How to add a desktop link to Xiaomi: apps, sites, contacts

Adding shortcuts to Xiaomi’s home screen seems like a simple task — until you run into MIUI limitations or unusual scenarios, like why some apps don’t let you create an icon through a menu, how to anchor a website without a Chrome browser, or why the shortcut disappears after a reboot. This article covers all the current ways for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones on MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14, including bypassing typical bugs.

We will not only break down standard methods through the application menu, but also covert features (such as shortcuts for system tools like Developer Mode), as well as solutions for cases where MIUI We will focus on the unique feature of Xiaomi firmware: some shortcuts (for example, for APK-Files may disappear after system updates – and you’ll learn how to avoid them.

1. Standard method: app shortcut through menu

The most obvious method is to use the built-in MIUI feature to add install icons. It works for 90% of applications, but there are nuances with system utilities and some games.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).
• 🔍 Find the app you want in the list (use a search from above if it’s not visible).
• 🖱️ Press the application icon for 1-2 seconds – the context menu will appear.
• 📌 Select Add to the Home Screen (or Create a Shortcut in some versions) MIUI).
• 📍 Drag the icon to the right place on the desktop.

⚠️ Note: If there is no Add to the main screen, the app has blocked this function (often found in banking programs or games with screenshot protection".

The application is installed in the main memory (not on the SD-map)|

There is a free space on the screen (minimum 1×1 cell) |

Application restrictions disabled in Settings → Applications → Permissions|

Smartphone is not in charge saving mode (can block background processes)

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2. Website shortcut (PWA) via Chrome

Modern browsers allow you to create "progressive web applications" (PWAs) that look like native programs. On Xiaomi, this works through Google Chrome, but not through the standard MIUI browser.

Step-by-step:

1. Open your site in Google Chrome (install it from the Play Market if not already done).
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: Some sites (for example, VKontakte or Tinkoff Bank) block the creation of PWA-In this case, use the method with the Notes widget for quick access.

3. "Tags" widget for system tools

If you want to add Settings, Developer Mode, or other system partitions to your screen, use the Shortcuts widget, which works even for features hidden in deep menus.

How to do this:

• 🖱️ Hold your finger on an empty space on your desk. → select Widgets.
• 🔍 Scroll down to the shortcuts block (or the Tools in some firmware).
• 📌 Drag the widget onto the screen. → Select the desired section in the list (for example, Battery or Mobile Network).
• 🎨 Change the size of the widget if necessary (some support the format). 2×1 or 4×1).

💡 Useful tip: This widget can add shortcuts for Game Mode, Blacklist, or even Fingerprint Scanner – these features are usually hidden in the 3-4 levels of the menu.

Weather |

Calendar |

Quick access labels |

Music Controller |

Nothing.

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Alternative method: note with reference

If none of the previous methods worked (for example, for internal application pages or specific URLs), use the built-in Notes app.

Algorithm:

1. Open Notes (preinstalled on all Xiaomi)
2. Create a new note and insert a link (for example, https://mi.com/ru or tel:+71234567890 quick-call).
3. Save the note and fix it on the home screen through the menu (three dots → Secure).
4. When clicking on the note, the link will open in the appropriate annex.

⚠️ Attention: This method does not create a "native" label - when you click, the Notes app will open first, and then the redirect will occur. PWA chrome.

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If you want to add a shortcut to your phone number or email, create a contact in the Phone Book, then press it in your contact list and select Create a shortcut. This will work even for virtual SIMs (like Yota or Tinkoff Mobile).

5. Manual shortcut creation via ADB (for advanced)

If you encounter system limitations (e.g., on corporate phones with MIUI for Business), you can create a shortcut through ADB. This method requires a PC connection and a developer mode enabled.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → Return to Additional → For Developers.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT \ -n com.android.launcher3/.ShortcutInstallActivity \ --es name "Name of label" \ --es uri "intent:#Intent;action=android.intent.action.VIEW;data=Application package;end Replace the application package with a real identifier (e.g. com.xiaomi.calculator for calculator).
3. On the phone screen, confirm the creation of a shortcut.

🔧 Technical note: For working with ADB You'll need Google's Platform Tools installed, and you can download it from the official website. MIUI You may also need to disable the check. USB-Debugging in the Developer's Settings.

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ADB-method is the only way to add shortcuts for disabled system applications (e.g, FM-radio on models without antennas or create custom icons for Tasker scripts.

6. Problem Solving: The label is gone or not working

Typical errors when adding shortcuts to Xiaomi and how to fix them:

🛠️ Additional Diagnostics: If the shortcut is unstable (for example, opens the wrong app), check Settings → Annexes → The default application. It's possible that the system redirects the links to another browser or program.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi