How to make a shortcut to the Xiaomi desktop: all ways for MIUI

Xiaomi smartphone users often face the need to quickly access their favorite apps, files or websites. Taking a shortcut to the desktop is the easiest way to optimize interaction with the device, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly. Depending on the version of the MIUI shell (12, 13, 14 or 15) and the phone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the process can be slightly different.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods of adding shortcuts, from standard drag and drop icons to hidden features for power users. We will focus on the nuances that arise when working with system applications, files in Explorer and websites in Mi Browser. If you want to learn how to manage the home screen like a professional, read on.

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1. Standard method: Drag from the application menu

This is the most obvious and versatile method that works on all versions of MIUI – from 12 to 15. Suitable for most applications, including third-party ones (e.g. Telegram, WhatsApp, VK).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the app menu (swipe up the home screen or click on the All Apps icon in the dock panel).
• 👆 Find the right application and pinch its icon on 1-2 seconds.
• 📲 Without letting go of your finger, drag the icon to your desktop (or dock panel).
• ✅ Let your finger go, the label will be created.

If the icon is not being dragged, check:

• 🔒 Is screen editing mode installed (double tap on empty space on the desktop) → "Edit").
• 📵 Is the icon locked by the system (relevant for some Xiaomi service applications).

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50) If you hold the icon long enough, you can open the context menu instead of dragging it. + drag-and-drop.

This method is not suitable for creating file shortcuts (photos, documents, APKs) or websites – they need other methods, which will be discussed below.

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2. Adding a website shortcut to the main screen

If you frequently visit a particular site (for example, YouTube, VKontakte or corporate portal), it is more convenient to create a separate shortcut for it. MIUI This is done through the standard Mi Browser or Google Chrome browser.

Instructions for Mi Browser:

1. Open the site you want to create a shortcut for.
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right.
3. Select "Add to the main screen".
4. If necessary, edit the name of the label.
5. Click "Add" - the icon will appear on the desktop.

For Google Chrome:

1. Open the site and click on three dots (⋮).
2. Select "Add to the main screen".
3. Confirm the action – a shortcut will be created with the site logo.

⚠️ Note: Site shortcuts added via Chrome can open in the browser mini version (without the address bar).To avoid this, use Mi Browser or configure settings in Settings → Annexes → Chrome → Opening links by default.

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3. Creating a shortcut for a file or folder

MIUI doesn’t have a direct function for taking files (photos, PDFs, APKs) to the desktop, but there are workarounds, and the most reliable is to use the Explorer widget or third-party file managers (such as Solid Explorer).

Method 1. Through the "Conductor" widget:

1. Click the empty space on the desktop → “Widgets”.
2. Find the Explorer widget (or Files).
3. Select the size of the widget (e.g. 2×2 or 4×1).
4. After adding, the folder selection window will open - specify the desired directory.

Method 2. Through a third-party file manager:

Applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer allow you to create shortcuts for individual files:

1. Open the file manager and find the file you want.
2. Hold him down. → Select "Create a shortcut" (or "Add to the home screen").
3. The label will appear on the desktop.

⚠️ Note: File shortcuts created through third-party apps may stop working after the update MIUI Resetting or resetting settings: we recommend duplicating important files to the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).

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4.Tags for system applications and hidden functions

Some Xiaomi system utilities (e.g., Developer Mode, Security, Special Features) are not displayed in the app menu, but they can be manually created shortcuts.

Method 1. Through "Settings":

1. Open the Settings. → All settings.
2. Find the section you want (e.g., About Phone to access device information).
3. Press the partition name and drag it to the desktop (it doesn’t work on all versions of MIUI).

Method 2. Through the "Activity" application (for power users):

This method allows you to create a shortcut for any system component, even if it is hidden:

1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
2. Open it and find it in the Settings list (com.android.settings).
3. Expand the list and select the desired activity (for example,.DevelopmentSettings for Developer Mode).
4. Press three points. → "Labeling".

On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14+ Some system shortcuts can be blocked by the shell, in which case only root access or ADB-team.

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5.Use of ADB to create shortcuts (advanced method)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., on custom-built POCO F5), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that is suitable for shortcutting any components, including hidden ones.

Instructions:

1. Enable Developer Mode (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → Press 7 times).
2. Activate debugging over USB (Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
4. Enter the command to create a shortcut (example for Developer Settings): adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings --activity-clear-task
5. To pin the label on the desktop, use the command: adb shell cmd shortcut create-home -n "Name of the label" -a android.intent.action.MAIN -c android.intent.category.LAUNCHER -p com.android.settings -e target_class com.android.settings.DevelopmentSettings

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause system failures. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

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If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers or using Mi PC Suite to automatically configure the connection.

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Problem Solving: Why isn't a label created?

Sometimes users find that the shortcut doesn't drag and drop, disappears after a reboot, or doesn't open.

• 🔄 Shell MIUI glitch → Restart your phone or clear the launcher cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Clear the cache).
• 🔒 App blocked → Check in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
• 📱 There's not enough screen space. → Remove unnecessary widgets or go to another desktop (swipe left/right).
• 🛠️ Failure after update MIUI → Reset the launcher settings (Settings) → Home screen → Reset the settings).

If the website label is not opened:

• 🌐 Check if it's changed. URL-address.
• 🔄 Update your browser (Mi Browser or Chrome) to Google Play.
• 📵 Make sure that mobile internet or Wi-Fi is enabled.

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7.Alternative launchers: more opportunities for shortcuts

If the standard launcher Xiaomi (MIUI Launcher) you do not like, you can install a third-party.

• 🏆 Nova Launcher – flexible customization of icons, gestures and folders.
• 🎨 Apex Launcher – Support for themes and animations.
• 🔧 Lawnchair is an open source lightweight launcher.
• 📱 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows and Office.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• ✅ Ability to change the size of icons and fonts.
• ✅ Creating shortcuts for specific actions (for example, “Write a message to Telegram").
• ✅ Gesture support (such as swiping up to open the camera).
• ✅ Backup of the desktop layout.

⚠️ Note: Some functions are disabled when using third-party launchers MIUI, such as:

• 🔍 Searching the device via swipe down.
• 📊 Weather and pedometer widgets from Xiaomi.
• 🔔 Notifications on the locked screen.

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Third-party launchers give more freedom, but can conflict with Xiaomi's branded features. Check compatibility with your model before installing.

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FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi