How to Add a Shortcut to Xiaomi Redmi 8 Desktop: 5 Work Ways + Error Solving

Why Redmi 8 can’t create a shortcut and how to fix it

Creating shortcuts on the Xiaomi Redmi 8 desktop seems like an easy task, but users often face unexpected problems: icons disappear after a reboot, not all applications support the function, and in some versions of MIUI the option is hidden in non-obvious menus. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard to hidden, and also explain why the system sometimes blocks the addition of shortcuts.

The peculiarity of Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) is that it runs on MIUI, the Android shell with unique desktop management logic. For example, there is no classic “app menu” on pure Android — instead, it uses App Drawer, which can be turned off. This directly affects how shortcuts are added. In addition, after the upgrades to MIUI 12.5+, memory optimization algorithms have become more aggressive to remove “unused” icons.

If you tried to drag an app to your desktop and nothing happened, don't be quick to blame your smartphone, you're probably running Light Desktop or you're activating Smart Cleanup, which automatically removes "extra" items, and we'll show you how to check and fix that.

Method 1: Standard addition of an application shortcut

The most obvious method is to move the icon from the app menu, which works on all versions of MIUI, but there are nuances for Redmi 8 with App Drawer disabled.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
• 🔍 Find the right application and pinch its icon for 1-2 seconds.
• 📲 Without letting go of your finger, drag the icon to the free space of the desktop.
• ✅ Let go - the label will be created.

If the icon “returns” when dragging, check:

• 🔄 Is not the light desktop mode enabled (Settings) → Desktop → Screen mode).
• 📵 Is there enough free space on the screen (on Redmi)? 8 maximum 5×6 icon).
• 🔒 Is the application blocked in Settings? → Annexes → Permits → Special access.

There is a free space on the desktop |

Light Desktop mode disabled |

Application not hidden in MIUI| settings

The device is not in energy saving mode-->

On Redmi 8 with MIUI 12.5+, system application shortcuts (such as Settings or Phone) cannot be removed – they can only be hidden in the menu, and this is done to prevent the accidental removal of critical features.

Method 2: Shortcut through context menu (for hidden applications)

Some apps (like Duos for the second space or Game Turbo) don’t appear in the main menu, and you’ll need a context menu to create a shortcut for them.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find the desired application and tap on it.
3. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Create a shortcut.
4. Confirm the action – the icon will appear on the desktop.

This method works even for system utilities that are not normally visible to the user, such as:

• 🔧 Security (antivirus and cleaning)
• 🎮 Game Turbo (Mode for Games)
• 🔄 Double applications (cloning of messengers)

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If the desired application is not in the list, try entering its name in the search bar at the top of the App Management screen.

Method 3: A shortcut for a contact or website

Redmi 8 allows you to create not only app shortcuts, but also direct links to contacts or web pages, which is convenient for quick access to frequently used resources.

For contact:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Find the right contact and tap it.
3. Press three points (⋮) → Labeling.
4. Select the type of shortcut: call, message or profile.

For the website:

1. Open a browser (such as Chrome or MIUI Browser).
2. Go to the right page.
3. Press three points (⋮) → Add to the main screen.
4. If necessary, edit the name of the label.

Please note that website shortcuts on Redmi 8 open in easy browser mode (no tabs or extensions).

• 🔗 Hold the icon. → Label information.
• 🖱️ Choose Open in Chrome (if installed).

Applications |Contacts |Websites |Games |I do not create-->

Method 4: Using the shortcut widget (for MIUI 13/14)

Newer versions of MIUI have a special widget that allows you to quickly add shortcuts without searching the menu, which is especially useful if you have many apps installed.

How it works:

1. Click the empty space on the desktop → Widgets.
2. Find the shortcut widget (the icon in the form of four squares).
3. Drag it onto the screen and select a size (usually 4×1 or 2×2).
4. Slip on the widget → Add a shortcut and select the application.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 You can quickly change labels without removing old ones.
• 📁 The widget takes up little space, but gives access to 8-12 applications.
• 🔍 Supports search by name.

Cons: The shortcut widget is only available on MIUI 13 and later. If you have an older version, update the system in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Method 5: Manually create a shortcut through ADB (for experienced)

If standard methods don't work (e.g., due to corporate policy constraints or custom firmware), you can create a shortcut through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires you to connect your phone to your computer, but gives you complete control.

Instructions:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. tap the MIUI version 7 times. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate Debugging via USB.

Redmi 8

Chrome

adb shell am start -n com.android.launcher3/.ShortcutInstallActivity --es intent "#Intent;action=android.intent.action.VIEW;package=com.android.chrome;end"

A confirmation request will appear on the phone – allow the creation of a shortcut.

This method is suitable for:

• 🛠️ Recovery of Remote System Labels.
• 🔓 Bypassing restrictions on corporate profiles.
• 📦 Creating shortcuts for applications that do not support the standard method.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB The wrong commands can disrupt the system. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

Table: Comparison of ways to add shortcuts on Redmi 8

What to do if the labels disappear after a reboot

One of the most common problems with Redmi 8 is missing shortcuts, and this is due to the MIUI Smart Cleanup function, which removes "unused" items to save memory. Here's how to fix this:

Steps to eliminate:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Put three points on it (⋮) → Special access → Optimizing the battery.
3. Find the Launcher app (usually called System Launcher) and select Unlimited.
4. Return to Settings → Desktop and turn off the Auto Clean Desktop option.

Additional measures:

• 🔋 Turn off the power saving mode for the launcher.
• 📱 Reboot your phone after the changes.
• 🔄 If the problem persists, reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → System launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data ⚠️ Note: This will remove all custom desktop settings (wallpaper, folders, widgets) App shortcuts will remain, but their location will reset.

If shortcuts disappear only for specific applications (like WhatsApp or Telegram), check their battery settings. Often messengers are optimized by the system, which leads to failures in the display of icons.

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Disabling battery optimization for launcher and instant messengers solves 90% of problems with disappearing shortcuts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi Redmi 8