How to make a shortcut to the Xiaomi desktop: all ways + hidden features

Creating shortcuts on Xiaomi’s desktop seems like a simple task — until you encounter the nuances of MIUI or the new HyperOS. Unlike “pure” Android, Xiaomi firmware offers several ways to add icons, some of which are hidden in the depths of settings. This article will not only list the basic methods, but also reveal the unique features of MIUI that allow you to create shortcuts for system functions, fast commands and even hidden applications.

You’ll learn how to add not only standard app icons to the home screen, but also shortcuts for calling specific contacts, websites, system settings, and even hidden features like developer mode. And we’ll also break down common bugs that make shortcuts disappear after a reboot or don’t show up correctly on Redmi, POCO, and Xiaomi 13/14 flagships.

Basic method: adding an app shortcut

The most obvious method that works on all versions of MIUI and HyperOS is to move the icon from the app menu, but even here there are pitfalls that are not mentioned in the official instructions.

Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen), find the app and pinch the icon for 1-2 seconds, and a context menu with options will appear:

• 📱 Add to the main screen – creates a standard shortcut;
• 🔄 Application Information – Opens Settings (not to be confused with shortcut creation!);
• 🚫 Delete – appears if the application can be uninstalled.

Select the first item – the icon will appear on the free desktop.

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If you don't see a menu when you press it for a long time, check your gesture settings in Settings → Additional → Special Features → System Gestures. Sometimes gestures from third-party launchers conflict.

On Xiaomi with HyperOS (starting with Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70), the algorithm has changed a little: once the icon is pinched, it immediately “breaks” and follows the finger. To create a shortcut, drag it to a free space on the desktop and let it go. If you release it over the notification panel or the dock bar, the shortcut will not create!

2. Creating a contact shortcut (quick call)

Do you want to make an icon to call your mom, your coworker, or your support team? In MIUI, it's not obvious, it's through the contact widget.

Algorithm of action:

1. Click the empty space on the desktop and select Widgets;
2. Scroll the list to the Contacts block;
3. Select a 1×1 widget (small icon) or 4×1 (panel with 4 contacts)
4. Click on the empty field in the widget and select the contact from the list.

Now, when you click on the label, you'll call the contact you've chosen.

On the POCO F5 and other HyperOS models, this widget is called Quick Contacts and is hidden in the System Widgets section. If it is not listed, update the Contacts app via Google Play.

3. Website shortcuts (PWA and normal links)

There are two ways to add a link to your desktop: through Mi Browser or Chrome, but there is a caveat: MIUI blocks shortcuts for some sites (for example, those with insecure http:// protocols).

Method 1. Through Mi Browser:

1. Open a website in Mi Browser;
2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Add to the main screen;
3. If necessary, edit the name of the label.

Method 2. Through Chrome:

1. Open the site in Chrome;
2. Click on three dots → Install the app (for PWA) or Add to the home screen;
3. Confirm the action.

On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and other flagships with HyperOS, website shortcuts automatically get the background color of the icon corresponding to the theme of the site. If the icon is displayed as a white square, clear the browser cache in Settings → Apps → Browser → Storage.

4. Hidden shortcuts: system functions and settings

Few people know, but MIUI can create shortcuts for quick access to developer mode, battery settings, or even hidden test menus, and you’ll need the Activity Launcher app (available on Google Play).

Instructions:

1. Install Activity Launcher;
2. Open the application and select All actions;
3. Find the system application you need (for example, Settings);
4. Scroll through the list to the desired Activity (e.g.,.DevelopmentSettings for Developer Mode).
5. Click on it and select Create a shortcut.

Install Activity Launcher|Enable debugging on USB (certain functions)|Check the version. MIUI|Make a backup copy of the data-->

On the Redmi Note 12 and other devices with MIUI 14, this method is unstable due to security constraints. If a label is not created, try:

• 🔧 Shut down. MIUI Optimization in the Developer Settings;
• 🔄 Reset the device;
• 📱 Use an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher).

5.Tags problems: why they disappear or don't work

Xiaomi users often encounter that the shortcuts Suddenly disappear after reboot or show a default icon.

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If shortcuts disappear after the MIUI update, reset the launcher settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Reset settings.

On the POCO X5 Pro and other HyperOS devices, shortcuts can be reset due to Adaptive Cleanup.

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Adaptive Cleaning
2. Turn off the option of cleaning unused shortcuts;
3. Add the launcher to the list of Protected Apps.

6.Alternative launchers: more opportunities for shortcuts

The standard MIUI/HyperOS launcher limits users to setting up shortcuts. If you need more flexibility (such as resizing icons, hiding signatures, or creating folders with a non-standard grid), install a third-party launcher:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports gestures, adaptive icons and hidden apps;
• 🎨 Niagara Launcher – Minimalist design with vertical list of applications;
• 🔧 Apex Launcher - Advanced gesture and transition settings;
• 📱 Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration and cloud shortcuts.

After installing an alternative launcher:

1. Click the Home button and select the new launcher as the main one.
2. Click the empty space on the screen → Launcher settings;
3. Customize the size of the icons, indentations and animations to your liking.

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In Nova Launcher, you can create a shortcut for any action, including calling a voice assistant or running a script through Tasker. To do this, pinch the empty space → Widgets → Nova actions.

On Xiaomi 13T with HyperOS, when using third-party launchers, a swipe down gesture for the notification panel may disappear. To return it, go to Settings → Additional → Gestures → System Navigation and select Navigation Buttons instead of Gestures.

7. Creating shortcuts for hidden applications

If you hide an app through Settings → Apps → Hidden apps, its label will automatically disappear from the desktop.

Method 1. Through settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management;
2. Press three points. → Show all applications;
3. Find the hidden app and click on it;
4. Select Show on the main screen.

Method 2. Through the file manager:

1. Open Files (standard application);
2. Go to /data/app (root rights required!)
3. Find a folder with the name of the hidden application;
4. Hold your finger on it. APK-file → Labeling.

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On Redmi Note 11 and older, hidden apps can be found through a search in the app menu. Simply type the name in the search bar and hold the icon to create a shortcut.

Note that Xiaomi with HyperOS has changed the path to hidden apps. /data/user_de/0, and access will require Root Explorer or a similar application with superuser rights.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi