How to Create a Shortcut on Xiaomi’s Android Desktop: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face the need to personalize their desktop by bringing in the most important features, whether it’s a specific app that’s used all the time, or a link to a frequently visited website. However, unlike some other manufacturers, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have their own unique navigation features.

Understanding how to manage shortcuts can dramatically speed up access to the right features, so you can not just move icons, but also create new shortcuts for specific actions within programs, which makes your smartphone a powerful tool that is tailored to your personal tasks.

In this article, we'll look at all the methods available, from standard drag and drop-and-drop to creating web shortcuts to using third-party launchers. We'll also look at situations where an icon doesn't appear and how to fix it. Ready to experiment with the interface will open up new possibilities for your gadget.

Standard method of adding apps from the menu

The most obvious and common way is to move existing programs from the general list. In the classic Android menu mode, all icons are on the desktop, so the term "create" here is more like "place." If you have "no cart" mode or the classic menu on, the process is as follows.

You need to find the app you want in the list or on the free page. Hold your finger on the icon until you get a slight vibration. At that point, the interface will go into editing mode. Now, without letting your finger go, drag the object into the free area of any screen or into the dock panel at the bottom.

However, if you have Folder mode activated (similar to iOS), where all the apps are hidden in the swipe-up menu, the algorithm changes. You swipe up to open the menu of all the apps. Find the desired program, pinch it and drag it to the top of the screen where the desktop area appears. Release your finger to capture the result.

It's important to note that when you move into editing mode, you often get an additional toolbar, and you can find the Add widgets or Effects button, which allows you not only to create a shortcut, but also immediately adjust the appearance or add animations of the appearance, which is especially true for owners of flagship models of the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 series.

Creating shortcuts for websites through the browser

Often users don't need to access an app, but a specific page on the Internet, such as a bank account, a news portal or a messenger web version, and Google Chrome browsers and the built-in MIUI Browser allow you to create full-fledged web shortcuts that look like regular apps.

To do this, in Chrome, open the site you want. Click on the three dots in the top right to open the menu. In the list of options, find "Add to the home screen." The system will prompt you to confirm the name that will appear under the icon. After confirmation, a new icon will appear on the desktop.

Chrome Menu → Add to the Main Screen → Add

Xiaomi’s own browser uses the same procedure, but the path may be different. You usually click on the menu (three bars or dots) and select the option “Add to desktop.” If this option is not in the main menu, check the “Tools” or “More” subsection.

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Web shortcuts don’t take up much memory, as they don’t contain the app’s code, they only link to the URL. This is a great way to free up space on budget smartphones with a small storage capacity.

And you have to consider that the object that you create in this way will open in a separate browser window, without the address bar and unnecessary interface elements, which creates the feeling of using a native application. For sites that do not have official apps on Google Play, this is the only right solution.

Use of widgets and MIUI tools

The MIUI and HyperOS shells are famous for their widgets, which are essentially extended shortcuts. They can display weather, currency rates, steps, or control music. To add them, you need to pinch an empty space on your desktop or pinch a two-finger (to put your fingers together).

In the menu that opens, select "Vidgets." Here's a huge list of available elements from the system and installed applications. Find the desired widget, such as "Calculator" or "Notes." Click on it and select a size. Then drag the item to the free space of the screen.

Special attention should be paid to Tools (or Toolbar), which are often bundled with themed designs and can be downloaded from the Themes app. Within the categories, there are often unique shortcuts for quick access to features that are hidden in deep settings, such as a Bluetooth switch or flashlight.

Configure application shortcuts (App Shortcuts)

Modern versions of Android support the function of context menus for shortcuts. If you click on an app icon (for example, Telegram, WhatsApp or Contacts), a pop-up menu will open, which can be items like “New chat”, “Favorites” or specific functions.

Some of these items can be put on the desktop as separate shortcuts. In the menu that appears when you press long, find the desired action (for example, a specific contact or chat). Click this action and drag it to an empty area of the screen, so you create direct access to the function, bypassing the opening of the application itself.

⚠️ Note: Not all apps support the creation of separate shortcuts for internal functions. This depends on the developer of the program and the version of Android. If you press the menu long enough, or there are no drag and drop options, then the application does not provide such a menu. API.

This feature is especially useful for instant messengers and calls. You can create a home shortcut for a quick call or a work shortcut to go to the right chat. It saves time and eliminates the need to search for a contact in the list every time. In HyperOS, animations of creating such shortcuts have become smoother and more enjoyable visually.

What to do if a label is not created or is missing

Sometimes users are faced with a problem: the shortcut is not added, or the existing one disappeared after the system update. Most often the reason lies in a crowded memory or a launcher failure. If the icon bounces back when dragging, try to make room on the desktop by removing unused widgets.

The second option is to crash the System UI process or the launcher itself, and in this case, cleaning the cache helps. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Find Louncher (or System Launcher) in the list. Click Clear and select Clear Cache. This will not delete your data, but reset your desktop display settings.

It’s also worth checking browser permissions if you create a web shortcut. The app should have shortcut rights. Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions Management → Other permissions. Find your browser and make sure that “Create Desktop Shortcuts” is active and has the status of “Always Allow”.

Alternative solutions and third-party launchers

If standard MIUI features don't suit you, you can always install a third-party launcher. Popular options like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher provide advanced functionality. They allow you to create action shortcuts that are not available on the stock shell.

With special design applications like Shortcut Maker, you can create a shortcut for ANY action on the system. You can make an icon to turn on a flashlight, run a particular game in performance mode, or even open Wi-Fi settings. This gives you complete control over the interface.

When installing a third-party launcher, the system may limit some features for the sake of security, for example, widgets may not display correctly, and animations may work slower. Before switching to an alternative interface, it is recommended to study the feedback on compatibility with your version of Android.

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Using third-party launchers is the best way to customize Xiaomi, but it can affect notification stability and energy saving.

In conclusion, shortcut management on Xiaomi is a flexible process that depends on your needs. Whether it’s a simple icon port or creating a complex web shortcut, the system provides all the necessary tools.