How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: all ways + problem solving

Why screenshots on Xiaomi 4X are not as easy as it seems

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni), released in 2017, is still popular with users due to its reliability and low price. However, many people face difficulties when trying to take a screenshot — especially if they have previously used devices from other brands. Unlike modern models with gesture control, the Redmi 4X runs on MIUI 8-12 (depending on firmware), where the combination of buttons and settings may differ.

The main problem is that standard methods (e.g. Power + Volume Down) sometimes fail due to wear and tear of physical buttons or conflicts with the MIUI shell. Also, not everyone is aware of alternative methods - for example, through the notification panel or voice assistant. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of creating screenshots on Redmi 4X, including rare chips and solving typical errors.

Method 1: Classic button combination (Power + Volume Down)

It’s the most versatile method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, 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 and Volume Down button.
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the save.

⚠️ Warning: If the buttons are worn or dirty, the combination may not work:

• 🧹 Clean the buttons with an alcohol napkin (especially if they stick").
• 🔄 Press with more force, but without fanaticism – on Redmi 4X touch-button.
• ⚙️ Check the button settings in the Settings → Additionally. → buttons (if there is such a item in your version) MIUI).

Press the Power for 5 seconds – the screen must turn off |

Press Volume Down – Volume should decrease |

Try the combination 3-5 times in a row |

If it doesn’t work, go to method 2.-->

If the screenshot is successful, it will be saved to the DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots folder (depending on the MIUI version). To quickly find it, open the Gallery and go to the Screenshots album.

Method 2: Screenshot via notification panel (only for MIUI 9 and later)

If the physical buttons don’t work or you’re uncomfortable using them, MIUI has a built-in quick screenshot through the notification curtain.This method works on Redmi 4X with MIUI 9 Global Stable 9.6.3.0 firmware and higher.

Instructions:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find a screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a rectangle with lightning). If it's not there, tap it. ⚙️ "Edit and add it manually.
3. Click on the icon - the screen will blink, and the screenshot will be saved.

⚠️ Warning: If the screenshot is not saved after clicking on the icon, check if the permissions for the system are disabled:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → All applications.
2. Find Screenshots (or Screen Capture) and open it.
3. Make sure that storage and display permissions on top of other windows are included.

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If the screenshot icon disappears after the reboot, reset the notification panel settings: Settings → Notifications → Reset the curtain settings.

Method 3: Three-finger swipe gesture (hidden MIUI function)

Few people know, but the Xiaomi Redmi 4X has a hidden ability to swipe screenshots across the screen, which is disabled by default, but is easy to activate.

How to turn on:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Button gestures (or Settings → System and device → Gestures in new versions of MIUI).
2. Find the item "Scream with three-finger swipe" and turn on the switch.
3. Choose the direction of the swipe: down (↓) or up (↑).

How to use:

• Open the screen.
• Place three fingers on the screen (for example, index, middle and ring finger).
• Quickly swipe down (or up, depending on the settings).
• Screenshot will be saved in the gallery.

⚠️ Note: This gesture may conflict with other functions, such as:

• 🎮 In games (where swipes are used to control the game).
• 📱 In some custom gesture apps (e.g. Nova Launcher).

Method 4: Google Voice Assistant or XiaoAI

If you're too lazy to push buttons or make gestures, you can use voice control. There are two options on the Redmi 4X:

Option 1: Google Assistant

• 🎤 Say, “OK Google, take a screenshot” (if voice search is enabled).
• 📱 Or press and hold the Home button, then tell the command.

Option 2: XiaoAI (Integrated Xiaomi Assistant)

• 🤖 Press the Home button for 1-2 seconds to call XiaoAI.
• 🗣️ Say “take a screenshot” or “take a screenshot".

⚠️ Note: Voice commands are unstable if:

• 🔇 Microphone for assistants in privacy settings disabled.
• 🌐 No Internet connection (Google Assistant requires a network to handle commands).
• 🗣️ Accent or pronunciation is different from standard (try to speak clearly).

Method 5: Third-party applications (if nothing works)

If built-in methods don't work, you can install specialized utilities. 4X fit:

⚠️ Note: When installing third-party applications:

• 🔒 Turn off battery optimization for them in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• 🛡️ Check Permissions: App needs storage rights, display over windows, and availability.
• 🚫 Don't install it. APK Unknown sources: the risk of viruses!

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The app side is useful if the built-in techniques don’t work, but they can slow down the phone and consume an extra battery.

Problem Solving: Why screenshots don't save or come out black

Sometimes screenshots are taken on Redmi 4X, but:

• 🖼️ Not preserved in the gallery.
• ⚫ Come out black or empty.
• 🔄 Retained with a delay (after 5-10 seconds).

Let's look at causes and solutions:

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved

• 📁 Check the folder: Sometimes screenshots are saved in Internal Storage/Pictures/Screenshots, not DCIM.
• 🔄 Reboot the phone – it resets the system cache.
• 🛠️ Clear the Gallery cache in Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Problem 2: Black screen in the screenshot

• 🎮 DRM-Protection: Some apps (e.g. Netflix, banking programs) block screenshots.
• 🔒 Safe Mode: Try to take a screenshot in Safe Mode (click Power) → "Safe regime").
• 📱 Display driver problems: Update your firmware to the latest version MIUI.

Issue 3: Delay in preservation

• 🗑️ Lack of memory: free up space on the internal drive (should be at least 1 GB).
• 🔋 Battery savings: Turn off power saving mode in Settings → Battery.
• 🛠️ Resetting application settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset application settings.

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If screenshots don’t work in just one app (like a game), try taking them through a screen recording and then cutting the frame into a video editor.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 4X