Modern smartphones, including popular models from Xiaomi, offer users many options for personalizing the interface. However, often after updating the system or resetting, device owners are faced with a situation where the usual icons of programs disappear from the home screen. This does not mean that the application is removed, it is simply hidden from view, which can cause discomfort when using the gadget every day. Understanding the logic of the MIUI shell allows you to quickly restore access to the necessary functions.
Poco M3 owners often wonder where to look for missing interface elements and how to properly return them to their place. Xiaomi’s Windows and Desktop Management System has its own features that distinguish it from pure Android. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways to create new shortcuts, restore deleted icons and customize the display of content on your smartphone desktop.
Before you start taking action, make sure that the problem is not systemic. Sometimes a launcher failure can temporarily hide the interface elements. Rebooting the device in such cases often helps to automatically rebuild the desktop structure and return all icons to their places without user intervention.
Search for installed applications through the menu
The first and most obvious step to add a shortcut is to find the app itself in the general list. On Xiaomi smartphones, all installed programs are stored in a special menu, accessed by swiping up from the bottom of the screen or pressing a special button, depending on the navigation mode chosen. If you do not see the icon on the desktop, most likely it is located there.
Use the built-in search bar or simply scroll through the list manually. The MIUI shell allows you to sort applications by installation time or alphabetically, which makes navigation much easier. Once you find the right program, press your finger on its icon for a couple of seconds until the vibration or action menu appears.
Once you activate the editing mode, the system will offer several options: You can immediately drag the icon to the free desktop space or select the option "Add to the home screen." The context menu also allows you to create folders or delete the application, so be careful when choosing actions.
- 📱 Press the app icon in the general menu before the vibration appears.
- 📂 Drag the icon to the free desktop area.
- 🔍 Use a title search if the list of programs is too large.
- ⚙️ Check if the application is hidden in the privacy settings.
It is important to note that some system applications may be disabled by default. If you can't find the program even in the general list, check the display settings. In rare cases, activation is required through the application management menu, where you can enable previously deactivated system components.
Creating shortcuts for websites and pages
Often users need quick access not only to installed programs, but also to specific web resources. Browsers such as Chrome or the standard MIUI Browser allow you to create full-fledged site shortcuts that are visually indistinguishable from regular applications, this is especially convenient for frequently visited portals, online banking or news feeds.
To create this element, open the desired site in the browser and click on the settings menu (usually three dots in the corner of the screen). In the drop-down list, select "Add to the home screen." The system will prompt you to rename the shortcut, after which its icon will appear in the general list of applications, from where it can be moved to the desktop.
This method works for almost any web page and creates a link that leads directly to a specific URL. Web shortcuts take up space in memory minimally, as they are only a link, but significantly speed up access to information. It is a great way to organize the workspace without installing unnecessary applications.
⚠️ Note: When creating site shortcuts, make sure you are on a secure page (protocol) HTTPS), Especially when it comes to financial services, a label can lead to a phishing site if the source page was fake.
The management of web shortcuts created is the same as normal applications, which can be combined into folders, moved between screens or deleted, and removing such shortcuts does not affect browser history or saved passwords, since only the desktop link is deleted.
Configure the display of icons in the system settings
If standard methods don't work, you should go to deep system settings. The MIUI shell provides advanced look management. Go to Settings → Desktop to find options that affect the display of items. Here you can change the size of the grid, which will visually increase or decrease the amount of space available for shortcuts.
This section often hides the option “Hide app signatures” when activated, the icon names disappear, which can confuse an inexperienced user who thinks the label is gone, and it also adjusts the behavior when adding new programs: they can appear automatically or only on the menu.
For advanced users, a developer mode is available where you can reset the launcher settings. Resetting will return the location of all elements to the factory state, which is useful for critical interface display errors. However, this will require re-manually adjusting the location of all folders and widgets.
☑️ Checking the display settings
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Grid size | Number of cells horizontally and vertically | 5x6 or 6x6 |
| Signatures | Displaying the name under the icon | Included. |
| Addition of labels | Automatic emergence of new applications | By choice. |
| Animation. | Effects of displacement | Included. |
Remember that resizing the grid can shift existing widgets. Large weather or watch widgets may not fit into the new cell configuration and will be removed or moved by the system automatically. Always check the integrity of the widgets after changing the grid settings.
Working with widgets and folders on the desktop
The Poco M3 desktop supports not only app shortcuts, but also widgets, dynamic elements that display real-time information. To add a widget, press the empty space on the screen or pinch with two fingers. From the menu that opens, select the "Widgets" section.
Here's a list of all the components available: clock, calendar, weather, notes and contact shortcuts. Pick the item you want and drag it to the screen. Widgets can be of different sizes, and the system will automatically adjust the grid to their dimensions, which allows you to create a unique and informative interface.
Folders are created by simply dragging and drop one app icon onto another. Grouping apps helps keep the desktop clean and tidy. You can add up to a few dozen apps to the folder, although only the first nine will be visually displayed.
- 📁 Clutch the empty space to enter the editing mode.
- 📌 Select the widget from the bottom menu bar.
- 🗑️ To delete the folder, simply drag all applications from it.
- 🎨 You can change the design of the folder through the theme settings.
The secret to creating empty folders
It’s worth remembering that widgets consume more RAM and battery power, as they constantly update data. If your Poco M3 is starting to run slower, try removing unnecessary dynamic elements from the home screen, leaving only static shortcuts.
Solving the Problems of Label Disappearance
Sometimes shortcuts disappear by themselves after a system update or cache clearing.This is a common problem with the Poco Launcher launcher. If the icon is missing but the app is working (you can find it through search), try clearing the launcher data. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Poco Launcher.
From the app menu, select "Clean" and then "Clean everything." Importantly, this action will reset all desktop icons to factory-like, but it won't delete the apps themselves or your personal files. It's an effective way to fix interface glitches.
Another reason could be the included "Pocket Mode" or special energy saving modes that limit background activity and can hide items. Check if the "Do Not Disturb" or "Simple Mode" mode for older adults is activated, which changes the interface beyond recognition.
⚠️ Warning: Clearing the launcher data will remove all folders and widgets you created. Make sure you remember which important widgets (such as a weather or calendar widget) were installed to manually restore them.
If the problem is massive and affects many users after a specific update, it’s worth checking Xiaomi’s support forums.It may be a known MIUI bug and it requires waiting for a patch or installing a more stable firmware version to fix it.
Using third-party launchers to enhance opportunities
Not everyone likes the standard MIUI interface, and Xiaomi makes it easy to change launchers. Installing a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher gives you complete control over shortcuts. You can change their size, shape, add notification counters and customize gestures.
To install a third-party launcher, download it from Google Play Market. Once installed, the system will prompt you to choose the default home screen app. Choose a new launcher, and you will have access to advanced add and manage shortcuts.
Third-party launchers often have a backup function for desktop settings. Configuration backup allows you to instantly restore the usual location of all icons and folders when you reset your phone or switch to a new Poco model, saving hours of manual settings.
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Use support launchers to completely change the visual style of shortcuts without installing separate icon packages. Many modern launchers have built-in theme stores.
However, it's worth considering that third-party launchers can consume more battery life than the optimized Poco system launcher. On budget devices like the Poco M3, this can lead to a slight performance decline.
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The system launcher provides better stability and integration with the system, but third-party solutions offer limitless customization opportunities.