Creating a site shortcut on Xiaomi’s desktop is a simple procedure that saves time and makes it easier to access your favorite web resources. Instead of opening your browser and manually entering your address every time, you get a direct icon on the home screen, like a regular app, especially for users who log into the same sites every day: social networks, email services, news portals or corporate systems.
However, depending on the version of MIUI and the browser used, the process may be slightly different. For example, in Mi Browser (a standard Xiaomi browser), the shortcut algorithm is different from Google Chrome or Firefox. In addition, some firmware versions hide this feature in non-obvious menus, which causes difficulties for beginners. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from standard to alternative solutions for older models.
It is important to note that after the update MIUI 14 browser interface has changed, and some menu items moved. If you are using a Xiaomi smartphone based on Android 13/14, the instructions below will take into account these nuances. For owners of devices with MIUI 12 or earlier, we will also provide separate recommendations.
1. Creating a shortcut through Google Chrome
Google Chrome remains the most popular browser among Xiaomi users, and its functionality allows you to quickly add a site to the desktop, this method works on all models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13, regardless of the version of MIUI.
To create a label:
- Open Google Chrome and go to the desired site (e.g. vk.com or gmail.com).
- Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner (browser menu).
- Select the option "Add to the main screen"**.
- If necessary, edit the name of the shortcut and confirm the action with the “Add” button**.
Now, the desktop will have an icon with the site logo, and when you click on it, Chrome will open in "web application" mode** (without the address bar and toolbars), which makes the interface cleaner.
Open the desired site in the browser |
Make sure the page is fully loaded |
Check the free space on the desktop |
Close unnecessary tabs to speed up the process-->
An important caveat: if you are using Chrome Beta or Chrome Dev, the feature may not work as well, in which case it is recommended to upgrade to a stable version or use alternative methods described below.
2.Adding a site through Mi Browser
Mi Browser is the standard browser on Xiaomi smartphones, and its shortcuts are somewhat limited compared to Chrome.
Instructions for MIUI 14 and newer:
- Open Mi Browser and go to your target site.
- Touch the icons «⋮»** (three dots) at the bottom of the screen.
- Select “Add to the main screen” from the menu.
- Confirm the action by pressing “OK”**.
In older versions of MIUI 12/13, the path may be different:
- 🔹 Click on the icon «⋮»** top-right.
- 🔹 Select “Tools» → «Add to the main screen».
- 🔹 If there is no item, update your browser through Google Play.
Why is there no “Add to Home Screen” option in Mi Browser?
On Xiaomi smartphones with firmware for the Chinese market (CN ROM), the option may not be available at all due to the manufacturer’s restrictions, in which case the only way out is to install an alternative browser or use widgets.
3. Alternative methods: through launchers and widgets
If standard methods don’t work (e.g., older models like the Redmi 5A or Mi A1), you can use third-party tools, and one of the most reliable options is to install a Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, which extends customization options.
How to add a shortcut through Nova Launcher:
- Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
- Set it as the default launcher in the system settings.
- Long press on the free space of the desktop → “Widgets”**.
- Select “Action shortcuts” → “Chrome” → “Site shortcut”**.
- Enter the URL and name, then save it.
The advantage of this method is that you can customize the appearance of the icon, choose its size and even assign a gesture for quick opening.
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If you use the same site frequently (like a corporate portal), create a separate folder on your desktop and add a shortcut to it, so you can quickly switch between work and personal resources.
Another option is to use the Quick Bookmarks widget** from Mi Browser:
- 🔹 Long press on the desktop → «Widgets»**.
- 🔹 Find the Mi Browser widget and drag it to the screen.
- 🔹 Set up the displayed bookmarks by adding the desired site.
4 Problems and Solutions: Why a Label is Not Created
Sometimes users find that the option to add to the desktop is missing or not working. Consider the reasons and ways to eliminate them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| There is no “Add to the main screen” item. | An outdated version of the browser | Update Chrome or Mi Browser via Google Play |
| A label is created, but it is not opened. | Launcher restrictions | Use Nova Launcher or reset your default launcher settings |
| The site icon is not displayed | Browser cache damaged | Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Browser → Storage |
| The feature is not available in Mi Browser | Regional restrictions of MIUI | Install a global version of firmware or use Chrome |
A common mistake: When you create a shortcut through Mi Browser, you click on the home page of the browser, not the site, and this is due to a bug in some versions of MIUI 13. The solution is to remove the shortcut and create it again through Chrome.
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If none of the methods worked, check if your device has set restrictions through Settings → Special features → Simplified mode. In this mode, some desktop functions are blocked.
5. Creating a shortcut for PWAs (Progressive Web Apps)
PWAs (Progressive Web Apps) are web applications that work as native programs. Many modern sites (e.g. Twitter, Spotify, Telegram Web) support this format. On Xiaomi, they can be added to the desktop with advanced features.
How to install PWA on Xiaomi:
- Open a site that supports PWA (e.g. web.telegram.org).
- In Chrome, click on the icon «⋮» → «Install the application».
- Confirm the installation. The app will appear on the menu and on the desktop.
Differences between PWA and the usual label:
- 🔹 Works in a separate window without an address bar.
- 🔹 Supports notifications (if the site provides them).
- 🔹 It can work offline (if there is caching).
Example: If you add Twitter as a PWA, you get a near-full push notification app, whereas a regular shortcut will simply open the site in your browser.
Removal and management of labels
If the shortcut is no longer needed or takes up space on the desktop, it can be easily removed.
- Long press on the label icon.
- Drag it to the top of the screen where the words “Delete” appear.
- Release your finger to confirm the removal.
To edit the name or icon (if using Nova Launcher):
- 🔹 Long press on the label → «Change»**.
- 🔹 Make changes and save.
Note: Deleting the shortcut does not remove the site from the browser bookmarks. If you want to clear the history, go to Browser Settings → History and manually delete the entry.
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To avoid confusing shortcuts with regular apps, assign them unique icons. To do this, download a.png image (such as a website logo) and use it when creating a shortcut through Nova Launcher.
7.Security: risks in creating labels
While adding sites to the desktop is convenient, it's important to be mindful of potential threats: Attackers can create fake PWAs or shortcuts that redirect to phishing pages.
How to protect yourself:
- 🔹 Create shortcuts only for verified sites (c) HTTPS address).
- 🔹 Don't install it. PWA (c) suspicious resources.
- 🔹 Regularly check browser permissions in Settings → Annexes → browser → Permits.
⚠️ Note: If unwanted banner ads or pop-ups appear on your desktop after adding a shortcut, remove it immediately and scan the device with an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or built-in Mi Security).
Also avoid creating shortcuts for sites that require personal data input (banks, payment systems) if you are not sure about the security of your browser.