How to shortcut Xiaomi Redmi 9: All Ways (2026)

Creating shortcuts on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 desktop is a challenge that every user faces after buying a smartphone. Despite its apparent simplicity, the MIUI interface offers several non-obvious ways to add icons, from standard drag and drop to hidden features for experienced users. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including adding shortcuts for applications, files, websites and even system tools that are not on the default menu.

The Redmi 9 (M2003J15SC/M2004J19C) features a shell version that can be fitted with MIUI 12, 13 or 14 (depending on region and updates). The shortcut algorithms are similar in these versions, but there are nuances — for example, MIUI 14 has lost the classic widget menu, and some options have moved to Settings → Desktop. We will take all these details into account to make the instruction work regardless of the firmware version.

If you've used a pure Android smartphone before (like the Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy), you'll find that MIUI does a lot of things differently. For example, there's no "Add to the home screen" button when you hold your finger on the app icon. Instead, you use gestures and hidden menus. Don't worry, after reading this article, you can customize your Redmi 9 desktop as well as a professional.

1. Standard method: Adding an app shortcut

The easiest method is to transfer the app icon from the All Apps menu to the desktop, which works in all versions of MIUI and does not require additional settings.

To add a label:

1. Touch the empty space on your desktop and hold for 1-2 seconds until the menu appears.
2. At the bottom of the screen, select "Widgets" (in MIUI 14) or "Tags" (in MIUI 12/13).
3. Scroll the list up until you see the App section.
4. Find the app you want (like WhatsApp or Google Chrome) and hold on to its icon.
5. Drag the icon to a free space on the desktop and release your finger.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 after upgrading to Android 13, some users complain that the App section is missing from the widget menu. In this case, use an alternative method (see Section 3).

If the app is hidden in a folder (like Google or Mi Apps), first open this folder in the All Apps menu, then hold the desired icon and drag it to the desktop.

Make sure there is a free space on the desktop.

Close all open applications (swipe up)

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Turn off the Light Desktop mode (if enabled)-->

2. Creating a shortcut for a file or folder

Redmi 9 can bring not only applications, but also files (photos, documents, music) or folders to your desktop, which is convenient if you often work with specific documents or want to quickly open photos without running the Gallery.

Instructions:

1. Open the Files app (yellow folder icon).
2. Find the file or folder you want. Use Images, Audio or Documents categories for convenience.
3. Keep your finger on the file/folder until the context menu appears.
4. Select "Add to the home screen" (in MIUI 12/13) or "Create a shortcut" (in MIUI 14).
5. Confirm the action - the label will appear on the desktop.

⚠️ Note: File shortcuts are not automatically updated. If you rename or move the original file, the shortcut on the desktop will become non-functional (a cross will appear), in which case it will have to be recreated.

There is a limitation for folders: you can’t create a shortcut for system directories (like Android, MIUI, or Download) only for custom folders created by hand.

3. Alternative method: through desktop settings

If the standard method doesn’t work (for example, because of a bug in the firmware), use the hidden menu of desktop settings. This method is universal and works even after resetting.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings. → Desktop.
2. Select "Additional Settings" (in MIUI 12/13) or "Edit Mode" (in MIUI 14).
3. Activate the Switch Edit Mode (in the upper right corner).
4. Click on the + icon (add an element) at the bottom of the screen.
5. In the menu that opens, select "Tags" → "Applications".
6. Scroll through the list and tick the desired applications, then click "Done".

This is convenient if you need to add several shortcuts at once, and you can also adjust the size of the icons and the desktop grid (the option is Grid size in the same menu).

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If the list of applications is not required, check if it is disabled in Settings → Applications → Application Management. Disabled programs do not appear in the shortcut menu.

4. Website shortcut (Quick Access)

Creating a shortcut for a site allows you to open it in one tap, like a regular application, which is useful for frequently visited resources (for example, VK, YouTube or work mail).

How do I add:

1. Open your browser (Google Chrome or Mi Browser).
2. Go to the desired site (e.g. https://vk.com).
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner → select "Add to the home screen".
4. If necessary, edit the name of the shortcut (the default is the site title).
5. Click "Add" - the shortcut will appear on the desktop.

⚠️ Attention: Site labels in MIUI They do not open as full-fledged PWA (Progressive web applications, and in the browser window. If you need to remove the address bar, use the Open in-app option (available for some sites, such as Twitter or Instagram).

In MIUI 14, site shortcuts can be grouped into folders along with regular applications, so hold the site icon and drag it to another icon.

5. Hidden shortcuts: System tools and fast action

Redmi 9 has hidden system shortcuts that don’t appear in the standard menu, and they let you quickly run tools like developer mode, hardware test, or settings. SIM-Here's how to add maps:

Method for MIUI 12/13:

1. Hold your finger on an empty desktop space → select “Widgets”.
2. Scroll down to the "Tools" section.
3. Here you will find the labels for: 📞 Direct Dial – Quick Call to Contact; 📝 Direct Message - Quick Message SMS; ⚙️ Settings – Direct link to a specific section; 🔧 Equipment test (#4636##).

Hold the right label and drag it to the desktop.

MIUI 14 is a different way.

1. Open Settings → Desktop → Editing Mode.
2. Press "+" → "Tools".
3. Select the desired shortcut from the list (e.g., Developer Mode or QR Scanner).