Screenshots are one of the basic but critical functions of any modern smartphone, and the budget Xiaomi Redmi 4 is no exception. Users often face the need to capture correspondence, save a recipe, fix an error in the application or just share an interesting moment from the game. Although the MIUI interface may seem overloaded for a beginner, the mechanism for creating images here is implemented as convenient and multifaceted as possible.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available methods that allow you to implement the Android operating system in conjunction with the manufacturerβs corporate shell. You will learn not only about standard button combinations, but also about hidden functions, such as creating long screenshots and voice control. Understanding these nuances will significantly improve the effectiveness of your interaction with the device.
Many Redmi 4 owners donβt even realize that their phone has much more than just fixing a current image, and weβll look at settings that automate the process, change the format of file storage, and even edit the image immediately after itβs created.
Standard Method Through Physical Buttons
The fastest and most time-tested way to get a screenshot on any Android device is to use a physical keyboard. The Redmi 4, like most Xiaomi smartphones of the period, uses the classic combination: you need to press the Power button and Volume Down button at the same time.
It's important to keep the sequence and duration of the pressing right, you press the buttons simultaneously and hold them for about one second, and if you let them go too early, the system might perceive this as a random touch, and if you hold them too long, the phone might go into vibration or off mode, which is not our goal.
Once you've done the action, you'll hear the characteristic shutter sound of the camera (unless the sound is turned off), and a split second notification will appear at the top of the screen that the image has been created. The file is automatically saved to the gallery, which works even when the touch screen is temporarily unresponsive or locked in certain applications.
- π± Press and hold the Power. + Loudness down at the same time.
- π Focus on the sound signal or vibration for confirmation.
- πΌοΈ Check the notification in the curtain for quick access to the file.
β οΈ Warning: Don't push the buttons too hard. The mechanical keys on Redmi 4 have a clear stroke, and excessive force can damage the internal contacts or the button mechanism itself.
Using a swipe with three fingers
The MIUI shell is famous for its unique gestures that make navigation much easier. One of the most useful features is to take a screenshot by swiping three fingers across the screen from top to bottom, which is intuitive and allows you to take pictures with one hand when the phone is lying on the table, or just when the buttons are uncomfortable to press.
However, by default, this feature can be disabled to prevent random screenshots from being taken while you're actively using the interface. To activate, you need to go to the system settings. Find the section for additional functions where the desired switch is hidden. Once activated, the gesture becomes active in all applications.
The system recognizes three fingers, which minimizes the risk of false positives. If you use a protective glass with a poor oleophobic coating or wear gloves, the sensitivity of the sensor may require sharper and faster movement. In some cases, it may require screen calibration.
βοΈ Tweaking the gesture with three fingers
The advantage of this method is that it is silent and fast. You don't have to look for physical buttons, which is especially true if the smartphone body is in a bulky protective case that makes it difficult to access the side faces.
Creating long screenshots (scrolling)
One of the most popular features for social media users and instant messengers is the ability to take a long screenshot. A standard screenshot captures only the visible area, but WhatsApp correspondence or news feeds in the browser often take up much more space. Xiaomi Redmi 4 can automatically "stitch" several images into one long canvas.
The process starts with taking a normal screenshot in any convenient way, and immediately after that, in the upper right corner of the picture, a special button will appear with the scroll icon or arrow down, and you click on it, you start scrolling mode, and the phone will automatically scroll down the content, capturing new areas of the screen.
You can stop the process at any time by tapping the screen or pressing the stop button, which allows you to control where your long screenshot ends, and is especially useful when saving navigation routes, long articles or transaction history in banking applications.
| Parameter | Description | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum length | Depends on screen resolution. | Usually up to 5-10 screens |
| Support for applications | Works in browsers and social networks | Doesn't work in some games |
| File format | JPG or PNG | Large file size |
| Management | Automatic scrolling | You can stop it manually. |