Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still one of the most popular smartphones of the brand due to balanced characteristics and long support for updates. However, even experienced users sometimes have questions about basic configuration — for example, how to add a shortcut to the desktop. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways, from standard drag and drop icons to create widgets and shortcuts for websites.
It is important to understand that the process can vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell (10, 11, 12, 12.5 or 14).We have taken into account all the nuances and prepared universal instructions that work on the Redmi Note 7 with any relevant software.
1. Standard method: Drag the icon from the app menu
The easiest method is to transfer the icon directly from the installed program list, which is suitable for 90% of cases and takes less than 10 seconds.
Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen or click on the dot/square icon in the dockboard). Find the app you want, hold the app icon for 1-2 seconds until it gets bigger and the vibration appears. Without letting go, drag it to a vacant desktop space. If all the slots are occupied, just move the icon to the edge of the screen, the system will automatically create a new screen.
- 📱 Works on: MIUI 10–14, including global and Chinese versions.
- ⚡ Restriction: You can’t create a duplicate of the icon – only transfer the original.
- 🔄 Tip: To return the icon back to the menu, press it on the desktop and drag it to the top of the screen to the inscription “Delete».
If you have an alternative launcher installed (like a Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher), the process may be different, in which case use the Add Shortcut function through a long press on the free desktop space.
2. Creating a Website Shortcut (PWA)
Want to quickly open your favorite site right from your desktop like an app? In Redmi Note 7, this is done via Google Chrome or Mi Browser.
Open the desired site (e.g. vk.com or youtube.com) in your browser. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Add to Home Screen (in Chrome) or Create a Shortcut (in Mi Browser) and the system automatically generates an icon with the site logo, and when you click on it, the site will open in a minimalist window without an address bar - as a native application.
| browser | The way is on the menu | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | ⋮ → Add to the main screen | Supports PWA (Progressive Web Applications) |
| Mi Browser | ⋮ → Labeling | The icon can be updated with the logo of the site |
| Firefox | ⋮ → Home screen | The shortcut opens the full version of the browser |
⚠️ Note: If the site shortcut does not open after creation, check your browser settings. in Chrome, go to Settings → Site settings → Notifications and Allow Notifications for Domain.
3. Contact and Quick Action Labels
On the Redmi Note 7, you can create a shortcut not only for apps, but also for contacts or quick commands (for example, a call or message to a specific person).
Open the Contacts app, find the profile you want, and click on the three dots at the top. Select Add a shortcut to the home screen. The system will tell you to choose the action: call, message, or view the contact. Once confirmed, the desktop will display an icon with the person's avatar.
Find contact in the phone book|Push. ⋮ top-right|Select "Add a shortcut to the main screen"|Indicate action (calling/message)|Confirm placement-->
Similarly, shortcuts are created for quick settings (like turning on a flashlight or mobile internet), press your finger on the free desktop space, select "Widgets" and find the "Settings" or "Tools" section. Drag the desired item onto the screen.
4. Use of widgets instead of shortcuts
If you need to not just open the app, but get quick access to its features (for example, music management or notes), use widgets.
Press your finger on the free desktop space and select "Widgets." Scroll down to the desired app (like Notes or Weather) and drag the widget onto the screen. Some widgets (like Google Search) allow you to resize — to do this, press the widget icon and pull around the corners.
- 🎵 Music widgets: Show current track and control buttons.
- 📝 Note widgets: Display the latest recordings right on the screen.
- 🌡️ Weather widgets: You can customize the display of temperature, humidity and forecast.
⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Instagram or Telegram) may not work on MIUI In this case, use standard labels.
💡
If the widget doesn’t update automatically, try restarting your phone or clearing the app cache in Settings → Apps → App Management
5 Problem Solving: The label is not created or disappears
Sometimes users find that the shortcut does not appear on the screen or disappears after a reboot. Let's consider the main reasons and ways to eliminate them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The label doesn't drag over. | Launcher blocked | Unlock the screen and try again. |
| The shortcut disappears after the reboot | Clearing the launcher cache | Disable optimization for launcher in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization |
| You can’t create a duplicate icon. | MIUI Limitation | Use a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher) |
| Website label not opened | Browser is deleted or disabled | Install Google Chrome from the Play Market |
If none of these things worked, try resetting your launcher settings. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher (or System Settings) and click Reset. This operation will not delete your data, but will return the standard icon layout.
What if the app label is dropped on a standard icon?
6.Alternative methods: third-party launchers and ADB
If the standard methods don’t suit you, you can use alternative launchers or even ADB commands for advanced users.
Install one of the popular launchers from the Play Market:
- 🛠️ Nova Launcher – supports duplicate icons, gestures and custom icon packs.
- 🎨 POCO Launcher – optimized for Xiaomi devices, lightweight and fast.
- 🔄 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows and Cloud Services.
After installation, configure the launcher as the main one in Settings → Applications → By default → Launcher.
For advanced users, the method is available through ADB (Android Debug Bridge). For example, to create a shortcut for a hidden system application, follow the command:
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT -n com.android.launcher3/.ShortcutInstallActivity -d "package: packet name" -e name "label name"⚠️ Attention: Use ADB requires on-set debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB). Incorrect commands can disrupt the system.
💡
Third-party launchers not only add flexibility to shortcuts, but can also speed up the interface on older devices by optimizing animations.