How to set a shortcut to the desktop Xiaomi Poco M3: 5 proven ways

Modern Xiaomi smartphones based on the MIUI shell offer flexible desktop customization options, but it’s not always obvious how to add a shortcut to it for quick access. Poco M3 owners often face the question of why some apps don’t appear in the widget list, how to fix the website as an icon or why shortcuts disappear after a system update. This article closes all the gaps – from basic actions to hidden features of MIUI 12/13/14, adapted for Poco M3 with its proprietary launcher POCO Launcher.

We will not only analyze the standard methods through the application menu, but also alternative solutions: creating shortcuts for the application. APK-files, fixing frequently used contacts, or even adding automation scripts (for example, to run a single-tap game mode). We will pay special attention to nuances that are not described in the official documentation, for example, why shortcuts for.url files do not work without additional applications, or how to circumvent the restriction. MIUI by the number of icons on the screen.

Unlike articles where the instructions are given “in general form”, here each step is illustrated with screenshots from the Poco M3 (V12.5.3.0.RJCMIXM firmware version and later) and takes into account the features of gesture control. If you tried to add a shortcut through a long press on the screen, but nothing worked out, do not be quick to blame yourself: in MIUI this process depends on the current launcher and security settings.

Before you go into practice, check out two key things:

1. Make sure that the phone has a standard launcher (POCO Launcher or MIUI Launcher) and third-party shells (Nova, Apex) have their own rules.
2. Update your firmware to the latest version – older MIUI builds (below V12.0.1) lack shortcut support for some file types.

1. Standard method: Adding an app shortcut

The easiest method is to transfer the app icon from the menu to the desktop, which works for all applications installed through Google Play or.apk files, but there are nuances with system utilities (for example, Security or Themes).

How to do this:

1. Touch the empty space on your desktop and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds until the menu appears.
2. Select "Widgets"** (not "Wallpaper and Style"!).
3. Scroll the list to the left to the "Applications" section** - all installed programs are displayed here.
4. Find the desired application, pinch its icon and drag it to a free space on the screen.

Problem: Some system applications (like Settings or Camera) may not be on this list, and the solution is to use an alternative method through the application bar:

1. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to open the app menu.
2. Find the right application, pinch its icon and drag it to the desktop.

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If the icon “returns” when dragging, check whether the “Protection against Accidental Touch” mode is included in the special features settings (Settings → Special Opportunities → Interaction and Agility).

On the Poco M3 with MIUI 12+, there is a hidden feature: you can create a shortcut for a specific action in the application (for example, immediately open a chat in Telegram or start recording a video in the Camera).

1. Press the app icon on your desktop.
2. In the menu that appears, select “Tags”** (if available).
3. Select the desired action (for example, New chat for Telegram).

2. Creating a Website Shortcut (PWA)

If you visit a particular site frequently (like VKontakte or YouTube), it can be fixed on your desktop as a separate application, which works through Google Chrome or MIUI Browser, but there are differences in implementation.

Instructions for Chrome:

In MIUI Browser, the process is a bit different:

1. Open the site, then tap the icons «⋮» (menu) → «Site settings» → «Add to the main screen»**.

Important: Site shortcuts added through Chrome may not sync with other launchers (like Nova Launcher), in which case the icon will appear as an “empty” shortcut.

Browser compatibility table with site shortcuts on Poco M3:

3. Labels for Files, Folders and Contacts

MIUI allows you to create shortcuts not only for applications, but also for individual files, folders, or even contacts, which is convenient if you often open a certain document or call a specific person.

For files and folders:

1. Open the File Manager application**.

For contacts:

1. Open the Contacts app**.
2. Find the right contact, open his card.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Add a shortcut”**.

Limitations:

• 📁 Folder shortcuts only work for standard directories (Downloads, Images, etc.). Custom folders at the root of the repository may not show up.
• 📄 For files supported formats:.pdf,.doc,.xls,.txt,.jpg/.png. Video files (.mp4) add.
• 📞 Contact shortcuts open a standard call menu, not a specific action (like a video call on WhatsApp).

The file is in internal memory (not on the SD-map)|

File format supported by MIUI|

The file name does not contain any special characters (e.g, #, %)|

Display of hidden files (if shortcut for system file)-->

4. Alternative methods: third-party launchers and utilities

If the standard methods are not satisfied (for example, you need to add a shortcut for a.apk file or a script), you will have to use third-party tools. M3 Well-established:

1. Nova Launcher (for advanced users):

2. Shortcut Maker (for technical tasks):

• 🛠️ Creates shortcuts for system functions (e.g., reboot to Fastboot or run Safe Mode).

3. Tasker + AutoShortcut (for automation):

• 🤖 Allows you to create shortcuts for complex scenarios (e.g., “enable Bluetooth”) + Start Spotify when you connect to your car").
• ⚙️ It requires customization, but gives maximum flexibility.

An example of shortcutting a.apk file through Shortcut Maker is:

1. Install Shortcut Maker from Google Play.
2. Open the application, select Activity → File Manager.

Standard POCO Launcher|

Nova Launcher|

Apex Launcher|

Another (write in the comments)|-->

5. Problem Solving: Why Labels Are Disappearing or Not Working

Poco M3 users often experience shortcuts disappearing after a reboot or MIUI update.

Problem 1: Shortcuts disappear after system update

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 12.5+ There is a bug that causes custom shortcuts to be reset in major updates. To avoid this, back up your desktop through Settings before upgrading. → Additionally. → Backup (select "Desktop" option»**).

• 📌 Use third-party launchers (like Nova) that save settings regardless of system updates.

Problem 2: Website label is not opened

• 🌐 Make sure the site supports HTTPS (label HTTP-Websites can be blocked MIUI).
• 🔒 Check browser permissions: Settings → Annexes → browser → Permissions (must be enabled with “Storage” and “Display on top of other windows»).

Problem 3: You can’t add a shortcut to a system application

Problem 4: Shortcuts are not dragging to the desktop

⚠️ Attention: On Poco M3 with the child mode enabled or the guest profile added shortcuts blocked. → Accounts. → Users.

6. Hidden capabilities: shortcuts for scripts and ADB-team

For advanced Poco users M3 Allows you to create labels for execution ADB-It's useful for automating routine tasks, Tasker scripts, or even Terminal commands.

Example 1: A shortcut to reboot in Fastboot

1. Install Shortcut Maker.
2. Select Activity → Engineering Mode (or search com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings).

Example 2: A shortcut to include a developer mode

1. Create a shortcut through Shortcut Maker to: com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings
2. Now one tap can open the developer settings without making your way through the menu.

Example 3: A shortcut to clear the cache of all applications

1. Use Tasker to create a task with a command: pm clear --all
2. Export the task as a shortcut to the desktop.

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Labels for ADB-commands require pre-connection of the phone to the PC and permission to debug USB. Without this, the teams will not be executed!

FAQ: Frequent questions on the Poco M3 labels