How to bring a shortcut to the desktop on Android Xiaomi Redmi: all ways

Why Xiaomi Redmi can’t just drag and drop an icon – and what to do

Xiaomi Redmi users often face an unexpected problem: unlike pure Android, the MIUI shell does not always allow you to drag and drop application shortcuts to the desktop in the standard way. This is due to the features of the interface, where the default feature is “smart sort” of icons. For example, on the Redmi Note 11 or Redmi 10C, when you press the application on the menu, you can open a context menu instead of the ability to move.

Another reason is the manufacturer’s limitations on system applications (like Settings or Phone) that MIUI blocks from home screen duplication. Fortunately, there are several ways to get around these limitations, from standard tools to hidden shell features. In this article, we’ll look at all the current methods for MIUI 14 and MIUI 15, including solutions for cases where the label disappears after the update.

Method 1: Standard Addition through the Application Menu

The most obvious method works on most Xiaomi Redmi models, but many users overlook it.

1. Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Find the app you want in the list (like Chrome or Gallery).
3. Press the icon with your finger for 1-2 seconds until the vibration and thumbnail appear.
4. Drag the icon to a free space on the desktop or in the folder.

If the icon does not "break" from the menu, check:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: downstream MIUI 12 Drag and Drag algorithm may differ.
• 📱 Smartphone model: on the Redmi A-series (for example, Redmi) A2+) Sometimes double-pressing is required.
• 🔒 Lightweight mode: in performance settings (Settings) → Special facilities → Easy mode) can be turned off animation drag and drop.

Press the icon for 2+ seconds |Try double press |Check the MIUI version in Settings |Disable Easy Mode if enabled-->

Some firmware (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with global MIUI) will show a pop-up after dragging it, with the option to either "Create a shortcut" or "Delete." Choose the first option.

Method 2: Through application settings (for system programs)

System applications like Camera, Contacts, or Files are often blocked from duplicate on the desktop to get around this limitation:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the application you need (such as Contacts) and tap it.
3. Select Add to the main screen (may be called Create a shortcut).
4. Confirm the action – the icon will appear on the desktop.

This method works even for applications that don't appear in the drag and drop menu, such as Redmi 9T, which can be labeled Game Mode or Notepad.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware for Xiaomi Redmi (especially Chinese) the item Add to the main screen may be hidden. In this case, resetting the launcher settings will help: pinch the empty space on the desktop → Screen settings → Resetting settings.

Method 3: Creating a shortcut for a contact or website

MIUI allows you to display not only applications, but also contact shortcuts (for quick calls) or web pages (for example, frequently visited sites).

For contact:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Find the right contact and tap it.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Add to the main screen.
4. Select the shortcut type: "Call", "Message" or "Video Call".

For the website:

1. Open the site in Chrome or MIUI Browser.
2. Slip on three dots in the menu → Add to the main screen.
3. If necessary, edit the name of the label.

On Redmi 11 Prime and other models with MIUI 13+, website shortcuts automatically open in “light” browser mode, saving traffic. To disable this, go to Browser Settings → Lite mode.

Applications| Contacts for quick call | Websites |Widgets |I do not create shortcuts-->

Method 4: Using widgets instead of shortcuts

If MIUI blocks shortcut creation for a particular application, the alternative is widgets, which not only replace icons, but also display relevant information, such as a Weather label, which can display a widget with a current forecast.

How to add a widget:

1. Click the empty space on the desktop → select Widgets.
2. Scroll through the list to the desired application (such as Calendar or Notes).
3. Press the widget and drag it to the screen.
4. If necessary, adjust the size and displayed data.

The Redmi K50 and other flagships have dynamic widgets that update real-time information (such as currency rates or Mi Fitness steps) to activate them:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Desktop → Widgets.
• 📊 Enable the Dynamic Update option.
• 🔋 Make sure background processes are allowed for the widget application (Settings) → Battery → Application power management).

⚠️ Note: Some third-party apps (such as Google Keep or Spotify) may not appear in the list due to optimization MIUI. In this case, it will help to install an alternative launcher or manually activate widgets through Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Widgets.

Method 5: Alternative launchers for full control

If standard methods don't work (for example, on Redmi 10A with a stripped-down firmware), the solution will be to install a side launcher.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – Supports gestures, adaptive icons and app hiding.
• 🔧 Action Launcher – allows you to create shortcuts for any action (for example, direct calling a specific contact).
• 📱 Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration and cloud shortcuts.
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for performance on weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 8A).

How to install and configure:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. After installation, click "Home" and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. Press the app icon → select Change or Create a shortcut.

On devices with MIUI 14+, when the alternative launcher is first launched, the system may request permission to access the "Special Features" to display gestures correctly. Without this, some functions (such as a swipe to open a menu) will not work.

💡

If the shortcuts are gone after installing the launcher, return them via backup: in Nova Launcher, go to Backup → Import and select the saved configuration.

Problem Solving: The label is gone or not created

Sometimes the shortcuts created disappear after a reboot or MIUI update, and here are the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:

If the shortcut is not created at all, reset the launcher settings:

1. Hold the empty space on the desktop.
2. Select Screen Settings → Reset settings.
3. Confirm the action – all shortcuts and widgets will be removed, but the ability to add them will be restored.

💡

Before resetting the launcher settings, take screenshots of the current arrangement of icons - this will help to quickly restore the desktop.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi Redmi