Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, which run MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, offer users a huge customization experience. One of the most sought-after features is the ability to bring frequently visited web resources directly to the home screen, turning them into full-fledged applications. This allows you to instantly open your favorite stores, news portals or work tools without having to launch your browser and enter your address manually. For many users, this optimization of workspace becomes a key factor in improving productivity.
The process of creating a shortcut may seem elementary, but on the devices of the Chinese manufacturer often there are nuances associated with aggressive energy savings or specific launcher settings. Device owners sometimes face a situation where the icon simply does not appear, or the system blocks the action without explicit warning. Understanding the mechanisms of the MIUI shell helps to avoid such incidents and configure the interface as convenient as possible for themselves.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at all the ways to add web links, look at the differences between the standard Mi Browser browser and the popular Google Chrome, and also touch on optimization issues so that the widgets created do not disappear after a reboot.
Basic method through the standard Mi Browser browser
Most Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have their own browser installed by default, which is deeply integrated into the shell, which ensures the best compatibility when creating shortcuts. To save the link, you first need to open the browser and go to the desired website. Make sure that the page loads fully, as the system reads metadata at this point to form the correct icon.
Next, you should refer to the browser settings menu, which is usually hidden behind three dots or stripes at the bottom or top of the screen. In the list that opens, you should find the item "Add to the home screen" or "Create a shortcut." The name may vary depending on the version of MIUI, but the semantic load remains unchanged. After clicking, the system will suggest confirm the action and possibly rename the shortcut for convenience.
Importantly, in some regions or firmware versions, the browser may request permission to create shortcuts. If you don't see the icon after you confirm, check the permission settings for the Mi Browser application under "Applications" where the "Desktop shortcuts" option should be activated. Without this, system restrictions block new interface elements from appearing.
⚠️ Note: If after creating a shortcut it appears as a white sheet or a standard letter, try updating the page before saving.This helps the browser correctly read the favicon of the site.
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Use the “Full Website” feature in the browser menu before creating a shortcut if the mobile version of the page appears cropped or incorrect.
Creating shortcuts in Google Chrome on Xiaomi
Users who prefer the Google ecosystem often install Chrome as the default browser. The shortcut creation process here is also intuitive, but has its own display features. Once the target site is opened, click on the three-dot menu located at the top right of the interface. In the dropdown list, select the option "Add to the home screen."
The system will suggest editing the shortcut name that will appear under the desktop icon. This is especially useful for long site names that may not fit in the space allocated as standard. Once confirmed, the site icon will appear among your applications. Unlike a standard browser, Chrome often creates shortcuts that open when launched in a mode close to the native application, without an address bar.
Note that when you update a page or change the structure of the site, the icon may not automatically update, in such cases, it is recommended to remove the old shortcut and create a new one, and Chrome allows you to add shortcuts for specific pages within large web services, for example, for certain correspondence in the web version of the messenger or a specific document.
☑️ Pre-conservation checks
Working with Yandex.Browser and other alternatives
Alternative browsers such as Yandex.Browser or Opera are also popular with Redmi owners due to their built-in ad blocker and turbo modes, and the shortcut mechanism is almost identical: the menu is called through a three-dot button or the browser logo, where the "Add to the home screen" item is located.
Some browsers offer additional functionality, such as shortcuts for specific sections of a site or videos, which makes it possible to turn a smartphone into a powerful tool for accessing content. When using third-party browsers, it is important to make sure that they have the necessary permissions in the system. Sometimes Xiaomi antivirus modules can prevent shortcuts from being created by unknown applications.
If you use incognito mode, you can’t create a permanent shortcut to your desktop, because you don’t save sessions in this mode. Use regular tabs for perpetual links. It’s also worth remembering that some browsers may offer PWA (Progressive Web Apps) installation, which is a more advanced version of the shortcut that allows your site to work almost like a full-fledged application.
What are PWAs and how are they better than regular labels?
Customization of appearance and organization of space
Once you've created a few shortcuts, you have to organize your workspace, and the MIUI shell allows you to group shortcuts into folders, rename them, and resize them, and you just drag and drop one icon to another to create a folder, which helps keep the main screen clean and avoids visual noise that can distract from the basic tasks.
You can change the size of the icons through the theme or launcher settings. Click on the empty space on your desktop, select Settings, and find Grid Size or Icon Size. Size increases make the interface more readable, which is especially true for visually impaired users or devices with a diagonal of less than 6 inches. Size decreases allow you to place more elements on a single screen.
For fans of minimalism, there is an opportunity to hide signatures under icons, although standard Xiaomi tools do not always do this conveniently and often require the installation of third-party launchers. Nevertheless, the competent use of folders and grouping by color or functionality allows you to achieve an aesthetic appearance. Visual organization directly affects the speed of finding the desired resource.
| Parameter | Standard browser | Google Chrome | Yandex.Browser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed of creation | Instantly. | 1-2 seconds | 1-2 seconds |
| The quality of the icon | High (SVG) | Average (PNG) | High. |
| Opening mode | Browser tab | Separate window | Browser tab |
| Support for PWA | Partial | Complete. | Complete. |
Problem Solving: A label is not created or disappears
The most common problem Redmi users face is the system's lack of response to the shortcut command. This is often due to security settings. There is a separate Desktop Shortcuts resolution in MIUI that can be disabled by default for some browsers. To fix this, go to Settings → Applications → All apps, find your browser, select Other Permits, and activate the desired option.
Another reason for the shortcuts to disappear is the work of Memory Cleanup. Aggressive energy-saving algorithms can treat rarely used shortcuts as garbage and remove them when you deep-clean the system. To prevent this, add the browser to the exclusion list or prohibit automatic cleaning for it. Also check if the Do Not Disturb mode or special restrictions for a guest account are turned on.
If the icon is not displayed correctly (black square or standard Android icon), try clearing the browser cache before trying again. Sometimes changing the theme to standard helps, as third-party themes may not have graphic elements for new types of shortcuts. Resetting the launcher settings can also solve the problem if it is caused by a software interface failure.
⚠️ Note: Do not remove shortcuts through the application removal menu if you want to simply clear the desktop.Use long-press and drag-and-drop to the cart so as not to delete the browser's own data.
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The main reason for the disappearance of shortcuts on Xiaomi is the lack of permission from the browser to create elements on the desktop in the system security settings.
Using widgets for quick access
In addition to static shortcuts, MIUI-based Android allows you to use widgets for faster access. Widgets can display not just an icon, but a page preview, news or weather. To add a browser widget, pinch the empty space on your desktop and select "Widgets." Find your browser in the list and select the appropriate size.
Widgets consume more battery life than regular shortcuts, because they can be updated in the background. However, for news feeds or currency rates, it is an indispensable tool. Configure the widget to display only the most important information without overloading the screen. It is a balance between functionality and autonomy of the device.