How to Add a Shortcut to Xiaomi Redmi 9: 5 Ways to Use Apps, Sites, and Files

The desktop of Xiaomi Redmi 9 is not just a background picture, but a tool for quick access to the desired functions. But what if an important application is hidden in the depths of the menu and your favorite site is searched in the browser? Creating shortcuts solves this problem in a few seconds. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to add shortcuts to the home screen, from standard applications to hidden MIUI features that even experienced users do not know about.

The thing about Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) is that it's a MIUI shell that's updated regularly. Recent versions (MIUI 14+) have changed the layout of some menu items, so the old instructions may not work. We've tested all the methods on the current firmware and taken into account the nuances for different versions of the shell. And if you encounter an error called "failed to create a shortcut," there's a solution section at the end of this article.

1. Standard method: shortcut for application

The simplest method is to transfer the program icon from the application menu to the desktop, and it works for all preinstalled and downloaded programs, including system utilities like Settings or Cameras.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
• 🔍 Find the right app (use the search at the top if the list is large).
• 🖱️ Press the app icon for 1-2 seconds until the context menu appears.
• 🏠 Drag the icon to the free desktop space. If the screen is full, swipe left to create a new page.

If the application is not on the menu (e.g. hidden by the system), try to find it through Settings → Applications → Application Management. Some system utilities (e.g. Developer Mode) cannot be brought to the desktop in the standard way, they will require alternative methods (see section 4).

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To remove vibration when dragging shortcuts, turn off tactile feedback in Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration when touching.

2. Website shortcut (PWA)

Modern browsers on Xiaomi Redmi 9 (including Google Chrome and MIUI Browser) support Progressive Web App (PWA) technology, which allows you to create a shortcut to a site that will open as a separate application - without an address bar and tabs.

Instructions for Google Chrome:

1. Open the site you want to create a shortcut for (e.g. vk.com or youtube.com).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Add to the main screen”.
3. If necessary, edit the name of the label and confirm the action.

In MIUI Browser, the algorithm is similar, but the menu item may be called "Create a shortcut." Importantly, not all sites support PWA. If the option is inactive, use an alternative method through the browser widget (see section 5).

3.Tag for contact or quick dial

If you call the same person often, create a shortcut for quick dialing, which will save time — instead of searching the phone book, just one tapa.

Step-by-step:

• 📞 Open the Contacts app (or Phone) → Contacts).
• 🔍 Find the right contact and open your card.
• 📌 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → «Add to the main screen».
• 📱 Select the shortcut type: “Call,” “Send Message,” or “Video Call».

Redmi 9 with MIUI 14+ also has a feature called “Favorites Contacts” – it allows you to pin up to 5 contacts at the top of the lock screen.

Hidden capabilities: shortcuts for system functions

MIUI hides some useful features that you can't add to your desktop in the standard way, like developer mode, sensor test, or hidden network settings, and it takes a workaround to activate them.

Method 1: "Tags" widget

• 🖱️ Hold the free space on the desktop → select "Widgets».
• 🔧 Scroll down to the Tools section and find the Shortcuts widget (or Settings Shortcuts).
• 📱 Drag it to the screen and select the desired feature from the list (for example, “Modem Mode” or “Battery Information»).

Method 2: Activity Launcher App

If you don't have the right option in your widgets, use the third-party Activity Launcher app (available on Google Play) that shows all the hidden activity(s) of your system applications, for example, you can create a shortcut for:

• 🔋 Battery test (com.miui.batterytester)
• 📡 Hidden network settings (com.android.settings.Settings)$NetworkDashboardActivity)
• 🛠️ Engineering menu (com.miui.engineermode)

Install Activity Launcher from Google Play| Open the app and grant rights | Find the desired system application (e.g., "Settings") | Select activity marked "exported=true" | Create a shortcut on your desktop

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5. Label for file or folder

By default, MIUI does not allow shortcuts to be created for individual files or folders through a standard Explorer, but there are two workarounds:

Method 1: Files Widget

• 📁 Open the widgets (click the free space on the screen).
• 🔍 Find the Files widget (from) MIUI) and choose a size 2×2 or 4×1.
• 📱 After adding, click on the widget → Select a folder or file for quick access.

Method 2: Third-party file manager

Applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer can create shortcuts for files, such as Solid Explorer.

1. Find the file/folder in the manager.
2. Hold him down. → select "Create a label».
3. Confirm the addition to the desktop.

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The MIUI Files widget supports only folders, not individual files. For document shortcuts (PDF, DOCX), use third-party managers.

6. Problem solving: Why isn't labeling created?

If you make an error when trying to add a shortcut, check the following points:

Redmi 9s. MIUI 12.5 and below may not be available PWA-label MIUI Browser.In this case, use Google Chrome or upgrade the shell to MIUI 13+.

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If after updating MIUI all shortcuts disappeared, try resetting the launcher settings: press free space on the screen → Home screen settings → Reset settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi Redmi 9

⚠️ Note: Do not use apps to create shortcuts from unknown sources (outside Google Play).They may contain malicious code masquerading as system features.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi 9 with an unlocked bootloader, some system shortcuts may not work due to modified firmware. MIUI via Fastboot.