Modern Xiaomi smartphones allow you to turn the device into a personal control center of the digital world, where access to your favorite sites should be instant. Users often look for a way to link to the main screen of Xiaomi phone, so as not to waste time searching for the right resource in the history of the browser or bookmarks. This is especially true for those who use the phone to work with the user. CRM-systems, corporate portals or frequent news feeds.
The shortcut process depends on the browser and operating system version used, whether it is a classic MIUI or a new HyperOS. Android standard tools provide flexible tools for customizing the desktop, allowing you to place not only applications but also direct links to web pages. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the available methods so that you can choose the most convenient for your use case.
It's important to understand that shortcut creation is not just about copying an address, but about creating a full-fledged widget that can have its own icon and name. The shortcut that you create works as a separate application window, opening in full screen mode without the browser's address bar, and it creates a sense of native application, which greatly improves the user experience when interacting with web services.
Using the built-in Mi Browser browser to create shortcuts
Xiaomi smartphones have their own Mi Browser browser installed by default, which is deeply integrated into the system shell, making it one of the most stable tools for adding desktop links, as it has direct rights to change the launcher interface without additional permissions.
To get started, you need to open your browser and go to the site you plan to create. In the bottom interface menu, find the Menu button (usually three horizontal bars or dots), click on it and select Add to Main Screen. The system will automatically prompt you to rename the shortcut if the standard name is too long.
Once the action is confirmed, a new icon will appear on the desktop. In some cases, especially on newer versions of HyperOS, you may need to manually drag the widget from the buffer or confirm the add through a pop-up. If the shortcut does not appear immediately, check the Tools folder or desktop edge pages.
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If after creating a shortcut, the icon looks like a standard browser logo, try clearing the Mi Browser cache in the application settings – this often updates graphical elements.
It is worth noting that Mi Browser allows you to create shortcuts even for specific page elements, if the site supports PWA (Progressive Web Apps) technology, in which case the shortcut will lead not just to the home page, but to a specific service functionality, for example, to a payment page or personal account.
Creating shortcuts through Google Chrome on Xiaomi
Most users prefer to use Google Chrome because of the sync with the account and the familiar interface.The shortcut creation mechanism here is slightly different, but remains equally effective for owners of Redmi and Poco.
Open the page you want in Chrome, click three dots in the top right corner of the screen. In the drop-down list, select Add to the main screen. The system will prompt you to edit the shortcut name, then you need to click Add. Unlike Mi Browser, Chrome can immediately move you to the desktop to host the icon.
- 🌐 Chrome shortcuts save your browsing history as part of your browser profile.
- 🚀 Start up faster thanks to optimized rendering engine.
- 🔒 Security is provided by regular updates of WebView components.
An important aspect is that Chrome allows you to add shortcuts for web applications that look and behave like native programs. Web applications can run in a separate window, hiding the browser interface, making them ideal for displaying frequently used services on the home screen.
If you use multiple profiles in Chrome, a shortcut will be created for the profile you are in when you add it, a useful feature for separating personal and work accounts, allowing you to display links to different email accounts or social networks under different accounts to your desktop.
Customization of widgets and shortcuts in the shell of MIUI and HyperOS
MIUI and HyperOS shells offer advanced desktop management capabilities that go beyond simply adding links.The user can not only create a shortcut, but also change its appearance, size and behavior when clicked.
To access advanced settings, click and hold your finger on an empty desktop area, then select Add widgets. Here you can find browser widgets that allow you to display not one, but several links or news feeds at once, which is especially convenient for information portals.
New firmware versions have introduced the Always On Screen (AOD) feature, which allows you to display important site shortcuts directly to the locked screen. To do this, go to Settings → Always On Screen → Format and select the option to add quick commands or links.
| Function | MIUI 12-14 | HyperOS 1.0+ | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addition of a widget | Long press. | Swipe right | Method of entering the widget menu |
| Change of size | Supported | Supported | Possibility of stretching the icon |
| Icon style | Classical. | Super Icons | Animated app icons |
| Folders. | Standard. | Extended. | Grouping of site shortcuts |
Owners of HyperOS devices also get access to stack widgets that allow you to group multiple shortcuts of sites in one place, saving screen space, a solution ideal for those who like minimalist interface design.
☑️ Checking the desktop settings
Working with Yandex.Browser and other alternatives
Alternative browsers such as Yandex.Browser are popular in the Russian market, which also allows you to display links to the Xiaomi home screen. The process here is similar, but has its own features related to the Yandex ecosystem.
Open your website in your browser, click on the menu (three dots or bars) and select "Add to the home screen." A feature of Yandex.Browser is the ability to create shortcuts for Zen channels or specific Yandex services that will open in lightweight mode.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party browsers to create shortcuts, make sure they have permission to “Display on top of other apps.” Without this right, the icon may not appear or launch.
Other browsers, such as Opera or DuckDuckGo, also support this feature, but may require additional steps to confirm security.In some cases, the Android system may request permission to create a shortcut and it will need to be approved manually.
If you use browsers with built-in ad blocker, the shortcuts created will inherit these settings, which means that the transition to the site through the icon on the desktop will occur with already activated protection against trackers and pop-ups.
Solving problems with displaying link icons
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a link is not added or the icon is displayed incorrectly, this may be due to a crowded launcher cache or the limitations of the MIUI security system.
The first thing you need to do is check for free space on your desktop, so if all the cells are occupied, the system won't be able to accommodate the new widget, and you should also try resizing your desktop grid in Screen → Grid settings to make the cells smaller.
- 🗑️ Clear the cache of the Security app and launcher.
- 🔄 Restart the device to update system services.
- 📱 Make sure there are no widgets on the desktop that block placement.
In rare cases, the problem lies in the theme itself. Some third-party themes may not support standard Android shortcuts. Switching to a standard theme Xiaomi often solves the problem of icon disappearance.
What to do if the icon is transparent?
It’s also worth checking your energy saving settings. Aggressive battery optimization can prevent shortcuts from being created or block them from running, add the browser you’re using to the exception list, or set “No Limits” mode for background activity.
Desktop optimization and link grouping
When links become plentiful, it is important to properly organize the home screen space. Xiaomi offers handy tools for grouping shortcuts into folders, which helps maintain order.
Just drag and drop one link icon to another to create a folder. You can rename a folder, like Job, News, or Stores. Inside the folder, site shortcuts work as fast as they do in the open space.
Use calendar or note widgets to place important links in context. For example, the Notes widget may contain a list of frequently visited resources in text form, although it is less convenient than direct icons.
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Grouping links by thematic folders increases productivity and reduces visual noise on the desktop of the smartphone.
Remember that too many widgets and live wallpaper can slow down the interface. If the phone starts to slow down when you scroll through the screens, reduce the number of active widgets or simplify animation in the settings Advanced settings → Special features.