Taking a screenshot is one of the basic functions of any modern smartphone, but on devices Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO this process has many nuances that not all users know. The standard shell MIUI and the new HyperOS offer a wide range of image capture tools that go beyond simply pressing two buttons. From classic hardware keys to advanced gestures and voice commands, the choice of method depends solely on your personal preferences and situation.
Understanding that how to take a screenshot on Android Xiaomican significantly speed up the workflow, whether it is saving correspondence, fixing an error in an application, or creating instructions. In this article, we will analyze in detail each available method, including hidden settings that are often ignored when setting up the device for the first time. You will learn how to set up convenient access to this function and what additional features the built-in image editor provides.
It is worth noting that the location of menu items and item names may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system and the specific model of your gadget. However, the basic operating principles remain the same across the entire brand ecosystem. We will consider both universal solutions and specific features that are available only on top models with advanced interface functionality.
The classic method through hardware buttons
The most common and reliable method, which works on any device running Android, including products Xiaomi, involves the use physical key combination. To implement this method, you must simultaneously press the power (lock) button and the volume down button. It is important to maintain the synchronization of pressing: if you hold down the power button too early, the shutdown menu will appear, not a screenshot.
If the action is successfully completed, the system will make a characteristic camera shutter sound, and a thumbnail of the captured image will appear at the top of the display. This notification allows you to instantly edit or share a file without opening the gallery. This method is considered a universal solutionas it does not depend on gesture settings and works even in safe mode or when the touch layer freezes.
However, this method has a significant drawback: the need to use two hands or difficult finger coordination when holding the phone with one hand. On models with a large screen, reaching the volume keys while holding the device can be problematic. In such situations, users often turn to software control methods that require only one touch or movement.
⚠️ Attention: If pressing buttons results in a shutdown menu instead of a screenshot, try pressing the Volume Down button a split second before the Power button. This small timing often solves the problem on older versions of shells.
Using the control panel (curtain)
For those who find it inconvenient to reach for the side keys, the developers MIUI have implemented a special icon in the control center. To use this method, simply swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification shade and toggles. Among the many icons, you need to find an icon with the image of scissors, which is usually signed as “Screenshot.”
This method is especially relevant when the phone is on the table or you are holding it in one hand and the other is occupied. Pressing the virtual button in the interface requires minimal effort and ensures that the lock menu does not accidentally trigger. In addition, the icon can be moved to the top row of the most used switches for quick access in any situation.
If you do not find the icon you need in the first screen of the curtain, it may be hidden in the additional menu. Click on the panel's edit button (usually a pencil or gear icon in the corner) and drag the "Screenshot" shortcut to the active area. After this simple setup, the function will always be at hand, which makes the process of saving information as fast and intuitive as possible.
Control gestures and interface settings
Shells from Xiaomi are famous for their advanced customization capabilities, and gesture control occupies a special place here. One of the most popular methods is to swipe down with three fingers from top to bottom of the screen. This function is not activated by default on all devices, so it must be enabled in the system settings.
To activate, go to the section Settings, then select the item Advanced settings or Advanced, and then find the subsection Gestures and quick access. Here you will need the option Three-finger screenshot. After enabling the slider, you can take screenshots in one smooth motion, which is extremely convenient when viewing long pages in the browser or social networks.
In addition to the standard gesture, some firmware versions offer the function of taking a snapshot by tapping the screen with two fingers or drawing a corner from the edge of the display. These settings allow you to adapt controls to the user's individual habits. The flexibility of the system MIUI interface allows everyone to find the most ergonomic option for interacting with a smartphone without the need to constantly use hardware keys.
☑️ Setting up gestures on Xiaomi
Long screenshots and content scrolling
Often there is a need to save not just one screen of information, but an entire article, correspondence in a messenger or an entire web page. For these purposes, smartphones Xiaomi implement the “Long Screenshot” or “Scrolling” function. After taking a regular screenshot in any convenient way, an additional button with a down arrow appears at the bottom of the preview.
Clicking on this button starts the content to automatically scroll down. The system itself captures new areas of the screen and glues them into a single long image. The process continues until you click the stop button or the scrolling content ends. This is an indispensable tool for saving instructions, recipes or long dialogues.
It is worth considering that the scrolling function may not work on screens where the content is copy-protected, or in applications with non-standard layout. In such cases, the system will automatically stop capturing. However, for most standard applications and browsers, this mechanism works flawlessly, saving time on manually creating a series of individual snapshots.
⚠️ Attention: When creating long screenshots on sites with “lazy loading” (when content is loaded as you scroll), image tearing is possible. Pause or use the browser's reading mode for better results.
Long screenshot limitations
The maximum length of the final image is limited by the screen resolution and processor capabilities. Panoramas that are too long may be automatically cropped by the system or saved with a loss of quality in the lower part.
Voice control and assistants
Modern smartphones allow you to control many functions without using your hands, and taking screenshots is no exception. If you have activated Google Assistant or a proprietary voice assistant Xiao AI (in Chinese firmware versions), you can simply say the command. For global firmware versions, the most effective phrase is “Ok Google, take a screenshot” or “Take a screenshot.”
This method is ideal in situations where your hands are busy, for example, while cooking, driving (when using a holder) or working with other devices. Voice control is also useful for people with disabilities who have difficulty making precise presses or complex gestures. The accuracy of command recognition depends on the quality of the microphone and the noise level in the room.
To use this function, you must make sure that system control and screen access are allowed in the assistant settings. Sometimes permissions may be reset after a software update, so it's a good idea to check your privacy and permissions settings. Voice input adds another level of convenience to using the device, making it a truly smart assistant.
Searching and editing saved pictures
After you've taken a screenshot, it's important to know where to find it and how to quickly process it. By default, all screenshots are saved in the system folder DCIM/Screenshots or in a separate album "Screenshots" in the Gallery application. In the interface MIUI Immediately after capture, a floating window with a thumbnail appears, which disappears after a few seconds if left undisturbed.
Clicking on this thumbnail opens a built-in editor that offers a wide range of tools. You can crop an image, add text, draw arrows or shapes, blur sensitive data, and apply stickers. The presence of a powerful built-in editor eliminates the need to install third-party applications for basic graphics processing.
If you missed the point of editing right after creation, don’t worry. Open any photo in the gallery and the edit button will be available in the bottom menu. Modern algorithms Xiaomi also offer automatic improvements and design options, which makes the process of preparing an image for sending as simple and fast as possible.
Use the "Magic Erase" function in the screenshot editor of new versions of HyperOS to automatically remove unnecessary objects or text from the image.
Comparison of methods and elimination problems
Each of the considered methods has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the usage scenario. To help you choose the best option, we have compiled a summary table comparing the main methods according to key parameters. This will allow you to understand which method is best suited for your specific tasks.
| Method | Access speed | One-handed convenience | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons | High | Low | Maximum |
| Curtain | Medium | High | High |
| Gesture (3 fingers) | Maximum | Medium | High |
| Voice | Low | Maximum | Medium |
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where screenshots are not created or saved. Most often, the reason lies in the device’s full memory or missing permissions in the Gallery application. Check the available storage space and make sure that system components have access to write files.
It is also worth remembering that in some applications, especially banking or secure streaming services, the creation of screenshots may be blocked at the security level. In this case, instead of the image, you will receive a black screen or a ban notification. This is not a malfunction of the phone, but a consequence of the security policy of application developers.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and menu names may change with firmware updates. If you do not find the described items, use the settings search by entering the word “screenshot” or “snapshot.”
The most universal and reliable method remains a combination of buttons, but for daily use, three-finger gestures provide the best balance of speed and convenience.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is the screenshot saved in low quality?
Usually screenshots are saved in the native screen resolution. If the quality seems low, check your camera settings (this doesn't affect screenshots, but users often get confused) or make sure you're not viewing a compressed copy in Messenger. In rare cases, the problem may be a theme that conflicts with rendering.
Is it possible to change the screenshot saving format to PNG or JPG?
By default, the system uses the PNG format for maximum quality. In the standard settings MIUI there is no direct option to change the format for screenshots, however, when sent through some messengers or editors, the file can be converted. For conversion, it is better to use third-party applications or online services.
How to turn off the shutter sound when taking a screenshot?
The sound of the screenshot is tied to the overall volume level of media or notifications. To take a photo silently, put your phone in silent or do not disturb mode before capturing the screen. There is usually no separate setting only for the sound of a screenshot in global firmware versions.
Where are screenshots stored after they are deleted from the gallery?
If you delete a screenshot from the gallery, it is moved to the trash, where it is stored for 30 days. After emptying the Recycle Bin, recovery is only possible using specialized data recovery software, and even then it is not always successful. Regularly backup important images to cloud storage.
Do screenshots work in split screen mode?
Yes, taking screenshots is fully supported in split screen mode. The snapshot will capture the area of both active applications at the same time. The long screenshot function in this mode is usually not available, since scrolling only works for one active window.