App prohibits screenshots on Xiaomi: reasons and 7 ways to solve

You tried to take a screenshot of important information in a banking app, messenger or game on Xiaomi, but instead of the saved image, you saw a notice "App forbids taking screenshots"? This problem is familiar to many owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphones - especially after updating MIUI or installing new versions of applications. What is the reason for blocking, and can it be avoided without risk to security?

Restrictions on screenshots are not a whim of Xiaomi developers, but a measure to protect confidential data. Banks, payment systems and even some social networks block this feature to prevent leakage of personal information (passwords, codes, correspondence). However, sometimes the ban works wrongly, for example, in games or streaming services where screenshots are not dangerous. In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to circumvent blocking, including MIUI settings, third-party utilities and little-known firmware.

Why apps block screenshots on Xiaomi

The main reason for the ban is the flag. FLAG_SECURE This parameter causes the system to hide content from screenshots, screen recordings, and even split-screen displays. On Xiaomi, locking is particularly tough because of the additional security mechanisms in the system. MIUI:

• 🔒 Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB) – block screenshots of pages with cards, codes and payments.
• 💬 Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram in secret chats) – prohibit the preservation of correspondence with encryption enabled.
• 🎮 Games with DRM (Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail – Protects content from distribution.
• 📺 Streaming services (Netflix, Disney)+) — Block screen recording to fight piracy.

The problem with Xiaomi is compounded by the fact that MIUI It can block screenshots even in applications where FLAG_SECURE This is due to the built-in antivirus, the Privacy Protection feature and Google Play Protect policies. MIUI 14 Redmi Note users 12 and POCO X5 faced with a massive blocking of screenshots in previously working applications.

⚠️ Attention: Bypassing screenshot blocking in banking applications may violate the terms of use and result in account blocking. ADB) Requires unlocking the bootloader, which cancels the warranty Xiaomi.

Method 1: Enabling Developer Mode and disabling MIUI protection

The safest method is to use hidden MIUI settings that allow you to temporarily disable screenshot protection.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version before the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Disable the protection of MIUI flags

Disable Flag Secure

Reset the device.

This method works on Xiaomi with MIUI 12-14 firmware, but may not be available on some models (e.g. Redmi 10A or POCO M4 Pro).

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Method 2: Using the Screen Recording function with a bypass

If screenshots are blocked but screen recording is allowed (e.g. in games), you can take a screenshot indirectly:

1. Run screen recording through the Quick Settings Panel (swipe down → Screen recording).
2. Open the app and record 2-3 seconds of content.
3. Stop recording and extract the frame from the video using any editor (such as CapCut or InShot).

This method is suitable for Netflix, YouTube Premium and other streaming services, where it is the screenshot, but not the recording, that is blocked, but the image quality will be lower than that of the original screenshot.

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If you're blocking your screen recording, try using an external camera (like another smartphone) to capture the screen, which is the most reliable, but inconvenient way.

Method 3: Installation of an alternative launcher (Nova, Hyperion)

Some third-party launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) allow you to bypass the MIUI restrictions on screenshots.

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Assign it as the default launcher in the settings (Settings → Applications → By default).
3. In the Nova settings, enable the option to Allow Screenshots (under the Lab or Experimental Features section).
4. Restart the launcher.

This method does not work on all Xiaomi models, but users of POCO F4 and Redmi K50 confirm its effectiveness for bypassing locks in Telegram and VK.

Method 4: Use of the ADB flag-drop FLAG_SECURE

For advanced users, there is a method of dropping the flag FLAG_SECURE through ADB (Android Debug Bridge This method requires unlocking the bootloader and can result in a data reset or blocking some features MIUI. Instructions:

1. Install ADB on your PC (download Google’s Platform Tools).
2. Connect Xiaomi to your computer and allow debugging over USB (Settings → Developers → USB debugging).
3. Open the command line in the folder with ADB Adb shell settings put global settings hidden_api_policy 1
4. Reboot the phone.

Then try to take a screenshot. If the lock is still there, follow the additional command:

adb shell am broadcast -a "miui.intent.action.OP_AUTO_START" --es "package" "com.miui.securitycenter"

⚠️ Note: Change the hidden settings through ADB may disrupt MIUI, including notifications, data protection and even causing a device to "brick" before executing commands, back up via Settings → System system → Backup.

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Method 5: Screenshots via Google Assistant (for MIUI 14+)

The latest versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS have the ability to take screenshots through Google Assistant, even if the app blocks the standard method.

1. Activate Google Assistant with the “OK, Google” voice command or hold the “Home” button.
2. Say, “Take a screenshot” or “Take a screenshot.”
3. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

This method bypasses the limitations of MIUI, as the screenshot is taken at the Android system level, not through the Xiaomi shell. However, it does not work in all applications (for example, in SberBank Online lock may remain).

Method 6: Using a second device (screen duplication)

If all the software methods don't work, you have to do a hard work bypass, which is duplicate the screen to another device.

• 📱 Second device (Xiaomi, iPhone or PC).
• 🔌 Cable USB-C/HDMI Adapter for wireless broadcasting (Miracast, Google Cast).
• 🖥️ Screen capture software (e.g, OBS Studio on PC).

Instructions:

1. Connect Xiaomi to a TV or monitor via HDMI (use a USB-C → HDMI adapter).
2. Run the desired application on the phone – its screen will be duplicated on the external display.
3. Take a photo of the external screen with another device or use the capture program on your PC.

This method is guaranteed to work 100% of the time, but requires additional hardware, suitable for taking screenshots from Netflix, Disney+ or banking applications where software bypassing is not possible.

Method 7: Install custom firmware (for advanced)

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, installing custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS) will completely remove MIUI restrictions, including screenshot blocking.

• ⚠️ Requires unlocking the bootloader (cancellation of warranty).
• 🔧 Possible bugs in the work of the camera, sensors or module NFC.
• 📱 Some features of Xiaomi, for example, IR-Game Turbo or Blaster may stop working.

If you do, follow the official instructions for your model on the XDA Developers forum, for example, Pixel Experience is suitable for POCO F3, which removes all MIUI restrictions, including screenshot blocking.

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Installing custom firmware is an extreme method. Before the procedure, check compatibility with your Xiaomi model and make a full data backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking screenshots on Xiaomi