How to create a shortcut on the Xiaomi desktop: files, applications, websites

Creating shortcuts on the Xiaomi desktop is one of the most popular features among users of Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones. Despite the apparent simplicity, many people face difficulties: the desired option is hidden in the depths of MIUI, the system does not allow you to add a shortcut for a certain type of files. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to create shortcuts – from standard methods to workarounds for.apk,.pdf,.mp3 files and even web pages.

The thing about MIUI is that it's not as flexible as it is with pure Android. For example, some versions of the firmware don't have the ability to drag files directly from Explorer, and websites require workarounds. We've tested all the methods on devices with MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14) and highlighted those that work stably. If you're looking for a way to add not just apps, but documents, media, or even commands for ADB to the home screen, you're here.

1. Standard method: shortcut for application

The simplest and most versatile method is to add a shortcut to the installed application, which works on all versions of MIUI and does not require additional programs.

1. Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Find the desired application and pinch its icon for 1-2 seconds.
3. In the context menu that appears, select Add to the home screen (or drag the icon to the free space).

If you don’t have the option to Add to the home screen, you’ve got Light Desktop (as discussed in the next section) on your device, and note that some system applications (such as Settings or Phone) may be blocked from deleting/moving.

2 Why you can’t add a label: common problems

If the standard method does not work, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 Light Desktop is a simplified interface that limits customization. To turn it off, go to Settings. → Desktop → Desktop mode and select Standard.
• 📱 Shell from a third manufacturer (e.g. Nova Launcher or HyperOS) in which case the rules for adding shortcuts may differ.
• 🔒 Limitations MIUI Some utilities (e.g. Security or Themes) cannot be duplicated on the desktop.
• 📂 File Manager does not support shortcut creation. MIUI This function is often absent.

Before you look for workarounds, check if you have an older person mode on (which also limits desktop functionality). Go to Settings → Special Features → Simplified Mode and deactivate the option.

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If you use Nova Launcher, press the empty space on your desktop → Widgets → Nova Shortcuts → Application shortcut. This method works even for hidden system utilities.

3. How to create a shortcut for a file or folder

Unlike apps, adding shortcuts to files (e.g..pdf,.docx,.mp3) or folders to MIUI requires additional steps. Xiaomi’s Standard Explorer doesn’t support this feature, so you’ll have to use workarounds.

Method 1: Through Google Files (for documents and media)

1. Install the Google Files app from the Play Market.
2. Open the file you want to create a shortcut for (e.g. contract.pdf).
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Add to the main screen.

Method 2: Using the folder widget (for groups of files)

If you want to bring a whole catalog (for example, with photos or music):

1. Click the empty space on the desktop → Widgets.
2. Find the Folder widget (or Files Folder if you have English firmware).
3. Drag it to the screen and select the desired directory in Explorer.

Note that the Folder widget only displays the contents, but does not directly access files with one click.

Website shortcuts: 3 working methods

Adding a shortcut to a Xiaomi desktop is possible in several ways, the most reliable is through Google Chrome, but there are alternatives for other shells.

Method 1: Through Chrome (recommended)

1. Open the right site in Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Add to the main screen.
3. If you wish, change the name of the label and confirm the addition.

Method 2: Through Firefox

Mozilla Firefox has a similar algorithm, but with nuances:

1. Open the site, click on three dots → Additional → Add to the main screen.
2. In Firefox, a shortcut will open the site in the browser itself, rather than in a separate window (as in Chrome).

Method 3: Through the Bookmarks widget (for MIUI Browser)

If you use the standard MIUI browser:

1. Bookmark the site.
2. Click the empty space on the desktop → Widgets → find the Bookmarks widget.
3. Drag it to the screen and select the desired bookmark.

Important: Web site shortcuts created through Chrome may not automatically update if the site requires authorization (such as the web version of Telegram or VKontakte), in which case, after clicking on the shortcut, you will have to re-enter your login / password.

Creating shortcuts for system functions (ADB, settings, modes)

Advanced users often need quick access to hidden MIUI settings or ADB commands. For example, a shortcut for:

• 🔧 Developer Mode (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI)
• 📡 Test menus (e.g. #4636##)
• 🖥️ Local servers (e.g., local servers, localhost:8080 debug)

This will require a Simple App Launcher or QuickShortcutMaker application.

1. Install QuickShortcutMaker and open it.
2. In the search bar, type the name of the system function (e.g. Developer or Testing).
3. Select the desired item from the list and click Create a shortcut.
4. The finished shortcut will appear in the application menu - it can be dragged to the desktop.

This method works even for functions that MIUI hides from the user, such as creating a shortcut for:

• 📊 Battery usage statistics (com.android.settings/.deviceinfo.BatteryHistoryDetail)
• 🔄 Resetting network settings (com.android.settings/.Settings$DataUsageSummaryActivity)

Install QuickShortcutMaker from Play Market

Enable the developer mode (7 taps according to MIUI)

Allow debugging over USB in the developer settings

Check if the system shortcuts are blocked by MIUI antivirus

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6.Alternative launchers: when standard methods don't work

If you want to manage shortcuts as flexibly as possible (such as changing icons, folder grouping, or adding shortcuts for Python scripts), a standard MIUI launcher will not work.

After installing an alternative launcher:

1. Click the empty space on the desktop → Launcher settings.
2. Find the Shortcuts or Shortcuts section.
3. Select the shortcut type (file, folder, website) and follow the instructions.

Nova Launcher allows you to even create shortcuts for ADB or Tasker tasks, such as adding a button to your desktop to:

• 🔋 Quick System Restart (Adb Shell Reboot)
• 📵 Mobile data disable (adb shell svc data disable)

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Alternative launchers (like Nova) allow shortcuts to be created for any files and commands, while the standard MIUI launcher is limited to only apps and widgets.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When working with shortcuts on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If the shortcut for the.apk file does not open after you create it, check if it is allowed in Settings. → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications installation APK from your file manager.

Another common mistake is that shortcuts lead in the wrong direction, for example, after a MIUI update, the settings shortcut may be redirected to another menu, which is due to a change in the internal paths of system applications.

1. Remove the old label.
2. Create a new one through QuickShortcutMaker (it will automatically find the current path).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions