How to create a shortcut on the desktop of Xiaomi phone: all ways for MIUI

Creating shortcuts on Xiaomi desktop is an easy way to speed up access to your favorite apps, important files, or frequently visited sites. However, many users face difficulties: the desired option is hidden in the depths of MIUI, the system does not allow you to add a shortcut for certain types of content. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for different versions of firmware, from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14, including workarounds for system constraints.

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are special features of the customizable launcher POCO Launcher/MIUI Launcher, which offers more features than standard Android. But even here there are nuances: for example, some versions do not have a direct option to create shortcuts for websites or deep link applications.

Basic method: adding an app shortcut

The most obvious method is to place an installed app icon on the desktop, which works on all Xiaomi models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and does not require additional programs.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
• 🔍 Find the app you want in the list (use the search at the top if required).
• 🖱️ Press the app icon on 1-2 A few seconds before the context menu appears.
• 🏠 Drag the icon to the free desktop space. If the shortcut cannot be moved, select Add to the home screen.

If nothing happens during a long press, check the launcher settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Main screen screen.
2. Make sure the Long Press option for shortcuts is enabled (in some versions of MIUI it is disabled by default).

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If the application does not appear in the menu, check the Hidden Applications folder in the launcher settings or the All Apps section in Settings → Applications

2. Creating a shortcut for a website (without third-party applications)

Unlike iOS or pure Android, MIUI does not have a built-in feature for adding web shortcuts through the browser, but you can get around this limitation using Google Chrome or Mi Browser.

Step-by-step instructions for Chrome:

• 🌐 Open the desired site in the Chrome browser.
• ⋮ Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Add to the home screen.
• ✏️ If necessary, edit the name of the label.
• ✅ Click Add – the icon will appear on the desktop.

For Mi Browser, the algorithm is similar, but with nuances:

⚠️ Warning: Some versions of the Mi Browser do not have the option to Add to the home screen, in which case use Chrome or install an alternative browser, such as Firefox.

The site shortcut will open in a miniature browser window, not in full screen mode. To change this behavior, go to the shortcut settings (long tap → Open links in the application).

3. Labels for Files, Folders and Contacts

Creating a shortcut for a file or folder in MIUI is harder than in Windows or macOS, but it's possible. It doesn't provide a direct function, so you'll have to use workarounds.

Method 1: Through a File Manager

• 📁 Open the File Application (or Mi File Manager).
• 🔍 Find the right file or folder.
• ⋮ Press three dots next to the item and select Send.
• 📎 In the list of options, find Create a shortcut (not available in all versions MIUI).

Method 2: Use of widgets

If there is no shortcut option, add Files widget to your desktop:

1. Click the empty space on the desktop → Widgets.
2. Find Files widget or Quick Access.
3. Drag it to the screen and set up the folders displayed.

For contacts, the process is simpler:

• 👤 Open the Contacts app.
• 🔍 Find the right contact and open your card.
• ⋮ Press three dots → Add to the home screen.

4.Deep links and shortcuts for specific application functions

Some apps (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or Google Maps) support deep links — direct addresses to open specific chats, locations, or settings. In MIUI, you can create a shortcut for such links using the Shortcut Maker app (available on Google Play).

Instructions:

• 📲 Install Shortcut Maker.
• 🔍 Open the app and select Activity (for in-app links) or URL (for web addresses).
• 🔗 For Telegram, select org.telegram.messenger → OpenChat and specify ID chat (e.g. @channelname).
• 🏠 Click Create - the shortcut will appear on the desktop.

Examples of deep links for popular apps:

In MIUI 14, deep links for system applications (e.g. Settings or Camera) may be blocked for security reasons. In this case, use ADB- commands to unlock (see section 6).

5. Customization of the appearance of labels

In MIUI, you can change the label icons, size them, and even add effects when you click.

Changing icons:

• 🖼️ Install an icon package from Google Play (like CandyCons or Fluid).
• 🎨 Open the launcher settings: press the empty space on the desktop → Home screen settings → Icon Style.
• 🔄 Select the icon package installed.

Resize:

Go to Settings → Home screen → Icon size and slide. MIUI 13/14 also has an option called Adaptive Icons, which automatically adjusts the shape to the theme.

Press effects:

In the same launcher settings, look for the animation section.

• 💥 Flash when you click on the icon.
• 🌀 Wave effect.
• 🎯 Illumination of the selected element.

⚠️ Warning: Excessive use of animations can increase battery consumption by 5-10%. If you notice a quick discharge, turn off unnecessary effects in Settings → Battery → Optimization of power consumption.

Make sure the icon package is compatible with MIUI| Backup current icons (via Topics → My Themes)| Check reviews about the icon package (some contain ads)|Reboot your phone after applying the changes-->

6. Advanced Methods: ADB and Third Party Launchers

If the built-in MIUI capabilities don’t suit you, consider alternative solutions:

Using ADB to unlock hidden functions:

Some MIUI restrictions (e.g., deep link blocking) can be circumvented by ADB.

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm grant rk.android.app.shortcutmaker android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
3. Reset the device.

Installation of an alternative launcher:

Launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair offer more options for customizing shortcuts:

• 📥 Install a launcher from Google Play.
• 🏠 Assign it as the default launcher in Settings → Applications → By default.
• 🛠️ Use built-in tools to create shortcuts of any type (including Activity Shortcuts for hidden app features).

Example of commands for creating shortcuts through Nova Launcher:

• Long tap on desktop → Widgets → Nova Actions → select an action (e.g. Reboot or Plane Mode).
• For deep links: Actions → Add → App shortcut → Select Activity.

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Alternative launchers allow you to create shortcuts for system functions (such as rebooting or enabling mobile data) that are not available in a standard MIUI Launcher.

7. Resolving label problems

Sometimes shortcuts on Xiaomi disappear, fail to open, or duplicate, and consider typical problems and solutions:

Problem 1: The shortcut disappeared after the MIUI update

The reason could be to reset the launcher settings to restore the shortcuts:

• Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher.
• Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
• Restart your phone – the shortcuts should come back.

Problem 2: The label doesn't open

Possible causes and solutions:

Problem 3: You can’t create a shortcut for a system application

MIUI blocks shortcuts for some system utilities (e.g. Security or Software Update).

1. Use Shortcut Maker (see section 4).
2. Select Activity and find the system application you want (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter).
3. Create a shortcut for a specific Activity (e.g.,.ui.ScanActivity for virus scanning).

FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi