Have you accidentally removed an important shortcut from the Xiaomi home screen — or did it disappear after the MIUI update? Don’t rush to reinstall the application: in 90% of cases, the problem is solved in 1-2 minutes by standard system tools. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to return the icon to the screen, including hidden MIUI functions that are not written in the official instructions.
Xiaomi firmware features flexible desktop configuration through Lawnchair and integrated services like Security or Optimization, and sometimes shortcuts disappear not because of your actions, but because of system processes, such as after cleaning the cache or automatically optimizing memory, and we show you how to diagnose the cause and return everything to place without losing data.
1. Check the All Apps folder (the fastest way)
In MIUI, the shortcuts that are removed from the home screen are not erased from the system, they are simply moved to the general list of applications.
- Swipe your finger up from the bottom of the screen to open the app menu (or click on the All Apps point/button in the dock panel).
- Find the application you want in the alphabetical list (use the search at the top if there are many programs).
- Press the icon with your finger and drag it to the main screen or docking panel (if required).
⚠️ Note: If the app is not in the general list, it has been removed completely (not just a shortcut.
MIUI 14/15 adds Hidden Apps, which may be labeled after resetting settings or activating Privacy Mode, to check:
- 🔍 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Hidden applications.
- 📱 If the desired application is in the list – tap it and select “Show on the home screen».
2.Recovery through launcher settings
Xiaomi launcher (aka Lawnchair or Poco Launcher in some models) has hidden options for resetting screen settings.
- 🔄 Updates MIUI (particularly 12 on 14/15).
- 🧹 Clearing the launcher data through Settings → Annexes.
- 📱 Second screen connection (Mi Desktop Mode).
Instructions:
- Click on the empty space on the home screen and select Screen Settings (or Launcher Settings).
- Go to Restore the Default Layout (in some versions – Reset Settings).
- Confirm action. The system will return the standard shortcut location (the applications will remain installed).
Make sure important shortcuts aren’t in folders (they’ll reset too)
Remember the location of the widgets (they will have to be reconfigured)
Check if the “Light Desktop” mode is included in Settings → Special.
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⚠️ Note: Once the launcher is reset, all the folders and widgets you created will disappear, you will have to reconfigure them, but this method will guarantee that all standard shortcuts will return (Phone, Messages, Camera, etc.).
3. reinstall the application (if the shortcut disappeared with the program)
If the application has been removed completely (not just its shortcut), the icon can only be restored by reinstalling. MIUI There are two ways:
Method 1: Through the Mi App Store
Even if the app is removed, its history remains in the Xiaomi store:
- Open the Mi App Store (Shopping bag icon).
- Slip on the profile avatar → Management → Installed earlier.
- Find the right application and click “Install”.
Method 2: Through Google Play (if the app is from there)
In the Play Store, go to the Library → Previously installed and find the program. Click "Install" - the shortcut will automatically appear on the home screen.
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If the app has been pre-installed (e.g. Facebook or Netflix on new smartphones), it cannot be reinstalled in the standard way. ADB.
| Recovery method | When to apply | Is the data preserved? |
|---|---|---|
| Drag from "All Apps" | The tag is removed, but the app is in the system | ✅ Yes. |
| Launcher reset | Several shortcuts have disappeared after the update. | ✅ Yes (but folders and widgets will drop) |
| Reinstallation from Mi App Store | Application removed completely | ❌ Not (unless there was a backup copy) |
| Recovery through ADB | System application hidden or removed | ✅ Yes. |
4. System shortcut recovery through ADB
If the standard app label (Calls, Contacts, Settings) is missing, it cannot be reinstalled in the usual way – you need to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for advanced users.
Step-by-step:
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
- Restore the shortcut by the command (replace com.example.app with the app package): adb shell cmd shortcut create-home --package com.example.app --activity.MainActivity
How do I find out the application package?
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you are not sure, contact Xiaomi Service Center.
5. Checking the light desktop and child profile
There are two modes in MIUI that automatically hide labels:
- 👶 Children's profile (limits access to apps).
- 📱 Lightweight desktop (simplified interface for older people).
How to check:
- Open Settings → Special Features → Light Desktop and turn off the function.
- For children's profile: Settings → Accounts → Family access → remove restrictions.
If the shortcuts are missing after activation of these modes, their return will take up to 5 minutes - the system restores the layout automatically.
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Light Desktop Mode is often switched on randomly when you press the Volume Up + Power button combination (on some Redmi models).
6. Solving problems after resetting to factory settings
If you make a hard reset, the shortcuts will disappear along with the user data.
- When you first turn on, select Restore from Backup (if it was created in Mi Cloud).
- If there is no backup, manually drag shortcuts from All Apps (see the first section).
- System applications (Camera, Gallery) may require recovery via ADB.
⚠️ Note: After a reset, some apps (such as Google Pay or banking) may require re-authorization – even if their shortcuts are restored.