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

Creating shortcuts on Xiaomi desktop is a basic feature that makes it easier to access frequently used apps, contacts or web pages. However, in the latest versions of MIUI 14/15, the interface has changed, and standard methods (such as dragging icons from menus) may not work on all models. In this article, we will discuss 5 current ways to add a shortcut to the Redmi, POCO or Black Shark screen – from classic drag-and-drop to hidden shell functions.

Xiaomi’s feature is that it often blocks shortcuts for system applications (like Settings or Phone) through standard methods, and we’ll show you workarounds, including using the shortcut widget and third-party utilities, and we’ll also find out why icons sometimes disappear after a MIUI update and how to fix them.

1. Classic method: Drag from the app menu

The most obvious method works on most Xiaomi devices, but with nuances. In MIUI 14/15, the algorithm has changed: you can’t just hold your finger on the icon in the app menu, you need to use edit mode.

Step-by-step:

• 📱 Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
• 🔍 Find the right app and hold its icon. 1-2 seconds.
• 🖱️ When the icon “sticks” and there is a vibration, drag it to the free space of the desktop.
• ✅ Let your finger go, the label will be created.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12, this method does not work for system applications (Camera, Gallery). №2 or №3.

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If the icon doesn’t drag and drop, try first clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner of the app menu and selecting “Edit Mode”.

2. via the "Tags" widget (for system applications)

If the classic method didn't work, use the built-in shortcut widget, which allows you to create a shortcut even for applications that are blocked by MIUI.

How to add a widget:

1. Click and hold the empty space on the desktop → select Widgets.
2. Scroll through the list to the Tools block and find the shortcut widget (the four-square icon).
3. Drag it onto the screen and select a size (usually 2×2 or 4×1).
4. In the window that opens, select the desired application from the list.

The advantage of this method is that you can create a shortcut for Settings, Google Play, or even Developer Mode, but the widget takes up more space than the standard icon.

3. Creating a shortcut for a contact or website

MIUI allows you to add not only apps, but also contacts or web pages to your desktop, which is convenient for quick access to frequently used sites (for example, Vkontakte or YouTube) or favorite contacts.

For contact:

• 📞 Open the Contacts app and find the profile you want.
• 🔗 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Labeling.
• 🖼️ Choose the style of the icon (round or square) and confirm.

For the website:

• 🌐 Open the site in Mi Browser or Chrome.
• 🔗 Press three points. → Add to the home screen (in Chrome) or Create a shortcut (in Mi Browser).
• 📝 If necessary, change the name of the label.

⚠️ Note: Web site shortcuts created through Chrome can open in a browser mini window, not on the full screen.To avoid this, use Mi Browser or third-party launchers.

4. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)

If standard MIUI methods don't suit you, install an alternative launcher, popular options such as Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Hyperion Launcher, which offer advanced shortcut settings, including:

• 🎨 Customization of icons (size, shape, packages of icons).
• 🔄 Gestures to open applications (swipe, double touch).
• 📂 Grouping shortcuts into tab folders.
• 🔒 Hiding system applications from the menu.

How to create a shortcut through Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and select it as the default launcher.
2. Click and hold the blank space on the screen → Widgets → Nova Actions.
3. Select the App Shortcut and specify what you want.
4. Customize the appearance of the icon (long press → Change).

Important: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 10C) may lose system widgets (weather, steps) after installing a third-party launcher. To return them, temporarily switch back to the standard MIUI launcher.

Download APK official website|Make a backup of current settings|Disable battery optimization for launcher|Set up permits for launcher-->

5. Creating a shortcut through ADB (for power users)

If you need to add a shortcut for a hidden system application (such as Test Mode or Engineering Menu), you can use the ADB-This method requires connecting the smartphone to the PC and enabling debugging. USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode (click 7 times on the MIUI version in your phone settings).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command:

adb shell pm create-shortcut --package com.example.app --activity com.example.app.MainActivity

Replace com.example.app with a real application package (you can find out through App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI. Do not create shortcuts for system processes (e.g. com.android.systemui) unless you are sure of their purpose.

Table: Comparison of shortcuts on Xiaomi

Frequent problems and solutions

Xiaomi users often find that shortcuts disappear after the MIUI update or are not created for certain applications.

Problem 1: The label disappears after the reboot.

• 🔄 Check if the cleaning function is enabled RAM In Settings → Battery.
• 🛠️ Install the default launcher again (for example, Nova Launcher).

Problem 2: You can’t create a shortcut for Google Play or Settings.

• 🔧 Use the "Tags" widget (method) №2).
• 📥 Install an alternative launcher.

Problem 3: The website shortcut opens in a mini window.

• 🌐 Reinstall the shortcut through Mi Browser instead of Chrome.
• 🔗 In the shortcut settings, select Open in full screen mode.

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If shortcuts disappear after the MIUI update, reset the launcher settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear data.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions