: Use the Screen Recording function

If you're locked, but you want to save the screen, use the built-in screen recording, which works 90 percent of the time, because apps rarely block video recording.

1. Call the Quick Settings Panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
2. Find the Screen Record icon (if not, add it through panel editing).
3. Start the recording, go to the desired application and stop it through the same panel.
4. The video will be saved in the gallery - it remains to take a screenshot from the frame or crop the video in any editor.

💡 Useful advice: In screen recording settings (Settings) → Special facilities → Screen recording) enable the “Show Touch” option if you want to save interface interaction (e.g. for instructions).

Method 3: ADB-team-up

For advanced users, there is a way to disable FLAG_SECURE through ADB (This will work if the lock is set at the system level, not the application itself!

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and type in: adb shell settings put global. hidden_api_policy 1 Then restart the device.

If that doesn't work, try a more radical command (only for MIUI 12-13):

adb shell pm grant com.miui.securitycenter android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

⚠️ Warning: These commands can lead to system instability or app crashes.On Xiaomi with HyperOS (2026)+) This method may not work due to a modified security architecture.

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ADB-The methods are the most powerful, but also the most risky, and use them only if other options have not worked, and you are prepared for possible consequences (for example, resetting your settings).

Method 4: Third-party applications for screenshots

If system methods don't work, try Google Play utilities that bypass the restrictions.

• 📱 Screen Master – allows you to take screenshots even in protected applications through the overlay menu.
• 🖼️ Screenshot Touch – uses an alternative screen capture method (works on 60% of blocked applications).
• 🔍 Assistive Touch – creates a floating button for screenshots that sometimes bypasses FLAG_SECURE.

💡 Tip: Check reviews before installing – some apps may contain ads or require unnecessary permissions (e.g. access to a website). SMS). Also note that banking programs can block your phone if they detect such utilities (due to security policies).

Method 5: Resetting the application settings

Sometimes screenshots are blocked due to a failure in the cache or application data. Try resetting it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find a problem application (such as SberBank) and open its page.
3. Click on “Storage” → “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”.
4. Restart your phone and check if the restriction has disappeared.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the data will lead to logging out of the account in the application! save the username / password or data in advance to restore access.

Method 6: Using a second device (screen mirroring)

If neither of these methods worked, the radical option is to mirror the screen on another device and take a screenshot there.

• 💻 Miracast (wireless transmission to a TV or PC with Windows 11 support).
• 📺 Google Cast (via Chromecast or smart TV).
• 🖥️ Scrcpy – a program to display the Android screen on a PC (requires) ADB).

Once connected, take a screenshot on the second device, and minus the method, you need additional technology, but it works 100% of the time.

Method 7: Rooting and Modifying System Files

The most extreme method is to obtain root rights and edit system files that block screenshots, which is only suitable for advanced users, because:

• 🚫 Violates Xiaomi’s Guarantee.
• 🔓 May cause a blink (inoperability) of the device.
• 🛡️ Banking applications will stop working (due to SafetyNet checks).

If you’re ready for the risks, use Magisk for rooting and the XPrivacyLua module, which lets you disable the shutdown. FLAG_SECURE For individual applications, look for detailed instructions on the forums. 4PDA XDA-Developers (specify the phone model!).

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Before rooting, check if your Xiaomi model is supported on the XDA-Developers site. For example, there are stable methods for the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Xiaomi 12T, and new devices (2023-2026) may require waiting for updates.

Compatibility table with MIUI versions

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking screenshots on Xiaomi