How to add a link to the Xiaomi desktop screen: all ways for MIUI

Adding shortcuts to Xiaomi’s desktop screen is one of the most popular features among users of smartphones based on MIUI. Despite the apparent simplicity, many people face difficulties: the desired option is hidden in the depths of the menu, then after the update the interface changes, it does not work at all to create an icon for a website or a little-known application. This article closes all the gaps: from basic methods to hidden features of the shell, which are not written even in the official documentation.

We will discuss 5 proven ways to add a link to the home screen – from standard (for apps from the Play Market) to advanced (creating web shortcuts through the browser or even manually adding through ADB). Separately, we will focus on the nuances for different versions of MIUI 12-15 and models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.).

Important: All instructions are up to date for 2026 and take into account recent changes in Xiaomi’s policy (e.g., restrictions on adding shortcuts for system applications to MIUI 14+). For convenience, each method is accompanied by screenshots (interface descriptions) and error warnings.

1. Standard method: Adding an app shortcut

The most obvious method is to move the icon from the app menu, which works for all apps installed through Google Play or APK, but has limitations for system utilities (e.g. Settings or Security in MIUI 14+).

How to do this:

• 📱 Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
• 🔍 Find the app you want (use search if it’s hidden in a folder).
• 🖱️ Press the icon for 1-2 seconds until the context menu appears.
• 🏠 Drag it to a free desktop space or folder.

If the icon is not being dragged:

• ❌ System App (e.g. Camera or Phone) – Try the method in Section 2.
• ❌ You have a guest mode or profile with restrictions – check in Settings → Accounts. → Users.
• ❌ Child Mode Enabled - Turn It Off in Settings → Special opportunities → Regime for children.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14.0.5+ Xiaomi has blocked drag and drop some system applications (like Security or Themes). ADB or install a third-party launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher).

2. Adding a shortcut through the menu "Widgets"

This method is suitable for system applications that cannot be dragged by the standard method, as well as for creating quick access shortcuts (for example, direct calling a contact or running a specific function in an application).

Instructions:

1. Click and hold the empty space on the desktop → select Widgets.
2. Scroll through the list to the Application Shortcuts section (in MIUI 15 it may be called Quick Actions).
3. Find the right app and select an action (for example, you can create a shortcut for a specific contact for a phone).
4. Press the created shortcut and drag it to the desktop.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Works for all system applications, including Settings or Camera.
• ✅ Allows you to create a shortcut for a specific action (e.g., a “New Message” on WhatsApp).
• ✅ Does not require root rights or ADB.

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If the desired application is not in the widget list, try updating MIUI to the latest version or use a third-party launcher (such as Hyperion Launcher) that supports shortcut creation for any APKs.

3. Creation of a web shortcut (links to the site)

Want to quickly open your favorite site (like VKontakte or YouTube) right from your desktop? in MIUI, you can do this through your browser - but there are nuances depending on the browser used.

Method 1: Through Google Chrome

• 🌐 Open a website in Chrome.
• ⋮ Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Add to the main screen.
• 📝 If necessary, edit the name of the label.
• ✅ Click Add – the icon will appear on the desktop.

Method 2: Through Mi Browser (standard Xiaomi browser)

• 🌐 Open a website in Mi Browser.
• ⋮ Press three points. → Tools → Add to the main screen.
• ⚠️ If you do not have an option, update your browser through the Play Market.

Challenges and solutions:

• ❌ The shortcut opens in the browser, not in the app → Install the official website application (for example, VKontakte or Twitter) and use it.
• ❌ The icon is not updated → Remove the label and create it again.
• ❌ The site opens in the mobile version → In Chrome, request the desktop version (⋮ → PC version) before shortcut creation.

4.Adding a contact shortcut or quick dial

To call a loved one or send a message in one tap, you don't have to search for it in the phone book -- just create a shortcut on your desktop. In MIUI, this is done through the Contacts app or Phone.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Find the right contact and open your card.
3. Press three points (⋮) → Create a label (in) MIUI 15 option can be called Add to the main screen).
4. Select an action: 📞 Call (create a shortcut for quick dialing). 💬 Send a message (opens chat in Messages). 📍 Show on the map (if the contact has the address saved).

If there is no option:

• 🔄 Update the Contacts app through Play Market.
• 📱 Use an alternative method: create a shortcut through the widget menu (select Contacts). → Quick set).
• 🛠️ Install a third-party contact app (such as Truecaller or Contacts)+).

Make sure that the contact is saved in the phone book (not in the phone book). SIM-map)|Check that the number starts with"+7" or "8" (without spaces)|Update the Contacts app to the latest version|Turn off the power saving mode for the "Phone" application"-->

5. Advanced method: Adding a shortcut through ADB (for system applications)

If Xiaomi has blocked shortcuts for system utilities (such as Settings, Security, or Developer Mode), you can bypass the restriction with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer connection but works on any version of MIUI.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Developer mode enabled and debugging by USB smartphone.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
3. Create a shortcut for the desired application (e.g. Settings): adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT -n com.android.settings/.Settings Replace com.android.settings with the desired application package (see below for a list of popular packages).
4. On the phone screen, a request to create a shortcut will appear - confirm it.

The popular packages of Xiaomi system applications:

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB This can cause a warranty reset if you modify system files.However, creating shortcuts through specified commands does not violate Xiaomi policy or be blocked by anti-cheat.Do not use commands to remove system applications - this can cause the phone to fail!

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ADB-method is the only way to add a shortcut to Developer Mode or Settings in MIUI 15, where these options are hidden from the interface.

6.Alternative solutions: third-party launchers and applications

If standard methods don’t work (for example, due to the limitations of MIUI 15), third-party tools can be used, which not only extend customization options, but also bypass Xiaomi’s locks.

Top.-3 launcher for Xiaomi:

• 🏆 Nova Launcher supports shortcuts for any application, including system applications, allowing you to change icons, gestures and even hide applications.
• 🎨 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for MIUI, It has built-in themes for Xiaomi and supports ADB-shortcuts without manual commands.
• ⚡ Lawnchair is a lightweight open source launcher that can create web shortcuts and shortcuts for specific actions (for example, Open Telegram in incognito mode").

Applications for labelling:

• 🔗 Shortcut Maker – allows you to create shortcuts for hidden system functions (such as Screen Test or Service Menu).
• 🌐 WebApp Creator – Advanced Web Shortcut Designer with Support PWA (progressive web applications).
• 📱 Sesame Shortcuts – integrates with search and creates shortcuts for deep links in apps (for example, Open a playlist in Spotify").

How to install a third-party launcher:

1. Download the launcher from the Play Market (like Nova Launcher).
2. After installation, click Home → select the new launcher as default.
3. Click the blank space on the screen → Widgets or Add a shortcut.
4. In Nova Launcher, select Activities (in the widget list) to see all system applications, including hidden ones.

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If after installing the launcher, weather widgets or watches from Xiaomi disappear, install the MIUI Widgets for Nova plugin from the Play Market - it restores native widgets in third-party shells.

FAQ: Frequent Questions and Problems