Creating shortcuts on the Xiaomi Redmi desktop is a simple but not always obvious task, especially for beginners. Depending on the version of the MIUI shell (12, 13 or 14) and the smartphone model (Redmi Note 11, Redmi 10C, POCO M5, etc.), the ways to add may vary. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hidden features that are not written in the official instructions.
You'll learn how to put not only standard app icons on the home screen, but also shortcuts to quickly access contacts, websites, files, and even hidden system settings, and why shortcuts sometimes disappear after a MIUI update and how to fix them.
1. Standard method: Drag from the application menu
The most versatile method that works on all versions of MIUI is 12 to 14, suitable for adding shortcuts to installed applications, including system ones (for example, Settings or Camera).
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
- 🔍 Find the right app (you can use a search at the top of the screen).
- 🖱️ Press the app icon on 1-2 until it is "separated" from the background.
- 📲 Drag it to a free space on the desktop or in a folder.
If the label is not created, check:
- ⚙️ Is not activated Easy Mode (Settings) → Special opportunities → Easy regime).
- 🔒 Is the application blocked in Settings? → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
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On MIUI 14, you can add shortcuts to folders on your desktop: press the icon and drag it to another icon to create a new folder.
2. Adding a Website Shortcut (PWA)
Do you want your favorite site to open as an app? In MIUI, it's done through Mi Browser or Google Chrome, and it's going to open a site in full screen without an address bar.
Step-by-step instructions for Chrome:
- Open the site in your browser.
- Press three points (⋮) top-right → Add to the main screen.
- If necessary, edit the name of the label.
- Press Add.
For Mi Browser:
- 🌐 Open the site.
- 📌 Click on the icon. ⋯ → Add to the main screen.
- 🎨 Choose a name and icon (if available).
Important: Not all sites support Progressive Web App (PWA) mode. If the option to Add to the home screen is inactive, try a different browser or use the method with a widget (see section 4).
3. Creating a shortcut for contact or quick action
In MIUI, you can add not only apps to your desktop, but also shortcuts to make a quick call/message to a particular contact, which is convenient if you often contact the same person.
How to do this:
- 📞 Open the Contacts app.
- 👤 Find the right contact and open your card.
- 📍 Press three points (⋮) → Add a shortcut to the main screen.
- 📱 Select Action: Call, Message or Video Call.
You can also create a shortcut for quick access to the settings:
- ⚙️ Hold an empty space on the desktop → Widgets.
- 🔧 Find the Settings widget (usually in the Tools section).
- 📱 Drag it to the screen and select the desired option (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Flight Mode, etc.).
Check that the contact is saved in the phone book.|Update the Contacts app on Google Play|Make sure there is a free space on the desktop.|Turn off the power saving mode for the Contacts app"-->
4.Use of widgets for hidden functions
Widgets in MIUI are not just weather or clocks, but they can also be used to add shortcuts to your desktop for hidden features that are usually hidden in the back of the menu.
- 🔋 Quick access to Performance Mode.
- 📡 Mobile network switcher (2G/3G/4G/5G).
- 🔇 Notification control panel.
How to add a widget:
- Click the empty space on the desktop → Widgets.
- Scroll through the list to the Tools or Settings section.
- Select the widget you want (such as Switches or Performance Mode).
- Hold it down and drag it to the screen.
On MIUI 14, the Tools widget added quick access to the Game Turbo - useful for gamers to include the game mode in one tap.
| Type of widget | Function | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Switches | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flashlight | Widgets → Tools |
| Performance mode | Quickly switching profiles | Widgets → Settings |
| Contacts | Quick call/message | Widgets → Social widgets |
| Notes | Quickly creating a new note | Widgets → Tools |
5. Manual shortcut creation via ADB (for experienced)
If standard methods do not work (for example, on custom firmware), you can create a shortcut through ADB-This will require a smartphone connection to a PC and basic knowledge of working with Android Debug Bridge.
Instructions:
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
- Connect Redmi to your PC and execute the command: adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT -n com.android.launcher3/.ShortcutInstallActivity -d "package:com.example.app" -e Replace com.example.app with the package of the desired application (you can find out through App Inspector).
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause shell malfunctions. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
This method is useful if:
- 🔧 You need to create a shortcut for a hidden system application (e.g., Hardware Testing).
- 📦 The app does not appear on the menu due to restrictions MIUI.
Why do shortcuts disappear after MIUI update?
Many Redmi users face a problem: after updating the shell, the labels from the desktop disappear.
| Reason. | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Launcher reset | Press the screen → Screen settings → Reset the settings |
| Conflict with the topic | Set a standard theme in Topics → My Themes → Standard |
| Clearing the launcher cache | Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Clear cache |
On MIUI 14, website shortcuts (PWAs) may disappear due to a WebView cache bug.Solution: Update Android System WebView to Google Play.