How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni), released in 2017, is still popular with users due to the reliability and support of MIUI. However, many owners face difficulties when trying to take a screenshot - especially if they are used to other brands. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to take screenshots on Redmi 4X, including little-known firmware chips, and also solve typical problems (for example, when screenshots are not saved or buttons do not work).

It is important to note that the methods may differ depending on the version of MIUI (8 to 12.5) and the installed shell (Global, China, EU).We tested each method on the original firmware and custom builds - all instructions are relevant for Redmi 4X with Android 6.0-7.1.2. If your smartphone runs on a newer version of MIUI (for example, after a manual upgrade), some menu items may be called differently - we will warn you about this separately.

1. Classic method: power and volume buttons

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 4X. Suitable for any situation - from saving correspondence to fixing errors in applications.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (such as a page in your browser or a WhatsApp dialog).
2. Press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left) at the same time.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X With worn buttons, only one tap can work (for example, turning off the screen instead of a screenshot:

• 🔧 Press buttons with greater force, but no longer than 3 seconds (otherwise the switch off menu will be turned on).
• 📱 Turn the phone over and press the buttons with your thumb and index finger (so it is more convenient to control the force).
• 🔄 Repeat the attempt after restarting the device (sometimes helps with system freezes).

Where to look for a finished screenshot? By default, files are saved to the DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots folder. To quickly open the last shot, tap the screenshot notification in the curtain (if it has not disappeared).

2.The three-finger gesture is a quick way without buttons

A MIUI signature feature that eliminates the need to pinch physical buttons. On the Redmi 4X, this gesture works since the MIUI 8 firmware version, but it's often disabled by default. Here's how to activate and use it:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special features → Three finger gesture.
2. Turn on the switch opposite the Screenshot item (or Screenshot in older versions).
3. Select the action: swipe down (recommended) or up with three fingers.

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Place three fingers (for example, index, middle and ring fingers) on the screen.
2. Quickly swipe them from top to bottom (or vice versa, depending on the settings).
3. The screenshot will be saved automatically – without sound, but with a visual prompt (blinking screen).

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If the gesture doesn’t work, check if it conflicts with other functions (such as a gesture to take a screenshot in games). Turn off unnecessary gestures in Settings → System → Gestures

🔹 Pros of the method: buttons do not wear out, works even with a broken screen (if the sensor is functional).

🔹 Cons: randomly triggered when scrolling pages, does not work in some games (where gestures are blocked).

3. Screenshot via notification panel (MIUI 9 and later)

If your Redmi 4X is upgraded to MIUI 9 or higher, a special button for screenshots appears in the notification curtain, which is convenient when you need to take a series of screenshots in a row (for example, for instructions).

Instructions:

1. Open the screen.
2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
3. Find the Scissors icon (or Screenshot) and click on it.

⚠️ If there is no button, you need to add it manually:

1. Click on Edit (pencil icon) in the upper right corner of the curtain.
2. Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.
3. Save the changes.

This method is especially useful if you don’t have physical buttons working or you often take screenshots on social media (for example, to save stories on Instagram).

4.Voice command "Take a Screenshot"

Few people know, but Xiaomi Redmi 4X supports voice control of screenshots through the built-in assistant Google Assistant or Mi Assistant (in Chinese firmware), this method is useful if your hands are busy or the sensor / buttons are not working.

How to activate:

• 🎤 Say “OK Google” (if voice search is set up) or hold the Home button to call an assistant.
• 📝 Dictate the command: “Take a screenshot”, “screenshot” or “Screenshot” (in English it works more reliably).
• 📱 Wait for confirmation – the screen will blink, and the file will be saved in the gallery.

⚠️ Note: The function is required for operation:

• 🌐 Internet connection (for voice processing).
• 🔊 Enabled microphone (check permissions for Google in Settings) → Annexes → Permits).
• 🗣 Configured voice assistant (in Settings) → Google → Voice search).

If the voice command is not working, try an alternative:

1. Open Google Assistant manually (holding the Home button).
2. In the text box, type: “Take a screenshot”.
3. Press Send.

5. Screenshot via computer (ADB)

If the Redmi 4X screen breaks but the smartphone is turned on, you can take a screenshot via your computer using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tool, which is also useful for developers or when debugging applications.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the developer mode on the phone: Settings → About the phone → MIUI version (click 7 times)
2. Activate debugging via USB: Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging via USB
3. Connect Redmi 4X to your computer and confirm your trust.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type in: adb devices (you should display your device).
5. Take a screenshot with the command: adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
6. Download the file to your computer: adb pull /sdcard/screen.png

📌 Where to look for a screenshot? screen.png file will be saved in the same folder from where you started ADB. If you need high-resolution screenshots, add a parameter. -d status-bar:

adb shell screencap -d -p /sdcard/screen_full.png

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ADB-Screenshots are saved in format PNG without compression, so take up more space than conventional pictures (JPEG).

6. Screenshot Problems on Redmi 4X and Their Solutions

Even on a serviceable Redmi. 4X There may be errors in the way you take screenshots.-5 problems and ways of eliminating them:

🔧 Additional advice:

• 📱 If screenshots are kept in low quality, check the compression settings in Settings → Additionally. → Screenshots (some firmware has the option Quality).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Reset your gesture settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Reset your gestures).
• 🛠 If none of the methods work, reset to factory settings (pre-save data!).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 4X