How to return the shortcut to the Xiaomi desktop: all working methods

Have you accidentally removed an important app shortcut from the Xiaomi desktop or is it missing after the MIUI update? Don't rush to reinstall the app - in 90% of cases, the shortcut can be restored in 1-2 minutes without losing data. The problem is typical for Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and other models based on MIUI 14/13, where the launcher interface often resets after updates.

In this article, 5 proven ways to bring the label back to the screen, including hidden MIUI features that are not described in the official documentation, we will examine how to restore standard applications (Camera, Phone, Messages) and shortcuts of third-party programs, and also find out why shortcuts disappear on their own and how to prevent this.

Why Xiaomi’s shortcuts are missing: 4 main reasons

Before you put the label back, it's important to understand why it disappeared. In MIUI, it's because:

• 🔄 System Updates: After installing the new version MIUI Launcher (com.miui.home) resets desktop settings, most often shortcuts in folders or on additional screens suffer.
• 🧹 Clearing the launcher cache: If you cleaned the memory through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher, could reset user settings.
• 📱 Shell malfunction: MIUI Sometimes forgets the location of the labels after rebooting or retrieving SIM-This is a bug that Xiaomi hasn’t fixed even in the latest versions.
• 👆 Careless user actions: Long-term pressing of the label and dragging it up the screen (in the zone "Delete") leads to deletion. MIUI no label basket!

V MIUI 14 and later shortcuts may disappear due to the function “Smart organization of the desktop” (Settings) → Desktop → A smart organization that automatically hides rarely used applications. Turn it off if you don't want to lose shortcuts.

⚠️ Note: If the shortcut is missing after resetting or flashing, its restoration by standard methods is impossible - you will need to re-install the application.

Method 1: Recovery through the application menu (fastest)

If the shortcut has been manually removed, it can be returned from the general list of applications in 3 steps:

1. Swipe your finger up from the bottom edge of the screen to open the app menu.
2. Find the app you want (like Gallery or Google Chrome).
3. Press its icon and drag it to your desktop. If the screen doesn't respond, try pressing the icon first, then select Add to your desktop.

For applications that are not displayed in the menu (for example, hidden system utilities such as: FM-radio or Screen Recording), use search: swipe down the desktop and type the name into the search bar.

Check if the application is hidden in the MIUI settings

Make sure the app is not removed (see Play Market)

Reboot your smartphone if the launcher is glitching

Disable "Smart Desktop Organization"-->

Method 2: Using the hidden function "Restore shortcuts"

MIUI has a hidden option to restore the standard shortcut location, which resets the desktop to factory settings, but saves custom wallpapers and widgets:

1. Click the empty space on your desktop and select Desktop Settings.
2. Go to Additional → Restore the standard settings.
3. Confirm the action. In 5-10 seconds, the standard shortcuts (Phone, Messages, Camera, Browser) will appear on the screen.

This method will not restore the shortcuts of third-party applications (such as Telegram or VKontakte), but will return the system ones. After resetting, you can manually add the remaining shortcuts from the application menu (see Method 1).

⚠️ Note: If you use an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher), this feature won't work. MIUI In Settings → Annexes → By default. → Launcher.

Standard MIUI Launcher

Nova Launcher

Microsoft Launcher

Other

I don't know what it is.-->

Method 3: Return the shortcut through the application settings

If the shortcut disappears after updating a particular app (like WhatsApp or YouTube), the problem may be in the reset permissions.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the desired application and open its settings.
3. Check if the permission to display over other windows is enabled (this is critical for some applications).
4. Click More → Reset settings (this won’t delete data, but will return the shortcut to the menu).

For system applications (e.g., Camera or FM-radio) may need to be displayed:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
3. Find a hidden application (for example, FM-radio) and switch on Show in the menu.

Method 4: Reset the launcher cache (if the labels disappear themselves)

If the labels disappear periodically (for example, after a reboot or weather update), the problem is the damaged launcher cache.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Launcher app (or com.miui.home) and open its settings.
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

After the reset, the shortcuts should return to their place. If this does not happen, reset the launcher settings:

1. Click the empty space on the desktop → Desktop settings.
2. Select Additional → Reset the settings.

Settings → Applications → Launcher → Three points → Remove updates

Method 5: Manual shortcut creation via widget (for hidden applications)

Some system utilities (Screen Recording, Developer Mode, Quick Commands) do not have standard shortcuts, but they can be added through widgets:

1. Click the empty space on the desktop and select Widgets.
2. Scroll through the list to the Tools or Systems section.
3. Find the shortcut widget (or Quick Shortcuts) and drag it to the screen.
4. In the menu that opens, select the action you want (for example, Screen Recording or Fastboot Reboot).

This method works even for apps that don’t appear on the menu, such as:

• 🎤 FM-radio (requires headphones as an antenna)
• 📱 Developer Mode (if enabled in Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI)
• 🔧 Equipment test (#4636##)

How to Prevent the Disappearance of Labels in the Future

To prevent shortcuts from disappearing after updates or reboots, follow these rules:

• 🔒 Turn off the Smart Desktop Organization**: Settings → Desktop → Smart organization → Off.
• 📦 Do not use folders for important shortcuts: MIUI More often, it drops shortcuts inside folders. Put them directly on the screen.
• 🔄 Clean the launcher cache regularly (once in a week) 1-2 months) to avoid disruptions.
• 📲 Do not install alternative launchers unless you are ready for shortcut bugs. Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher may conflict with the new launcher. MIUI.

If you often lose shortcuts after updates, back up your desktop:

1. Install the Backup & Restore app from Google Play.
2. Make a backup in Settings → Additional → Backup (select Desktop).
3. After resetting, restore the settings from the backup.

💡

The most common reason for the disappearance of shortcuts on Xiaomi is the reset of the launcher settings after the MIUI update. Disabling Smart Desktop Organization and regularly cleaning the cache help avoid the problem.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi