How to add a shortcut to the Xiaomi Poco desktop

Modern Xiaomi smartphones and their Poco sub-brand offer users a lot of functionality, but sometimes standard interface settings MIUI or HyperOS can confuse even experienced owners. Especially often questions arise for those who have moved from other operating systems or are accustomed to the classic layout of elements. One of the basic but important tasks is the correct management of shortcuts of applications and sites.

In this article, we’ll go into detail about all the possible ways to create shortcuts, whether it’s a standard app, a specific feature inside a program, or a link to a website. The flexibility of the system allows you to bring almost anything to the home screen, turning your smartphone into a truly personalized tool.

Some users find that after installing a new program, its icon does not appear on the desktop, which is normal for some versions of the shell, where all applications default to the menu, and we will consider how to fix this situation and return to the usual order.

Basic configuration of display of installed applications

Before you go into creating customized shortcuts, you need to make sure that the system is configured correctly. By default, Xiaomi shells often activate a mode that hides new icons from the home screen. This is done to keep the interface clean, but many users are uncomfortable with this.

To change the behavior of the system, you'll need to go to the desktop settings, where you can switch the display mode of all programs. The classic mode implies that each application installed automatically receives its icon on the desktop or in the folder.

If you want new apps to appear on the screen right away, follow these steps:

• 📱 Go to your smartphone’s Settings through the notification curtain or app list.
• 🔍 Find the Desktop section (sometimes it’s inside the Home or Home screen").
• ⚙️ Select Desktop Mode or Classic Menu.
• ✅ Make sure the switch is in a position that allows shortcuts to be created automatically.

Once this setting is changed, all new programs will be displayed immediately, however, if the application is already installed, but there is no icon, you can add it manually through the menu of all applications, simply dragging the desired icon to the free space.

Creating a website shortcut on the desktop

Often users need quick access to a particular site, forum or news portal without having to open a browser and enter an address each time, in which case the ideal solution is to create a web shortcut. It works as a separate application, running the desired URL in your browser.

The process of creating such a shortcut depends on the browser you use. In a standard Mi Browser or Chrome browser, the algorithm is similar, but it has its own nuances in the menu. It is important to open the page you want to bring to the screen.

Let’s take a look at the most popular browsers:

• 🌐 Open the browser and go to the site that you need to add.
• 📑 Click on the menu (usually three dots in the corner of the screen or three bars).
• ➕ Select Add to the main screen or Create a shortcut.
• ✏️ If necessary, edit the name of the shortcut and confirm the action with the Add button.

⚠️ Note: If the Add button does not appear after clicking, check the browser permission settings. The system may have blocked shortcuts for this application for security reasons.

After doing this, a new icon will appear on the desktop, which may differ from the site logo, because it often uses a standard browser icon with a thumbnail of the page, and this does not affect the functionality - when you click, the desired resource will open.

Adding widgets and special functions

The MIUI shell and the new HyperOS are famous for their widgets. They're not just static pictures, but interactive elements that display weather, currency rates, steps, or music control right on your desktop. Adding a widget is also a kind of shortcut for quick information.

To add a widget, you need to go to the desktop editing mode, usually by pinching two fingers on the screen or holding your finger for a long time in empty space. In the menu that opens, select Widgets.

The system will offer an extensive list of available elements:

• 🌡️ Information: weather, time, calendar, cryptocurrency rate.
• 🎵 Multimedia: player control, voice recorder, scanner QR-code.
• 🛠️ System: Wi-Fi switches, flashlight, Bluetooth, battery level.

Choose the widget you want, press it and drag it to the free area of the screen. Many widgets are of different sizes (1x1, 2x2, 4x2), which allows you to flexibly arrange the space. Some widgets from Xiaomi support stylization, allowing you to change their transparency and color depending on the theme of the design.

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Use switch widgets for commonly used features like a flashlight or mobile internet, which will save you time and eliminate the need to get into the notification curtain every time.

Solving the Problems of Disappearing Labels

One of the common problems for Poco and Xiaomi users is the spontaneous disappearance of shortcuts, which can occur after a system update, memory cleanup or launcher reset, and if the icons are missing, don't panic - the application data is saved.

Most often, the problem is overflowing the cache of the Security system application or the launcher itself, and it is also possible that the theme of the design that does not support certain icon resolutions has been lost, in which case the system may hide incompatible elements.

To restore the labels, try the following steps:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find the Desktop or System Launcher in the list.
3. Click Clear and select Clear Cache (not data to avoid resetting the icons).
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: If you choose Clear All Data instead of cache, your desktop will return to factory status and all folders will have to be reassembled.

If the problem persists, check if the "Simple Mode" (for older people) mode is enabled, which has its own set of shortcuts and limits the ability to add new ones, and you can switch back in screen settings or through special themes.

Use of application shortcuts (App Shortcuts)

Modern versions of Android and Xiaomi shells support live app shortcuts, which allow you to put on the desktop not just an icon of the program, but a specific function inside it, such as the label "New message" for the messenger or "Route home" for the navigator.

To create this shortcut, find the main app icon on the menu or desktop, click on it and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds, and open a context menu with quick actions available.

In the list that opens, select the desired function. Often there is an "+" icon next to the function name or drag and drop. Drag that particular item to the free screen space. Now you have direct access to the action, bypassing the opening of the application itself.

This feature is particularly useful for:

• 📞 Contacts: Creating a shortcut for a quick call to a specific person.
• 🌐 Browsers: a shortcut for an incognito mode or a specific profile.
• 🎵 Music: Launching a specific playlist or radio.
• 📷 Camera: Launch immediately in selfie or video mode.

Comparison of methods for adding elements

Having figured out all the ways, it’s helpful to structure the information to understand which method is best for your situation.The different types of shortcuts have their advantages and limitations in use on Poco and Xiaomi devices.

The table below compares the main types of elements that can be placed on the desktop:

Use widgets wisely. Although they look beautiful and informative, complex widgets with constant data synchronization (such as a news feed or stock price) can consume more power than conventional icons.

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The optimal desktop configuration is a balance between (beauty) and functionality. Don't overload the screen with widgets if you care about smartphone autonomy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)