How to add a link to the Xiaomi desktop: all ways to MIUI 14/15

Want to quickly open your favorite app or website, but don’t know how to fix it on the Xiaomi home screen? In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to add shortcuts, from standard MIUI features to hidden shell features. Instructions are suitable for all modern models, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Many users are faced with a problem: after updating the system or resetting the settings, the usual icons from the desktop disappear. Others want to add a shortcut to a web page, but do not find this option in the browser, we have compiled solutions for all these cases, explaining why sometimes standard methods do not work and what to do about it.

Importantly, the procedure differs depending on the MIUI version and the smartphone model, for example, on devices with POCO Launcher, the algorithm will be different from on the standard shell, we took into account all the nuances and prepared universal instructions.

1. Standard method: Adding an app shortcut

The easiest method is to move the icon from the app menu, which works on all versions of MIUI from 12 to 15 and does not require additional settings.

Open the App Menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen) and find the app and hold the icon for 1-2 seconds, and you will see a context menu with options:

• 📱 Add to the desktop – the main option to create a shortcut
• 🔍 Information about the application - transition to the application settings
• 🗑️ Delete - uninstallation of the program

Select the first item. The icon will appear in the free space of the main screen. If there is no space, the system will prompt you to create a new page.

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On some models (such as the POCO X5), you first need to drag the icon up and then select "Add to desktop" in the menu that appears.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, if you press long, you can open the widget menu, in which case, first tap the icon, then hold it.

2. Creating a website shortcut through a browser

If you need to quickly open a particular site (like VKontakte or YouTube), you can create a separate icon for it, which works in the standard Mi Browser and Google Chrome browser.

Instructions for Mi Browser:

1. Open the desired site in the browser
2. Slap the icon. ⋮ (three points) in upper right corner
3. Select Add to the main screen
4. If necessary, edit the name of the label.
5. Press Add Add Add.

For Google Chrome, the algorithm is similar, but the menu item is called Install the app. The shortcut created will open the site in a frameless window as a separate application.

3.Use widgets for quick access

Widgets are mini-programs that display information directly on the desktop, and can be used as an alternative to standard shortcuts.

To add a widget:

1. Press and hold an empty space on the desktop
2. Select the widgets in the menu that appears
3. Scroll through the list and find the widget you want (like Weather or Calendar)
4. Drag him to a vacant spot.

Some widgets allow you to quickly open related applications, for example, the Google Search widget gives you access to the browser, and the Mi Fit widget gives you access to the activity tracking app.

4. Creating shortcuts through system settings

MIUI has a hidden shortcut feature for system actions, such as making an icon to quickly navigate to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings.

For this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application shortcuts
2. Select a category (such as Settings or Tools)
3. Tapping on the right item (for example, mobile network)
4. Click Add Add to the desktop

This method only works on devices with MIUI 13 and later. On older versions, the path to settings may be different: Settings → Additional → Shortcuts.

⚠️ Note: Some system shortcuts may not work after the update MIUI. In this case, they need to be removed and recreated.

5. Alternative methods for experienced users

If the standard methods are not suitable, you can use third-party applications or ADB-These techniques require more knowledge, but they provide more opportunities.

Method 1: Application "Activity Launcher"

This utility allows you to create shortcuts for hidden system functions, for example, you can make an icon for:

• 🔧 Test menus (e.g. #4636##)
• 📡 Hidden settings (e.g., developer mode)
• 🔄 Service applications (e.g. Mi Share)

Method 2: ADB-team

For advanced users, you can create shortcuts through your computer. Connect your smartphone to your PC and follow the command:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT \


-n com.android.launcher3/.ShortcutInstallActivity \




--es name "Tag name"




--es uri"intent:#Intent;action=android.intent.action.VIEW;end"

6. Solving problems with missing labels

Sometimes, after you update your system or reset your settings, the shortcuts disappear from your desktop. Here's how to fix it:

Problem 1: Labels disappear after MIUI update

This is because of the launcher reset.

1. Reset the device
2. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management
3. Find Launcher and clear the cache
4. Restart your phone again.

Problem 2: You can’t add a shortcut to your desktop

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔒 Restriction of the launcher - try to change the launcher to a standard one
• 📱 Mode for children - turn it off in the settings
• 🔧 Security settings – check permissions for launcher

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If the problem persists, try resetting the launcher settings through Settings → Apps → Launcher → Storage → Reset.

7.Desktop optimization after adding shortcuts

Once you have added all the necessary shortcuts, it is worth optimizing their location for ease of use.

Advice on organization:

• 📁 Group similar applications into folders (for example, all messengers in one folder)
• 🎨 Use widgets for quick access to information (weather, calendar)
• 🔄 Regularly clean your desktop from unnecessary labels
• 🖼️ Change wallpaper for visual separation of zones (working / personal applications)

To create a folder, drag and drop one shortcut to another. To resize the widget, hold it and adjust the frame that appears at the edges.

Don't forget about MIUI gestures, which can replace some shortcuts, like swiping down the desktop opens the notification bar and swiping up the app menu.

Frequently asked questions