How to set a shortcut to the Xiaomi desktop: all ways for MIUI

Creating shortcuts on Xiaomi’s desktop is a seemingly simple task, but users often face non-obvious nuances. Depending on the MIUI version (12 to 15) and the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the process may be different. For example, the classic way of dragging icons from the app menu has disappeared in new firmware, and adding websites now requires the use of the Xiaomi or Google Chrome browser with certain settings.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods: from the basic addition of application icons to creating shortcuts for the application. APK-Files, contacts, and even system functions (such as direct call to Game Mode or Google Assistant) will be addressed in particular by the problems that arise after updates – when shortcuts suddenly disappear or are replaced with standard icons. MIUI. You will learn how to return lost icons and why some apps (such as TikTok or Telegram) can block the creation of duplicate shortcuts.

1. Basic method: adding the application shortcut to the desktop

The most common method is to transfer the icon from the app menu to the home screen, but in the latest versions of MIUI 14/15, the algorithm has changed: you can't just hold your finger on the icon, as you used to.

1. Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Find the app you want (like WhatsApp or Gallery).
3. Hold the icon for 1-2 seconds until the context menu appears.
4. In the menu, select Add to the main screen (on some models – Create a shortcut).
5. Drag the icon to the right place on the desktop.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with POCO Launcher (e.g, POCO F5) Instead of a context menu, drag and drop can work immediately. If the icon is not portable, check the launcher settings in Settings. → Main screen screen → Main screen style.

Make sure the application is installed|Check the free space on the screen|Turn off the "Light Mode" mode in the settings|Update. MIUI last-minute-->

2. Creating a shortcut for a website (Chrome, Xiaomi Browser)

Adding a site shortcut to the Xiaomi desktop depends on the browser used. Google Chrome algorithm is standard, and the branded Xiaomi Browser has its own features.

Method 1: Through Google Chrome

1. Open a website (such as vk.com or youtube.com) in Chrome.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Add to the main screen.
3. Confirm the name of the shortcut (the title of the page is taken by default).
4. Click Add – the icon will appear on the desktop.

Method 2: Through Xiaomi Browser

In the branded browser Xiaomi function is hidden deeper:

1. Open the site and click on the icon ⋮ (menu) → Tools.
2. Select Add to the main screen (on some versions – Create a shortcut).
3. If you do not have an option, update your browser through the Play Market or App Gallery.

⚠️ Note: Site shortcuts created through Xiaomi Browser can open in a browser mini window rather than a full screen.To fix this, after adding a shortcut:

1. Keep your icon on your desktop.
2. Select Change → Open in the browser → Google Chrome.

Google Chrome|Xiaomi Browser|Firefox|Opera|Other-->

3. Labels for contacts, files and folders

In addition to apps and sites, you can add shortcuts to Xiaomi desktop for:

• 📞 Contacts (direct call or message)
• 📁 Folder (from Explorer or Google Files)
• 📄 Separate files (PDF, APK, picture)
• 🎵 Playlists (from Mi Music or Spotify)

Adding a contact label

To create an icon for a quick call or SMS:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Find the right contact and open your card.
3. Click on the three dots in the top corner → Add to the main screen.
4. Select the shortcut type: Call, Message or Video Call.

Shortcut for file or folder

To add a file (e.g. instruction.pdf) or folder:

1. Open Explorer (or Google Files).
2. Hold the desired file / folder → Add to the main screen.
3. If you do not have an option, use a workaround: create a shortcut through the Files widget (keep the blank space on the screen → Widgets → Files).

System shortcuts: quick access to MIUI features

Xiaomi allows you to create shortcuts for system tools that are usually hidden in the settings, such as:

• 🔧 Game mode (quick on/off)
• 🔋 Battery (direct transition to statistics)
• 📡 Mobile data (on/off) 4G/5G)
• 🔒 Security (Virus scanner and cleaning)

For this:

1. Keep an empty space on your desktop → Widgets.
2. Scroll down to the Tools or Settings section.
3. Drag the desired widget to the screen (for example, Switches for quick access to functions).

On models with MIUI 15 and Android 14, the Switch widget may not be available – instead, use the notification bar (swipe down) or add a shortcut through the Google Assistant app (voice command "Open Battery Settings").

5.Tag problems and solutions

Xiaomi users often face typical shortcut problems, and here are the most common ways to address them:

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI All the labels are gone, don't try to restore them manually, it can lead to duplication of icons:

1. Reboot your smartphone.
2. Start Settings → Applications → Reset application settings.
3. Wait for automatic shortcut recovery (can take up to 5 minutes).

💡

If the app shortcut doesn't update (for example, the Telegram icon stays old after the update), remove it from your desktop and recreate it. MIUI.

6.Alternative methods: third-party launchers and ADB

If the standard methods do not work (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra with custom firmware), you can use:

Method 1: Third-party launchers

Install an alternative launcher from the Play Market:

• 🌈 Nova Launcher (supports customization of icons and gestures)
• 🔄 Microsoft Launcher (Integration with Windows)
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher (optimized for Xiaomi)

After installation:

1. Assign the default launcher to Settings → Apps → By default.
2. Use launcher features to create shortcuts (e.g., in Nova, hold the icon → Edit → Create shortcut).

Method 2: ADB commands (for power users)

If shortcuts are blocked by the system, you can create them through ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

adb shell am start -n com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/com.google.android.apps.gsa.staticplugins.opa.OpaActivity -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "content://com.android.launcher3.settings/favorites?notify=true"

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Requires developer mode enabled (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 times) and connect to the PC. Wrong commands can disrupt the system.

💡

Third-party launchers not only solve shortcut problems, but also improve performance on weak models (like the Redmi 9A), as MIUI Launcher consumes a lot of resources.

7 Desktop Optimization: Folders, Themes and Gestures

Creating shortcuts is just part of the desktop setup, to make it more convenient:

Foldering

To group the labels:

1. Drag one icon to another and the folder will automatically be created.
2. Name a folder (for example, social networks or games).
3. To change the color of the folder, hold it → Change → select the style.

Customization of themes and icons

In MIUI, you can change the appearance of labels:

1. Open the topics → choose your favorite topic.
2. To customize individual icons, use apps like Icon Pack Studio.
3. To return standard icons, reset the theme to Topics → My Themes → By default.

Gestures for quick access

Set up gestures to run shortcuts without searching:

• 👆 Swipe up – Opening the application menu (you can turn off in Settings) → Main screen screen).
• 👉👈 Double swipe – quick camera start (works even on a locked screen).
• 🔘 Long-click on the icon – context menu (for example, WhatsApp will be the option “New chat").

FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi