How to add files to Xiaomi desktop: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi desktop is not just a place for app shortcuts, but also a convenient area for quick access to important files. However, many users are faced with the fact that the MIUI system by default does not allow you to simply drag a document or photo to the home screen, as is done on a computer. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to add files to the desktop of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, including bypassing the restrictions of MIUI and using third-party tools.

It’s important to understand that the approach depends on the file type (application shortcut, document, photo, folder) and firmware version. For example, in MIUI 14, based on Android 13/14, the algorithm differs from the older versions, which required a file manager with advanced rights. We will also look at why sometimes files “disappear” from the desktop after a reboot and how to fix this.

1. Adding application shortcuts to the desktop

The easiest way is to put an app shortcut on the home screen, not the file itself, but a link to the program, but for many users, this is enough. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi models (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and later):

1. Open the Apps menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Find the desired application and pinch its icon for 1-2 seconds.
3. Drag the icon to the free desktop space. If the screen is full, swipe left/right to add a new one.
4. Let your finger go, the label will be created.

If the label is not created, check:

• 🔄 Editing Mode: Clutch the Empty Space on the Desktop → Click on “Widgets” or “Screen settings».
• 📱 Limitations MIUI: Some system applications (e.g., Security) cannot be brought to the desktop.
• 🔒 Administrator rights: if the application is blocked through Settings → Annexes → Special access.

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To quickly find the app in the menu, use the search bar at the top of the screen (the magnifier icon).

2. placement of files (photos, documents) through the widget "Files"

MIUI allows you to add widgets to your desktop that display the contents of folders, which is convenient for quick access to frequently used files.

1. Click the empty space on the desktop → select “Widgets”.
2. Scroll down the list to the Files widget (folder icon).
3. Select the size of the widget (e.g., 4×2 or 2×2) and drag it to the screen.
4. Click on the widget → specify the folder whose contents you want to display (for example, “Downloads” or “Images”).

Limitations of the method:

• 📁 The widget only shows files from the selected folder – you can not add separate documents from different places.
• 🔄 When you delete the file from the folder, it will disappear from the widget.
• 📱 In some models (for example, POCO F4) Files widget may not be available – use an alternative (see Section 4).

3. Create file shortcuts through "Xiaomi Files"

If you need to add a specific file to the desktop (for example, PDF-Document or photo, not the entire folder, use the built-in file manager:

1. Open the Files app (Blue folder icon).
2. Find the file you want and hold it for 2 seconds.
3. In the bottom menu, select “Add to the home screen” (or “Create a shortcut”).
4. Confirm the action – the file shortcut will appear on the desktop.

Important nuances:

• 📄 File Types: The method works for images (.jpg,.png), documents (.pdf,.docx), audio and video.
• 🔄 A shortcut is a link to a file, not a copy of it. When you delete the original, the shortcut becomes non-working.
• 📱 On Xiaomi MIUI 13+ The option “Add to the home screen” can be hidden under the “More” button (three dots).

4.Using third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If the built-in MIUI tools don’t work, install an alternative launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, which allows you to add any files to your desktop, including:

• 📄 Documents (.pdf,.xlsx)
• 🎵 Audio files (.mp3,.flac)
• 📷 Photos and videos
• 📂 Folders (including cloud-based folders)

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Open Settings Nova → “Tags and widgets” → “Tags actions”.
3. Select File or Folder → specify the path to the desired object.
4. Drag the created shortcut to the desktop.

Nova Launcher supports adding files even from cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive) as long as they are connected as local folders.

Download APK from the official website or Google Play|

Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access)|

Backup your current desktop settings (via MIUI Backup)|

Select Nova Launcher as default launcher (on first launch)

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5. Manual shortcut creation via ADB (for power users)

For advanced users who want full control of the desktop, the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is suitable, which allows you to add a shortcut to any file, even if the MIUI blocks this ability.

Preliminary requirements:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-tool.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Teams for creating a label:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT \


-n com.android.launcher3/.ShortcutInstallActivity \




-d "file:///storage/emulated/0/Download/example.pdf" \




--es name "My Document"




--es shortcutType "file"

Decoding of parameters:

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause system failures. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

6.Why files disappear from the desktop and how to fix it

A common problem for Xiaomi users is that file shortcuts disappear after a reboot or MIUI update.

• 🔄 Clearing the launcher cache: MIUI Sometimes resets desktop settings. To restore shortcuts, reboot your phone or reset your launcher settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 📱 Update MIUI: After major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) Labels may fly. Before updating, take a picture of the icons' location.
• 🗑️ Delete the original file: If you delete the file that the shortcut referenced, it will become non-working.check the folder through Xiaomi Files».
• 🔒 Security Limits: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) MIUI Blocks file shortcuts due to security policies.Use widgets or third-party launchers.

If the labels disappear regularly:

1. Try another launcher (like Nova Launcher).
2. Turn off launcher optimization in battery settings (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Find Louncher → Disable).
3. Create a folder on your desktop and place shortcuts in it – so they are less likely to be reset.

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If after updating MIUI all shortcuts disappeared, try resetting the launcher settings to factory: pinch the empty space on the desktop → “Screen settings” → “Settings reset”.

FAQ: Frequent questions about files on Xiaomi desktop