How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: all the ways (including hidden)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (codenamed mido) is still one of the most popular budget devices of the brand, despite the release of new models. But even experienced users sometimes have difficulties with basic functions such as how to take a screenshot. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways, including standard button combinations, MIUI gestures, and alternative methods for cases when the phone does not respond to usual actions.

The Redmi Note 4X has different firmware versions, from MIUI 8 (original) to MIUI 14 (after manual updates), which not only affects the look of the interface, but also the way you can create screenshots, and we've taken all the nuances into account and put together the current instructions for each version of the software. If your smartphone is running on custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some methods may not work, and we'll talk about this separately.

Before you get to the instructions, check the version of MIUI on your device. To do this, open Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. This information will come in handy if the standard methods do not work - you can quickly navigate which alternative method to choose.

1. Standard method: button combination

The most versatile method, which works on any version of MIUI and most custom firmware, is suitable even if the touch screen does not respond to touch (for example, after a fall or moisture).

To take a screenshot:

1. Open the screen you want to save.
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 save animation.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 9-10) Turning off the screen may work if you press the buttons too long. 1.5 seconds.

• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI (8-14).
• ✅ Does not require the internet or additional applications.
• ❌ It may not work if the Power or Volume buttons are damaged.

2 Three-finger gesture (only MIUI 10 and newer)

Starting with MIUI 10, Xiaomi added a handy gesture to take screenshots — swiping three fingers across the screen from top to bottom — which is especially useful if the physical buttons on the phone are worn out or not working well.

To activate the function:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Turn on the screenshot switch with three fingers.
3. Select the direction of the gesture (by default - from top to bottom).

Now, to take a screenshot, simply swipe your three fingers (for example, index, middle and ring) from the top edge of the display to the bottom. The screen blinks for a moment, and the screenshot is saved in the gallery.

Check if the gesture is enabled in the settings

Make sure your fingers touch the screen at the same time

Try to make a gesture from different sides of the screen

Reboot your phone if the gesture doesn’t work-->

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 8-9 This gesture is missing, and instead you can use a long press on the "Menu" button (if it's active in the settings). 4X The touch button menu is disabled by default, so it’s easier to upgrade to MIUI 10+.

3. notification panel (quick access)

If you don't want to memorize button combinations or gestures, you can add a screenshot button to the notification bar, which works on all versions of MIUI, but requires pre-setting.

Instructions:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ Edit (or Modify in Old Versions).
3. Find the Screenshot tile (usually hidden in the Other Settings section).
4. Drag it to the active area (for example, the first page).

Now, to take a screenshot, just swipe the notification bar down and click on the Screenshot icon. The screen blinks, and the image is saved in the Screenshots folder in the gallery.

✅ Plus method: you can take a screenshot with one hand without pressing the physical buttons.

❌ Cons: If the notification bar is overloaded, you will have to look for the tile longer than pressing two buttons.

4. Google Voice Assistant or XiaoAI

If you have a voice assistant enabled (like Google Assistant or Xiaomi’s XiaoAI), you can take a screenshot using a voice command, which is convenient when your hands are busy or your phone buttons are not working.

Methods of activation:

• 🎤 For Google Assistant: Say OK, Google or press the Home button (if it's touch-sensitive). Say the command: Take a screenshot or Make a screenshot.

XiaoAI

1. Press the Power button for 1 second to activate the assistant.
2. Say in Chinese: (jiétú - "screenshot").

⚠️ Attention: XiaoAI is disabled by default on global firmware, and you need to install the Chinese version to activate it. MIUI Or use Google Assistant or use Google Assistant.

Important: Voice commands only work when connected to the Internet, as speech processing takes place on the servers of Google or Xiaomi.

5. Scrolling screenshot (long screenshot)

If you want to save not only the visible part of the screen, but also what is hidden outside it (for example, a long chat or a web page), MIUI 10 and later has a Scrolling Screenshot feature.

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 Scrolling icon (two arrows down).
4. Wait until the screen automatically scrolls to the end, or stop the process manually.

The finished screenshot will be saved as one long image in.png format. Maximum length - up to 10 screens (depending on the application).

✅ Pros: convenient for keeping long dialogues or articles.

❌ Cons: Not working in MIUI 8-9 and some custom firmware.

6. Alternative methods (if nothing works)

If standard methods fail (for example, due to a break in buttons or a firmware failure), alternative options can be used:

• 🖥️ Through the PC and ADB: Connect your phone to a computer with drivers installed ADB. Open the command line and type in: Adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png Screenshot will be saved in the root folder of the phone under the name screen.png.

Third-party annexes:

Install one of the apps from Google Play:

• Screenshot Easy – supports gestures and timer.
• Super Screenshot – allows you to take screenshots with scrolling in incompatible applications.
• 🔧 System Restore: If screenshots are no longer saved due to a crash, try resetting the camera and gallery settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the data