How to Create a Shortcut on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones offer users huge personalization options, but the standard MIUI shell or the new HyperOS sometimes hide obvious features. One of the most sought-after features is creating additional shortcuts that allow users to instantly launch apps, open specific settings sections or navigate to frequently visited web pages, which greatly speeds up the device and makes navigation more intuitive.

Device owners often face the need to bring a specific feature to the desktop, such as a flashlight, voice recorder or even a specific chat in the messenger. The standard application grid does not always allow you to place everything you need in the way that is convenient for you. Fortunately, the Android system in conjunction with the proprietary shell offers several proven ways to solve this problem without installing third-party software.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for creating shortcuts. You will learn how to anchor a website as a separate application, how to use built-in tools for quick access and what hidden features exist. The flexibility of customizing the interface is what Xiaomi’s technique is for, and we will help you unleash this potential at full capacity.

Creating a website shortcut through a browser

The most common scenario is that you need to quickly access your favorite online store, news portal, or operator’s personal account. Instead of opening your browser, entering an address, or searching for a tab in your history, you can create a full-fledged website shortcut that looks like a regular application, which is especially convenient for web versions of services that do not have native applications in the Play Market.

The process of creating such a control is extremely simple and takes only a few seconds. You will need any browser installed, whether it is a standard Mi Browser, Google Chrome or Yandex. The algorithm of actions is almost identical in all popular browsers, making this method a universal solution for any version of Android.

When you go to the desired resource, you need to open the browser menu. In Chrome, these are three dots in the upper right corner, in Mi Browser, a menu icon or user profile. In the list of options, you should find the item "Add to the home screen" or "Create a shortcut." The system will suggest renaming the shortcut if the standard page name is too long, and after confirming the icon will appear on the desktop.

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Use short names for website shortcuts (2-3 words) so that they look beautiful on the desktop and are not cropped by the system.

It's important to note that these shortcuts work like launcher links, and when they're activated, the phone will still launch the browser, but it will open the page right away, and it's not a full-fledged app, but the difference is almost invisible to the user, especially if you use Full-screen apps in your settings.

Use of the “Themes” application for system shortcuts

Many users don’t know that Xiaomi has a powerful built-in tool for creating shortcuts for system functions. Themes app is not only used to change wallpaper, but also contains a section called “Tags”, where you can find icons for turning on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flashlight, calculator or even to launch specific contacts.

To use this method, open the Topic app and go to the bottom menu by selecting the Profile tab (human icon). In the list that opens, find the Shortcuts section. You will see a directory where the functions are sorted into categories: System, Applications, Contacts, and others. Once you select the desired feature, you can add it immediately to the desktop.

• 🚀 Instant access to hidden settings, which usually require a few clicks on the menu.
• 🎨 Ability to change icons of system functions, making the interface unique.
• ⚙️ Creating shortcuts for deep settings such as “Flight Mode” or “Energy Savings».

This is ideal for those who want to create a quick control panel for their favorite features right on the desktop, bypassing the notification curtain, but it is worth remembering that some shortcuts from this catalog can be presented in the form of widgets of different sizes, rather than classic icons.

Configure widgets and quick access

MIUI and HyperOS shells offer advanced widget functionality that users often ignore. A widget is not just a picture, but an interactive element that can act as a shortcut. For example, the Music widget allows you to control tracks, and the Weather widget can contain a quick switch to settings button.

To add a widget, you need to pinch the empty space on your desktop and select the "Widgets" item in the bottom menu. Here are both standard Android tools and Xiaomi's proprietary developments. Particular attention should be paid to the "Fast Access" or "One-step" widgets, which allow you to bring up to 4-6 frequently used functions in the form of a compact panel.

Using widgets not only saves space, but also provides information without opening applications. Dynamic widgets can display the current track, number of steps or the exchange rate, acting as an information center directly on the home screen.

Working with folders and grouping applications

When the number of apps installed is in the tens, creating shortcuts for individual programs becomes less efficient than a competent grouping. Xiaomi allows you to create folders with advanced functionality. Just drag and drop one icon to another to create a folder and give it a clear name.

In newer versions, folders can open as a separate window or occupy a part of the screen without completely overlapping the desktop. Inside the folder, you can place not only applications, but also small widgets, thereby creating complex compositional shortcuts, this is especially true for organizing the workspace on the principle of “everything is at hand”.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t create too deep nesting levels. There is no folder created inside the folder on Xiaomi, but too many icons in one folder can slow the interface response when you open it.

There's also Game Turbo, which is basically an aggregator shortcut, and by adding apps to this mode, you create a secure environment with shortcuts to run games with increased resources, which is a specific but very useful kind of shortcut for gamers.

Third-party launchers for advanced users

If standard MIUI tools aren't enough, third-party launchers like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, or Microsoft Launcher come to the rescue, and they allow you to create action shortcuts that are a level above normal links, and they can create a shortcut that opens not just an application, but a specific screen inside it.

For example, you can create a My Balance icon that, when you click, immediately opens the bank app on the card screen, bypassing the pin code (if security permits) or the main menu.

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For ordinary users, installing complex utilities may seem superfluous, but for those who like full control, it opens up endless possibilities. You can assign a shortcut to double-press, long-press, or even swipe gesture. However, it is worth considering that third-party launchers can consume more RAM than the standard shell.

Frequent problems and their solution

When creating shortcuts, users sometimes find themselves in a situation where the icon does not appear on the desktop or disappears after a reboot, most often due to the operation of the MIUI memory optimizer, which “cleanses” unnecessary processes, or with a crowded launcher cache.

If the website shortcut opens as a blank white page, check the storage permission for your browser. In some cases, cleaning the theme or system launcher app cache through the application settings menu helps. Also make sure there is free space on the desktop - MIUI does not always automatically transfer icons to the next screen.

• 🔍 Check Hidden Folders: Sometimes shortcuts are created inside existing folders by default.
• 🔄 Launcher Reboot: In your phone settings, find the System Launcher app and click Stop, then try creating a shortcut again.
• 🚫 Advertising Blockers: If You Use Ads DNS or ad blocking apps, they can prevent the downloading of icons for web shortcuts.

In rare cases, the problem may be the subject of the design. Some third-party themes incorrectly display new labels. Switch to the standard theme of "Classic" or "Infinity" to see if the problem persists.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

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The correct organization of shortcuts and widgets on Xiaomi turns the smartphone into a powerful management tool, saving up to 30% of the time on daily tasks.