How to Put a Shortcut on Xiaomi’s Desktop: From Apps to Websites

The desktop of a Xiaomi smartphone is your personal control center, where each tap saves seconds. But what if the desired application gets lost in the depths of the menu and your favorite site opens in five clicks? Desktop shortcuts solve this problem by turning frequent actions into a single touch. However, in MIUI (the Xiaomi brand shell), this process has its own peculiarities, from hidden settings to restrictions for certain types of files.

In this article, we will look at all possible ways to add shortcuts, from standard applications to custom commands through ADB, and also reveal the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and models (Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.).

1. Standard method: appendix label

The most obvious and universal method is to label an installed application. In MIUI, this process is as simple as possible, but there are pitfalls for beginners. For example, not everyone knows that you can add not only applications from the main menu, but also hidden system utilities (for example, Hardware Tests or Developer Mode).

To add a label:

• 📱 Open the main app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
• 🔍 Find the app you want (use the search at the top if it’s not in sight).
• 🖱️ Press the app icon on 1-2 A few seconds before the context menu appears.
• 🏠 Drag the icon to the free desktop space, and if the shortcut is not created, check if Safe Zone is enabled in the screen settings.

In MIUI 14, some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra) will have a pop-up with options when holding the icon — select Add to Desktop instead of dragging it — a nuance that often confuses users who are used to older versions of the shell.

Press the icon on 2.+ seconds|Make sure there is free space on the screen.|Turn off the Safe Zone mode in the settings|Check if the app is hidden in the settings MIUI-->

2. Web site shortcuts: how to save a page to the screen

If you visit the same sites every day (like VKontakte, YouTube or corporate portal), they are conveniently placed on the desktop as shortcuts. In MIUI, this is done through the Mi Browser browser or Google Chrome, but the algorithm is different from standard Android.

Instructions for Google Chrome:

1. Open the desired site in the browser.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Add to the main screen.
3. Confirm the name of the shortcut (the title of the page is taken by default).
4. The shortcut will appear on the desktop and open the site in the browser.

Mi Browser has a similar process, but there is a limitation: some versions of the shell block shortcuts for HTTP sites (HTTPS only). If the Add button to the home screen is inactive, check the site protocol.

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To open the site shortcut in full screen (without an address bar), after adding press it → select Open in the application (if the site supports PWA).

3. File and folder shortcuts: MIUI limitations

Unlike pure Android, MIUI doesn’t have a built-in feature for adding shortcuts to individual files or folders to the desktop.

• 📁 For folders: Use Files widget (long tap on desktop) → Widgets → Find the Mi File Manager widget, which allows you to quickly open frequently used directories (for example, downloads or downloads). DCIM).
• 📄 For individual files: install a third-party file manager (e.g., Solid Explorer or Solid Explorer) FX File Explorer, which supports shortcut creation, usually has the option to create shortcuts in the settings of these applications.
• 🔗 For documents (PDF, DOCX): Open the file in the relevant application (for example, WPS Office and use the Export to Desktop function (if available).

Important: on some models (POCO X5, Redmi 10C) after upgrading to MIUI 13.5+, the Files widget may disappear from the list.

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear data

4.Tags for contacts and quick action

If you frequently call the same person or use a specific feature (such as a flashlight or Google Assistant), they can be taken to your desktop. MIUI This is implemented through widgets and direct labels.

For contacts:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Find the right contact and open it.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Add a shortcut.
4. Select the action type: Call, Message or Video Call.

For quick action (light, camera, etc.):

• 🔦 Long press on the desktop → Widgets → Find the Tools widget (some models call it Quick Actions).
• 📸 For the camera: in MIUI 14 you can add a shortcut by double pressing the power button (configure in Settings) → Lock screen → Double press of the power button).

On POCO F4 and other POCO Launcher devices, the list of available widgets may vary. If you don't have the right tool, try changing the launcher to a standard MIUI Launcher:

Settings → Themes → Launcher → Select “Standard”

5. Advanced Methods: ADB and Third Party Launchers

If standard methods don’t work (for example, after the MIUI 14.0.5 update, the shortcuts are gone), the developer tools and alternative launchers come to the rescue, which require more effort, but give you complete control of the desktop.

Method 1: Using ADB to create system application shortcuts

Some system utilities (such as Sensor Test or Network Diagnostics) are hidden from the user, but they can be pulled to the desktop via the command:

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep "name packet"


adb shell cmd shortcut create --activity "packet name/activity name"

To find the name of the package, use the App Inspector app (available on Google Play).

Method 2: Installation of an alternative launcher

Launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher offer advanced shortcut settings, including:

• 🎨 Customization of icons (size, shape, color).
• 🔄 Gestures for opening applications (swipe up, double touch, etc.).
• 📂 Grouping shortcuts into tabs or folders with nesting.

On Black Shark 5 and other Xiaomi gaming smartphones, alternative launchers can conflict with the proprietary shell of JOYUI. Before installing, check compatibility on forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Standard. MIUI Launcher|Nova Launcher|POCO Launcher|HyperOS Launcher (for new models)|Other-->

6. Solving the Problem: Why Labels Are Disappearing or Not Added

Xiaomi users often experience the fact that the shortcuts of Suddenly disappear after updating or rebooting.

⚠️ Warning: If all the shortcuts and widgets are missing after the launcher is reset, don't panic - they're not deleted, they're just reset.Reboot the device and they'll recover automatically (if they were tied to your Mi Account).

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (the new shell of Xiaomi, which debuted in Xiaomi 14), the algorithm for adding shortcuts has changed. Now, some actions require confirmation through Biometric authentication (fingerprint or Face). ID).

FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi

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On HyperOS devices (Xiaomi 14, 14 Pro), app and site shortcuts are created through a long click on the icon in the menu followed by the “Add to Desktop” option – drag and drop may not work!