How to get around the ban on screenshots in applications on Xiaomi: 7 working methods

Have you ever come across the message “App forbids taking screenshots” on your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO? This lock is due to the protection mechanism. FLAG_SECURE, It is a tool that developers use to prevent copying of content – whether it is banking applications, streaming services or messengers with secret chats. But what if you need a screenshot for good reason – save important information, confirm a transaction or fix an error?

In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways to get around the limitation, including MIUI system settings, third-party utilities, and even hardware solutions. Importantly, some methods require root rights or ADB debugging, so approach them consciously. We’ll also explain why locking occurs at the Android and MIUI level, and what risks there are workarounds.

Why Xiaomi is blocking screenshots: technical reasons

The ban on screenshots is not a fad for Xiaomi, but a security requirement inherent in Android, which works on three levels:

1. Flag. FLAG_SECURE — The app developer explicitly instructs the system to block screenshots, screen recording and projection through Miracast or Google Cast.
2. DRM-Protection (e.g. Widevine) L1) — It is used by streaming services (Netflix, Disney)+) Protecting Content from Piracy.
3. Politics MIUI — Xiaomi firmware further tightens restrictions, especially in banking and payment applications.

For example, in MIUI 14/15, blocking works even when you try to take a screenshot through Google Assistant or a three-finger gesture down, while some applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) can allow screenshots in certain sections, but forbid in others – this depends on the developer’s logic.

⚠️ Attention: Bypassing locks in banking or payment applications may violate the user agreement. Some banks consider screenshots of card data as a potential leak and block the account.

Method 1: Using built-in screen recording (without root)

The easiest way is to record the screen and then extract the frame from the video. MIUI has a built-in tool:

1. Open the Notification Panel and find the Screen Record tile (if not, add to Settings → Notification Panel).
2. Start the recording, go to the desired application and follow the actions.
3. Stop recording and open the video in the Gallery.
4. Use any video editor (such as CapCut or InShot) to extract frames.

This method works 80% of the time, but can be blocked by DRM apps (like Netflix or KinoPoisk) and will include a notification bar, which is not always convenient.

Method 2: Third-party apps for screenshots (without root)

Some utilities can bypass FLAG_SECURE The best options for Xiaomi:

• 📱 Screen Master – Supports gestures and timer, but may not work with DRM-content.
• 🖥️ AZ Screen Recorder – Records a screen with a high screen FPS, lets you get the staff.
• 🔍 Super Screenshot – Try to bypass the lock via alternative rendering (requires permission from Display over other apps).

To increase the chances of success:

1. Enable the option “Show over other windows” in the application settings.
2. Turn off Miui Optimization in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times).
3. Restart your phone after installing the utility.

⚠️ Note: Apps from third-party sources (not Google Play) may contain malicious code. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Turn off optimization MIUI|Installation from unknown sources|Permission to display over other windows|Reset the device-->

Method 3: ADB-switch-off FLAG_SECURE (rootless)

If you have access to the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can temporarily turn off the protection for a specific application, which works on MIUI 12-15, but requires a PC connection.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1
3. Find the name of the target application package (for example, com.sberbankmobile for Sberbank) using: adb shell pm list packages | grep -i "sber"
4. Turn it off. FLAG_SECURE For him, adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.SecuritySettings (This team opens security settings where flags can be dropped.)

Important: After the phone restarts, the flag FLAG_SECURE It will be restored and the lock will return, and some apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) may detect changes and require re-authorization.

Method 4: Bypassing Magisk and Xposed (for stitched devices)

If your Xiaomi has Magisk installed (root), you can use modules to bypass the locks:

• 🔧 Xposed Edge – allows you to disable FLAG_SECURE globally or for individual applications.
• 🛡️ Hide My AppList – masks the presence of root from apps that block screenshots when superuser rights are detected.
• 📸 Screenshot Patch – a specialized module for circumventing the restrictions on screenshots.

Instructions for Xposed Edge:

1. Install Magisk and Xposed Framework (instructions are available on 4PDA).
2. Activate the Xposed Edge module and restart the phone.
3. Open the module settings, find the section "Secure Flag"
4. Take a screenshot in the standard way (Power button + Volume down).

⚠️ Attention: Root modules can lead to bans in banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB) or games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact. Create a backup through the TWRP.

Method 5: Hardware solutions (for emergencies)

If the software methods do not work, there are still “physical” methods:

• 📷 Camera or second phone — take a picture of the screen from another device.
• 🖥️ Mirror on PC – use scrcpy (a free utility to manage Android from a computer). --no-display --record file.mp4 Then, remove the frame from the video.
• 🔌 HDMI-Adapter – connect the phone to the monitor USB-C to HDMI And take a screenshot from the PC.

For scrcpy you will need to enable debugging by USB and install drivers ADB. The utility works even with DRM-content, as it transmits the “raw” screen stream.

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If you use scrcpy to record, add the --bit-rate 8M key for better video quality, which will help you avoid artifacts when you extract frames.

Method 6: Change the MIUI settings (hidden parameters)

There are hidden settings in MIUI firmware that can be changed through ADB or Activity Launcher:

1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
2. Search the list of com.android.settings activities and open “SecureDisplaySettings”.
3. Turn off the option “Block screenshots in secure apps” (if available).

Alternatively, ADB can reset security policies:

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy_pre_p_apps 1


adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy_p_apps 1

These teams will unlock access to hidden API, which some applications use to bypass FLAG_SECURE. However, after the update MIUI settings may reset.

Method 7: Alternative firmware (for advanced users)

If you constantly need screenshots in protected applications, consider reflashing to custom firmware without the limitations of MIUI:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without locks Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel features, where FLAG_SECURE simpler.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS – custom firmware with advanced privacy settings.

Warnings:

• Flashing resets all data (do backup via TWRP).
• Certain functions (e.g, IR-blaster NFC) They may work unstablely.
• Xiaomi’s warranty is cancelled.

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Custom firmware is an extreme method. It gives you complete control of the device, but it requires technical skills and is risky for the main phone. Start with a backup device, if you have one.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking screenshots on Xiaomi