Smartphone users Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO often face the need to save an image from the screen for correspondence, instructions, or just memory. The operating system MIUI and the new one HyperOS offer many variations in performing this action, which can confuse a beginner. Unlike pure Android, it implements unique tools for editing and sending files immediately after creation.
In this article we will examine in detail standard key combinations, specific system gestures and hidden settings that turn creating pictures into a convenient process. You will learn how to intercept long pages of websites and why sometimes the usual method stops working.
The classic method through physical buttons
The most reliable and universal method that works on any firmware version, including the oldest and newest. You need to find the Power button and the volume rocker on the device body.
Press the Volume Down (Volume Down) and Powerkey simultaneously. There is no need to hold them, a short but clear press is enough. If you press too slowly, the device may perceive this as an attempt to bring up the shutdown menu or volume adjustment.
The success of the operation is accompanied by the characteristic sound of the camera shutter (if the sound is not turned off) and a visual flash of the screen. A thumbnail will appear in the upper left corner, and when you click on it, the built-in screenshot editorwill open. This method works even in safe mode, when other functions may be limited.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with curved screen edges or cases with thick sides, you need to press the buttons with force to avoid accidental activation of only one key.
Using three fingers for quick capture
The company Xiaomi has introduced an extremely convenient gesture that allows you to take pictures with one hand. By default, this feature may be disabled, so the first thing you need to do is check the gesture settings in the system.
To activate the option, go to the menu Settings → Additional features → Screenshot. Here, find the “Three fingers” item and move the switch to the active position. After this, just swipe three fingers from top to bottom in the center of the display.
This method is ideal for situations when the phone is on the table or when the other hand is occupied. The system instantly recognizes movement and creates an image.
If the gesture doesn't work, check to see if you've enabled Glove Mode or special accessibility settings that might block multi-touch gestures. In some game modes (Game Turbo), this gesture can be reassigned to other actions.
Press three fingers on the screen for a couple of seconds instead of swiping - this will also work as a trigger for taking a screenshot on some versions of MIUI.
Control through the notification shade
For those who prefer control through the interface rather than physical manipulation, a special icon is provided in the notification shade. This is especially true if the buttons on the device body have looseness or are faulty.
Swipe from top to bottom to open the control center. Find an icon with the name Screenshot (usually looks like scissors or a camera). Click on it and the system will automatically make a copy of the current display contents.
If you don't see this icon right away, it may be hidden in the secondary menu. Click on the pencil icon or the tile editing button in the corner of the curtain. Drag the “Screenshot” icon to the area of active elements so that it is always at hand.
☑️ Setting up quick access
Long screenshot: how to capture the entire page
One of the most popular features in the ecosystem Xiaomi is the ability to create “long” screenshots. This is indispensable when saving correspondence in instant messengers, articles in the browser or long lists in applications.
Immediately after taking a regular screenshot (in any way convenient for you), a thumbnail will appear in the corner. Click on the button Scrolling (or the down arrow icon). The device will automatically scroll down the page, adding new areas to the image.
You can stop scrolling by pressing the screen or the stop button. The system will automatically glue all the parts into one long, high-quality image. However, there are limits on the maximum length of such an image, depending on the version Android.
| Capture method | Convenience | Speed | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons (Volume + Power) | Medium | High | Always |
| Three-finger gesture | High | Instant | Requires settings |
| Notification curtain | Low (two hands) | Medium | Unlocked screen only |
| Voice command | High | Low | Internet/microphone required |
Why does a long screenshot break off?
A long screenshot can break automatically if there are elements on the page that the system cannot correctly process (for example, maps, video players or protected blocks of content).
Voice control and Google assistant
Modern smartphones allow you to control functions without touching the screen, using voice commands. This is convenient when your hands are busy or dirty. To do this, use the built-in assistant Google Assistant or Mi AI.
Say the phrase “Okay, Google” or activate the assistant with the button. Then say the command: "Take a screenshot". The system will fulfill the request and save the image to the gallery. This method works in almost all applications, except those where content capture is prohibited.
You can also use an application Mi Remote (if it is installed and configured), where there is a gesture control function, but voice input remains the most stable option for remote control. Make sure that the device microphone is working and has access to the network.
⚠️ Attention: Voice control will not work in applications with a high level of security (banking clients, incognito browser mode), as this is prohibited by the security policy Android.
Where to look for saved images and how to edit them
After After creating a screenshot, the file is automatically saved to the internal memory of the device. You can find it through the app Gallery in the “Screenshots” album or through the file manager along the path DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots.
The built-in editor allows you to crop the image, draw arrows on it, add text or blur confidential information. These tools are available immediately after taking a photo by clicking on the thumbnail. Do not ignore them, as this saves time on installing third-party applications.
Files can be instantly sent via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or messengers using the “Share” button directly from the preview interface. The system also offers to recognize the text in the image (OCR) for its subsequent copying.
All screenshots are saved by default in the internal memory in the Pictures/Screenshots folder, but the path may vary slightly depending on the Android version.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Sometimes users encounter a situation where the screenshot is not created. A black screen instead of an image usually means that an app is protecting content (like Netflix or banking software). In such cases, it is impossible to take a picture using standard means.
If the buttons do not respond, check the physical condition of the keys. In rare cases, rebooting the device or clearing the cache of the Screenshot system application through application settings helps. Also make sure that there is enough free space on the disk.
In new versions HyperOS the interface may differ from the usual MIUI. If you do not find the menu items you need, use the settings search by entering the query “screenshot”. Interfaces are updated and the arrangement of elements may change.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface and the location of menu items may differ depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12, 13, 14, HyperOS) and the regional version of the device (Global, China, EEA).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions questions
Why does the screenshot turn out black in some applications?
This is content copy protection (DRM). Apps like banks, streaming services and browsers in incognito mode block screenshots from being taken at the Android security level to protect your data.
Is it possible to change the saving format of screenshots to PNG or JPG?
By default, the system saves images in PNG format for maximum quality. This cannot be changed using standard means, but you can use third-party converters or photo editing applications after taking a photo.
How to turn off the shutter sound when taking a screenshot?
The sound of the screenshot is tied to the volume of media or notifications. To take a photo silently, set your phone to Silent or Vibrate mode before taking the image. There is no separate setting just for the sound of a screenshot in MIUI.
Where do screenshots go if I don’t see them in the gallery?
Check the folder .thumbnails or use a file manager to search by creation date. Sometimes files are hidden due to a failure of the media scanner - in this case, rebooting the phone or clearing the cache of the Gallery application will help.
Does taking a screenshot work in Recovery mode?
No, in Recovery mode (bootloader or recovery menu) standard functions of the operating system, including creating screenshots with a combination buttons or gestures are disabled. Only logging through a connection to a PC works there.