Taking a screenshot on Xiaomi smartphones has become such a common action that we often perform it automatically, without thinking about the mechanism. However, the interface MIUI and the new shell HyperOS provides users with much more options than the standard key combination. Device owners often don't even realize that they can take long snapshots of scrolling pages or delay the creation of a frame for several seconds.
In this guide, we will look at all the available methods for taking screenshots, from classic to advanced tools built into the system. You will learn how to set up gestures for instantly capturing an image with one hand and how to manage a gallery of captured images.
The classic method through physical buttons
The most reliable and universal method, which works on the vast majority of models, including budget series Redmi and flagship Xiaomiis to simultaneously pressing two hardware keys. You need to hold down the button Volume down and the button Power at the same time.
You don’t need to hold them for a long time - a short but clear press is enough. If you overpress the buttons, the smartphone may perceive this as a command to call up the emergency call menu or turn off the power, which will cause unnecessary questions.
After successful image capture, a special notification panel will appear at the top of the screen. It allows you to instantly move on to editing, send a file to messenger, or immediately delete a bad frame. This method is ideal when the screen is locked or the application does not respond to touches.
⚠️ Attention: On some secure corporate applications or banking apps, the screenshot function may be blocked by software. In such cases, you will see a notification that you cannot take a photo due to security reasons.
If the buttons are physically worn out or stuck, use the software methods described below to avoid further damaging the key mechanism.
Using gestures in MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi skins are famous for their functionality, and taking a screenshot three fingers is one of the most popular tricks. To activate this option, go to settings and find the Additional functionssection. Here you will need the item Screenshot.
In the gesture settings menu, you can select the direction of the swipe. By default, the system suggests swiping with three fingers from top to bottom, but for left-handers or when using the phone in landscape mode, you can configure the swipe from left to right or vice versa.
This method is especially convenient when you need to quickly save information while reading a news feed or correspondence, without taking your other hand away from holding the device. The system instantly responds to the touch of three fingers, making a characteristic camera shutter sound.
☑️ Setting up a three-finger gesture
It is worth noting that on some older models or custom firmware this gesture may conflict with other system commands. If swiping doesn't work, check to see if One-Handed Mode or accessibility features are enabled for people with disabilities who intercept multi-touch gestures.
Screenshot through the notification panel and menu
If the physical buttons seem awkward to you and the gestures don't work, there's always a fallback option through the interface. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open notification curtain. Among the quick access icons you will find an icon in the form of scissors.
Clicking on this icon instantly creates a snapshot of the current display contents. This method often saves you when one of the volume buttons is broken or when the smartphone is lying on the table and it is difficult to reach the side edges.
In addition, the “Screen Recording” button is often available in the same menu. It allows you to capture not a static image, but a whole video of actions on the screen with sound. This is an indispensable tool for creating instructions or recording moments from games.
⚠️ Attention: The screenshot icon may be hidden in additional curtain pages. Pull the curtain sideways or click the edit button to add a shortcut to the main quick access panel.
Delayed screenshot feature
One of the most underrated features is the delayed screenshot feature. It allows you to avoid blurring the image when you press buttons or gives you time to open the desired context menu, which usually disappears when you touch the screen.
To use this option, after taking a regular screenshot (by any method), click on the thumbnail of the notification that appears. In the editor that opens, select the timer icon. The system will offer a delay of 3 or 5 seconds.
After setting the timer, minimize the editor and prepare the scene. For example, open a drop-down menu in a game or select text in a document. When the time is up, the smartphone will automatically take a photo. This is critical to creating quality instructions.
Why is a delayed screenshot better than a regular one?
When you press normally, your finger or cursor may block an important part of the interface. Deferred mode allows you to remove your hands from the screen before capturing the frame, making the image clean and professional.
Creating long screenshots (Scrolling)
Often there is a need to save the entire page of a website, a long correspondence in an instant messenger, or a document that does not fit on one screen. For this purpose, Xiaomi has implemented the function of extended screenshot.
Immediately after taking a regular photo, a button with a down arrow or a “Scroll” icon will appear in the corner of the panel that appears. By pressing it, you force the screen to scroll down, automatically “stitching” new areas into one long image.
The process can be stopped at any time by clicking on the stop button or simply tapping the screen. The system itself will cut off the extra empty fields at the bottom if the content ends before you press stop.
| Creation method | Speed | Convenience | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons (Volume + Power) | Instant | High | Always works, even when the touchscreen freezes |
| Three-finger gesture | Instant | Maximum | Requires preliminary configuration in the menu |
| Notification curtain | Medium | Medium | Convenient when the phone is on the table |
| Voice assistant | Low | Low | Useful when your hands are busy or dirty |
Where they are stored and how to edit pictures
All created images are automatically saved in the system application Gallery. They end up in a separate album, which is called “Screenshots”. This allows you not to mix personal photos with technical shots of the interface.
The built-in Xiaomi editor offers a powerful set of tools. You can crop an image, draw arrows on it, add text, or blur sensitive data (such as card numbers or addresses) using the Magic tool.
If you use HyperOS, the editing options have become even wider: the system offers to automatically remove reflections of people in the mirror or cut out objects from the frame using AI. For screenshots, this is useful if you need to remove unnecessary interface elements before publishing.
⚠️ Attention: When clearing memory through the Security application, screenshots often end up in the list of files to be deleted. Be careful not to accidentally erase important data when freeing up space.
The album with screenshots is synchronized with the Xiaomi Cloud if this function is enabled. This guarantees the safety of data even if the phone is lost.
Problem solving and frequently asked questions
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that screenshots are not created or are saved in black. Most often, this is due to Android security restrictions in specific applications (banks, browser incognito mode).
In other cases, the problem may lie in a lack of free memory. If the smartphone's storage is full to capacity, the system simply will not be able to write a new file. Clearing the cache or deleting unnecessary videos usually solves this problem.
It is also worth checking the permissions for the Gallery application or the system screenshot service in the permissions settings. Accidentally disabling storage can block the snapshot function.
Why does the screenshot turn out black in some applications?
This is standard Android protection. Applications with a high level of security (banking clients, instant messengers with secret chats) prohibit image capture at the system level to prevent leakage of confidential data. There is no way around this using standard means.
Is it possible to take a screenshot in split screen mode?
Yes, the function works correctly. The snapshot will contain an image of both running applications at the same time. However, editing such a long image can be difficult due to the non-standard aspect ratio.
How to send a screenshot immediately after taking it without going to the gallery?
Immediately after taking the photo, a thumbnail appears in the corner. Click on it and then select the Share icon in the bottom bar of the editor. You can send the file directly to any messenger.
In what format are screenshots saved on Xiaomi?
By default, the system uses the PNG format for maximum lossless quality. In camera settings or special utilities, you can sometimes find the option to save as JPG to save space, but the standard is PNG.