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

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2016, but still in active use. Despite the simplicity of the MIUI interface, many users have difficulty taking screenshots, especially if you used devices from other brands, where key combinations differ.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to take a screenshot on Redmi 4 (including Redmi 4A, 4 Pro and 4 Prime versions), and also tell you what to do if screenshots are not saved or an error appears “Image failed to save”; We will also focus on the hidden MIUI feature, which allows you to take scrollable screens of long pages, this is true for chats, web pages or lists in applications.

All instructions are tested on current firmware versions (including MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 14 for custom builds). If your smartphone is running on an older version, check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

1. Classic method: Volume buttons + power

It’s a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 4. It doesn’t require any additional settings and works even if gestures or notification panels are disabled.

To take a screenshot:

1. Open the screen you want to capture (such as a WhatsApp dialog or a page in your browser).
2. Press the volume reduction button (lower left) and the power button (right side).
3. Hold them for 1-2 seconds until you hear the sound of the camera shutter and see the animation of the screenshot.

⚠️ Warning: Do not press the buttons for too long (more than 3 seconds) - this can lead to a forced reboot of the smartphone. Also avoid simultaneously pressing the volume button - this will cause the switch-off menu.

The screen is unlocked and active|There is no confidential information on the screen.|Free memory (minimum 50 MB)|The sound is not turned off (to hear confirmation)-->

2. Three finger gesture (swipe down)

The three-finger swipe feature appeared in MIUI 8 and works on all Redmi 4 versions with updated firmware. This is the fastest way if you need to take many screenshots in a row (for example, to save correspondence).

How to turn on and use:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Menu button (or Special Features) → Three-finger gesture.
2. Activate the switch opposite the screenshot.
3. Return to the screen and swipe three fingers from top to bottom (touching the screen at the same time).

🔹 Tip: If the gesture doesn't work, check it out:

• 👆 Screen cleanliness (dirty or film may interfere with touch recognition).
• 🔄 Availability of firmware updates (in older versions) MIUI The gesture could be unstable).
• 📱 Lack of left-handed mode enabled (can change swipe direction).

💡

If the three-finger swipe conflicts with other gestures (such as in games), turn it off and use alternative methods.

3.Screenshot button in notification panel

Few people know, but MIUI has a built-in screenshot button that is accessible directly from the notification curtain, a method that is handy if the physical buttons on your Redmi 4 are worn or not working well.

Instructions:

1. Deploy the notification panel by swiping your finger from top to bottom from the top edge of the screen.
2. Find the screenshot icon (usually a scissor or a zipper rectangle) and if it's not there, click Edit (pencil in the upper right corner) and add the button to the active button.
3. Slap the icon - the smartphone will immediately take a screenshot.

⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI The screenshot button may not be available by default. If you didn't find it even after editing the panel, update the firmware or use alternative methods.

4. Scrolling screenshot (long screen)

The unique MIUI feature allows you to take pictures of long pages (such as chats on Telegram or websites) that do not fit on a single screen, which only works when using the volume + power button method or a three-finger swipe.

How to take a scrolling screenshot:

1. Take a regular screenshot of one of the above methods.
2. Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the lower right corner of the screen, tap it.
3. In the editor that opens, click on the “Scroll” button (or “Long Screenshot”).
4. Wait until the smartphone automatically scrolls down the page and connects all the pieces into one image.

🔹 Limitations:

• 🚫 It doesn’t work in some applications (such as banking or secure content).
• 📱 Requires sufficient RAM (on Redmi 4 with 2 GB of RAM can brake).
• 🔄 Maximum screen length – up to 10 screens (depending on the application).

5 Where screenshots are saved and how to find them

By default, all screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 4 are saved in the Pictures/Screenshots folder (or DCIM/Screenshots in some versions of MIUI).

• 📁 Conductor (standard application) MIUI).
• 🖼️ Gallery (album "Screenshots»).
• 🔗 Connecting to the PC through USB (The folder will be visible in the internal memory section).

If the screenshots are not displayed:

1. Check if they are hidden in the gallery (open the albums → Hidden).
2. Make sure that your smartphone has enough memory (at least 100 MB of free space).
3. Restart your device – sometimes files are not indexed right away.

🔹 Tip: To quickly share a screenshot, after you create it, tap the thumbnail in the lower right corner and select the "Share" option, so you save time searching for the file in the gallery.

6. Solving screenshot problems

If screenshots are not saved or an error appears, try the following steps:

🔧 Error: “Image failed to save»

• 📲 Check the permissions for the Screenshots app in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Screenshots.
• 🗃️ Free up space in internal memory (delete unnecessary files or transfer them to a memory card).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – it will reset temporary system errors.

📵 Screenshots aren't taken at all.

• 🔋 Check if the battery is discharged (at a charge level less than 5%, some functions are turned off).
• 🛠️ Reset your gesture settings in Settings → System system → Gestures.
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version (in older versions) MIUI There were bugs with screenshots).

🖼️ Screenshots are saved black or damaged

• 🔄 Switch the save format from.png to.jpg in the camera settings (if available).
• 🚫 Turn off night mode or dark theme – they may conflict with the screenshot function.
• 🔧 Install a third-party app for screenshots (like Screenshot Easy or Super Screenshot).

💡

If neither of these methods works, check firmware integrity. You may need to reflash the device via Fastboot or Recovery.

7. Alternative methods (for experienced users)

If standard methods are not suitable, additional tools can be used:

🎤 Voice command via Google Assistant

Activate Google Assistant (the latest version of the Google app must be installed) and say:

Okay, Google, take a screenshot.

🔹 Note: Only works if microphone and voice assistant are enabled.

🖥️ Screenshot through ADB (developer)

If you connected Redmi 4 to your PC and enabled debugging over USB, you can take a screenshot through the command:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png

The file will be saved in the root folder of internal memory under the name screen.png.

📱 Apps from Google Play

If the built-in features don’t work, install one of these apps:

• Screenshot Touch – Adds a floating button for screenshots.
• LongShot – specializes in scrolling screens.
• Screen Master – supports editing and annotations.

⚠️ Warning: When using third-party apps, only give them the necessary permissions. Avoid programs that request access to SMS, calls or geolocation - this can be a sign of malware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 4