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

Taking screenshots on Xiaomi Redmi 4 seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected nuances. This model, released in 2017, runs on the basis of MIUI (version 8-12), where standard key combinations sometimes conflict with gesture settings or the shell. For example, users often complain that the screenshot is not saved in the gallery or works with a delay. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from the classic button combination to the hidden functions of MIUI, and also solve typical problems.

The Redmi 4 (codenamed prada) is that its firmware can vary by region, whether it’s global (Global ROM), Chinese (China ROM) or custom. This affects the availability of some methods. We tested the instructions on all versions of MIUI, including the latest stable firmware for this model, MIUI 12.5 (Android 7.1). If your smartphone is running on an earlier version, update it via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Important: Redmi 4 Pro (model with fingerprint sensor) and the basic version of Redmi 4/4X The methods of creating screenshots are identical, but in 4X You may not have any gesture support due to hardware limitations. → The phone. → Model.

1. Standard method: button combination

The most reliable method, which works on all versions of MIUI, is to press the power button and reduce the volume simultaneously. On Redmi 4, this combination works even with a discharged battery (if the charge is above 5%), unlike gesture methods.

Step-by-step:

• 📱 Open the screen you want to capture (for example, a dialog in the messenger or a page in the browser).
• 🔘 Press the power button (right) and the volume down button (left) at the same time.
• 🎯 Hold them for 1–1.5 seconds until the screenshot animation appears (white flash screen) + shutter).
• 🖼️ A screenshot will appear in the Gallery → Albums. → Screenshots.

⚠️ Note: If you have a magnetic lock case installed (e.g. Xiaomi Smart Cover), it can block the power button. remove the case before taking a screenshot or use alternative methods.

Make sure the screen is not locked |Remove the case (if any) |Check the memory space (at least 50MB) |Disable Do Not Disturb mode-->

2.Gest method: three-finger swipe (MIUI 9 and newer)

Starting with MIUI 9, Redmi 4 has introduced gesture support for screenshots, which is useful if physical buttons are worn out or you prefer to control your phone with one hand, but it doesn't work on all firmware — check for the feature in the settings.

How to turn on and use:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures → Screenshot gestures.
2. Activate the "Three Fingers Swipe" switch.
3. Return to the screen you want to save and swipe top-down with three fingers (no pauses).

🔹 nuance:

• 🚫 Does not work in games and some gesture-blocking apps (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Banking Apps).
• ⚡ If the gesture doesn’t work, try to swipe your fingers faster or slower – sensitivity depends on the firmware.
• 🔄 On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) The path to settings may be different: Settings → Advanced settings → Gestures.

3. Screenshot via notification panel (MIUI 10–12)

Newer versions of MIUI have a quick screenshot button in the notification bar, which is useful if the physical buttons are broken or you use your phone in secure mode (such as with gloves).

Instructions:

1. Turn the notification bar swipe from top to bottom.
2. Find the screenshot icon (scissors or a rectangle with lightning). If it is not, click Edit (pencil) and add it to the active buttons.
3. Slip the icon - the screenshot will be taken in 1-2 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 4s MIUI 8 is missing, and it may disappear after resetting — check the list of active switches in the notification bar.

Button combination|Three-finger swipe gesture|The button in the notification panel|Application from third-party developers-->

Alternative methods: applications and ADB

If standard methods don't work (for example, because of broken buttons or custom firmware), use third-party tools. We tested 3 reliable options:

1. Screenshot Easy (Play Market) app

• 📲 Allows you to take screenshots by shaking your phone or by timer.
• 🔧 Works without root rights, but requires permission to record screen.
• ⚠️ V MIUI 12 can be blocked by the system - enable permission for it in Settings → Annexes → Special rights → Screen recording.

2. ADB commands (for advanced users)

If the phone is connected to a PC, you can take a screenshot through Android Debug Bridge:

adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.png


adb pull /sdcard/screen.png

The file will be saved in the ADB folder on your computer.

3.Google Assistant

Activate the voice assistant with the command "OK, Google, take a screenshot." Works on all versions of MIUI, but requires an Internet connection and a microphone on.

💡

If the screenshot is not saved to the gallery, check the /Pictures/Screenshots/ folder through the file manager. Sometimes MIUI creates duplicate directories after updates.

5. Solving Screenshot Problems on Redmi 4

Even after following the instructions correctly, Redmi 4 users are faced with typical errors, and we have compiled solutions for the most common cases:

🔧 Additional diagnostics: If none of the methods work, check the integrity of the system files:

1. Tap 7 times according to the version - the menu "For developers" will open.

💡

On Redmi 4 with custom firmware (like LineageOS), standard MIUI methods don't work. Use ADB or apps like Screenshot Ultimate.

6 Where screenshots are stored and how to manage them

By default, screenshots on Redmi 4 are saved in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/

But the path can change depending on the firmware, for example, in the Chinese version of MIUI, files sometimes end up in /DCIM/Screenshots/.

How to simplify the work with screenshots:

• 📁 Change the save folder: Use a file manager (such as Mi File Explorer) to move the Screenshots folder to the file manager. SD-map.
• 🔍 Quick search: In the gallery MIUI filter by file type – select “Screenshots” from the album menu.
• 🗑️ Auto Cleanup: Enable the function in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup → Automatic Screenshot Cleanup for Over 30 Days.

📌 Advice for users SD-maps: If screenshots are saved to a memory card but are not displayed in the gallery, reconnect SD-Map through Settings → Warehouse → SD-map → Remove and reconnect.

7. Screenshots in games and secure applications

MIUI blocks screenshots from some applications for security reasons.

• 🏦 Banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, etc.).
• 🎮 Cheat-protected games (PUBG Mobile, Free Fire).
• 🔒 Messengers with secret chats (Telegram, WhatsApp in incognito mode).

Bypasses:

1. For games: Use the built-in screen recording feature (in the notification panel) and then take a screenshot of the video.
2. For banking apps: Take a picture of the screen with another phone or use Google Lens for text recognition.
3. For messengers: In Telegram, you can take a screenshot of a secret chat if you turn off the screenshot notification in the privacy settings.

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to bypass screenshot blocking in banking applications with root rights or modified firmware may result in account blocking on suspicion of fraud.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screenshots on Redmi 4