How to shortcut the file to the Android Xiaomi desktop: all ways for MIUI 14/15

Why can’t you just drag and drop a file to your desktop on Xiaomi?

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones (including models Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Black Shark 5) often face a paradoxical situation: Android allows you to create shortcuts for applications, but standard means can not add to the desktop a shortcut for an arbitrary file - PDF document, photo, archive or even executable APK. The reason lies in the security policy of MIUI: the shell blocks direct access to the file system through the launcher to prevent accidental deletion of system data.

Unlike pure Android or Samsung smartphones, where a file manager with a “Create a shortcut” feature is enough for this task, Xiaomi will need a workaround. There are 5 proven methods that work on MIUI 14/15 without root rights: from embedded tools to third-party applications. Importantly, some methods may differ depending on the firmware version and device model - for example, on Redmi 10 with MIUI 13, the algorithm will be different from the Xiaomi 13 Ultra with MIUI 15.

Before proceeding, make sure that:

• 📱 The device has an up-to-date version installed MIUI (Check in the settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI).
• 📁 The file for which the shortcut is created is not in the protected folder (for example, MIUI/Extra or Android/data).
• 🔒 File Manager Restrictions Disabled (Allow Storage access in Settings) → Annexes → Permits).

Method 1: Through the built-in file manager (powered by MIUI 14+)

The easiest method is to use the standard Files app (a blue folder icon) which is suitable for most modern Xiaomi devices, but may not be available on older models (like Redmi 5) or in regional firmware.

1. Open the Files app and find the file you want (for example, a document.pdf in the Download folder).
2. Slip the file and hold your finger for 2 seconds until the context menu appears.
3. Select More → Create a shortcut (on some devices, the option is called Add to the desktop).
4. Confirm the action – the shortcut will appear on the last screen of the desktop.

⚠️ Note: If you do not have the option to create a shortcut, then your version of Files is stripped down. Update the app via Google Play or use alternative methods below.

Make sure the file is not in the archive (ZIP/RAR)

Check the free space on the desktop (maximum 5×5 cells)

Turn off the "Light Launcher" mode in the settings of the themes

Allow Files to access the storage

-->

This method supports the following types of files:

Method 2: Use the folder widget (for MIUI 12-15)

If a standard file manager doesn't work, you can use the built-in Folder widget, which is universal for all Xiaomi devices, but has a limitation: the shortcut will not lead to a specific file, but to the folder in which it is located.

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop, then select Widgets.
2. Find the folder widget (yellow folder icon) and drag it to the screen.
3. In the window that opens, select the folder that contains the target file (such as Download or Documents).
4. Configure the display: you can choose the folder style (list or grid) and size (2×2 or 4×1 cells).

⚠️ Note: The folder widget does not support deep file integration – clicking the shortcut will open the contents of the entire folder, not a specific document.

💡

If the Folders widget is missing, update the Themes system app (com.android.themes) via Google Play. On some firmware, it is hidden and requires manual activation.

Method 3: Third-party file managers (Solid Explorer, FX File)

For users who need advanced features (such as shortcuts for files in cloud storage or FTP), third-party file managers will be suitable.

• 📂 Solid Explorer – Supports shortcuts for all files, including network resources (SMB, WebDAV).
• 📁 FX File Explorer – has a built-in shortcut wizard with icon customization.
• 🔍 Root Explorer – Root-righted devices only (not recommended for beginners).

Example of settings in Solid Explorer:

1. Open the application and find the desired file.
2. Slip it and hold it, then select Create a shortcut in the menu.
3. Select the Desktop and confirm.
4. If necessary, change the label icon (Change the icon option).

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Works with files in Google Drive, OneDrive, NAS.
• ✅ Support for customization of icons and label names.
• ✅ There are no restrictions on file types (including: EXE via Wine).

Method 4: Shortcut Maker (QuickShortcutMaker)

For advanced users who need shortcuts with additional parameters (for example, running a file with specific arguments), specialized utilities will be suitable.

• 🛠️ Shortcut Maker – allows you to create shortcuts for any Activity (including hidden features) MIUI).
• ⚡ QuickShortcutMaker – Supports shortcuts for files, contacts, even system settings.
• 📱 Nova Launcher – alternative launcher with support for shortcut customization.

Instructions for QuickShortcutMaker:

1. Install the app from Google Play (Android 5.0+ is required).
2. Open it and select the Files tab.
3. Find the file you want through your built-in browser or manually specify the path (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/Download/contract.pdf).
4. Slip the file, then select Create a shortcut on the home screen.
5. If necessary, change the name and icon.

⚠️ Note: Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast or 360 Security) may block shortcuts created through QuickShortcutMaker as "suspicious." Add the app to exceptions or temporarily disable protection.

💡

QuickShortcutMaker allows you to create shortcuts not only for files, but also for hidden MIUI features – for example, direct start of the developer mode or test menu of the camera.

Method 5: ADB-Teams for experienced users

If none of the above methods worked (for example, on custom firmware or a limited-enabled device), you can create a shortcut through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a PC connection and basic command-line knowledge.

Algorithm:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect the device to your PC and open the terminal (or PowerShell on Windows).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should display the name of your device.
4. Create a shortcut for the file (replace the path with the current one): adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT -n com.android.launcher3/.ShortcutCreator -d file:///storage/emulated/0/Download/example.pdf -e name "My document"

Notes:

• 🔹 The team only works for base launchers AOSP (Xiaomi’s standard launcher may ignore it).
• 🔹 For MIUI 15 you will need to specify another component name (check with adb shell dumpsys package).
• 🔹 Labels created through ADB, Can disappear after reboot - to save the command: adb shell cmd shortcut create-immutable

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successfully creating a shortcut, Xiaomi users may encounter errors, and consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, Poco F5) There may be no option to create shortcuts due to firmware optimizations, in which case only installing a third-party launcher (for example, Lawnchair) or using the software will help. ADB.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions