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

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is still one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, despite the release of new models. Its owners often face the need to take a screenshot – whether it is saving correspondence, fixing an error in the application or just a desire to share interesting content. However, not everyone knows that this model has as many as 5 different ways to create a screenshot, including little-known features. MIUI.

In this article, we'll look at everything from classic button combinations to voice commands and gestures, learn which is the fastest way, how to take long screenshots of the pages you're scrolling, and what to do if the standard combinations don't work, and also learn about the unique life hack for Redmi Note 4 owners with an unlocked bootloader that allows you to assign a screenshot to any physical button.

1. Classic method: combination of buttons "Nutrition + Volume down"

This is the most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 4.

  • 📱 Press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left) at the same time).
  • 🎯 Hold them down. 1-2 seconds until the screen blinks and save animations appear.
  • 📁 The finished screenshot can be found in the gallery in the Screenshots folder or in the notification (tap on it for quick editing).

⚠️ Note: If you have a magnetic lock case installed (e.g. Xiaomi Smart Cover), the power button may be blocked. In this case, try removing the case or use alternative methods.

This method is reliable, but it has a disadvantage: with frequent use, mechanical buttons wear out. If you notice that the buttons have started to stick, you better switch to software methods (more on them).

📊 What kind of screenshots do you use more often?
Power and volume buttons
Three-finger gesture
Notification panel
Voice assistant
Other

2.Three-finger gesture: how to make a screenshot swipe

MIUI's signature feature is the ability to create screenshots in one motion across the screen.

  1. Open Settings → Additional → Special features → gestures of buttons.
  2. Activate the screenshot switch with a three-finger swipe.
  3. Swipe three fingers from top to bottom across the screen (not necessarily vertically, it works even when diagonally moving).

🔹 Pros of the method: buttons do not wear out, works even with locked physical keys.

🔸 Cons: Sometimes it works accidentally (for example, when scrolling through the feed on social networks).To turn off the gesture, return to the same settings and deactivate the option.

Is the three-finger swipe enabled in the settings?|Screen unlocked (gesture does not work on locked screen)|There are no active pop-up windows on the screen (they can block gestures)|Fingers are clean (dirty on the screen interferes with recognition)-->

3. Notification panel: quick access to screenshot

If you’re uncomfortable remembering button combinations or gestures, MIUI has a built-in button for screenshots right in the notification curtain:

  • 📲 Swipe your finger down to open the notification bar.
  • 🔍 Find the screenshot icon (usually hidden under the button) ⋯ — Click on it to expand all options).
  • 🖼️ Slip on the icon – the screenshot will be taken instantly.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially custom) may not have a screenshot button, in which case add it manually:

  1. Open the notification curtain and tap on ⚙️ Edit.
  2. Find a screenshot in the list and drag it to the active area.

💡

If the screenshot button is missing after the MIUI update, reset the notification panel settings: Settings → Notifications → Additional → Reset the panel settings.

4. Voice assistant: screenshot on command (no hands!)

Few people know, but Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 supports the creation of screenshots with voice — this is convenient if the hands are busy or the buttons are not working.

  • 🎤 Activate the Xiao voice assistant AI (Long press Home or say “Hi Siri” – Yes, Xiaomi supports this command!).
  • 🗣️ Say one of the phrases: Take a screenshot Take a screenshot Screenshot
  • ✅ Wait for confirmation – the picture will be saved automatically.

🔹 Important: The function only works when connected to the Internet (voice processing is required in the cloud:

  • 🔊 Is the microphone on for the Xiao app? AI privacy settings.
  • 🌐 Is there access to the network (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet).
  • 📱 Whether Xiao app has been updated AI last-minute.
Why does the voice assistant not understand the command?
If Xiaomi does not recognize the phrase “take a screenshot”, try alternative wording: – “Save the screen” – “Capture the screen” – “Screen” (slang version) Also check the language assistant – it should match the language of your commands (setting in Xiao AI → Settings → Language).

5. Hidden mode: screenshot through the power menu

On the Redmi Note 4 with MIUI 10+, there is a little-known feature called taking a screenshot through the off menu, which is useful if the buttons or sensor are not working:

  1. Press the Power button for 3-5 seconds until the off menu appears.
  2. At the bottom of the screen, tap the Screenshot button (scissors icon).
  3. Confirm the action - the picture will be saved in the gallery.

⚠️ Attention: Some firmware has this option disabled by default to activate it:

  1. Go to Settings → System and device → Additional → Power menu.
  2. Turn on the screenshot switch.

💡

The power menu is the only way to take a screenshot if the sensor or volume buttons are not working.

6. Advanced method: "long" screenshot (scrollable pages)

If you want to save the entire web page, chat or long document, a standard screenshot will not work. MIUI There is a Scrolling Screenshot function:

  • 📱 Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
  • 📄 Immediately after the appearance of the thumbnail in the lower right corner, tap on it.
  • 🔄 In the editor that opens, select Scroll (the icon with two down arrows).
  • ✅ Wait until the system automatically scrolls the page and connects the frames.

🔹 Limitations:

  • It does not work in some applications (for example, VKontakte or Telegram – there is blocked scrolling).
  • The maximum length is up to 10 screens (the image is cut).
  • On older versions of MIUI (below 9th) the function may not be available.

MethodSpeed.ReliabilitySuitable for
Power buttons + volume⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐All situations.
Three-finger gesture⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Quick use
Notification panel⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐If the buttons don't work
Voice assistant⭐⭐⭐⭐Handless control
Menu food⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Accidents

Frequent problems and their solutions

Problem 1: Screenshots are not saved in the gallery.

Solution: Check the DCIM/Screenshots folder through the file manager, if it's not available, restart your phone or clear the Gallery app cache.

Problem 2: The buttons don’t respond to the press.

Solution: Maybe your contacts are clogged, try blowing buttons with compressed air, or use alternative means (gesture, voice).

Problem 3: After the screenshot, the screen flashes, but the picture is not created.

Solution: This is a MIUI bug. Helps reset the Screenshots app settings (Settings → Apps → Application Management → Screenshots → Storage → Clear Data).

Problem 4: The screenshot is not working.

Solution: Update MIUI to the latest version or use third-party apps (e.g. LongShot).

💡

If screenshots are kept in low quality, check the compression settings: Settings → Additional → Screenshots → Image quality.

Can I take a screenshot on a locked screen?
No, MIUI has default screenshots on the locked screen for security reasons, but if you have root installed, you can activate this feature through the Magisk Lockscreen Screenshot Enabler module.
Where are the screenshots on Redmi Note 4?
By default, they are saved to /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/. They can also be found in the gallery in Screenshots. If the folder is empty, check Downloads or use the root file manager to search the system.
How to edit a screenshot immediately after creation?
Once you've created the image, the thumbnail will appear in the bottom right corner. Slip on it, the built-in MIUI editor will open, where you can crop the image, add text or drawings. If the thumbnail doesn't appear, check the animation settings in Settings → Additional → Special Effects.
Why do screenshots turn out dark?
This is due to brightness settings or Dark Theme mode turned on. Try: Turn off dark theme in Settings → Screen → Dark theme. Increase the brightness of the screen before you create a picture. Turn off automatic brightness adjustment.
Can I assign a screenshot to double-press a button?
Yes, but only if you have the bootloader unlocked and TWRP installed. Through the Xposed or Magisk module (such as Button Mapper), you can reassign the action to double-press the Home or Back button.