How to Take a Screenshot of Xiaomi Redmi 4: All the Ways to Work (2026)

The screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 4 is a basic feature that can be used to save important information, share data or fix errors. Although the model was released in 2017, it is still actively used due to the reliability and support for custom firmware. However, not everyone knows that this smartphone has at least 5 ways to create screenshots, from standard button combinations to hidden MIUI features.

In this article you will find not only classical methods (for example, Power). + Volume Down, but also alternatives for situations where buttons don't work or you need to take a screenshot with a delay, we'll also discuss why sometimes the pictures are black, how to change the format of the save (PNG/JPEG) Where to find screens in the Redmi file system 4. If you are faced with a problem that the screen does not respond to clicks – at the end of the article there is a section with solutions.

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

It is a universal method that works on all versions of MIUI (including global, Chinese and custom firmware).

1. Open the screen you want to capture.
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 the screenshot.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 4 with worn buttons can only trigger one tap (for example, turning off the screen instead of a screenshot:

• 🔧 Press buttons with a slight time shift: first Volume Down, then Power.
• 🧹 Clean the buttons from dust with an alcohol napkin (frequent cause of "sticking").
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes system processes block click processing.

The screenshot will be saved in the DCIM/Screenshots or Pictures/Screenshots folder (depending on the MIUI version). To quickly find it, open the gallery and select the Screenshots album.

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If the screenshot is not saved, check if automatic saving is disabled in the settings of the Gallery app. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → Gallery → Storage and turn on the option “Save screenshots”.

Method 2: Screenshot by gesture (three fingers)

The Screenshot Gesture feature is available in MIUI starting with version 8, but it's disabled by default to activate it on Redmi 4:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Gesture for a screenshot.
2. Turn on the switch and select "Swipe three fingers down" option.
3. Check the work: swipe the screen from top to bottom with three fingers at the same time.

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Faster than the button combination (especially if the buttons are worn out).
• 🎯 Works in any application, including games (unless blocked by the developer).
• 🔇 You can take a screenshot without sound (unlike the button method).

⚠️ Note: The gesture may conflict with other features, such as a swipe to call the notification bar:

• 📱 Try to make a gesture slower or faster.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes system lags block gesture recognition.
• 🛠️ Turn off other gestures in Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures.

Method 3: Screenshot through the notification panel

MIUI has a built-in button for screenshots in the notification curtain, which is convenient if the buttons are not working or you prefer a visual interface.

1. Turn the notification bar swipe from top to bottom.
2. Find the screenshot icon (usually hidden under the "More" or "Edit" button).
3. Slip it on it - the screenshot will be taken instantly.

If no button:

• 🔧 Click "Edit" in the curtain and add it to the active icons.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version – in the old firmware this option may not be.

✅ The advantage of the method: you can take a screenshot with a delay (if you need to have time to expand the menu or wait for the animation:

1. Press the screenshot button in the curtain and hold it for 1-2 seconds.
2. Select "Delayed Screenshot" (3 or 10 seconds).

Method 4: Screenshot with voice (Google Assistant)

If you have a Google Assistant (or other voice assistant) installed on Redmi 4, you can take a screenshot with a voice command, which is useful when your hands are busy or your buttons are broken.

1. Activate Google Assistant with your voice (OK, Google) or hold the Home button.
2. Say, "Take a screenshot" or "Photograph the screen."
3. Confirm the action (if required).

⚠️ Note: The function does not work in all languages and requires:

• 🌐 Internet connection (to process voice commands).
• 🔊 Enabled microphone and permissions for Google Assistant.
• 📱 MIUI Version 9 and above (on older firmware may not work).

If the team is not recognized:

• 🗣️ Try to pronounce the phrase clearly or in English: "Take a screenshot".
• 🔧 Check the Assistant settings: Settings → Google → Settings for applications → Assistant → Voice input.

Enable Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data)|Allow access to the microphone for Google Assistant|Update the Google App to the latest version|Check the voice input language (must match the system language)-->

Method 5: Third-Party Apps for Screenshots

If the built-in methods don't work (for example, due to broken buttons or custom firmware), you can use apps from Google Play.

🔹 Important: Xiaomi Redmi 4 with MIUI 8 and below, some applications may require a super-user (root) to work. If you are not ready to root, choose programs marked "No Root".

How to install and configure:

1. Download the application from the table above.
2. When you first start, grant permissions to Overlay over other windows and access storage.
3. Follow the instructions in the application (usually you need to turn on the service in the special features settings).

⚠️ Note: Screenshot applications may conflict with MIUI. If after installation the phone started to brake:

• 🧹 Clear the app's cache in Settings → Annexes → [Title of the programme] → Warehouse.
• 🔄 Restart Redmi 4 in Safe Mode and check if the problem persists.

Problem Solving: Black screen, no sound, save errors

Sometimes screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 4 are black, not saved or are accompanied by errors.

1. The screenshot turns out black.

Causes and solutions:

• 🖥️ DRM-Protection: Some applications (Netflix, banking software) block screenshots. No solution is a security restriction.
• 🔋 Energy saving: Turn off Ultra-economic mode in Settings → Battery.
• 🛠️ Rendering error: Try taking a screenshot in another way (e.g., via the notification bar).

2.No sound when taking a screenshot

If you do not hear a characteristic click when pressing Power + Volume Down:

• 🔊 Check if the system sound is turned off in Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Systemic sounds.
• 🎵 Make sure media volume is not at zero (adjusted by volume buttons in music playback mode).

3. Screenshots are not saved

What to do if a screenshot is taken but not in the gallery:

• 📁 Check the folder. DCIM/Screenshots File Manager (for example, Mi File Explorer).
• 🗑️ The screenshot package may be hidden. Turn on the hidden files in the file manager settings.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes indexing media files to MIUI knock down.

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If none of these methods work, check to see if the system-level screenshots function is disabled, enter ##4636## in the dialer, go to Testing and make sure that the Screenshots option is active.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 4