Creating screenshots on smartphones Xiaomi s Android 10 seems like a simple task - until you come across unexpected nuances. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9T, POCO X3 etc.), shell version MIUI and even installed updates, the methods may differ. For example, on some devices, gestures are disabled by default, and the standard button combination does not work due to a conflict with protection against accidental clicks.

In this article we will analyze all current methods —from the classic key combination to hidden functions MIUI 11/12that work on Android 10. We will pay special attention to typical errors (for example, when a screenshot is taken but not saved) and alternative solutions for devices with faulty buttons. If you use Xiaomi on a newer version of Android, some of the methods will still work - check them at the end of the article.

📊 What Xiaomi model do you have?
Redmi Note 8/9/10
POCO F/X
Mi 9/10/11
Another model
Not I know

1. Standard method: combination of buttons

The most reliable method that works on 99% of Xiaomi devices s Android 10 is simultaneous pressing of physical buttons. However, there are pitfalls here: if you hold down the keys for too long, the smartphone may perceive this as an attempt shutdown/restart or activation Google Assistant.

How to correct:

  1. Open the screen you want to capture.
  2. Hold power button (right) and Volume down button (left) at the same time.
  3. Hold them no longer than 1 second until the characteristic shutter sound or the screen blinks.

⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) when held for a long time, the shutdown menu is triggered. If the screenshot does not work, try pressing faster or check the button settings in Settings → Buttons and gestures.

Make sure the screen is not locked

Turn off Do Not Disturb mode (maybe block screenshot notifications)

Check free memory space (minimum 50 MB)

Turn off the "Protection against accidental clicks" functions (if activated)

-->

2. Gestures in MIUI: screenshot with three fingers

The shell MIUI offers a unique function - creating a screenshot swiping three fingers across the screen. This method is especially useful if the physical buttons on your smartphone are damaged or unresponsive. However, by default the gesture can be disabled.

How to enable and use:

  1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Gestures screenshot.
  2. Activate the switch Screenshot with three fingers.
  3. Select the direction of the gesture: down (recommended) or up.
  4. Swipe the screen with three fingers in a given direction - the screenshot will be saved automatically.

🔹 Tip: If the gesture does not work, try:

  • 🧹 Clear the system cache in Settings → Applications → Application management → Three dots → Clear cache.
  • 🔄 Restart your smartphone - sometimes gestures “freeze” after prolonged use.
  • 📱 Check the sensitivity of the sensor: perhaps your fingers are not touching the screen tightly enough.
💡

If the three-finger screenshot conflicts with other gestures (for example, going back), disable unnecessary combinations in Settings → System settings → Gestures.

3. Quick settings panel: an alternative to buttons

A little-known method is to use notification panels. This method is suitable for devices where physical buttons or gestures do not work. The main condition: the panel must be expanded completely (not a shortened version).

Instructions:

  1. Scroll down the screen twiceto open the full notification panel.
  2. Find the icon Screenshot (usually located in the bottom row next to Flashlight i Airplane mode).
  3. Tap on it and the smartphone will take a screenshot.

⚠️ Attention: If there is no icon, you need to add it manually:

  1. Expand the notification panel and press Edit (pencil icon).
  2. Find it in the list Screenshot and drag it to the active area.
What to do if the panel notifications does not open?

If the panel "sticks" and does not open completely, this may be due to:

- Launcher error (restart your smartphone or reset the launcher settings in Settings → Applications → Launcher).

- Conflict with the shell (try installing a third-party launcher, for example Nova Launcher).

- Lack of RAM (close background applications through Recent applications).

4. Voice assistant: screenshot by command

If it is more convenient for you to control your smartphone by voice, Google Assistant or Alice from Yandex will help you take a screenshot without pressing buttons. This method works even on a locked screen (if voice access is enabled).

How to activate:

  • 🎤 For Google Assistant:
    1. Say: "Okay, Google, take a screenshot".
    2. Confirm the action on the screen (if required).
  • 🗣️ For Alice:
    1. Activate the assistant with a button or voice.
    2. Say: "Take a screenshot of the screen".

      3. 🔹 Restrictions:

      • Voice commands may not work in some applications (for example, in banking or with a high level of security).
      • On some firmware MIUI voice screenshot is disabled - check the permissions for the assistant in Settings → Applications → Special access.

      5. Third-party applications: advanced capabilities

      If the built-in methods are not satisfactory (for example, you need Screenshots of scrolling pages or on-the-fly editing), you should pay attention to third-party utilities. We tested 5 popular applications - the results are in the table below.

      Application Features Cons Compatible with MIUI
      Screenshot Easy Screenshots with gestures, timer, editor Advertising in the free version ✅ Works stably
      Super Screenshot Scrolling pages, screen recording Requires root for some functions ⚠️ May conflict with MIUI 12
      Screen Master Animations, cloud saving Paid features ✅ Optimized for Xiaomi
      AZ Screen Recorder Screenshots + video recording High consumption batteries ✅ Supports Android 10

      Important: When installing third-party applications for screenshots, disable system protection in Settings → Privacy → Special permissions → Screen recording, otherwise the utilities will not be able to work.

      6. Problems and solutions: why screenshots are not saved

      Frequent user complaint Xiaomi on Android 10 - screenshots are taken, but does not appear in the gallery are saved in an unknown location. Reasons and solutions:

      • 📁 Wrong saving folder:

        By default, screenshots are in /Pictures/Screenshots/. If the folder is damaged, the smartphone can save files to a temporary directory. Check through Explorer or recreate the folder manually.

      • 🚫 Application restrictions:

        Some apps (for example Netflix or banking applications) block the creation of screenshots for reasons security. In this case, only third-party software with a function will help. data-i="191">(requires bypass protection (For example, Screenshot Touch).

      • 🔄 Media service failure:

        If screenshots are taken but not shown in either the gallery or File Explorer, restart the media service: 

        adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.media

        (required ADB and USB debugging).

    💡

    If screenshots are saved but not displayed in the gallery, try using an alternative file manager (for example Solid Explorer) - sometimes the system gallery MIUI " sees" new files before rebooting.

    7. Where to find the taken screenshots

    By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi are saved in the folder Pictures/Screenshots/. However, the path may vary depending on the creation method:

    • 📂 Standard methods (buttons/gestures): /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/
    • 🤖 Google Assistant: /DCIM/Screenshots/ (sometimes duplicates files)
    • 📱 Third-party applications: the path is specified in the app settings (most often /Pictures/[Application_name]/)

      • 🔹 How to quickly open a folder:

      1. Immediately after taking a screenshot, tap on the notification "Screenshot saved" - a preview with a button will open "Share" or "Edit".
      2. Or open Gallery, go to album "Screenshots" (usually displayed separately from photos).
    💡

    To automatically upload screenshots to the cloud, turn on synchronization in Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud → Gallery. will protect files when you reset the phone.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about screenshots on Xiaomi

    Can I take a screenshot on a locked screen?

    No, for security reasons Android 10 blocks the creation of screenshots on the lock screen. The exception is voice commands via Google Assistant (if access from the locked screen is enabled in the assistant settings).

    Why does the screenshot turn out black?

    This is a typical problem when trying to take a picture in protected applications (banks, messengers with encryption, some games). Solutions:

    • Use external camera (for example, another smartphone).
    • Try third-party utilities with the function DRM bypass (for example, Screenshot Ultimate).

    How to make a long screenshot (of a scrolling page)?

    In MIUI 11/12 on Android 10 this function is built into the system tools:

    1. Take a regular screenshot in any way.
    2. Immediately after the appearance thumbnail in the lower right corner, tap on it.
    3. Select "Scroll" (icon with down arrows) and wait until the entire page is captured.

    If the option is missing, install LongShot or Stitch & Share from Google Play.

    Screenshots are saved in low quality. How to fix?

    By default Xiaomi compresses screenshots to the screen resolution (for example, FHD+ instead of 4K on some models).To increase quality:

    1. Use ADB command: 
      adb shell setprop persist.sys.screenshot.quality 100

      (requires developer rights).

    2. Or install Screenshot Pro —the application saves pictures in the original resolution.

    Is it possible to turn off the shutter sound when taking a screenshot?

    Yes, but this requires intervention in system files:

    1. Install MiXplorer (with root access) and go to /system/media/audio/ui/.
    2. Rename or delete the file screenshot.ogg.
    3. Reboot your smartphone.

    ⚠️ Without root access, you cannot turn off the sound - this is a limitation Android 10.