How to create a shortcut on the desktop Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: 5 ways + hidden MIUI features

The desktop of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is not just a background with icons, but a powerful tool for quickly accessing 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? Shortcuts solve this problem — they save time and make interaction with the phone more intuitive. However, in MIUI (the brand shell of Xiaomi), shortcuts have their own nuances, especially on models of 2019-2020 release, where the interface is different from modern versions.

Many Redmi Note 7 users are struggling: the “Tag” button is not active, the icon disappears after the reboot, the system applications refuse to add to the screen. The reason lies in the peculiarities of MIUI 10/11 — these are the versions of the firmware that are on most Redmi Note 7 “out of the box.” In this article, we will discuss not only the standard methods, but also the workarounds for complex cases — from adding a Google Chrome shortcut to creating widgets to quickly start the system functions.

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1.Preparation: Why can't Redmi Note 7 create a shortcut?

Before getting to the instructions, it’s important to understand what’s stopping you from adding shortcuts to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7.

• 🔄 An outdated version MIUI: The Redmi Note 7 is often used MIUI 10 or 11, where drag-and-drop is missing for some system applications (e.g., Settings or Camera).
• 📱 Disabled Access Rights: If you have previously restricted permissions for the launcher (for example, through Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Launcher, labels may not be retained.
• 🛠️ Optimizing the battery: MIUI It aggressively closes the background, causing widgets and shortcuts to fly off after the device sleeps, and this also applies to third-party launchers like Nova Launcher.

To avoid problems, check:

1. MIUI Version: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If below 12.0, update the firmware (instructions in Section 5).
2. Launcher permissions: go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Permissions and enable all items.
3. Battery Optimization: in Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management Find the launcher and select “No Limits”.

⚠️ Note: If you use a third-party launcher (like Nova or Apex), Xiaomi system application shortcuts may not work. MIUI Use the workarounds from Section 4.

Method 1: Standard addition of an annex shortcut

The easiest method is to transfer the icon from the app menu to the desktop, which works for most user applications (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, YouTube), but may not work for Xiaomi system utilities.

Step-by-step:

1. Tap the All Apps icon (usually at the bottom of the screen in the center or right).
2. Find the desired application in the list and pinch its icon for 1-2 seconds.
3. Without letting go of your finger, drag the icon to a free space on your desktop. If you can create a shortcut, you'll see "Create a shortcut."
4. Release your finger and the label will be added.

If the icon is simply opened when dragging and drops, or nothing happens:

• 🔹 Try the other finger (sometimes the sensor doesn't recognize the long touch).
• 🔹 Make sure there is a free space on the desktop (MIUI Blocks the addition if there are no cells).
• 🔹 Reboot your phone – sometimes helps with launcher glitches.

Hold the icon on 2.+ seconds|Check the free space on the screen|Disable battery optimization for launcher|Reboot your phone if you make mistakes-->

Method 2: Shortcut for the site (web page)

Want to quickly open your favorite site without searching in your browser? On the Redmi Note 7, this is done via Google Chrome or MIUI Browser. The instruction is suitable for both browsers, but there are additional settings in Chrome.

For Google Chrome:

1. Open the site you want to create a shortcut for.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → "Add to the main screen".
3. If necessary, edit the name of the shortcut and click "Add".
4. The shortcut will appear on the desktop. When you click it will open the site in the browser.

For MIUI Browser:

1. Open the page you want.
2. Touch the icons "⋮" (three-point) → "More" → "Add to the main screen".
3. Confirm the addition.

Important: Site shortcuts in MIUI Browser may disappear after a browser update. To avoid this, use Google Chrome or create a shortcut through a widget (method 4).

⚠️ Note: If the site shortcut opens in a miniature browser window (not the entire screen), go to Chrome Settings. → Site settings → Pop-ups and disable the lock for this resource.

4. Method 3: Shortcut for system applications (Settings, Camera, Phone)

Xiaomi system utilities (e.g. Settings, Camera, File Manager) are often blocked from creating shortcuts in the standard way, which will help bypassing widgets or third-party applications.

Method 1: Through the shortcut widget (powered by MIUI 10-12):

1. Press the free space on the desktop → select “Widgets”.
2. Scroll down the list and find the shortcut widget (the icon with four squares).
3. Drag it on the screen. A menu of system functions will open.
4. Select the desired one (for example, “Modem Modem” or “charge saving”) and click “Done”.

Method 2: Activity Launcher (for advanced users):

• 📥 Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
• 🔍 Open the application and find the system application in the list (for example, com.android.settings for Settings).
• 📌 Deploy the activity list and select the one you want (e.g.,.Settings).$DevelopmentSettingsActivity for the Developer Menu).
• 🖱️ Click on three points next to the activity → "Labeling".

If none of these methods worked, try upgrading MIUI to version 12 (instructions in section 5) – there’s support for shortcuts for system applications.

5. Method 4: Shortcut for file or folder

Do you want to quickly open a document, photo or folder from your desktop? On Redmi Note 7, this is done through File Manager (the “Files” app from Xiaomi) or third-party file managers.

Through the standard File Manager:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Find the file or folder you want.
3. Press her icon → in the menu that appears, select "Create a shortcut".
4. A shortcut will appear on the desktop. When you click, the File Manager with the selected item will open.

Through a third-party manager (e.g. Solid Explorer):

• 📁 Open the file manager and find the right item.
• 🔗 Press file/folder → Select "Create a shortcut" or "Send to" → Desktop".
• 📱 Confirm the addition. Some managers (e.g, FX File Explorer allows you to customize the shortcut icon.

⚠️ Note: File shortcuts created through third-party managers may not be updated when you move the original file. DCIM In Downloads, the shortcut will become "broken." To avoid this, use symbolic links (requires root rights).

The standard "Files" from Xiaomi|Google Files|Solid Explorer|FX File Explorer|Other-->

Method 5: Hidden MIUI functions for shortcuts

MIUI hides some useful tips that make it easier to work with shortcuts. Here are three little-known tricks for the Redmi Note 7:

• 🔄 Duplication of shortcuts: Press the shortcut on the desktop → "Label information" → "Duplicate. This is useful if you want to put one application in different folders.
• 📂 Hidden folders: Create a folder on your desktop, then press it → "Folder settings" → Turn on "Hide the name." The folder becomes a transparent icon without a signature.
• 🎨 Changing icons: Set a theme from the theme → My themes and shortcut icons will automatically change. For manual editing, use apps like Icon Changer.

How do you get a deleted label back?

If you accidentally delete the label, it can be restored:

1. Open "All Apps."
2. Find the remote app.
3. Press his icon and drag it back to the desktop.

If the application has disappeared from the menu, check the Hidden Apps folder in the launcher settings (Settings → Home Screen → Hidden Apps).

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To prevent shortcuts from flying after the MIUI update, back up your desktop via Settings before upgrading your firmware → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. After the update, restore data from the backup.

7. MIUI Update for Full Shortcut Support

If your Redmi Note 7 runs on MIUI 10 or 11, some shortcut creation features may be limited. Upgrading to MIUI 12+ solves most of the problems:

How to update MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click "Check Updates."
3. If a new version is available, download it (Wi-Fi is recommended).
4. After downloading, click "Reboot and Update".

If the update doesn't come in: