Modern smartphone users constantly exchange visual information. Saving a conversation, recording an application error, sharing an interesting moment from a game, or saving a recipe - all this requires the ability to quickly capture an image from the display. On smartphones Xiaomi and Redmi this function is implemented as conveniently as possible, but the number of ways can confuse a beginner.
The shell MIUI (and its new version HyperOS) offers many tools for working with screenshots that go far beyond simple button presses. You can use physical keys, swipe gestures, a voice assistant, or even set a timer for snoozing. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods so that you can choose the most comfortable one for yourself.
Regardless of what model you have - budget Redmi Note or flagship Xiaomi 14, the basic principles of taking pictures remain the same. However, the location of some settings may vary slightly depending on the software version. Let's look at each method in detail.
The classic method using physical buttons
The most reliable and universal method that works on any device running Android, including products of the Chinese brand. It does not depend on gesture settings or sensor operation, so it always comes to the rescue in critical situations.
To take a photo, you need to simultaneously press two buttons: Volume down and Lock screen (Power). The pressure should be short, almost instantaneous. If you hold the buttons for too long, the phone may offer a shutdown menu or launch a voice assistant Google Assistant.
After successfully capturing an image, you will hear the characteristic camera shutter sound (if the sound is not muted), and a thumbnail will appear at the top of the screen. Thumbnail serves as a quick release access to editing or deleting an unsuccessful frame.
- 📸 The method works even when the interface is frozen if the system responds to hardware buttons.
- 🔋 Does not require additional settings in the menu, available out of the box.
- ⚡ Speed triggering is minimal, which is important for dynamic scenes.
- 🖐️ Requires the use of two hands or some skill when holding the phone with one hand.
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the reboot menu is called up instead of a screenshot. This occurs due to pressing too long. Practice making a short “click” with your fingers to avoid unnecessary menus.
If you have large fingers and it is difficult to reach both buttons at the same time, try first pressing the volume button, and then, without releasing it, instantly press the power button.
Three-finger screenshot (MIUI Gesture)
Smartphone owners Xiaomi often prefer this method due to its elegance and speed. It allows you to take a photo with one hand by simply swiping the screen. However, this feature may be disabled by default, so you need to activate it.
To enable it, go to the system settings. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Additional settings → Key combinations → Screenshot. Here you need to select the option Three fingers. After activation, simply swipe down with three fingers on any area of the screen.
This method is especially convenient when the phone is on the table or when the other hand is occupied. The system instantly recognizes the gesture and saves the image to the gallery. It is important to note that the gesture should be clear and tangential to the screen.
There is a nuance for models with protective glass or thick cases. The sensitivity of the sensor may be reduced and the phone may not recognize three fingers at once. In this case, try increasing the gesture speed or removing the case to check.
Using the notification shade and multitasking menu
If the physical buttons are damaged or gestures do not work, the software interface comes to the rescue. MIUI. In the control center (curtain), which is called up by swiping from top to bottom, there is a special icon for capturing the screen.
The icon usually looks like scissors against a square background. Just click on it and the screenshot will be created. This method is ideal when the phone is in front of you and you don’t want to reach for the side edges of the case.
Another hidden, but very convenient method is available in the running applications menu. Press the “Menu” button (square or swipe from below and hold, depending on navigation). At the top of the current application card you will see a number of icons, among which there is a Screenshot icon.
- 🔽 Notification curtain: convenient when the phone is lying on the table with the screen facing up.
- 📱 Multitasking menu: allows you to take a photo of a specific application without going into it.
- 🎨 Icons in the task menu also give access to screen recording and screen splitting.
In new versions HyperOS the curtain interface can be changed. If you don’t find the screenshot icon right away, click on the edit button (pencil) in the corner of the curtain and drag the “Screenshot” icon to the active area.
☑️ Setting up quick access
Long screenshot (Scrolling) for sites and correspondence
A standard photo captures only the visible area of the screen. But what to do if you need to save a long conversation in a messenger, an article in a browser, or a news feed? To do this, the Xiaomi function has been implemented Scrolling.
Immediately after creating a regular screenshot (by any method), a button with a down arrow appears in the upper right corner of the thumbnail. By clicking on it, the screen will automatically scroll down and “glue” the new area to the previous photo.
You can press this button repeatedly until you capture all the desired content. The process stops automatically when the end of the page is reached or manually by pressing the button Done. The resulting image will have a significant height.
| Content type | Recommended method | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Single application window | Buttons or Gesture | Maximum speed |
| Long article/site | Scrolling (Long Shot) | Information integrity |
| System settings | Notification curtain | Convenience without buttons |
| Error/Bug | Buttons + Editor | Ability immediately circle the problem |
Please note that the scrolling function does not work in some applications that block screenshots (for example, banking applications in incognito mode or video services with protected content). In such cases, you will receive a black screen or a restriction message.
Why does scrolling not work in some applications?
Application developers can programmatically prohibit the creation of screenshots for security reasons (protection of personal data, payment cards) or due to copyright (video content). In such cases, the Android system blocks the capture of the image buffer.
Delayed screenshot with timer
Sometimes the user needs to take a screenshot of a screen with a context menu, tooltip, or notification open that disappears when touched. Conventional methods will not help here, since pressing buttons or gestures closes the menu.
The solution is built-in Timer. To activate it, open the Screenshots app (or go to the screenshot settings via search in your phone settings). Select the option Timer and set the delay to 3 or 5 seconds.
After launch, you will have a few seconds to open the desired menu, minimize the keyboard or trigger a notification. After the time has passed, the phone will automatically take a snapshot of the current screen state.
⚠️ Note: When using a timer, make sure that the screen does not go dark before the snapshot is taken. Increase the sleep time in the display settings if the delay is 5 seconds or more.
This method is also useful for taking clean screenshots without unnecessary UI elements, such as the navigation bar or clock, if they overlap important information.
The timer is the only way capture open menus and notifications that disappear whenever you touch the screen.
Editing and managing pictures
Creating an image is only half the battle. The shell MIUI offers a powerful built-in editor that opens immediately after the thumbnail appears. Here you can crop the frame, add markup, add text, or blur sensitive data.
The Blur tool (blob icon) is especially useful for hiding phone numbers, passwords, or personal information before sending a screenshot to chat. You simply drag your finger over the area you want to hide.
Add function watermark with phone model and creation time is also available. This option is enabled in the main screenshot settings. Many users disable it to make their pictures look cleaner, but for technical support it can be useful.
- ✏️ Drawing: selecting color, brush thickness and line type (straight, arrow).
- 📝 Text: adding comments with the ability to change font size.
- ✂️ Cropping: trimming unnecessary fields to focus on the main thing.
- 🔍 Magnifier: enlarging a specific area for detail (available in new versions).
All edited images are saved as new files, the original remains unchanged unless you click the save button over the old file. This allows you to experiment with the design without the risk of losing the original frame.
⚠️ Attention: The editor interface can be updated with the release of new versions of MIUI. If you don't find the usual icon, look for it in the "More" menu (three dots) inside the editing mode.
Use the "Magic Erase" tool (if available on your model) to remove random objects from the background of the screenshot, although this function is more often intended for camera photos.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Despite the well-functioning system, users sometimes encounter problems. The most common is that the screenshot is not taken or a black screen remains. This is almost always related to the security policy of a particular application.
Banking applications, incognito browsers and streaming services (Netflix, KinoPoisk) block screen capture at the Android system level. In this case, you will receive a black snapshot or a notification that the action cannot be completed. There is no way around this using standard means.
Another problem is the random activation of gestures. If your phone responds to three-finger swipes when you're just scrolling through the feed, the sensitivity may be too high, or you may be accidentally touching three points on the screen. In this case, it is better to temporarily disable the gesture function.
Why is the screenshot saved in low quality?
Screenshots are saved in the native resolution of your screen. If the image appears blurry when sent, the problem is compression by the messenger (WhatsApp, Telegram). Send the file as “Document” or “File” to maintain the original quality.
Where are the taken screenshots stored?
By default, all pictures are saved in a folder DCIM/Screenshots in the internal memory. In the gallery they are displayed in a separate album “Screenshots”. The path to the file can be seen in the image properties.
Is it possible to change the format for saving a screenshot?
By default, the system uses the PNG format for maximum quality. Some versions of MIUI have the option to switch to JPG in the screenshot settings to save space, but this may reduce text clarity.
How to take a screenshot if the buttons are broken?
Use the notification shade, the voice command "Hey Google, take a screenshot" or connect a mouse/keyboard via OTG and use the keyboard shortcut (if supported).
Why doesn't long screenshot work?
The scrolling function is not supported in applications where the content is not scrolled in a standard way (for example, maps, some games) or where screen capture is prohibited.