How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi 4: all ways with photos and videos

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2016. Despite its venerable age, the device is still actively used thanks to reliable hardware and support for custom firmware. But even experienced users sometimes have questions: how to take a screenshot on Xiaomi 4, if the standard combination of buttons does not work or you need to grab a long page?

In this article, we’ll look at all the options available, from classic hotkeys to hidden MIUI features and third-party apps, and why Redmi 4/4A doesn’t save screenshots in the gallery and how to fix it without resetting.

Standard method: power and volume buttons

It is a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including Redmi 4, 4A, 4X and 4 Pro.

1. Open the screen you want to save (message, browser page, map, etc.).
2. Press the power button and the volume down button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound or see an animation of the screenshot.

The finished screenshot is automatically saved to the DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots folder. On MIUI 8/9 (current for Redmi 4), a thumbnail notification also appears – click on it to immediately edit or share a screenshot.

⚠️ Warning: If you have a magnetic lock case installed, it can block the power button. Remove the case before taking a screenshot.

Three-finger gesture for screenshot (MIUI 8 and later)

On Xiaomi Redmi 4 with MIUI 8 firmware and higher, an alternative method is available – a three-finger gesture. This is convenient if the physical buttons are worn out or you often take screenshots.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → gestures buttons.
2. Find the screenshot option with three fingers and activate it.
3. Return to the main screen and swipe down three fingers at the same time.

The screenshot will be preserved in the same way as when using buttons, and this method is especially useful for games where pressing physical keys can interfere with gameplay.

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If the gesture doesn’t work, check if it conflicts with other gestures (like a quick camera start).

Screenshot with the notification panel (MIUI 9+)

MIUI 9 and later (available for Redmi 4 via the update) has a quick screenshot button in the notification curtain, the most reliable way to do this if the physical buttons don't work.

Instructions:

• 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
• 🔍 Find the screenshot icon (scissors or a rectangle with a camera). If it is not available, click Edit and add a button to the active one.
• 🖼️ Slip on the icon – the screenshot will be taken instantly.

The advantage of this method is that you can take a screenshot with one hand without blocking the screen, and you can also have a thumbnail in the curtain for quick editing.

How to take a long screenshot (scrollable)

If you want to save an entire web page, a correspondence in the messenger or a list in the application, a standard screenshot will not work. Xiaomi Redmi 4 has a Scrolling Screenshot (or Long Screenshot), but it does not work in all applications.

How to use:

1. Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the notification, click on it.
3. At the bottom of the screen will appear the scroll button (or Long screenshot) – tap it.
4. The screen will automatically scroll down and the image will stick together. Repeat until you capture the desired fragment.

The function is supported by:

• 🌐 browser MIUI (But not Chrome or Firefox).
• 💬 Mi Community Applications, Messages, Contacts.
• 📄 Some third-party programs (for example, WPS Office).

⚠️ Attention: WhatsApp, Telegram and VK A long screenshot may not work due to application limitations. Use third-party utilities (see next section).

Side of the screenshot annex

If the built-in MIUI functionality doesn't work, you can install specialized utilities that offer advanced features:

• 🎨 Editing screenshots (shortcutting, blurring, adding text).
• 📤 Automatic upload to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).
• 🔄 Scrolling Screenshots in Any Applications.
• ⏱️ Postponed screenshot (timer).

Top.-3 Applications for Xiaomi Redmi 4:

To install any of these applications:

1. Download APK from the official website or Google Play.
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.
3. Launch the utility and follow the instructions on the screen.

Solving screenshot problems on Xiaomi 4

Sometimes screenshots don't save, disappear from the gallery, or an error appears. We can't take a screenshot. Let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery.

• 📁 Check the folder. DCIM/Screenshots via a file manager (e.g. Mi Explorer) and it is possible that the images are saved but not displayed in the Gallery.
• 🔄 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI It doesn't update the media base.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache of the Gallery app in Settings → Annexes.

Problem 2: The button combination is not working.

• 🔋 Check if the battery is discharged (at the charge level) < 5% Some functions are turned off).
• 🛠️ Make sure the buttons are not stuck or damaged (clean them with alcohol).
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI for your model.

Problem 3: It is not possible to take a screenshot because of security policy.

This means that an app (like a bank) blocks screenshots, and there are two solutions:

1. Use screen recording (see spoiler above).
2. Take a screen photo with another phone (if the privacy policy permits).

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If none of these methods work, reset to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset). But save important data beforehand!

Where can I find the screenshots?

By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 4 are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/


or




/storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Screenshots/

How to get there:

• 📂 Through the Gallery: Open the app, tap on the albums and select Screenshots.
• 🗂️ Through Explorer: Launch Mi Explorer, go to Internal Memory → Pictures.
• 💻 Through the computer: connect the phone to USB in File Transfer mode and find the folder in Windows Explorer.

If the folder is empty, but you are sure that you took screenshots:

1. Check the Recycle Bin in the Gallery (files are stored there for 30 days).
2. Use File Search: In Mi Explorer, type.png or Screenshot in the search bar.
3. Install a file manager with advanced search (e.g. FX File Explorer).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi 4