How to add an icon to the Xiaomi Redmi 8 desktop: all ways + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a popular smartphone with a shell MIUI, which offers flexible desktop settings. However, many users have difficulty in trying to add an app, game or website shortcut to the home screen. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, including hidden MIUI features, and also solve typical problems, from the lack of an option to add to the desktop to failures after the system update.

It's important to understand that Redmi 8's interface may vary depending on the version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 12.5 vs MIUI 14).We've taken these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that work on all current firmware. If you tried to add an icon through the app menu but failed, don't rush to reset. You may just miss one step!

In the article you will find:

• 🔹 3 proven ways to add a shortcut (including hidden mode for websites)
• 🔹 Compatibility of methods with versions MIUI
• 🔹 5 Common Mistakes (from Gray Badge to Missing Icons)
• 🔹 Tips on organizing a desktop (folders, widgets, hiding unnecessary shortcuts)

1. Method 1: Adding an application icon through the menu

The most obvious method is to move the shortcut from the general list of applications, which works on all versions of MIUI, but there are nuances that few people know about.

To add an icon to the Redmi 8 desktop:

1. Tap the All Apps icon** (usually at the bottom of the screen or swipe up from the dock panel).
2. Find the desired application in the list and pinch its icon for 1-2 seconds.
3. Keep your finger on, drag the label to the free desktop space, and the placement area will be lit up in blue.
4. Release your finger and the icon will be added.

⚠️ Note: If the icon “returns” to the menu when dragging, check it out:

• 📱 Is there an active mode "Protection against accidental presses"** (included in Settings) → Special facilities).

If the app is not in the All Apps menu, this could mean:

• 🔍 It is hidden in the settings (Settings). → Annexes → Hidden applications).
• 🚫 The application is uninstalled or system-based (e.g, com.android.launcher3).
• 📦 It's APK, installed without a correct label (you need to use manual shortcut creation, see Method 3).

2. Method 2: Creating a Website Shortcut (PWA)

MIUI allows you to add not only apps but also web page shortcuts to your desktop, which is convenient for quick access to frequently visited sites (such as VK, YouTube or corporate portals), but it does not work in all browsers.

Instructions for Google Chrome (recommended browser):

1. Open the site you want to create a shortcut for.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Add to the main screen”.
3. If necessary, edit the name of the label.
4. Click “Add”** – the icon will appear on the desktop.

⚠️ Note: In the standard Mi Browser browser, the option may not be available:

• 🌐 Use Chrome or Firefox.
• 🔄 Update your browser to the latest version.
• 📌 If the site does not support PWA (Progressive Web App, the shortcut will open in the browser, not as a separate application.

Important for Redmi 8: On some MIUI firmware, website shortcuts may disappear after a reboot. To avoid this, pin the icon to the dock panel (bottom panel with 4-5 permanent shortcuts).

3. Method 3: Manually creating a shortcut through "Widgets"

If the app doesn’t appear in the menu, or if you want to create a shortcut for a specific feature (like direct dialing), use the shortcut widget. This method works even for system utilities.

Step-by-step:

1. Click the empty space on the desktop → select “Widgets”.
2. Scroll through the list to the "Tags" section** (or Shortcuts in English firmware).

This method is particularly useful for:

• 📞 Quick access to contacts (creating a shortcut to call a specific person).
• 📧 Opening drafts in Gmail or Mi Mail.
• 🎵 Music playback management (pause/play shortcut in Mi Music).

4.Table of methods compatibility with MIUI versions

Not all methods work the same on different firmware. Below is the compatibility table for Xiaomi Redmi 8:

If your version of MIUI doesn’t support the method you want, update the firmware through Settings → About Phone → System Update. Back up your data before you upgrade!

💡

On MIUI 12.5 and later, website shortcuts are more stable, but use Google Chrome for maximum compatibility.

5. Solving common problems

Even after following the instructions, Redmi 8 users may encounter errors, and we'll look at the typical cases and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The icon is added but becomes gray

The gray icon means that the shortcut has been created, but the application cannot start.

• 🔧 Application removed or damaged (check in Settings) → Annexes).
• 🔒 Limitations MIUI for system applications (e.g. com.miui.home).
• 📥 Incomplete installation APK (Try reinstalling the app).

Solution: Remove the gray icon, clear the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → Launcher → Clear the cache) and repeat the addition.

Problem 2: There is no option to add to desktop

This is a common problem on custom firmware or after resetting.

• 📲 Is a standard launcher installed? MIUI (Not Nova or Apex).
• 🔄 Is the function disabled in Settings? → Desktop → Additionally.
• 🛠️ Are there any conflicts with established topics (try resetting the topic to standard).

💡

If you’re using a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher), go back to the standard MIUI Launcher to restore the icon add feature.

Problem 3: Icons disappear after reboot

This is a bug in some versions of MIUI that's associated with memory optimization.

• 📵 Turn off Aggressive Optimization** in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

6. Organization of the desktop: tips for setting up

Add an icon is half the battle. To make the Redmi 8 desktop more convenient, use these tips:

• 🎨 Icon Topics: In Settings → Themes select the style of icons (e.g. Minimal or Pixel) Some themes support responsive icons for all apps.

For advanced users:

• 🛠️ Use it. ADB-commands to unlock hidden launcher settings. For example, adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1 allows you to change the density of the screen (DPI), What affects the size of the icons.
• 📱 Install. KWGT or UCCW Creating custom widgets with unique icons.

💡

To return the standard look of icons after applying the theme, go to Settings → Themes → My Themes and click Reset next to the active theme.

7. Alternative methods (for experienced users)

If the standard methods don’t work, try these advanced solutions:

Method 1: Creating a shortcut through ADB

Suitable for system applications or APKs without shortcuts.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 🔌 Developer Mode enabled** on Redmi 8 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press).

The team to create the label:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT -n com.android.launcher3/.ShortcutInstallActivity -d "package: packet name" -e name "label name"

Replace the packet name with the real application identifier (e.g. com.whatsapp).

Method 2: Use of third-party launchers

Launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher offer enhanced icon settings:

• 🎨 Customize the size, shape and shadows of icons.
• 📦 Creating backup copies of the desktop layout.
• 🔍 Search for hidden applications.

After the launcher is installed:

1. Select Activity** (to access hidden app features).

FAQ: Frequent questions