Xiaomi Redmi 4 is still popular with users due to the reliability and flexible firmware MIUI. However, even experienced owners sometimes face difficulties when trying to take a screenshot — especially if the screen does not respond to standard button combinations or after updating the system lost the usual gestures. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to take screenshots on Redmi 4, including little-known firmware chips and solve typical problems.
It is important to understand that the methods may differ depending on the version of MIUI (from MIUI 8 to MIUI 12.5) and the modification of the device (Redmi 4 Pro, Redmi 4X, Redmi 4A). We have taken into account all the nuances and prepared universal instructions that work even on custom firmware. If your smartphone “hangs” when you press buttons or saves screenshots to unexpected folders, here you will find the answers.
1. Standard method: button combination
The most reliable method that works on any version of MIUI is to simultaneously press physical buttons. On Redmi 4, this is:
- 🔘 Power button (right) + volume-down button (left)
- 🕒 Hold both buttons for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see the animation.
- 📁 Screenshot will be saved in the folder DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots
⚠️ Warning: If you have a magnetic lock case installed, it may block the power button. Remove the case before you create a screenshot, or the system will recognize the press as an attempt to unlock.
On the Redmi 4X with MIUI 11+, after the success, a screenshot thumbnail will appear in the lower right corner - click on it to immediately edit or share the picture. On older versions (MIUI 8/9), the notification will be in the curtain.
☑️ Checking before screenshot
2.Gestural MIUI: Screenshot with three-finger swipe
MIUI's signature feature is the ability to create screenshots without buttons using gestures, which is especially useful if the physical keys are worn or not working.
- Open Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures
- Turn on the switch "Swipe with three fingers"
- Choose the direction of the swipe: down (recommended) or up
Now swipe three fingers simultaneously in a given direction, and the screenshot is done without sound, but with vibration, which works even in games and applications with a lock button (for example, in PUBG Mobile or Free Fire).
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4A s MIUI 10 and below, the gesture may conflict with the Smart Assistant function (call the Quick Action menu). If the swipe does not work, turn off Settings. → System and device → Smart assistant.
3. Quick settings panel: screenshot with one tap
If you do not want to remember the combinations, add the screenshot button to the notification curtain:
- 📱 Deploy the Quick Settings Panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen)
- 🔧 Click on the Edit icon (pencil in the lower right corner)
- 🖼️ Find the screenshot tiles and drag them to the active area.
- 💾 Save the changes.
Now, just open the curtain and tap the screenshot icon, and it works in 99 percent of applications other than secure ones (e.g., banking or banking). DRM-content like Netflix).
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If the Screenshot tile is not listed, upgrade MIUI to version 10.2+ or install a patch through MIUI Themes.
| Method | Works in games. | Requires unlocking. | Support for MIUI 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Button combination | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| 3 finger gesture | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No, S. MIUI 9) |
| Quick settings panel | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Voice assistant | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No, S. MIUI 10) |
4.Voice command: "Take a screenshot"
If you have Xiaomi (or Google Assistant) enabled, you can create a screenshot with your voice:
- Activate Assistant: For MIUI Assistant: Hold the Home button (if physical) or say OK, Mi for Google Assistant: Say OK, Google or hold the Home button (on the virtual bar)
- 🎤 «Take a screenshot" (for the MIUI Assistant)
- 🎤 «Screenshot or Take a Screenshot (for Google Assistant)
⚠️ Note: The feature does not work in all applications, such as Telegram and VK Scrolling screen will work, but Tinkoff Bank or YouTube will not (due to content protection).
How to get around the limitations of scrolling screen?
6 Problem Solutions: Black screen, no sound, no screenshots saved
If screenshots are not created or saved in black/empty, check out these points:
- 🔋 Lack of memory: Free up at least 100MB of internal storage. Screenshots are not saved if the device has less than 5% of free space
- 🔒 Application restrictions: Banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) and streaming services (Netflix, Kinopoisk) block screenshots by default
- 🔊 Silent mode: If system sounds are disabled, the screenshot will be taken without a characteristic click. → Sounds and vibrations → Systemic sounds
- 🛠️ Failure MIUI: Reboot your phone. If the problem persists, clear the system cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Clear the cache