How to add a website shortcut to Xiaomi desktop: all ways for MIUI

You want to quickly open your favorite site right from the Xiaomi home screen, but don’t know how to do it without installing an app? There are several ways to add a web page as an icon in MIUI, from standard browser features to workaround solutions for stubborn sites. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hidden chips for the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and other models on Android 13/14.

Important: the procedure differs depending on the browser (Chrome, Mi Browser, Firefox) and the shell version. We tested all methods on MIUI 14.0.6 and MIUI 15 Beta - if your smartphone runs on an older firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5), some menu items may be called differently. For convenience, we have identified a unique method for sites that block the creation of shortcuts (for example, some versions of VKontakte or Tinkoff Bank).

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI
• 🌐 Default Browser: Xiaomi often preinstalled Mi Browser, but it’s better to use Chrome for stability
• 🔒 Browser Permissions: If the site is not added, check access to Warehouse and Overlay windows in Settings → Annexes → Permits

1. The standard way through Chrome (works 90% of the time)

This is the most reliable method for most sites, suitable for Chrome version 110 and later (update your browser in advance!).

1. Open your site in Chrome and wait for the page to load.
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Select Add to the main screen.
3. If necessary, edit the name of the shortcut (the <title> page is taken by default).
4. Click Add – the icon will appear on the desktop.

⚠️ Note: If the Add to the main screen is not in the menu, then the site blocks this function through the tag <meta name="mobile-web-app-capable" content="no">. Go to the method. 3.

The shortcut created through Chrome behaves like a Progressive Web App (PWA):

• 🔄 Opens in a separate window without an address bar (like an application)
• 📥 Caches data for offline viewing (if the site supports)
• 🔔 Can send push notifications (for example, for Telegram Web or Twitter)

2. Alternative via Mi Browser (for POCO and Redmi owners)

Mi Browser is the standard browser on Xiaomi smartphones, but it is less stable for shortcuts, but it supports some sites that Chrome blocks.

1. Open the site in Mi Browser.
2. Touch the icons ☁️ (Cloud) at the bottom of the screen → Add to the main screen.
3. Confirm the action - the label will appear in 2-3 seconds.

⚠️ Note: In Mi Browser, shortcuts are sometimes created as regular bookmarks, not as a regular bookmark. PWA. To check the type, close all browser windows and open the shortcut – if the full version of the browser with the address bar opens, then it is not PWA, It's just a bookmark. In that case, use method 3.

The advantages of Mi Browser for shortcuts:

• 🛡️ Built-in ad blocking (saves traffic)
• 🔗 Support for quick switching between mobile and desktop (good for Instagram or Facebook)
• 📡 Turbo mode option to speed up loading (in browser settings)

3. bypass method for sites that block labels (Vkontakte, Tinkoff, Public Services)

Some sites (for example, VKontakte, Tinkoff Bank, Public Services) specifically prohibit the creation of shortcuts through the <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-capable" content="no"> tag. In this case, manual shortcut creation through "Widgets" will help:

1. Long click on the empty space on the desktop → select Widgets.
2. Scroll down to the Tools section and find the app shortcut widget.
3. Drag the widget to the desktop.
4. In the URL field, enter the site address (e.g. https://vk.com).
5. Name a shortcut (e.g., "VK") and click Ready.

⚠️ Note: This method creates a regular bookmark, not a PWA. The site will open in the browser by default with the address bar. PWA-mode use method 4.

List of sites that often block shortcuts:

• 🏛️ Public services (gosuslugi.ru)
• 💳 Tinkoff Bank (tinkoff.ru)
• 👥 VKontakte (vk.com) – mobile version
• 📊 Yandex.Metrica (metrika.yandex.ru)
• 🎵 Spotify Web Player (open.spotify.com)

4. Advanced Way: Creating a PWA through Firefox (for tech-savvy)

Firefox supports Progressive Web Apps better than Chrome on some sites, a method that is suitable for users who want a full-fledged web app with notifications and offline mode.

1. Install Firefox from Google Play (if not already installed).
2. Open the right site in Firefox.
3. Press three points (⋮) → Install (or Add to Home screen in English version).
4. Confirm the installation – an icon with the site logo will appear on the desktop.

The benefits of PWA through Firefox:

• 🔔 Support for push notifications (for example, Telegram Web or Twitter)
• 📴 Offline operation (if the site supports caching)
• 🔒 Isolation from other browser tabs (more security)

⚠️ Attention: Some PWA Firefox may be in conflict with energy saving mode MIUI. If the application does not update data in the background, add it to the exceptions:

Settings → Battery and performance → Battery consumption management → Select PWA- App → Without limitation

💡

If the shortcut opens in the mobile version of the site and you need a desktop, add?desktop=1 to the end of the URL. For example: https://vk.com/?desktop=1.

5. Hidden MIUI function: shortcuts through "Quick Commands"

MIUI 14/15 has a little-known Quick Commands feature that allows you to create shortcuts for any activity, including opening sites. This method works even for sites that block standard methods.

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Quick Teams.
2. Press Add Command. → Open up. URL.
3. Enter the site address (e.g. https://web.telegram.org).
4. Name a command (e.g., Telegram Web) and save it.
5. Return to the desktop, long click on the empty space → Widgets → find the widget Quick commands and add it.
6. Click on the widget and select the created command.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔧 It works for all websites, even blocked ones.
• 📌 You can assign hot keys (if the keyboard is connected via Bluetooth)
• 🔄 Maintains variables in URL (For example, for a quick search: https://google.com/search?q=)

⚠️ WARNING: Widget Quick Teams takes up a desktop space as a full-fledged block (4×1 or 4×2 If you want a compact icon, use the method. 3.

💡

The Quick Teams method is the only way to add sites that actively block shortcut creation to your desktop (such as some banking services or corporate portals).

6. Problem Solving: Why a Shortcut is Not Created or Does Not Work

If none of these methods worked, check out these points:

If the problem persists, try:

• 🔄 Reset browser settings to factory (Settings) → Annexes → Chrome → Warehouse → Delete the data)
• 📱 Update your web browser (in Chrome: Settings) → About the Chrome program → Update)
• 🛠️ Use a third-party launcher (such as a Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) that supports shortcut customization

FAQ: Frequent questions about website shortcuts on Xiaomi