How to shortcut a file on Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI 12, 13 and 14

Creating shortcuts on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task, but many users face unexpected difficulties. Depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the device model (Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13), the process can be radically different.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to create shortcuts on Xiaomi in 2026, from the standard shell features to hidden features and workarounds for older firmware versions. We’ll focus on the problems with desktop shortcuts (their sudden disappearance or reset after rebooting) and explain why some files can’t be anchored in the traditional way. If you’ve tried to create a shortcut for a PDF- document, archive, or even a photo folder, but nothing has come of its way, you’ll find a solution.

1. Standard method: long press on file

The most obvious method works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, and it is suitable for files in the standard File Manager app and some third-party managers.

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the folder where the desired file is stored (for example, Downloads or Documents).
3. Find the file and make a long press (1-2 seconds) on its icon.
4. In the menu that appears, select Create a shortcut or Add to the home screen (the wording depends on the version of MIUI).
5. The label will automatically appear on the desktop, and if necessary, it can be dragged to the right place.

⚠️ Warning: Some models (Poco F3, Redmi 10) may not have this menu item. If after a long tap you only see Delete, Rename and Share, move on to the next method.

The file is not in cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

You have enough space on your desktop (maximum 5×5 icons in MIUI 14)

The file is not blocked or hidden by the system

Files app updated to the latest version-->

This method is ideal for:

• 📄 Documents (.pdf,.docx,.xlsx)
• 📷 Images (.jpg,.png,.webp)
• 🎵 Audio files (.mp3,.m4a)
• 🎬 Video (.mp4,.mkv — but the shortcut will play in a standard player)

2. Alternative method: via the "Send" menu

If the long press didn't work, try a different approach, through the Send function, which is universal and works even on older versions of MIUI 11:

1. Open the file in the Files app or any other manager.
2. Slip on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner or click on the lower menu.
3. Choose to send or share.
4. In the list of options, find Create a shortcut or Add to the home screen (may be in the Others... section).
5. Confirm the action - the label will appear on the desktop.

🔍 Why is this more reliable? Because it uses the Android Intent system mechanism, which is not shell dependent. MIUI Even if Xiaomi removed the "Create a shortcut" item from the context menu, it often remains on the list of send options.

This method is particularly useful for:

• 📁 Folder (the shortcut will open the folder in the file manager)
• 🔄 Archives (.zip,.rar – but a label will reveal the archive, not its contents)
• 📱 APK- files (the shortcut will be run by the application installer)
• 🖥️ Configuration files (.json,.xml – open in text editor)

3. Creating a shortcut through the Files widget

Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden widget for quick access to files, which allows you to attach to your desktop not only individual files, but entire folders.

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop.
2. At the bottom of the screen, a menu will appear – select Widgets.
3. Scroll down the list and find the Files widget (the plus-plus folder icon).
4. Drag it to the desktop. By default, it shows Recent files.
5. Slip on the widget, then click on the icon ⚙️ (Settings).
6. Select Select a folder or Add a file and specify the desired item.

⚠️ Warning: Files widget may not be available on devices with heavily stripped-down firmware (e.g., some Poco for the European market).In this case, try updating the Files app via Google Play or installing it APK from the official Xiaomi website.

The advantage of this method is that the widget can be customized to itself: change the size (from 2×2 to 4×4), select the default folder displayed, and even enable the display of hidden files (in the widget settings).

Long press on file

Through the "Send" menu.

Files widget

Party of annex

I don't know, I haven't tried it yet.-->

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

If standard methods don't work, it's time to turn to third-party launchers, which not only bring back lost features, but also add new features. For example, in Nova Launcher, you can create a shortcut for:

• 📂 Any folder (including system folders, such as /data/data – if there is root)
• 🔗 Links to web pages (open in the browser)
• 📱 Application activities (e.g., a specific settings section)
• 📡 Network resources (SMB, FTP – if applicable)

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
2. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop → Widgets.
3. Find the Nova Actions widget and drag it to the screen.
4. In the action list, select Shortcut → File.
5. Specify the path to the file (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/Download/document.pdf).
6. Select the application to open the file by default.

Important: In MIUI 14 with Nova Launcher, file shortcuts may disappear after rebooting. To avoid this, in Nova settings, disable the option "Optimize MIUI" and add the launcher to the "AutoStart" list in your phone settings.

💡

If no shortcuts appear after installing Nova Launcher, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Nova Launcher → Autorun and enable this option. Also check if Security blocks the launcher.

5. Special shortcut applications (Shortcut Maker, QuickShortcutMaker)

For advanced users who need to create a shortcut for system files or hidden features, utilities like Shortcut Maker or QuickShortcutMaker are suitable.

• 🔧 Create activity shortcuts — for example, direct call to a developer menu or hidden settings.
• 📁 Add shortcuts for restricted folders (e.g., Android/data).
• 🔄 Bypass the MIUI limitations on creating shortcuts for certain file types.

Instructions for QuickShortcutMaker:

1. Install the app from Google Play (Android 5.0+ is required).
2. Open it and give access to the storage (warehouse permission).
3. Go to the Files tab.
4. Find the file you want in the list or manually specify the path.
5. Select an application to open the file (such as WPS Office for PDF).
6. Click Create – the shortcut will appear on the desktop.

⚠️ Warning: Some antiviruses (including built-in Security from Xiaomi) may block shortcuts created through QuickShortcutMaker, considering them suspicious. If the shortcut doesn't work, add the app to the antivirus exceptions:

1. Go to Settings → Security → Scanning.
2. Click on three points (⋮) → Exceptions.
3. Add QuickShortcutMaker to the list of trusted applications.

6. Problem Solving: Labels disappear or don't work

One of the most common problems with Xiaomi is that file shortcuts disappear after a system reboot or update, and here are the main reasons and ways to fix them:

If labels keep disappearing, try a radical solution:

1. Install a Nova Launcher or other third-party launcher.
2. In its settings, find the Backup option and save the current configuration.
3. After the reboot, restore the backup – all shortcuts will return to their places.

🔧 For power users: If you are willing to take risks, you can disable MIUI optimization entirely via ADB- command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.powerkeeper

But keep in mind that this can lead to increased battery consumption!

💡

If shortcuts are only missing for certain files (such as PDF or APK), the problem is most likely in the application that opens them. Try installing alternative software (such as Foxit PDF instead of WPS Office) and re-create the shortcut.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi