How to transfer a file to the Xiaomi Redmi desktop: all methods (including hidden ones)

Adding files to the Xiaomi Redmi desktop seems like a simple task — until you face the limitations of the MIUI shell. Unlike “pure” Android, there is no standard “Send to desktop” menu, and some files (such as APK or system documents) can be blocked by the system. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways, including bypassing the restrictions for the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Redmi 12 and other models on MIUI 14.

It's important to understand that the desktop in Xiaomi is not just a folder in the memory of the device, but part of the launcher com.miui.home. So direct drag and drop files from Explorer does not always work. 13/14) And they've identified the only reliable way to APK-Files that do not require root rights.

1. Standard method: via the "Send" menu

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Send feature in the Files (or Explorer) application, which works for most file types: photos (.jpg,.png), documents (.pdf,.docx), video (.mp4). Except for executable files (.apk,.exe) and some archives (.zip with a password).

Step-by-step:

• 📁 Open the Files app (Folder icon on the desktop).
• 🔍 Find the desired file and make a long press on it.
• 📤 In the menu that appears, select Send → Desktop.
• 🖼️ The file will appear as a shortcut. When you click, the application associated with this type of file will open.

The file is not system (not.apk or.sys)

File size less than 50 MB (MIUI limitation)

File not in cloud storage (local only)

Restrictions for launcher are disabled in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher-->

⚠️ Note: If the Desktop option is not in the Send menu, then the file is blocked by politicians MIUI. In this case, use the methods in Sections 3 or 4.

2. Creating a shortcut through "Widgets"

For files that cannot be sent directly (such as.apk or.bat), a workaround through widgets will help, which works even for hidden files, but requires pre-setting.

Algorithm of action:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop.
2. Select Widgets → scroll down to the Tools section.
3. Find the File Shortcuts widget (or QuickShortcutMaker if installed).
4. Drag it to the screen and specify the path to the file through Explorer.

💡 If there are no File Shortcuts widget, install the QuickShortcutMaker app from Google Play. It allows you to create shortcuts even for hidden system files.

Standard "Send" menu

Desktop widgets

Third-party applications (ES Explorer, Solid Explorer)

Manual transfer via ADB

Do not add files to the desktop-->

3. Use of third-party file managers

Xiaomi’s built-in Explorer has strict limitations. Alternative file managers (e.g. Solid Explorer, ES Explorer, FX File Explorer) offer advanced features, including direct file submission to the desktop.

Instructions for Solid Explorer:

• 📥 Install the app from Google Play.
• 🔓 Provide all the permissions requested (access to storage, overlay of windows).
• 📂 Find the file, make a long press. → Send. → Create a shortcut on the main screen.
• 🖼️ Confirm the creation of the label.

⚠️ Note: Some managers (e.g., managers, ES Explorer) can create shortcuts that disappear after rebooting. To avoid this, in the application settings, turn off the option Optimization of Shortcuts.

4. Manual addition via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g. for system files or restricted APKs), Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will help.This method requires a PC connection, but is guaranteed to work even on locked firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
2. 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB on Redmi: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
3. 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT -n com.android.launcher3/.ShortcutInstallActivity -d file:///storage/emulated/0/Download/yourfile.apk -t "application/vnd.android.package-archive" Replace the path /storage/emulated/0/Download/yourfile.apk topical.
4. 📲 On the screen of the phone will appear a request to create a shortcut – confirm.

🔧 Technical note: For other types of files, replace application/vnd.android.package-archive appropriately MIME-type, image/jpeg for photographs. Complete list MIME-Types can be found here.

5. circumvention of restrictions for APK-file

The only reliable way to add APK to a desktop without root permissions is to use the APK Shortcut Maker app, which creates shortcuts for installers bypassing MIUI locking.

How it works:

• 📥 Install. APK Shortcut Maker from Google Play.
• 🔍 In the application, select the desired.apk file.
• 🖼️ Press Create Shortcut → Choose Home Screen.
• 🛡️ When you first run the label, confirm the installation permission from unknown sources.

⚠️ Note: Labels created by this method may not be updated automatically when the original method is changed. APK. If you have updated a file, remove the old shortcut and create a new one.

💡

To speed up access to commonly used APKs, add a shortcut to a folder on your desktop. To do this, drag one shortcut to another - MIUI will automatically create a folder.

Problem Solving: File is not added or disappears

If the file doesn’t appear on the desktop or disappears after a reboot, check the following points:

💡 Key takeaway: If none of the methods worked, check if Xiaomi's Second Space mode is enabled, in which case files are added only to the current space and not displayed in the other.

FAQ: Frequent questions