Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2017, but still actively used. Despite modest technical characteristics by modern standards, the device supports all standard functions, including creating screenshots. However, due to the features of the MIUI firmware (even in current versions) and hardware limitations of the model, the process can cause questions for beginners.
In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to take a screenshot of Redmi 4, from the classic button combination to little-known chips like voice control or PC use. We’ll focus on the problem of “black screenshots” when shooting videos or games, which is characteristic of this model due to the weak Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor and 2 GB of RAM, and you’ll learn how to edit and quickly share screenshots without third-party applications.
If your Redmi 4 runs on the older version of MIUI 8/9, some of the methods may be different — we will note these nuances in the appropriate sections.
1. Classic method: buttons "Nutrition + Volume down"
The most versatile method that works on any version of MIUI and does not require additional settings, is suitable even if the smartphone “blows” or freezes.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open on the screen what you want to capture (page in the browser, message in the messenger, game moment, etc.).
- 🔘 Press and hold the power button (right) and the volume button (left) for 1-2 seconds at the same time.
- 📸 You will hear the characteristic shutter sound (if the sound is on) and see the animation at the top of the screen.
- 📂 Screenshots will be saved in the gallery in the Screenshots folder or Screenshots.
⚠️ Note: Redmi 4 with worn buttons can only work one of two ways (or "Powering" + Loudness down" or "Fooding + Volume up. If the first option doesn't work, try the second. Also make sure the buttons don't stick, which is a common problem after moisture hits.
☑️ Checking before screenshot
If the screenshot is not saved, check:
- 📁 Free space on the internal drive (minimum required) ~50MB).
- 🔧 Permissions for the Gallery application (c Settings) → Annexes → Permits).
- 🔄 Rebooting your smartphone (sometimes helps with system failures).
2.The Three Fingers Down gesture (only for MIUI 10 and newer)
Branded chip MIUI, It makes it easier to take screenshots with one hand. 4 This method is only available if you have updated the firmware to MIUI 10 or 11 (Officially or through caste. On older versions (MIUI 8/9) gesture.
How to turn on and use:
- Go to Settings → Additional → Screenshots (or Settings → Screen → Gestures in new versions).
- Activate the Screenshot option with a gesture or Three fingers down.
- Check the work: swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the screen (not necessarily at the same time, the main thing is a quick swipe).
🔹 Pros of the method: no need to press buttons, convenient for large screens.
🔸 Cons: random positives (e.g. in games) do not work on a locked screen.
3. Voice command via Google Assistant
If you have Google Assistant installed on Redmi 4, you can take voice screenshots, which is especially useful when your hands are busy or your buttons are faulty.
Step-by-step:
- Activate Voice Assistant: For Google Assistant: Say OK, Google or hold the Home button (if physical).For Alice: Say Hello Alice (requires the installed Yandex app).
- 🗣️ Take a Screenshot (Google Assistant).
- 🗣️ Take a screenshot or a screenshot (Alice).
- Confirm the action (if required).
6 Problem Solving: Black screenshot, no sound, no saving
On Xiaomi Redmi 4, due to the weak hardware and features of MIUI, errors often occur when creating screenshots.
Problem 1: The screenshot is black.
Most often, when you try to take a picture in:
- 🎮 Games (PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Genshin Impact).
- 🎥 Video players (YouTube, MX Player).
- 🔒 Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff).
Reason: MIUI blocks the shooting of secure applications for security reasons or because of DRM (Digital Rights Management) restrictions.
Decisions:
- 📱 Use screen recording (in the Notification Panel) → Record the screen, then take a screenshot of the video.
- 🔧 Turn off Application Protection in Settings → Privacy (not recommended for banking applications!).
- 🛠️ Install custom recovery (TWRP) and take a screenshot through ADB recovery.