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

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is still popular with users due to the reliability and functionality based on MIUI. However, many owners face difficulties when trying to take a screenshot – especially if you have previously used devices from other brands. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to create screenshots on Redmi 4X, including button combinations, gestures and third-party utilities.

The model is designed to run MIUI 8-12 (depending on the firmware version), which means it supports both standard Android methods and Xiaomi branded chips. But there are pitfalls: for example, some gestures can conflict with screen settings, and button combinations sometimes fail due to wear and tear of mechanical keys, and we tested each method on a real device and identified the most reliable options, and collected the solution problems.

If you have just purchased a Redmi 4X b/w or updated the firmware, we recommend first checking the current version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. This depends on the availability of some features (for example, the gesture “three-finger swipe” appeared only in MIUI 9+).

1. Standard method: button combination

The most versatile method, which works on all versions of MIUI and does not require additional settings, is suitable even if gestures are disabled or the touch screen is malfunctioning.

To take a screenshot:

1. Open the desired screen (for example, correspondence in WhatsApp or a page in the browser).
2. At the same time, press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left).
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the save.

Important! On the Redmi 4X, the buttons have a noticeable backlash, so you need to press them clearly and synchronously. If you don't get a screenshot, try again, slightly moving your fingers closer to the center of the buttons.

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If you have a case with cutouts under the buttons, try to remove it before creating a screenshot - sometimes it interferes with a full press.

⚠️ Warning: If the screen flashes after clicking the buttons, but the screenshot is not saved, check the free space in the device memory. MIUI Requires a minimum of 50MB on the system partition to take pictures.

Where to look for a finished screenshot? All screenshots are automatically saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

Or through the gallery: open the Gallery app → Screenshots album.

2.Gestural screenshots in MIUI

Xiaomi has added handy gestures to the firmware that allow you to take screenshots without buttons, which is especially useful if the mechanical keys are worn out or you use your phone with one hand.

You can activate gestures like this:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Find the Screenshot item (or Trifinger Swipe in the new MIUI versions).
3. Turn on the switch and select the swipe direction (usually down).

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Open the screen.
2. Swipe your fingers across the screen from top to bottom (or in the selected direction).
3. Wait for the beep and the save notification.

- Is there any problem with gestures?

• 👆 There are no greasy spots or protective film on the screen – they interfere with touch recognition.
• 📱 The settings do not include the mode For left-handed (can change the direction of the swipe).
• 🔄 The gesture does not conflict with other functions (e.g., double tapping to wake up).

3. Screenshot via notification panel

A little-known but quick way is to use the button in the notification curtain, which works on MIUI 10 and later (on Redmi 4X available after upgrading to MIUI 11+).

Instructions:

1. Open the screen you want to capture.
2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
3. Find the screenshot button (the icon of the scissors or camera) and click on it.

If no button:

• 🔧 Click on the icon. ⚙️ Edit in the upper right corner of the curtain.
• 📌 Drag the screenshot button into the active area.
• 💾 Save the changes.

The advantage of the method is that you do not need to remember button combinations or gestures. minus - you need free space in the curtain (if there are many notifications, the button can be hidden).

4. Google Voice Assistant or XiaoAI

If you have trouble using buttons or gestures, you can take a screenshot with a voice command, which works through Google Assistant or XiaoAI (available in Chinese firmware).

For Google Assistant:

1. Activate the assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
2. Say, Take a screenshot or a screenshot.
3. Confirm the action if necessary.

For XiaoAI (if installed):

1. Press the Home button or say XiaoAI.
2. Say: (in Chinese, “screenshot”) or Make a screenshot.

⚠️ Attention: Voice commands may not work if the screen assistant is disabled in the security settings. To fix this, go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications → Google (or XiaoAI) → Permissions and enable Display on top of other windows.

Redmi 4X with global firmware XiaoAI is not available by default – it needs to be installed via GetApps or APK.

5. Third-party screenshot applications

If standard methods don't work (e.g., you need to take a scrolling screenshot or add markup), you can use third-party utilities. We tested 3 reliable applications that are compatible with Redmi 4X:

How to install and use:

1. Download the application from Google Play (links in the table).
2. When you first start, grant permissions to display over other windows and Warehouse.
3. Follow the instructions in the app (usually click on a floating button or use a gesture).

Check out the Android version (should be 5.0+)

Disable battery optimization for the app

Allow access to notifications (if necessary)

Create a backup copy of important data-->

Warning: Some apps (like Super Screenshot) request root access for advanced features. 4X Getting root can lead to loss of warranty and problems with OTA-update.

6. Scrolling screenshot (long screen)

If you want to save an entire web page, correspondence or list, a standard screenshot will not work, it will only capture the visible area of the screen. MIUI has a built-in scrolling screen feature, but it does not work in all applications.

How to take a long screenshot:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the lower right corner, click on it.
3. In the editor that opens, tap the Scroll button (or Long Screenshot).
4. Wait until the system automatically scrolls the screen down and connects the pieces.
5. Save the result.

Limitations:

• 🌐 It only works in the browser. MIUI, WhatsApp, Telegram and some other apps.
• 📄 Does not support scrolling in Settings or Google Play.
• 🔄 If the screen is not fully scrolled, try taking a screenshot in landscape orientation.

If the built-in feature doesn’t work, use third-party apps from the previous section (like Screenshot Easy).

7. Solving screenshot problems

Sometimes screenshots don't save or turn black, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Screenshot is not saved.

• 📁 Check the space in the memory (need a minimum of 50-100 MB).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🛠️ Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.

Problem 2: The picture is black.

• 🎮 This can occur in games or apps with screenshot protection (such as banking apps or Netflix).
• 📱 Try to take a screenshot through ADB (requires PC and debugging USB).
• 🔒 If a black screen appears in Google Pay or SberBank Online, that’s fine – that’s how data protection works.

Problem 3: The gestures or buttons don't work.

• 🔧 Reset your gesture settings in Settings → Additional functions → Gestures → Drop it.
• 🛠️ Check if the flexible button plume is damaged (relevant for Redmi) 4X fall-out).
• 🔄 Install an alternative keyboard (like Gboard) – sometimes this resolves gesture conflicts.

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If screenshots have stopped saving after the MIUI update, try clearing the Gallery and Screenshots app cache in the storage settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 4X