Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, which is still in active use. Despite modest technical specifications (Snapdragon 435 processor, 2/3 GB of RAM), the device supports all the basic features of MIUI, including several ways to create screenshots. However, due to the lack of a physical Menu button and firmware features, many users face difficulties when trying to save the screen.
In this article, we will discuss all the working methods for Redmi 4X, including standard key combinations, MIUI gestures, as well as alternative solutions for cases when the touch screen does not respond or the buttons are stuck. Separately, we will discuss the problems with saving screenshots in the gallery and how to fix them. If you are looking for a way to take a screenshot on Xiaomi with a broken display or broken buttons, here you will find a solution.
1. Standard method: Power + Volume Down button combination
It’s a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 4X.
- Open the screen you want to save (for example, WhatsApp correspondence or a page in your browser).
- At the same time, press the Power button (right) and the Volume Down button (left).
- Hold both keys for 1-2 seconds until you hear the camera shutter sound and see the save animation.
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X With worn buttons, only one tap can work (for example, turning off the screen instead of a screenshot:
- 🔧 Press buttons not at the same time, but with a minimum interval (first Volume Down, then Power).
- 🧹 Clean the buttons from dust using a toothpick or compressed air.
- 🔄 Restart the phone – sometimes system lags block the processing of combinations.
💡
If the screenshot is not saved in the gallery, check the folder. DCIM/Screenshots through the file manager. MIUI creates hidden catalogues.
2. Three-finger gesture in MIUI (fastest way)
MIUI firmware (versions 8-12) supports a unique gesture for screenshots, which is to swipe three fingers across the screen from top to bottom, and it works even if one of the physical buttons is broken.
- Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
- Find the screenshot option with three fingers and turn it on.
- Test: swipe the screen with three fingers at the same time (without pauses).
📌 nuance:
- 🖐️ The gesture works only when moving vertically (not diagonally!).
- ⚡ On the Redmi. 4X with a slow processor, there may be a delay of 0.5-1 second.
- 🔒 If the gesture doesn’t work, check if the gestures are disabled in the security settings.
What if the gesture is in conflict with other functions?
3. Screenshot via notification panel (for MIUI 9-12)
In MIUI 9 and later, the notification bar has a quick button for screenshots, which is convenient if the physical buttons don't work or you prefer front-end solutions:
- Flick the notification bar down twice (to open the full list).
- Find the Screenshot icon (scissors or a rectangle with lightning).
- Slip it – the screenshot will be saved automatically.
⚠️ Note: If the button is not in the panel, you need to add it manually:
- Slap the icon. ⚙️ Edit in the upper right corner of the panel.
- Find a screenshot in the list of inactive items and drag it up.
- Save the changes.
4. Alternative methods: if nothing works
If standard methods don’t work (for example, because of broken buttons or firmware glitches), use one of these solutions:
Method 1: Google Voice Assistant
Activate Google Assistant and say:
Okay, Google, take a screenshot.📌 Conditions:
- 🗣️ The phone should have a voice assistant set up (check in Settings). → Google → Assistant settings).
- 🌐 Internet connection required to process the command.
- 🔊 The microphone should be in good condition (on Redmi). 4X dusty).
Method 2: Apps from Google Play
If system features fail, install one of these applications (checked on Redmi 4X):
| Annex | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot Touch | Screenshots of tapa on the icon in the notification panel | Advertising requires permission to be available |
| Super Screenshot | Scrolling Screenshots, Editor | Paid features, a bit heavy for the Snapdragon 435 |
| Screen Master | Lightweight, no advertising, supports MIUI | No Russian language |
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party apps for screenshots, turn off battery optimization for them (Settings) → Battery → Battery optimization, otherwise they won’t work in the background.
Method 3: ADB-Team (for advanced users)
If the phone is connected to a PC, you can take a screenshot via ADB:
- Install Platform Tools on your computer.
- Turn on USB Debugging on your phone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
- Connect Redmi 4X to your PC and execute the command:
adb shell screencap -p /sdcard/screen.pngThe file will be saved in the root folder of the phone under the name screen.png.
5. Where do I look for saved screenshots?
By default, MIUI saves screenshots in the folder:
/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots/But on the Redmi 4X, there are options:
- 📁 DCIM/Screenshots — If you use a standard gallery Xiaomi.
- 🖼️ Download/Screenshots — If the screen is made through some third-party applications.
- 🔍 The folder can be hidden! To see it, in the file manager, turn on the display of hidden files (Settings) → Show hidden files).
🔎 How to quickly find a screenshot?
- Open the Gallery app.
- Slip on the album icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the Screenshots album (usually it is automatically created by the system).
Screenshots folder exists in the root directory
The gallery includes the display of hidden albums
There is enough free space on the memory card (minimum 50 MB).
The Gallery app has access to the storage (Settings) → Permits)-->
Frequent problems and their solutions
On Xiaomi Redmi 4X, screenshots may not be saved due to overcrowded eMMC memory - cheap flash memory in budget models often "gluts" when filling up by more than 85%. Clear cache and unnecessary files before creating pictures!
Other common mistakes and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshot taken, but not saved | No right to write to a folder. | Reset permissions for the Gallery app (Settings → Apps → Gallery → Permissions) |
| Black screen on the screenshot | Conflict with an application (e.g. banking) | Take a screenshot via ADB or turn off protection in the problem app settings |
| Shutter sound is there, but no file. | File system failure | Restart your phone or run fsck via TWRP |
| Three-finger gesture doesn't work. | Disabled function in settings | Check Settings → Additional Features → Gestures → Screenshot of three fingers |
🛠️ If nothing helps:
- 🔄 Reset your phone settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
- 📥 Refuse the phone to the new version MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.
- 📞 Contact the service center – the problem may be in the hardware (for example, damaged the plume of the buttons).
💡
On Xiaomi Redmi 4X with custom firmware (like LineageOS), standard screenshot methods may not work, in which case use ADB or third-party apps.
7. How to take a long (scrollable) screenshot
Redmi 4X supports Scrolling Screenshot, but with limitations. It only works in standard MIUI applications (browser, messages, contacts) and some third-party applications (e.g. Chrome).
- Take a regular screenshot of any of the above methods.
- Immediately after the thumbnail appears in the lower right corner of the screen, tap it.
- In the editor that opens, select the Scroll option (an icon with two down arrows).
- Wait until the system automatically scrolls the page and combines the pictures.
⚠️ Limitations:
- 🚫 Doesn't work on Instagram, VK some games.
- 🐢 On the Redmi. 4X It can take up to 10 seconds to process because of a weak processor.
- 📏 Maximum length of screenshot – 5 screens.
💡
If the screenshot you are scrolling gets cropped, try making it in Chrome: open the page in the desktop version (three dots → “PC version”), then use the standard screenshot method.