MIUI 12 has revolutionized the user experience on devices Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, not only for its visual redesign, but also for its new and powerful functionalities, among which its advanced options for performing screenshotsThroughout this extensive article you will discover everything you need to know about the Screenshots in MIUI 12: from all the possibilities offered by the layer, its configuration methods, the immediate management and editing of images, the use of new functions such as partial and scrollable capture, to recommendations to get the most out of it in your daily work, whether you are a regular user or looking for professional or advanced solutions.
Visual and usability updates in MIUI 12 screenshots
MIUI 12 brought with it notable changes in the user interface, focusing especially on the comfort and fluidity of interaction. One of the main advances was the renewal of the navigation bar, which adopted an aesthetic and control dynamic inspired by the most modern Android experiences, making gestures for multitasking control and captures are much more intuitiveNow, with simple swipes from the edges or through customizable gestures, you can navigate, switch apps, and take screenshots quickly and efficiently.
In addition, the new features in the notification panel, which opts for a more organized "grid" layout, dark mode optimization for greater visual comfort during editing captures and a improved camera interface which makes it easy to quickly capture and manage images, including screenshots, in both bright and low-light environments.
How to take screenshots in MIUI 12: all the methods and tricks
One of the aspects where MIUI 12 shines especially is in the variety of methods available for taking screenshotsThey are suitable for both traditional users and those who prefer to innovate or automate the process. You can check out the following options below: all the possibilities, step by step:
- Physical buttons: The universal and best known method is to simultaneously press the power button on and of lower volumeIt's fast, works when your phone is locked, and requires no configuration.
- Notifications/Quick Access Panel: Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification panel and look for the icon screenshot (usually a pair of scissors). When touched, the capture is made instantly.
- Swipe three fingers: One of the star gestures in MIUI 12. You just have to slide three fingers down on the screen. This method may require you to activate it in Settings > Additional settings > Gesture shortcuts.
- Double Knuckle TapOn mid-range and high-end models with MIUI 12, you can enable the option to double-tap the screen with one knuckle to capture what you see. This option allows customization via advanced shortcut settings.
- Fast ball: MIUI incorporates the fastball, a customizable floating menu with shortcuts, including the ability to take screenshots. Go to Settings > Additional Settings > Fastball and activate the function.
- Accessibility menu: For users with accessibility needs, a floating menu with the option to quickly capture the screen. Activate it from Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility menu.
- Google Assistant: You can say "Hey Google, take a screenshot.» and the assistant will perform the action immediately. It's important to have permissions and voice activation configured.
- Customizable combination of buttons or gestures: From the shortcut menu, you can choose the combination you like best as a shortcut for the capture function.
- Specific path in MIUI 12.5 or higher: By holding down with three fingers or drawing a shape, you can select only a specific area of the screen to take a partial screenshot.
Note: All of these methods can coexist on a single device, and on most models, you can activate or deactivate each one based on your needs, providing an exceptional degree of customization.
Partial and scrolling screenshots: how to make the most of MIUI 12's new features
With MIUI 12 came two highly anticipated advanced features:
Partial screenshots
This function allows capture only a specific portion of the screen, perfect for when you don't want to share additional information or need to highlight a single element. To activate it:
- Press and hold the screen with three fingers or draw a circle with your knuckle (depending on your device settings).
- In the selection interface that appears, crop or draw the area you want to capture.
- You can choose a square, circular, or free-form selection; MIUI also allows you to edit a partial screenshot on the fly before saving or sharing it.
This option speeds up the process and eliminates the need to edit an entire image later, improving the privacy and accuracy of each capture.
Long or scrolling screenshots
With the long captures, MIUI 12 enables Capture entire pages, long chats, lists, or any content that requires scrolling.The process is:
- Take a traditional capture (by any method).
- In the thumbnail that appears, click the option Displace.
- The system will automatically scroll and generate a screenshot of the desired length. You can stop it whenever you want.
- Edit and save the extended capture, which you can then share or store as a single image.
These features make MIUI 12 one of the most flexible layers when it comes to sharing large visual content or highlighting only the relevant content.
Customizing gestures and shortcuts for screenshots in MIUI 12
One of the great advantages of MIUI over other Android layers is its high level of customizationFrom the settings screen, you can decide exactly how you want to take your screenshots and which combination or gesture you prefer:
- Gesture Settings: Enter to Settings > Additional settings > Gesture shortcuts to customize gestures like three-finger swipe, double-tap, or long press.
- Shortcut with buttons: You can remap the default physical button combination.
- Fastball: Customize the floating menu and place the capture option wherever you prefer for easy access.
- Accessibility menu: For users looking for accessibility, the floating menu and its shortcuts can be modified.
This flexibility allows the device to be adapted to people with different preferences, ergonomic needs, or even disabilities, while always ensuring maximum usability and quick access to key functions.
Advanced screenshot management and editing in MIUI 12
The interesting thing about MIUI 12 does not end with the ease of capturing the screen, but continues with a complete system for editing, managing and organizing images.
Instant editing after capture
When you take a screenshot (by any method), a pop-up menu appears with quick options for:
- Cut out the image to the desired size.
- Highlight important elements with lines, arrows or text.
- Edit the brightness, contrast and other parameters.
- Apply annotations and stickers to highlight important areas or customize the capture.
- Quick share the image via WhatsApp, social networks, email or other apps.
This "on the fly" edition allows you to capture professional, educational, or simply fun shots without relying on external applications.
Managing and organizing screenshots
- All screenshots are automatically stored in the folder Screenshots from the gallery.
- On newer models, you can also find screenshots in File Explorer, inside folders Pictures o DCIM.
- At present, It is not possible to modify the default folder to save screenshots in MIUI, but you can manually move them to an SD card if you want to free up space.
- Organization options include creating albums, grouping images by date, theme, capture type (full, partial, scrolling), and much more.
Advanced editing and extra options
In addition to native tools, you can enhance your captures using external editing apps such as Canva to add animations or convert images into videos, or with specific editing applications to adjust resolution, format or apply special effects before sharing them.
Other methods and tricks to take screenshots in MIUI 12: complete guide
MIUI 12 is suitable for both new and experienced users. If you're looking for alternatives to the usual methods, here are some additional tips and options:
- Use the accessibility quick menu: Perfect for those who prefer not to use physical buttons or have damaged buttons.
- Set the fastball action so that access to screenshots is always present in any app or screen.
- Customize the notification panel: Rearrange icons to access screenshots in the first row.
- On Redmi and POCO devices, all the methods explained work the same: physical buttons, gestures, quick panel and quick ball.
- Captures with third-party apps: If you are looking for even more advanced features, you can install applications like ScreenMaster, TouchShot o Screenshots of Touch, available on the Google Play Store. These apps allow for everything from automatic captures to advanced editing and direct uploads to the cloud or social networks.
- Zoomed-in or scrolling screenshots in chats and websites: Ideal for saving a complete WhatsApp conversation, an article, or a Twitter thread.
How to make the most of screenshots in the Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO ecosystem
Screenshots in MIUI 12 aren't just a tool for saving information. Their integration with the system and third-party apps allows them to be used in multiple ways:
- Sharing technical information in support forums or with other users.
- Save evidence of errors or important processes while using applications.
- Complement documents, tutorials or courses with explanatory images.
- Quickly send images to messaging services, email, or cloud storage.
- Create visual presentations, memes, or social content editing screenshots on the fly before sharing them.
- Protect your privacy: : Crop or use the partial feature to avoid sharing sensitive data.
- Sync your captures with Google Photos, Xiaomi Cloud or external backup services to never lose relevant information.
Troubleshooting common screenshot issues in MIUI 12
Although MIUI 12 is one of the most robust and versatile layers, issues may occasionally arise. The most common ones and their possible solutions are:
- The three-finger gesture doesn't work: Make sure the gesture is enabled in Accessibility Settings or Gesture Shortcuts.
- The "Move" option does not appear For long screenshots: You may be on a screen that doesn't support auto-scroll (some apps restrict this feature).
- Captures are not saved: Check that the internal memory is not full and that you have active permissions for the gallery app.
- The edit menu does not appear: This may be due to conflicts with third-party apps that block overlays or floating permissions.
- Screenshots cannot be shared.: Check the network settings and permissions of the apps you're trying to share with.
- Problems with the fastball: Restart your phone or reconfigure the fastball from additional settings.
In most cases, restarting the device or updating the system resolves most issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screenshots in MIUI 12
- Where are the screenshots stored? In the "Screenshots" folder in the gallery. On some devices, they also appear in Pictures or DCIM.
- Can I change where they are saved? Currently, MIUI does not allow you to change the default folder, but you can move them manually.
- Do all methods work on all Xiaomi models? Most do, although some options like the knuckle gesture may not be available on all models.
- What do I do if the physical buttons are damaged? Use gestures, the notification panel, the quick ball, or the accessibility menu.
- Can I edit and share a screenshot immediately? Yes, the quick edit menu and sharing options are available right after taking a screenshot.
- What's up with the privacy? If you share a screenshot, be sure to crop or black out any sensitive information first.
Nowadays, working, communicating, learning and even entertaining yourself from a Xiaomi mobile phone is much easier thanks to the versatility of the MIUI 12 screenshotsWith intuitive gestures, expanded functionality, and instant editing tools, you can customize the experience to your liking, save time, improve productivity, and share relevant content instantly—all with the flexibility, security, and customization that characterizes the Xiaomi ecosystem.
