How to add a shortcut to the Xiaomi Redmi desktop: apps, files, sites and widgets

Shortcuts on the Xiaomi or Redmi desktop save time: instead of finding an app in a menu or a file in a explorer, you get instant access to the desired item with a single touch. However, in the MIUI shell, this process is not always intuitive — especially for new users. Depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12, 13 or 14) and the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the ways of adding shortcuts may differ.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including shortcuts for applications, files (PDF, APK, photos), websites, and even hidden system functions. You will also learn how to fix typical errors - for example, when the shortcut does not appear or disappears after a reboot. All instructions are tested on current versions of MIUI and adapted for Redmi with Snapdragon and Mediatek chipsets.

1. Adding the app shortcut to the desktop

The easiest way is to transfer the program icon from the app menu, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the MIUI version.

Open the app menu (swipe up the home screen) and find the app you want (like Google Chrome or Gallery) and do one of the following:

• 📱 Long tap on the icon → Drag it to the free space on your desktop. Release your finger when it says "Add to home screen".
• 🔍 If the app doesn’t appear in the menu, check the All Apps folder or search (the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen).
• 📁 For system utilities (e.g., “Settings” or “Phone”), the shortcut is created automatically when you first start.

If a long press doesn’t work, check your gesture settings in Settings → Additional settings → Gestures. Make sure the Long Press for Shortcuts option is enabled.

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On some Redmi models (such as the Note 11 Pro), the context menu appears after a long press, in which case select "Add to the home screen" instead of dragging and drop.

2. Creating a shortcut for a file or folder

MIUI allows you to add shortcuts to your desktop for files of any format: PDF, APK, Word/Excel documents, photos or even ZIP archives.

Instructions:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section where the desired file is stored (for example, "Downloads" or "Documents").
3. Find the file and make a long press on it.
4. In the menu that appears, select "Add to the main screen".
5. Confirm the creation of the shortcut – it will appear as an icon with a thumbnail of the file.

For folders, the process is similar, but with nuances:

• 📂 The folder shortcut will open its contents in the conductor, not on the desktop.
• 🔒 If the folder is password protected (for example, through the "Private folder" in the MIUI), label will require input PIN-code at each opening.

The file is not in cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

The file format is supported by MIUI (not system or hidden)

There is enough free space on the desktop (at least 1×1 cell)

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3. Website shortcut: how to save a page to the home screen

If you visit a particular site frequently (e.g. vk.com or youla.ru), you can add it to your desktop as a shortcut, which saves time for entering your browser address, and works in Google Chrome, Mi Browser, and other popular browsers.

Step-by-step instructions for Chrome:

1. Open the site you want to fix.
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Select "Add to the main screen".
3. If you wish, change the name of the shortcut (the default is the page title).
4. Click "Add" - the icon will appear on the desktop.

For Mi Browser (standard browser on Xiaomi):

• 🌐 Open the site and click on the icon "⋯" bottom-screen.
• 📌 Select "Add to the main screen" → confirm.
• ⚠️ V MIUI 14 shortcut can be created as a web application (opens without an address bar).

Google Chrome

Mi Browser

Firefox

Opera

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4. Hidden features: shortcuts for quick action

MIUI hides a few useful shortcuts that don't appear in the app menu, such as creating a shortcut for:

• 📞 Direct dial (opens the keyboard of the phone with a pre-entered number).
• 📧 Writings. SMS contact-specific.
• 🔧 Hidden settings (e.g., Developer Mode or Sensor Testing").

To create such a label:

1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play (free).
2. Open it and select "All actions".
3. Find the action you want (e.g. com.android.contacts → DirectDial to call).
4. Press the action. → "Labeling".

In MIUI 14, some system actions are blocked for shortcuts (e.g., "Reboot to Fastboot"). These can only be unlocked with root permissions.

5. Widgets vs. shortcuts: What's the difference and what to choose

Many users confuse shortcuts and widgets.

To add a widget:

1. Make a long press on the free place of the desktop.
2. Select "Widgets" in the menu that appears.
3. Scroll through the list and drag the desired widget to the screen.

On Xiaomi, widgets are updated in the background, but some (such as weather) require Auto Sync enabled in the Mi Account settings.

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Widgets consume more RAM than shortcuts. If a Redmi smartphone slows down, remove unnecessary widgets with a long press → “Delete”.

6 Problem Solving: The label is not created or disappears

If the shortcut doesn’t appear on your desktop or disappears after a reboot, check the following points:

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 13+ File shortcuts may disappear after a system update. /storage/emulated/0/. Solution – Recreate the shortcut after the update.

• 📵 Not enough space: MIUI limit the number of shortcuts on the screen. Remove unnecessary ones or add a new screen (swipe left/right).
• 🔄 Launcher reset: If shortcuts disappear after upgrade, reset launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• 🛡️ Security restrictions: For labels APK-Files require permission to be installed from unknown sources (Settings) → Privacy → Special permits).

If the problem persists, try an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) that supports advanced shortcut settings.

7. Alternative methods: third-party applications

If standard MIUI methods do not suit you, use third-party utilities:

• 📌 Shortcut Maker – Creates shortcuts for any action, including system.
• 📂 Files by Google – allows you to add file shortcuts with advanced options (for example, for cloud storage).
• 🌐 Kiwi Browser – a browser with the function of creating shortcuts for PWA (progressive web applications).

When using third-party applications:

⚠️ Note: Some utilities (e.g. Shortcut Maker) require permission to "overlay other applications." Without this, shortcuts may not work. → Annexes → Special access → Overlay.

Redmi with root rights has advanced features, such as shortcuts for hidden system functions (such as Camera Test or Engineering Menu) but this requires caution – wrong actions can lead to system failure.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi