Adding apps to Xiaomi’s desktop is a basic operation that every user faces after buying a smartphone or installing new programs. Despite its apparent simplicity, the MIUI interface offers several ways to place shortcuts, some of which are hidden from beginners. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for the MIUI 12-14 shell versions, including nuances for Redmi, POCO and Mi models.
MIUI features a flexible desktop setting where you can not only add shortcuts, but also group them into folders, hide system applications or fix frequently used in the dock, but many users miss the opportunity to optimize screen space, for example, creating duplicate shortcuts for quick access or using app widgets instead of standard icons.
1. Standard method: Drag from the application menu
The most obvious method is to move the shortcut right from the installed list, and it works on all versions of MIUI and doesn't require any additional customization.
- Tap the App Menu icon** (usually a round button in the dock panel or swipe gesture up from the bottom of the screen).
- Find the desired application in the list and pinch its icon for 1-2 seconds.
- Without letting go of your finger, drag the shortcut to the free space of the desktop.
- Release your finger and the icon will be fixed.
If there is no free space on the screen, the system will automatically create a new desktop on the right. To return the shortcut back to the menu, just drag it to the inscription Delete (appears at the top of the screen when the icon is held).
💡
In the models with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K60 Pro) labels on dark wallpaper consume less energy than light wallpapers, due to the peculiarities of the pixel display technology.
MIUI 14 has a Smart Grouping feature,** where if you drag and drop one shortcut to another, the system will prompt you to create a folder with an automatic name (e.g., Social Networks for WhatsApp and Telegram). To disable this option, go to Settings → Desktop → Smart Grouping and deactivate the slider.
2. Addition via the context menu of the application
A less well-known, but equally convenient, way to do this is to use the icon’s context menu, which is useful if you want to quickly duplicate a shortcut or add it to another desktop without long retention.
This is especially useful for applications that are often used but don’t need to be displayed on the home screen, such as adding a Google Pay shortcut before paying in-store and then removing it just as easily.
What happens if the context menu does not appear?
Important: In MIUI 13/14, the context menu may vary depending on the model, for example, on the POCO F5 and Redmi Note 12, it contains additional options such as Application Information or Send to another device (via Mi Share).
3.Use of the widget "Application shortcuts"
If you need to quickly access multiple apps from one icon, use the App Shortcuts widget.** This is relevant for users who want to save space on the desktop.
Instructions:
- Click the empty space on the desktop and select Widgets.
- Scroll through the list to the Tools block and find the Application Shortcuts widget (the four-square icon).
- Drag the widget onto the screen and select its size (e.g. 2×2 or 4×1).
- Click on the widget, then on + and add the desired apps from the list.
The advantage of this method is the ability to place up to 8 shortcuts in a single widget, for example, you can create a widget with frequently used messengers or tools (Calculator, Lantern, Recorder).
| Widget size | Max. Number of labels. | Example of use |
|---|---|---|
| 1×1 | 1 | Quick access to one application (e.g. Camera) |
| 2×1 | 2 | Two frequently used applications (e.g. Phone and Contacts) |
| 2×2 | 4 | Group of messengers or social networks |
| 4×1 | 8 | Toolbar (lightlight, timer, calculator, etc.) |
4. Adding System Function Labels
In addition to standard applications, you can add shortcuts to Xiaomi desktop for quick access to system features such as:
- 🔦 Lantern (on/off)
- ⏱️ Timer or Stoptimer
- 📡 Flight mode or Mobile data
- 🔋 Saving charge
For this:
- Click the empty space on the desktop and select Widgets.
- Scroll to the Settings section.
- Select the desired widget (such as Switches) and drag it to the screen.
- Set up the displayed buttons by clicking on the widget and selecting Edit.
On models with MIUI 14 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60), system function widgets work faster thanks to shell optimization for new chipsets.
Make sure there is enough space on the desktop (the widget takes up a minimum of 1×1 cell)
Check out the MIUI version (older versions may not have widgets for some features)
Turn off the power saving mode (it can block the widget update)
Restart your phone if the widgets don’t show up correctly-->
5. Duplicate labels
If you need to place the same application in different parts of your desktop (for example, on the first screen and in the Work folder), you can create a duplicate of it.
- 📁 Place one application in several folders (for example, Chrome and in “Browsers”, and in “Work»).
- 🔄 Quick access to frequently used features (e.g., duplicate Camera on lock screen).
- 🎨 Testing different icons for one application (through third-party launchers).
How to create a duplicate:
- Add the application to the desktop in any of the above methods.
- Hold his icon and drag it to a free place, holding your finger.
- When the inscription “Delete” appears, drag the icon onto it, but do not let go of your finger.
- After 1-2 seconds, a copy of the label will appear – move it to the right place.
⚠️ Note: Duplicate labels do not create a copy of the application, they simply point to the same program.
6. Solving problems with adding labels
Sometimes users find that shortcuts are not added or disappear after a reboot.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Labels don't drag over | Activated mode Easy mode or mode for children | Turn off the mode in Settings → Special features |
| Labels disappear after reboot | Launcher failure or conflict with memory optimizer | Clear the launcher cache in Settings → Applications → Launcher |
| You can not add system applications | Manufacturer restrictions (e.g. for Google Play Services) | Use a widget or third-party launcher |
| Labels are displayed with a delay | Interface animations or energy saving mode | Turn off animations in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (5 taps for developer mode) |
If the problem persists, try resetting the launcher settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Launcher (or MIUI Launcher) and open its settings.
- Select Warehouse. → Clear the data.
- Confirm the action - after rebooting the shortcuts will return to the standard form.
⚠️ Attention: Clearing the launcher data removes all custom desktop settings, including folders, widgets and icon locations. Before the procedure, take screenshots of the current configuration.
💡
If shortcuts are missing after the MIUI update, check settings in Settings → Desktop → Reset screen settings. Often this helps to return a standard display without losing data.