How to Add a Link to Xiaomi Phone Desktop: All Ways (2026)

You want to quickly open your favorite site, messenger or contact right from Xiaomi’s home screen, but don’t know how to do it? Unlike iPhone, where the process is standard, on Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi lines, the algorithm depends on the shell version (MIUI 12/13/14 or HyperOS) and even on the device model. In this article, 5 proven ways to add a shortcut to the desktop, including bypassing restrictions for some applications.

We will not only examine the basic methods (through the browser or app menu), but also hidden functions that are not mentioned in the official instructions, such as how to create an icon for a Telegram bot, WhatsApp Web or even WhatsApp Web. IP-Cameras are real without root rights, and you'll also learn why some links aren't added and how to fix them.

1. Method: Site shortcut through browser (Chrome, MIUI Browser)

The most versatile method is to create a web page icon directly from the browser. It works on all Xiaomi models (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) and does not require any additional software installation. MIUI.

In Chrome:

1. Open the desired site (for example, vk.com or youtube.com).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Add to the main screen”.
3. If necessary, edit the name of the label and confirm.

In the standard MIUI browser:

1. Go to the site and tap the Share icon** (three connected dots).
2. Select Add to the main screen.
3. If you do not have an option, update your browser via Google Play.

Why might not the shortcut appear? Sometimes the system blocks icon creation for "unsafe" sites (e.g., HTTP instead of HTTPS), and check if the phone's Light Mode mode is enabled, which limits desktop functionality.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 13 for POCO Shortcuts from Chrome are created as "web apps" and open in a separate window without an address bar. To return standard behavior, go to Settings. → Annexes → Chrome → Open supported links → In this annex.

2. Method: Widget of quick access to contacts

If you need to add a contact to your desktop (like a frequently used number or WhatsApp chat), use the Contacts widget, which works even on older versions of MIUI (beginning with the 10th).

Instructions:

1. Click and hold the empty space on the home screen → select “Widgets”**.
2. Scroll down to the Contacts section and select the 4×1 or 2×2 widget.
3. Slip on the empty slot in the widget and select the desired contact from the list.

Add the contact to the phone book

Update the Contacts app on Google Play

Turn off Charge Savings (can block widgets)

Restart your phone if the widget doesn’t appear-->

For WhatsApp or Telegram, you can create a shortcut directly from the chat:

1. Open the contact dialogue.
2. Click on the three dots at the top → “More” → “Add to the main screen”**.

On some firmware, this option is hidden - then use the Quick Actions widget for instant messengers.

3. Method: Shortcut for applications without built-in function

Some programs (such as TikTok, AliExpress or banking apps) do not allow you to create a shortcut for a specific section (such as an in-store shopping cart or a history of transfers in a bank), in which case a workaround through Nova Launcher or built-in MIUI tools will help.

For Nova Launcher (free version):

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Click and hold the blank space on the screen → Widgets → Nova actions.
3. Select Action Shortcut → find the right app and specific section (e.g. Open Recycle Bin for AliExpress).

💡

If after installing Nova Launcher, system application icons (such as Settings or Phone) are missing, go to Settings of Nova → Applications and widgets → Hidden applications and uncheck the desired programs.

For the standard MIUI launcher:

1. Hold the app icon → select Application Information.
2. Scroll down to the Open by Default section** and click Add to the home screen (if the option is active).

HyperOS

Camera.

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Method: Reference to IP-camera

If you need to quickly open stream with Xiaomi Mi Home Camera or other networking device (such as a router), you can create a shortcut with direct IP-This is a model that's appropriate for the address. Redmi/POCO s MIUI 13+.

Instructions:

1. Find out locally. IP-device address (e.g. 192.168.1.100 for camera).
2. Open the standard MIUI browser and enter the address in the format: http://192.168.1.100:port (the default port for Xiaomi cameras is 554 or 80).
3. After loading the page, click ⋮ → Add to the main screen.

⚠️ Note: If the camera requires authorization, the shortcut will open the login page every time. To save the login / password, use the Chrome browser with password synchronization enabled.

5. Method: Automation with Tasker (for advanced)

If you need to create a dynamic shortcut (like opening YouTube on a specific video on a schedule or running Google Assistant with a voice command), use the Tasker app. This method requires customization, but gives you maximum flexibility.

Example: A shortcut to open Spotify with a specific playlist.

1. Install Tasker and the Tasker App Factory plugin.
2. Create a task: 1. Action: “Open URL" 2. URL: "spotify:playlist:ID_playlist" 3. Package: "com.spotify.music"
3. Export the task as an application through the App Factory.
4. The exported APK icon will appear in the application menu – transfer it to the desktop.

💡

Tasker allows you to create shortcuts with any action, from sending SMS via tap to turning on Do Not Disturb mode and launching macros. The main disadvantage is the complexity of setting up for beginners.

Frequent problems and solutions

Problem 1: A label is created but opens the wrong page.

Solution: Remove the shortcut and repeat the process, making sure that:

• 🔹 The site is fully loaded (not the 404 error page).
• 🔹 The address bar shows the correct URL (redirected).
• 🔹 Turbo Mode is disabled in the browser settings (can break shortcuts).

Problem 2: Add to the Home Screen option is not on the menu.

Decision:

• 🔹 Update your browser or app to the latest version.
• 🔹 Check if a third-party launcher is installed (like an Apex or Action Launcher) – they can block standard features.
• 🔹 On some firmware POCO You must first unlock the option in Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Application labels.

Problem 3: The shortcut disappears after the phone is rebooted.

Solution: This is a MIUI 12–13 firmware bug for some models (Redmi 9, POCO M3).

1. Install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair.
2. Move the shortcut to the screen through the new launcher.
3. In the launcher settings, turn off Memory Optimization.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions