Have you just installed a new app on your Xiaomi or Redmi, but it’s not there? Or want to bring home screen a frequently used site, PDF document, contact, or even command for Google Assistant? In this article, you’ll find all the relevant ways to add an icon to the desktop of Xiaomi smartphones – from standard to hidden MIUI features.
The procedure seems simple, but many users have difficulties: the icon does not appear after installation, disappears after reboot or duplicates. MIUI 14/15, Not described in the official documentation, like how to fix it on a screen. APK-file before installing it or creating a shortcut for ADB-team.
Instructions are suitable for all modern devices of the brand: Xiaomi 13/14 Series, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5, Black Shark 5/6 and other models based on MIUI 12–15 (If your smartphone is running on HyperOS, the method is №4 It's particularly useful.
1. Standard method: Adding an app shortcut
This is the most obvious method, and it works for 90 percent of apps in the Google Play or Mi App Store, but even here, there are nuances that are not mentioned in the official guides.
To add the installed app icon to the desktop:
- Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
- Find the right app in the list.
- Hold the icon with your finger for 1-2 seconds.
- Drag the icon to a free space on the desktop.
⚠️ Note: If after dragging and drop the icon disappears or the message “Can’t add a shortcut” appears, then the application is blocked by the optimizer. MIUI. Solution - unlock it in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
Make sure the application is installed|Turn off the light mode in the settings MIUI|Check the free space on the screen (maximum) 5×5 icon)|Turn off the child mode if it is active-->
On some models (such as the POCO X3 Pro), after a long press, the context menu appears, in which case select "Add to Home screen"; if there is no such item, update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI.
2. Creating a Website Shortcut (PWA)
Want to quickly open your favorite site without running a browser? MIUI has a built-in Progressive Web App (PWA) feature that allows you to create an icon for any web resource, which works in Google Chrome, Mi Browser and Firefox.
Instructions for Google Chrome:
- Open the site you want to create a shortcut for.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Add to the main screen”.
- If necessary, edit the name of the label.
- Click “Add” – the icon will appear on the desktop.
⚠️ Attention: Labels PWA They consume up to 10-15 MB of memory, because they actually install a mini version of the site. №5 (shortcut via Nova Launcher).
| browser | Supports PWA? | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | ✅ Yes. | Automatically updates the website icon |
| Mi Browser | ✅ Yes. | Requires to include the option in Settings → |
| Firefox | ✅ Yes. | The icon may not be updated when you change the favicon site |
| Opera | ❌ No. | Only through third-party launchers. |
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If the site does not support PWA (no manifesto), use a workaround: open a page in Chrome → click Share → select Copy Link → create a shortcut through the Shortcuts app (available in the Play Market).
3. Adding a shortcut to a file or folder
MIUI allows you to bring to the desktop not only applications, but also files (PDF, DOCX, APK), folders or even notes, which is convenient for quick access to important documents or installers.
How to add a file shortcut:
- 📁 Open Files (File Manager app from Xiaomi).
- 🔍 Find the right file or folder.
- 📌 Hold his icon. → Select "Add to the main screen».
- 🎨 If you wish, change the name of the label.
⚠️ Note: File shortcuts do not work for system folders (/data/, /system/) files with.db,.sys extensions will disappear if you move or delete the original file.
How to add a shortcut to APK before installation?
For notes from the Notes app:
- Open the note.
- Press three points. → «Share».
- Select “Create a shortcut” (if there is no option, update the app).
Hidden Opportunities: Contact and Team Labels
Few people know, but in MIUI you can create shortcuts for:
- 📞 Quick call to a specific contact.
- 💬 Writings. SMS pre-selected recipient.
- 🎤 Voice commands for Google Assistant.
- 🔧 Hidden settings (e.g. test mode #4636##).
How to create a shortcut for a quick call:
- Open the Contacts app.
- Find the right contact and open it.
- Press three points. → «Add to the main screen».
- Select the shortcut type: “Call” or “Message”.
For voice commands:
- Install the Google Assistant app (if removed).
- Download the Shortcut Maker utility from Play Market.
- In the utility, select "Activity" → find com.google.android.apps.googleassistant.
- Create a shortcut with the command (e.g., “OK Google, turn on the flashlight”).
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The shortcuts for Google Assistant commands only work when the Internet is active and the voice assistant is enabled. If the shortcut doesn't work, check Google permissions in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Microphone.
Add an annex|Create a website shortcut|Put the file on the screen.|Contact label|Another option-->
5. Alternative launchers: Nova Launcher and others
If standard MIUI methods don’t suit you (like customizing icons or adding gestures), use third-party launchers.
- 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports gestures, adaptive icons, desktop backup.
- 🎨 Niagara Launcher – Minimalist design with vertical scrolling.
- 🔧 Lawnchair is open source, similar to Pixel Launcher.
- 💡 Microsoft Launcher - Windows integration (Sync notifications).
How to add an icon through Nova Launcher:
- Install a launcher from Play Market.
- Click the free space on the desktop → “Widgets” or “Tags”.
- Select Activities to access hidden application functions.
- Find the right app and create a shortcut.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, gestures are turned off MIUI (For example, swipe down for the notification bar. To return them, go to Settings. → Additionally. → Gestures and set up again.
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In Nova Launcher, you can create a shortcut for any action in the app, such as opening the camera in Portrait mode right away or running Spotify with a specific playlist. To do this, select the Intent you want from the Activity menu.
6. Solving the Problem: Why the Icon Is Not Added
If the icon does not appear on the desktop, check the following points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The icon disappears after the reboot | MIUI Optimization Removes “Unused” Labels | Add the app to auto-start (Settings → Apps → Permissions) |
| You can't drag the icon. | Light mode or child mode is included | Disable in Settings → Special. capabilities |
| Site label not updated | Cash browser | Clear Chrome data in Settings → Apps |
| Dubbed icons | The launcher conflict | Set one launcher by default |
If the problem persists:
- Check if the Second Space mode is enabled (it creates a separate desktop).
- Update your firmware to the latest version (in Settings → About Phone → System Update).
- Reset the launcher settings: Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear the data.
What to do if the icon of the application is gray?
7. Bonus: How to change the appearance of icons
Standard MIUI icons can be replaced with custom ones using third-party apps. Here are 3 working methods:
Method 1. Through MIUI themes:
- Open the Topic app.
- Select the "Icons" section.
- Download your favorite icon pack (free is in the category “Recommended”).
- Apply the theme – all icons will change automatically.
Method 2. Icon Pack Studio application:
- 🎨 Download Icon Pack Studio from Play Market.
- 🖌️ Select an icon to change. → edit it with a built-in editor.
- 📥 Save the new icon pack and apply it through the launcher settings.
Manual replacement via Nova Launcher:
- Install Nova Launcher and icon packs (like Whicons or CandyCons).
- Press the icon → “Change” → “Icon”.
- Select a new icon from the installed pack.
⚠️ Note: After replacing icons through themes MIUI The original app icons will be saved to the app menu. To change them globally, use Nova Launcher or Action Launcher.