How to create a shortcut on a Xiaomi smartphone: 5 working ways for MIUI

Creating shortcuts on Xiaomi smartphones is an easy way to optimize your desktop and get quick access to frequently used features. Despite the apparent obviousness of the process, many MIUI users face difficulties: somewhere the “Create a shortcut” button disappears, somewhere you can not fix the website, and sometimes system shortcuts simply disappear after the update. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to create shortcuts on Xiaomi, including hidden shell functions and workarounds for non-standard situations.

It’s important to understand that MIUI is updated regularly and the layout of options may vary depending on the version (for example, MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 algorithms are slightly different).We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that work on most models – from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14.

1. Standard method: application shortcut on desktop

The most obvious and common method is to add a shortcut to the installed application, which works on all versions of MIUI and does not require any additional adjustments.

1. Open the application menu (swipe up the screen from the bottom).
2. Find the desired application in the list and pinch its icon for 1-2 seconds.
3. In the context menu that appears, select Add to the home screen (or Create a shortcut in older versions).
4. Drag the icon to the free desktop space.

If the Add to the main screen is missing, it may mean:

• 🔹 The application is system-based and does not support shortcut creation (for example, Settings or Phone in some firmware).
• 🔹 You have a launcher from a third-party developer (e.g., Nova Launcher or a third-party developer). POCO Launcher that changes the logic of the work.
• 🔹 In the settings MIUI Disabled function of adding shortcuts (solved in Settings) → Main screen screen → Additionally).

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If you use the same app frequently, fasten it to the dock panel (bottom of the screen). To do this, drag the icon to this area and hold for 2 seconds.

2. Creating a contact shortcut: a quick call or message

Contact shortcuts allow you to call or text your loved ones in one tap, which is especially convenient for older users or those who often communicate with a certain circle of people.

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Find the right contact and open your card.
3. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Create a shortcut.
4. Select the type of label: 📞 Call - for quick dialing. 💬 Message – to open a chat in SMS or Messenger. 📍 Video Call – if the contact supports Duo or WhatsApp.

Confirm the creation – the label will appear on the desktop.

If you do not have the option to create a shortcut, check:

• 🔹 Is the Contacts app updated (go to Google Play and check for updates).
• 🔹 Is there a third-party launcher installed - some of them block this function.
• 🔹 Is the contact hidden or archived (such contacts do not support labels).

3. Website shortcut: Quick access to your favorite pages

Creating a shortcut for a website allows you to open it in your Mi Browser or Chrome browser without having to enter the address manually, which is convenient for frequently visited resources: mail, social networks or work services.

1. Open your browser (Chrome or Mi Browser) and go to the desired site.
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Add to the home screen (in Chrome) or Create a shortcut (in Mi Browser).
3. If necessary, edit the name of the label.
4. Click Add – the site icon will appear on the desktop.

If the label is not created, possible reasons:

• 🔹 The site uses HTTPS invalid certificate – such pages cannot be added to labels.
• 🔹 In the browser settings, the option of creating shortcuts is disabled (check in Settings). → Mainstream).
• 🔹 You use incognito mode – the function is not available in it.

4. System shortcuts: Quick actions and settings

MIUI allows you to create shortcuts not only for applications, but also for system functions: flashlights, camera launches, Do Not Disturb mode activation, and others. These shortcuts are called Quick Action Widgets and are configured as:

1. Hold your finger on the empty space on the desktop.
2. In the menu that appears, select Widgets.
3. Scroll through the list to Tools or Quick Actions.
4. Select the widget you want (such as Flashlight or Flight Mode) and drag it to the screen.

The list of available system shortcuts depends on the smartphone model and the MIUI version. The most useful options are:

Make sure that:

| Function not disabled in developer settings

| The latest version of MIUI is installed on the smartphone

| You do not use custom firmware

| In the security settings, the "For Children" mode is not activated

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5. Hidden Opportunities: Shortcuts through Developer Settings

For power users, MIUI offers advanced shortcuts through developer mode, which allows you to add shortcuts for features that are not normally available through a standard interface, such as creating a shortcut for:

• 🔧 Developer settings (fast access to debugging by USB).
• 📊 Performance monitoring (CPU/GPU usage).
• 🔄 Cache reset (without a full resetting of settings).

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option to Create a shortcut for quick settings (or Shortcut for quick settings in English).
4. Select the desired function from the list and confirm the creation.

⚠️ Note: Not all features in Developer Mode are safe for normal use. For example, a shortcut to Clean Up App Data can cause data to be lost in games or instant messengers. Use these options only if you understand the consequences.

On Xiaomi 13/14 models with MIUI 15, shortcuts from developer mode may disappear after rebooting. To fix this, disable MIUI optimization for system applications in battery settings.

6. Problem Solving: Why Labels Are Disappearing or Not Created

Xiaomi users often experience shortcuts suddenly disappearing from their desktop or not being created at all, and here are the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:

If none of the methods helped, reset the launcher settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Launcher app (or MIUI Launcher).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the launcher data will reset all your desktop settings (wallpaper, folders, icon location). Before this procedure, take screenshots of the current arrangement to quickly restore it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi

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If you need to switch between apps frequently, consider using MIUI gestures (like swiping up for multitasking) instead of creating multiple shortcuts.This will save desktop space and speed up navigation.