How to add contacts to the Xiaomi desktop: all the ways from standard to hidden

Adding frequently used contacts to Xiaomi’s desktop saves time and makes it easier to connect with important people. However, in MIUI, this feature is hidden deeper than in other Android shells. Depending on the firmware version (MIUI 14, MIUI 15 or HyperOS) and the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T), the ways to add may differ. In this article, we will examine all the current methods, from standard widgets to workarounds for older versions of the software.

The thing about MIUI is that developers often change the layout of options on the menu, like MIUI 12 where the contact widget was in the Tools section, and MIUI 15 moved it to Services, and we took these nuances into account and put together universal instructions that work on 90% of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (except for HyperOS models for the global market, there is a separate section for them).

1. Standard Contacts widget in MIUI

The most obvious way is to use the built-in widget from Xiaomi. It is available on all smartphones with MIUI 11 and later, but its location in the widget menu depends on the firmware version.

To add a widget:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop with your finger.
2. In the menu that appears, select “Widgets” (on some models – “Tools”).
3. Scroll through the list to the Contacts or Phone section.
4. Select the size of the widget (usually available options 2×2, 4×1 or 4×2).
5. Drag the widget to the desktop and select the contact from the list.

If the widget is not listed, update the Contacts app via Google Play or GetApps. On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10 Pro), the widget only appears after the first start of the Phone app.

2. Contact label via the "Add" menu

MIUI 14 and later has the ability to create contact shortcuts directly through the desktop context menu, which works even if a standard widget is not available.

Instructions:

• 📱 Press and hold the empty space on the screen. → Choose "Add" (or «+» lower-right).
• 🔍 In the search bar, enter “Contact” or “Tagline».
• 👤 Select the Contact Shortcut option (on some models, Quick Call option»).
• 📞 In the contact list, mark the right person and confirm the addition.

The advantage of this method is the ability to select the action when you click: call, SMS or video call. For example, on Xiaomi 12T you can configure separate shortcuts to call the mobile and work number of the same contact.

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If the shortcut doesn’t appear in the search, try opening the Contacts app first and updating the list (pull down at the top of the screen).

3. Google Contacts widgets (for global firmware)

Xiaomi smartphones with global firmware (such as POCO F5 for the European market) often have Google services installed, in which case you can use the Google Contacts widget, which offers more customization options.

How do I add:

1. Keep your finger on the desktop. → «Widgets».
2. Find the “Google” or “Google Contacts” section.
3. Select the widget "1×1 Contact" or "4×2 Contacts" (for multiple numbers).
4. Place the widget on the screen and select the contact from the list.

Google widgets support dynamic icons (contact photo is displayed on the shortcut) and integration with Google Duo for video calls. However, on Chinese firmware (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra for the domestic market), these widgets may not be available.

4. Add contacts through the “Phone” application

A little-known way is to create a shortcut directly from the Phone app, which works on all versions of MIUI and doesn't require you to search for widgets.

Step-by-step:

• 📞 Open the phone application (pipe icon).
• 🔍 Find the right contact in the list or through search.
• 🖱️ Press and hold the contact name. → Select "Add to the desktop».
• 📱 Confirm the creation of the label (it will appear as an icon with a photo of the contact).

On some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M4 Pro), this menu item is hidden. To unlock it, go to Settings → Apps → Phone → Permissions and turn on the option “Create shortcuts”.

5. Third-party applications for extended widgets

If the built-in solutions don't work, you can use third-party apps, and they offer additional features: grouping contacts, customizing icons, and integrating with instant messengers.

Top.-3 apps:

• 🔹 Contacts Widget – Supports themes MIUI, widget 1×1–4×4, integration with WhatsApp.
• 🔹 Direct Contact – creates floating contact icons (useful for large Xiaomi Pad 6 screens).
• 🔹 Quick Contact Badge – widgets with photos and quick chat access.

To add a widget from a third-party app:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Press and hold the desktop. → «Widgets».
3. Find the section with the name of the installed application.
4. Select the size of the widget and place it on the screen.
5. Set up the contacts displayed in the app menu.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Direct Contact) require permission to display over other windows. Without this, widgets won't work. → Special facilities → Display over other windows.

6. The Secret Way for HyperOS (2026)

In the new HyperOS shell that replaced MIUI, the logic of adding contacts has changed, with widgets hidden in the Services section and shortcuts created through Quick Actions.

Instructions for Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 and other devices on HyperOS:

• 📱 Press and hold the desktop. → «Add a widget».
• 🔍 Go to the "Services" section (second tab at the top).
• 👤 Find the Contacts widget or Quick Call widget».
• 📞 Select the size (options available) 2×1 and 4×2) And put it on the screen.
• 🔧 Click on the widget to set up the contact displayed.

In HyperOS, contact shortcuts are automatically synced with your Mi Account, so you don’t have to reset them when you reset or change your device, but this feature only works if your contacts are saved to the Xiaomi cloud, not Google or on the device. SIM-map.

Synchronize contacts with Mi Account

Update the phone app to the latest version

Check the permissions for the Contacts app

Reboot your smartphone (if the widgets don’t show up)

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7. Problem Solving: Contacts are not added

If none of these methods work, check the following points:

Problem 1: The Contact Widget is not listed.

• 🔄 Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📥 Install the latest version of the Contacts app from GetApps (for Chinese firmware).
• 🔧 Reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Problem 2: A shortcut is created but does not work when pressed.

• 🛠️ Check the permissions for the Phone app: Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Permissions (must be included “Calls” and “Contacts»).
• 🔄 Restart your device – sometimes system services MIUI hanging.
• 📶 If you use Dual, SIM, Make sure that the contact is linked to the active SIM-map.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) A2, POCO C50) lightweight MIUI Go contact widgets are disabled at the system level, in which case only installing a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) will help).

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If you are using HyperOS, first check if the contacts sync with Mi Account is enabled. Without this, the widgets will not display current data.

FAQ: Frequent questions