How to return a deleted or missing shortcut to the Xiaomi Redmi desktop: all working methods

Why Xiaomi Redmi shortcuts are missing and how to fix it

You've noticed that the Xiaomi Redmi desktop has lost an important app shortcut -- whether it's Google Play, Gallery or Settings? -- a common problem that occurs after a MIUI update, reset or accidental deletion, and 80 percent of the time, the shortcut isn't removed from the system, it's just hidden or reset to a default menu.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to return the shortcut to the screen: from basic (drop from the app menu) to advanced (edit configuration files via ADB). We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and models Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4. If standard methods do not work, at the end of the article you will find instructions for restoring through a backup or reset launcher.

Before you start, check:

• ✅ Is there a shortcut in the folder "All applications" (swipe up from the desktop).
• ✅ Is the application disabled in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• ✅ Have you reset the launcher after the update (characteristically for the MIUI 14).

Method 1: Restore the shortcut through the application menu

The easiest method is to return the shortcut by dragging and drop from the general list of applications, which works on all versions of MIUI, including the latest updates from 2026.

Instructions:

1. Make a swipe up from the desktop to open the All Apps menu.
2. Find the app you want (like Google Chrome or Camera).
3. Press the icon with your finger for 2-3 seconds until it “sticks” off the list.
4. Drag it to a free desktop space or folder.

If the app is not on the menu:

• 🔍 It may be disabled – check in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Disconnected.
• 📥 For system applications (e.g, FM-Radio may need to be updated via Mi App Store.
• 🚫 On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global POCO F3) Google service shortcuts are hidden by default – they need to be manually activated.

💡

If the shortcut disappears after the reboot, reset the launcher settings: pinch the empty space on the desktop → Screen settings → Reset the layout.

Method 2: Using search in the system

MIUI has a powerful search tool built in that finds not only files but also hidden shortcuts, a technique that is especially useful if you don't remember the exact name of the app.

How to use the search:

1. Swipe down the desktop (or tap on the magnifying glass in the dock panel).
2. Enter the name of the application (for example, "calculator" or "records").
3. When the app appears in the results, press its icon and drag it to the desktop.

If the search does not find the application:

• 🔄 Try rebooting your phone – sometimes search indexing gets lost.
• 🛠️ System utilities (e.g. Developer Mode) may require activation via Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times press).
• 📌 On Redmi with custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), some shortcuts are hidden – you need to add them through widgets.

Method 3: Reset the launcher settings (without data loss)

If shortcuts disappear after an update or accidental change in settings, a launcher reset will help.This procedure does not delete data, but only returns the standard desktop layout.

Step-by-step:

1. Press the empty space on the desktop (not on the icon!).
2. In the menu that opens, select Screen Settings (or Desktop Settings on older versions).
3. Scroll down and click "Reset layout" (or "Restore by default").
4. Confirm the action - the labels will return to their original state.

What to do if the option "Reset layout" is not:

• 📱 Nana POCO Launcher (set by default to the default) POCO X3 Pro) the other way: Settings → Home screen → Reset the settings.
• 🔧 For MIUI 14 may require a rollback to MIUI 13 via Fastboot (if reset doesn't help).
• ⚙️ If the launcher is glitzy (for example, icons flicker), clear its cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Clear the cache.

Take screenshots of the current location of the labels |

Check for important widgets (weather, notes) |

Close all background applications |

Connect your phone to charge (in case of hanging up)-->

Method 4: Recovery through MIUI backup

If the shortcut disappears after a reset or update, it can be returned from a backup. MIUI automatically creates backups for the desktop layout, but access to them is hidden.

How to Restore Labels from Backup:

1. Open "Settings" → "About Phone" → "Backup and Reset".
2. Select Local Backups (if any) or connect to Mi Cloud.
3. Find a backup with a date when the label was still in place (e.g, "Backup_20260515").
4. Select the "Screen Settings" or "Home Screen" option and click "Restore".

Recovery nuances:

• ⏳ The process may take 5-10 minutes - don't interrupt it.
• 🔐 If the backup is password protected, use the same Mi Account as when you created the copy.
• ⚠️ On Redmi with unlocked bootloader, recovery can reset root rights.

💡

If you don't have a backup, create it right now: Settings → About Phone → Backup → Create a backup. This will save your settings in future crashes.

Method 5: Manually Adding a Shortcut Through ADB (For Advanced)

If standard methods fail and the system application shortcut (e.g., Calls or Messages) disappears after each reboot, the problem may be the resetting of the launcher rights, in which case the ADB team will help.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times.
2. Activate USB Debugging: Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell cmd launcher reset-app-preferences
4. Restart the device – the shortcuts should come back.

Additional commands for diagnosis:

• 🔍 View all applications: adb shell pm list packages -f
• 🛠️ Launcher cache reset: adb shell pm clear com.miui.home
• ⚠️ Careful! Full launcher reset (remove all shortcuts): adb shell pm clear com.miui.home && reboot

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They can cause the launcher to crash if you're incorrectly entered. POCO M3 redmi 9T The path to the launcher may be different (com.miui.home vs com.mi.android.launcher).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you restore shortcuts, users often face typical problems, and here's how to solve them:

Problem 1: The label returns, but disappears after the reboot.

• 🔹 Reason: Launcher rights reset or conflict with memory optimizer.
• 🔹 Solution: Turn off autocleaning RAM In Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

Problem 2: You can’t drag the shortcut from the app menu (the icon doesn’t stick).

• 🔹 Reason: Light Desktop mode is enabled or a third-party launcher is used.
• 🔹 Solution: Return the standard launcher: Settings → Annexes → By default. → Launcher.

Problem 3: The shortcut to the system application (e.g. Camera) is not in the menu.

• 🔹 Reason: Application disabled or removed via ADB.
• 🔹 Solution: Restore it via Mi App Store or command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.camera

⚠️ Note: Redmi with firmware for China (e.g. Redmi) K40 Gaming) Google service shortcuts are not available by default and can only be returned via Google Installer installation or via flashing to the global version.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions