How to Take a Screenshot of Xiaomi Redmi 4A: All the Ways to Work in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 4A is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2017, but still actively used. Despite modest technical characteristics (5-inch screen, 2 GB of RAM, Snapdragon 425), the device copes with basic tasks, including creating screenshots. However, many users face difficulties: the combination of buttons does not work, the MIUI menu differs from the current versions, gestures are disabled by default.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can take a screenshot of Redmi 4A, from classic keyboard shortcuts to hidden firmware features, and focus on the nuances of different MIUI versions (8 to 14), common errors (such as why a screenshot isn’t saved in the gallery), and alternative methods for cases where standard options don’t work. If you’re looking for a way to capture a screen without unnecessary apps, you’re on the right track.

1. Standard method: button combination

The most reliable and versatile method that works on Redmi 4A regardless of the firmware version is to press physical buttons simultaneously.

1. Open on the screen what you want to capture (application, web page, settings).
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 animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4A If you're not getting a screenshot, you might need to try it a few times:

• 🔋 Is the battery not discharged (at a charge level below 5%, the function may be blocked).
• 📱 Are there any mechanical damages to the buttons (try pressing them separately – they should work clearly).
• 🔄 Is Do Not Disturb Mode on (it can block audio signals).

Where to look for a ready screenshot? By default, files are saved to the DCIM → Screenshots or Pictures → Screenshots folder. If there is no folder, check the Gallery → Albums → Screenshots.

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On Redmi 4A with MIUI 9 and below, screenshots can be saved in.png format with a resolution of 720×1280 (portrait orientation). To change the format to.jpg, use third-party applications like Screenshot Easy.

2.Gestural screenshots (only MIUI 10 and newer)

Starting with MIUI 10, Redmi 4A has the ability to create screenshots with gestures without pressing buttons, a feature that is useful if physical keys are worn or uncomfortable to use, to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Gestures (or Settings → System and device → Gestures in new versions).
2. Find the item "Screenshot by gesture" and turn on the switch.
3. Choose one of the options: 👆 Put three fingers down (the most reliable). 👇 Touch and hold three fingers (may conflict with other gestures).

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4A s MIUI 8 or 9, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Update your firmware or use alternative methods:

• 🖥️ Left-handed mode enabled (check Settings) → Screen).
• 🎯 Use a low-sensitivity protective glass (try a high-pressure gesture).

Is the gesture mode enabled in the settings|Whether conflicting functions are disabled (e.g., Smart Assistant")|Clean screen (gestures do not work on a locked device)|Is the firmware up to date MIUI 10+-->

3. Screenshot via notification panel (Quick Ball)

Quick Ball is a floating virtual joystick that makes it easier to access common activities, including screenshots. On Redmi 4A, it is available starting with MIUI 8, but is disabled by default.

1. Open the Settings. → Additionally. → Quick Ball.
2. Activate the switch at the top of the screen.
3. Click Settings and select Screenshot from the Quick Actions list.
4. Then a translucent circle will appear on the main screen - drag it to a convenient place.

Now to take a screenshot:

1. Tap Quick Ball (it will appear 1-2 seconds after touching the screen).
2. In the menu that opens, select the Scissors icon (screenshot).

🔹 Pros of the method: does not require memorization of button combinations, works even with faulty physical keys.

🔸 Cons: takes up space on the screen, can accidentally activate in games.

Alternative methods: third-party applications

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to broken buttons or outdated firmware), you can use applications from Google Play. 4A fit:

⚠️ Note: When installing third-party apps for screenshots:

• 🛡️ Refuse requests for SMS, Contacts, or Geolocation – they are not needed for the main function.
• 📱 Check reviews before installing: Some apps may slow down Redmi 4A because of high resource consumption.
• 🔄 After use, delete the app if it is not needed constantly – it will free up memory.

5. Screenshot by computer (ADB)

If the Redmi 4A screen is not touch-sensitive, but the device is on and connected to the PC, you can take a screenshot via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires pre-configuration, but works 100% of the time.

1. Install. ADB-computer-driver.
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone (see spoiler above).
3. Get Redmi on board. 4A PC-only USB-cable (original or high quality).
4. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (its serial number should appear).
5. Run the command for screenshot: adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png
6. Download the file to PC: adb pull /sdcard/screen.png C:\Users\YourName\Desktop (replace the path with the desired one).

🔹 Advantage of the method: works even when the screen is locked (if debugging is enabled).

🔸 Disadvantages: requires a computer and pre-set up, not suitable for beginners.

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ADB is the only way to take a screenshot of a Redmi 4A with a broken screen if the touchscreen doesn’t respond but the device turns on.

6. Problem Solving: Why Screenshots Are Not Saved

A frequent complaint of Redmi 4A users is that a screenshot is taken (sound heard), but the file does not appear in the gallery.

💡 Tip: If screenshots disappear after rebooting, check if Reboot Garbage Cleanup is enabled in your memory settings. Turn it off so that files are saved permanently.

7 Features of screenshots in games and protected applications

The Redmi 4A (as well as other Xiaomi smartphones) has restrictions on screenshots in some apps:

• 🎮 Games: In the majority 3D-games, for example, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, standard ways are blocked. Use built-in game tools or third-party apps like this. AZ Screen Recorder (with screenshot function).
• 🏦 Banking apps: Sberbank Online, Tinkoff and others block screenshots for security reasons.
• 📱 Secure chats: In WhatsApp, Telegram (secret chat mode) and Viber, screenshots can also be blocked or accompanied by a notification to the interlocutor.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi 4A With custom firmware (like LineageOS), standard screenshot restrictions in games may not apply, but this violates the rules of some apps (like Netflix or Disney).+), Which can lead to the blocking of the account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 4A