How to add a contact shortcut to the Xiaomi Redmi desktop: all ways

Adding a contact shortcut to the Xiaomi Redmi desktop saves time: instead of searching in the phone book, you call or write in one tap. However, in MIUI (Xiaomi shell), this process is not always intuitive - especially after updates, when the menu moves or hides behind additional settings. In this article, we will discuss 3 working ways to create a contact shortcut on the home screen, including workarounds for old and new versions of MIUI (12 to 14).

Important: the algorithm may vary depending on the model (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 12, POCO X5, etc.) and the firmware version. If the standard method did not work, check the "Problem Solutions" section at the end of the article. Also note that some devices with a lightweight version of MIUI (for example, for the markets of India or China) may have some features disabled.

1. Method: through the context menu of the contact

The fastest method, which works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14, is suitable for adding a shortcut to a call, SMS or chat in Messenger/WhatsApp (if linked to a contact).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Contacts app** (human silhouette icon).
• 🔍 Find the right contact in the list or through the search bar.
• 📌 Press and hold your finger in contact for 1-2 seconds until the context menu appears.
• 🖥️ Select Add to the main screen (or Create a shortcut).
• 📱 Confirm the action – the shortcut will appear on the free desktop space.

If you don't add to the home screen, your version of MIUI doesn't support it. Go to the next one.

2. Method: through the "Contact" widget

An alternative method for devices that do not have the option of directly adding a shortcut: the widget allows you not only to create a contact icon, but also to customize its appearance (size, style).

How do I add:

1. 🏠 Press and hold your finger on the empty desktop space until the menu appears.
2. 📱 Select Widgets (or Widgets in English firmware).
3. 🔍 Scroll through the list to the Contacts block** (phone book icon).
4. 📌 Drag the Contact widget (usually) 1×1 or 2×1) work-table.
5. 👤 In the window that opens, select the contact you want from the list.
6. ✅ Click Ready - the label will be created.

The advantage of this method: the widget can be changed in size (stretch or compress), as well as attach actions to it - for example, immediately open a chat in Telegram or Viber, if the number is tied to the account.

Synchronize contacts with Google/Account Xiaomi|Check that the contact is saved in the phone book (not only in the phone book). SIM)|Update the Contacts app in the Play Market|Reboot your phone if a shortcut is not created.-->

Method: through third-party applications

If standard methods don't work (e.g., on custom firmware Redmi or MIUI Lite), use third-party utilities.

• 📱 «Direct Contact (free, no ads) – creates shortcuts for calls, SMS messenger.
• 🔗 «Shortcut Maker** (paid version) – supports deep linking to contacts in any application.
• 🤖 «Contact Widget* – allows you to customize icons and actions (for example, a quick FaceTime call).

Instructions for Direct Contact:

1. 📥 Install an application from the Play Market.
2. 🔓 Provide access to contacts (required!).
3. 👤 Select a contact from the list.
4. 📞 Specify action: Call, SMS or chat in messenger.
5. 🎨 Set up the icon (you can upload your picture).
6. 🖥️ Click Create a shortcut – it will appear on the desktop.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Each method has pros and cons. Below the table will help you determine the best option for your Xiaomi Redmi model:

Critical detail: on devices with MIUI 14 for the European market (EEA), the shortcut feature through the context menu may be blocked due to GDPR.

Problem Solving: No label is created

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

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi with dual applications (Double Apps feature in Settings) → Apps) contacts can be duplicated. Make sure you choose the main profile rather than the clone.

• 🔄 Rebooting the device: Sometimes a banal reboot helps - especially if the firmware has been updated before.
• 🗑️ Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 Resetting launcher settings: Press and hold your finger on your desktop → Desktop settings → Resetting settings.
• 📱 Update: Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If the problem persists, try creating a shortcut through Google Contacts:

1. Open Google Contacts in your browser.
2. Find the right contact and click on three points → Create a shortcut.
3. The shortcut syncs with your phone via your Google account (can take up to 5 minutes).

💡

If you call the same person often, add them to Favorites** in the Phone app.This won't create a shortcut on your desktop, but will speed up access: swipe up on the lock screen will open your favorite contacts.

Customization of the label: icon, actions, folders

The standard contact label on Xiaomi Redmi looks like a round icon with the first letter of the name, but it can be changed:

• 🎨 Change the icon: Use apps like Icon Changer or Shortcut Maker to replace the image.

MIUI 14 has a feature called Dynamic Icons** – if a contact is linked to WhatsApp or Telegram, the shortcut icon will show the number of unread messages (like standard notifications).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

💡

If you often communicate with one person, combine the contact shortcut with the Quick Action widget** (available in Widgets → Tools) to allow you to call, write SMS or open chat in the messenger from one screen.