How to take a screenshot on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: the full guide

Screenshots are one of the basic features that make it hard to imagine using a modern smartphone. Owners of budget but popular Redmi devices often look for quick ways to capture information displayed on the display. Xiaomi Redmi 4X, despite its age, remains in demand thanks to its reliable metal body and optimized MIUI system. Understanding all available methods for creating screenshots greatly simplifies interaction with the gadget in everyday life.

There are many scenarios where you need to quickly save an image from the screen, whether it's a messaging app, a travel map, a bank transfer confirmation, or just a funny meme. It's important to know that the Android operating system in conjunction with the MIUI shell provides the user with several tools to perform this task, some of which are standard for the entire platform, others are unique chips of the manufacturer that make using the Redmi 4X more comfortable.

In this article, we will take a look at every method available, from classic buttons to advanced gestures, and we will also discuss how to customize screenshots and how to solve technical problems, so that you can manage content more effectively on your device.

Classical method using physical buttons

The most common and common way for most users to create a screenshot is to press two physical keys simultaneously. On the case of Xiaomi Redmi 4X, these buttons are located on the right side. The mechanics of the action are simple: press the power button and the volume down button at the same time. Hold them for literally a fraction of a second until the characteristic click of the camera shutter and the screen blinks.

This method works at the core level of the system, so it is available at all times, even if the touch screen temporarily does not respond to touch. However, with frequent use there is a risk of mechanical wear of the keys, especially on budget devices. Buttons on Redmi 4X have a good move, but excessive diligence can lead to sticking or loss of tactile sensitivity. Use this method as a main one, but do not forget about the alternatives.

It's important to keep the sequence and synchrony of the press right. If you press one button first and then the second, the system may perceive this as a separate action, such as turning on the screen or changing the volume. Synchrony is a key success factor. If the screenshot doesn't work the first time, try changing the force of the press or the angle of the device's capture.

⚠️ Warning: Don't push the buttons too hard. Excessive physical effort can damage the internal design of the buttons or even break the glass where they are located on the Redmi body. 4X.

Once you've successfully created a picture, you'll see a thumbnail notification at the top of the screen, and you'll click on it and you'll be in edit mode, where you can crop the image, add text, or draw an arrow. This is a built-in MIUI functionality that doesn't require third-party apps to be installed. The saved files automatically enter the gallery in a separate Screenshots folder.

Use of the Quick Action Panel (Stork)

If physical buttons are uncomfortable to use for some reason, or you want to save their life, a software interface comes to the rescue. At the top of the Xiaomi Redmi 4X screen, there is a notification panel, often referred to as a “curtain.” The swipe down gives access to the main switches, among which is the Screenshot icon, which is especially convenient when the phone is lying on the table or when the second hand is busy.

To activate the function, unlock the device and lower the notification curtain. Find an icon with a scissors or rectangle among the icons. If you don't see it on the first page, swipe left or press the edit button (usually a pencil or three dots) to add a shortcut to a prominent place. The MIUI interface allows you to flexibly adjust the location of the controls.

The advantage of this is that it doesn't have to be mechanically affected, and it's visually clear, and it doesn't require memorizing combinations, but there's a caveat: it's not going to be possible to screen the notification curtain itself with this method, because when you press the icon, the menu will close, and for this case, you'd better use a timer or voice commands.

It's worth noting that in some versions of MIUI, the icon may be called differently or have a slightly different design. The system is updated regularly and the interface may undergo changes. If you upgrade your Redmi 4X to the latest version, look for familiar visual markers. In any case, the functionality remains the same - making a copy of the current image on the screen.

Screenshot function with three fingers

One of the most convenient and modern features in the MIUI shell is to create a screenshot with a three-finger swipe, which allows you to instantly capture the image without having to reach for buttons or open menus, but by default this feature is often disabled, so you need to activate it in the system settings.

To enable this option, go to the Settings menu, then select the Settings section. Find the Screenshot with three fingers and activate the switch. After that, a simple wire with your fingers from top to bottom down the center of the screen will lead to a snapshot, which is especially convenient for people with large hands who have difficulty reaching the buttons on the Redmi 4X body.

Guest control requires a certain skill. The movement must be confident, but not too fast for the sensor to recognize three touches. The Redmi 4X screen has good sensitivity, but the protective glass or film can make its own adjustments. If the gesture does not work, try to wipe the screen or calibrate the sensor in the engineering menu (although the latter is rarely required).

Using three fingers opens up more possibilities. Once you've created a screenshot, you often have a menu that allows you to immediately take a long screenshot or edit, which makes the process more productive. The ergonomics of using a smartphone is greatly enhanced when you can control basic functions with a single hand movement.

⚠️ Note: The three-finger screenshot feature may conflict with gestures in some applications, such as browsers or readers, where a three-finger swipe causes other actions.

Voice control via Google Assistant

Modern smartphones, including the Xiaomi Redmi 4X, have powerful voice controls. If your hands are busy or you are in a situation where touching the screen is uncomfortable, Google Assistant will come to the rescue. This method requires an Internet connection, since voice commands are processed on the company's servers.

To activate, simply say the phrase “OK, Google” or hold the Home button (if it’s touch-sensitive) or the power button to call the assistant for a long time. Once the logo or beep appears, clearly say the command “Take a screenshot” or “Take a picture of the screen.” The system automatically performs the action and saves the image to the gallery.

This is ideal for people with disabilities or when the phone is locked in a car holder. Voice control in MIUI is fairly stable, but it depends on the quality of speech recognition and the speed of the Internet connection. In a bad signal, the command may not be executed the first time.

It's worth considering that a voice-shot screenshot will also be accompanied by an audible signal if the phone is not in silent mode.This may not be desirable in quiet places like a library or a movie theater.

Long screenshot and extended functions

Often, a single image is not enough to capture a full page of a site, a long correspondence in the messenger or a list of contacts. In such cases, the Xiaomi Redmi 4X has a feature called Long Screenshot (or Scrolling), which allows you to sew multiple images of the screen into one long tape.

After you create a normal screenshot (in any of the ways described above), a thumbnail appears at the top of the screen. Click on it and select an icon from the bottom menu that resembles a scroll or a down arrow. The system automatically scrolls the content down, capturing new areas until you stop the process or reach the end of the page.

A long screenshot is an indispensable tool for saving articles, recipes or correspondence. However, it is worth remembering the size of the final file. Very long images can take up more space and scale worse when viewed. The optimal length of a long screenshot for easy reading on Redmi 4X is no more than 3-4 screens. If you need to save more, it is better to break it into several parts.

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The long screenshot function automatically aligns the joints between frames, but artifacts can occur on dynamic content (video, gifs).

Where are the screenshots stored and how to find them

After creating a screenshot, many users are lost in search of a saved file. Android and the MIUI shell have a clear storage structure. By default, all screenshots are stored in the device's internal memory in the Screenshots folder (or Screenshots, if Russian localization is installed).

There are two main ways to find them: One is through the Gallery app, and you automatically create an album with the appropriate title, where images are sorted by date, and it's the most visual and convenient way to view them. The other is through the file manager. Go along the path: Internal Memory → MIUI → Gallery → cloudScreenshots or just Pictures → Screenshots.

Knowing the file path is useful if you want to quickly transfer a screenshot through your computer or clear your memory by deleting old files batchwise. Redmi 4X File Manager allows you to sort files by size and date, which makes it easier to manage storage. Regularly cleaning the folder with screenshots helps make room for new photos and applications.

⚠️ Note: When connecting the phone to the computer in file transfer mode (MTP), The folder with the screenshots can be called differently depending on the PC operating system. DCIM/Screenshots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)