How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: all working ways

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, which is still actively used. Despite modest technical characteristics (Snapdragon 435 processor, 2/3 GB of RAM), the device supports all standard Android functions, including creating screenshots. However, due to the lack of a physical Menu button and features of the MIUI shell of different versions (from MIUI 8 to MIUI 12), users often face difficulties.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to take a screenshot on the Redmi 4X, including button combinations, gestures, voice commands and third-party applications. We will focus on common errors – why the screenshot is not saved, how to fix the black screen in the picture and what to do if the smartphone does not respond to keyboard shortcuts.

If your Redmi 4X is running MIUI 9 or older, some of the features may be different — we’ll check these nuances in the appropriate sections.

1. Standard method: "Power" + "Louding down" buttons

This is the basic method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 4X.

1. Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger 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 saving the screenshot.

The screenshot is automatically saved to the DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots folder (depending on the MIUI version). To quickly find a picture, open the gallery and go to the Screenshots album.

⚠️ Note: If you have a shell installed from a third party (for example, Flyme or ColorOS), this combination may not work.

The screen is unlocked and active

There is no confidential information on the screen (passwords, bank details)

Enough space in memory (minimum 50 MB)

The sound is not turned off (to hear the save signal)-->

2. Alternative method: Menu button (for MIUI 8 and below)

On older versions of MIUI (before MIUI 9), Redmi 4X has implemented support for a virtual button "Menu", which can be used for screenshots.

• 🔄 You. MIUI 8 or earlier version.
• 📱 The screen displays programmatic navigation buttons (not gestures).
• ⚙️ In the settings, the option “Menu button in the navigation bar” is enabled».

Instructions:

1. Activate the screen that needs to be saved.
2. Press the menu button (three dots at the bottom of the screen) and the power button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 1 to 1.5 seconds until a save notification appears.

If the menu button is not on your device, you can return it:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Virtual buttons.
2. Select Three buttons (not Gestures or Two buttons).

3.The Three Fingers Down gesture (for MIUI 9 and newer)

One of the most convenient ways is to swipe three fingers on the screen, and it works on MIUI 9-12, but it can be turned off by default, to activate:

1. Open Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Turn on the swipe option with three fingers.
3. Choose the direction of the gesture: Down (recommended) or Up.

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Place three fingers on the screen (for example, index, middle and ring fingers).
2. Then, move them from the top down (or from the bottom up if you choose a different direction).
3. The screenshot will be saved automatically.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than a button combination.
• 🎯 It works even with a faulty power button.
• 🔄 You can adjust the direction of the gesture to yourself.

⚠️ Warning: If the gesture doesn't work, check if it conflicts with other features (e.g., split screen gesture or swipe return.

4. Voice command Screenshot (via Google Assistant)

If you have a problem with your buttons or your sensor, you can use voice control.

1. Activate Google Assistant (long-term home click or voice command “OK, Google”).
2. Say, Take a screenshot or a screenshot.
3. Confirm the action (if required).

The screenshot will be saved in a standard folder, which is convenient if:

• 🗣️ Your hands are busy (for example, during cooking or repairs).
• 🔊 The screen is damaged, but the microphone is working.
• 🤖 You often use voice commands for other tasks.

Limitations:

• 🚫 Does not work on a locked screen.
• 🔇 Requires an Internet connection (to process commands).
• 📶 It may not work if Google Assistant is disabled.

💡

If Google Assistant doesn’t recognize the command, try to pronounce it more clearly or switch the language in the Assistant settings to English and say Take a screenshot.

5. Third-party screenshot applications

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to breakage of buttons or custom firmware), you can use third-party utilities.

How to use (Screenshot Easy example):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Run it and provide all the necessary permissions (including Overlay on top of other applications).
3. Select the activation method (such as shaking your phone or button in the notification bar).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Note: Screenshot apps may request notification access or administrator rights, and install them only from official sources (Google Play) to avoid viruses.

💡

The app side is useful if standard methods don't work, but they can slow down your smartphone and consume battery. Use them only when needed.

6 Problem Solving: Black screen, no sound, save errors

Sometimes screenshots on Redmi 4X are saved in black, not saved at all or are accompanied by errors.

Problem 1: Screenshot is black or empty

This happens if:

• 🔒 Power saving mode is enabled (disables screen rendering when screenshot is taken).
• 🖥️ Used application with protection from screenshots (bank programs, some messengers).
• 🔄 Graphics driver failure (solved by rebooting).

Decisions:

1. Turn off the power saving mode in Settings → Battery and performance.
2. Try taking a screenshot through screen shooting mode (if available).
3. Reboot your smartphone.

Problem 2: Screenshots are not saved

Check it out.

• 📁 Is there enough space in the memory (free up at least 100 MB).
• 📂 Screenshots folder is not damaged (try to create it manually).
• 🚫 No restrictions on antivirus or cleaning apps.

Problem 3: The button combination is not working

Possible causes:

• 🔧 Buttons are contaminated or damaged (clean the connectors with alcohol).
• 🔄 Conflict with custom firmware (try resetting settings).
• 🛠️ System failure (reset via Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 4X