When you try to save information about an order or correspondence with a seller, and Xiaomi issues a message โThe application forbids taking screenshotsโ, it is becoming more common. Especially often, users of the Wildberries marketplace encounter a black screen instead of the expected image when pressing the volume and power buttons, this is not a failure of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system, but an embedded data protection mechanism that is activated at the application level.
Security concerns have led to screenshot blocking in services such as banking apps or Wildberries, and developers fear that malware that gains access to a clipboard or gallery could steal personal data, card numbers or sensitive correspondence, but this creates significant inconveniences for the average user, especially when it comes to quickly recording delivery status or return details.
Xiaomi smartphone owners are in a special position, as the MIUI shell has its own features of working with permissions and security. Standard methods of bypassing, working on โpureโ Android, may not work here without deep system configuration. In this article, we will discuss the technical reasons for blocking and provide working methods for solving the problem, including the use of debugging over USB and specialized utilities.
Technical reasons for blocking screenshots in Android
The basis of the ban is the security flag. FLAG_SECURE, When that flag is active, the Android operating system is instructed not to transfer the contents of a particular window to the image buffer. On Xiaomi devices, this policy is strictly observed, as the company values its reputation in the protection of user data.
In addition, modern versions of Android (starting with version 10) have increased screen access control, and if an app is classified as containing sensitive financial data, the system can automatically apply restrictions even if the developer did not explicitly prescribe them.
Itโs worth noting that locking works not only to create screenshots, but also to record the screen. Trying to run an embedded screen recorder or a third-party recorder will also result in a black video file, making it impossible to create video instructions or proof of interface bugs with standard Xiaomi tools.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Attempts to bypass protection FLAG_SECURE Some banking applications can detect root rights or debugging that has been launched and block their launch.
Checking the security settings MIUI and HyperOS
Before we get to the tricky ways, we need to eliminate software conflicts in the shell of Xiaomi. Sometimes the problem lies not in the application itself, but in the privacy settings that the user could activate earlier. MIUI has a function called Second Space or Hidden Applications, which can isolate Wildberries from the system.
Check if the application-specific Enhanced Security mode is enabled, and go to the security settings and find the privacy protection section, and if Wildberries is on the protected application list, the system will block any attempts to access its content from the outside, including screenshots.
Also worth paying attention to the permissions issued to the marketplace app itself. If it does not have access to storage or it works in isolation, this can indirectly affect the ability to save data. Make sure that the application is updated to the latest version through the official Google Play store or GetApps, as older versions may not work properly with new Android security protocols.
- ๐ Check the Privacy section in your phone settings โ make sure Wildberries donโt have any restrictions on taking pictures.
- ๐ฑ Make sure the app doesnโt run in โSecond Spaceโ or โApp Cloneโ mode, where security rules may differ.
- ๐ Update the system components of Google Play Services as they are responsible for basic Android security features.
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Before changing your security settings, back up your important data to avoid accidentally losing access to your accounts.
Using Developer Mode and Debugging over USB
One of the most effective ways to solve this problem is to use tools for developers, which allows you to intervene in the process of creating a screenshot at a deeper level, bypassing standard flag checks. FLAG_SECURE. To activate this mode on Xiaomi, you need to press the build number seven times in the About Phone sectionยป.
Once you activate the developer menu, find the USB Debugging option and turn it on. However, just turning on the debugging won't remove screenshot blocking. You'll need to connect your smartphone to your computer and use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool.
The idea is to force the system to change the behavior of the screenshot, and the command you want to type requires accuracy, and if you make a syntax error, the command will not work, and it's important to understand that this method requires a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux.
adb shell settings put global disable_flagged_secure 1This command may require root rights on some versions of MIUI. If the command is successful, the system will no longer pay attention to the application ban, but after the device is restarted, the settings may reset and the procedure will have to be repeated.
โ๏ธ Preparation for use ADB
Third-party applications to bypass protection
If you don't want to mess with the command line, you can use specialized applications from the Google Play store. There are a number of utilities created specifically to bypass the flag. FLAG_SECURE. One of the most popular and proven solutions is the Screen Master app or analogues such as Xplore File Manager with the feature of taking pictures.
The software is different from the standard Android mechanism: they can use the Accessibility Service to capture screen content or create a virtual display that is not subject to security restrictions.
Itโs important to choose apps that are highly rated and have a lot of reviews, because they get access to everything that happens on your screen. A low-quality app can become a channel for data leakage. Xiaomi owners also need MIUI-focused apps that can work with its specific services.
- ๐ธ Screen Master is a popular application that can take screenshots even in secure applications through the accessibility service.
- ๐ Xplore File Manager โ a powerful file manager with built-in screenshots that bypass locking.
- ๐ก๏ธ MT Manager is a more sophisticated tool for advanced users, allowing you to modify apk files, but requires caution.
โ ๏ธ Warning: When you install security bypass applications, you trust them with all the content on your screen.
How does the screenshot accessibility service work?
Comparison of methods of bypassing the block
The choice of method depends on your technical skills and goals. If you need to take one screenshot rarely, it is easier to use a third-party application. If you often work with documentation or screencasts, it makes sense to set up ADB or consider more radical measures. Below is a table comparing the main ways to solve the problem on Xiaomi.
| Method | Difficulty | I need a PC. | Security | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developer Mode (ADB) | Tall. | Yes. | Tall. | Medium (resetting at restart) |
| Third-party annexes | Low. | No. | Medium | Tall. |
| Root-right (Magisk) | Very high. | Yes. | Low (risks) | Permanent. |
| Second profile function | Medium | No. | Tall. | It doesn't always work. |
Root rights are a last resort, and getting superuser rights through Magisk allows you to have complete control of the system. FLAG_SECURE, But it can lead to the failure of banking applications that see root rights, and it can disable the device's security.
For most Xiaomi users, the optimal balance is to use proven third-party apps from the Play Market.They don't require complex setup and work out of the box.The ADB method is good for enthusiasts who understand the risks and have access to a computer.
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The safest and easiest way for an ordinary user is to install a specialized screenshot application with a good rating, which does not require root rights.
Possible risks and precautions
Bypassing system constraints, you take responsibility for the safety of your data. Apps that can take screenshots in protected areas can theoretically transfer this data to third parties. So it is critically important to download software only from official sources, such as Google Play or the trusted GetApps store on Xiaomi.
It is also important to note that the HyperOS operating system or MIUI What worked yesterday may not function today after automatic updates. Android developers are constantly improving the security mechanisms by bypassing the flag. FLAG_SECURE more complex.
Remember, screenshots of salespersons or card data can be used by fraudsters if the phone falls into the wrong hands. Even if the Wildberries app prohibits screenshots, this is an additional line of defense, and by disabling it, you reduce the overall security level of your device.