Adding a page to Xiaomi’s home screen is a simple but not always obvious task, especially for beginners. Depending on the version of MIUI and the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the process can be different: somewhere you need a pair of taps, and somewhere you need a workaround through browser settings or third-party applications. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including adding websites, application shortcuts, and even hidden system functions.
The MIUI shell features frequent interface updates, and what worked in MIUI 12 may not be present in MIUI 14, and new features (like support for Android 12+ widgets) don’t appear on all devices, and we tested the instructions on the latest firmware versions and took into account nuances for scenarios ranging from standard icon additions to problem solving when the Home Screen button is inactive.
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1. Standard method: Adding an app shortcut
The most obvious method is to move the app icon from the menu to the home screen, which works on all versions of MIUI, but in recent updates, the algorithm has changed a little.
- 📱 Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
- 🔍 Find the right app (like Chrome or Gallery).
- 🖱️ Press the icon for 1-2 seconds until the context menu appears.
- 🏠 In the window that appears, select “Add to the main screen” (or “Accumulate” in the MIUI 14).
If the context menu doesn't show up, check your gesture settings. Some firmware has a long press turned off, using a swipe up with a pause instead, to bring back the classic behavior:
- Go to Settings → System → Gestures.
- Select “Long Press” and turn on the option.
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On devices with POCO Launcher (for example, POCO F4), it is enough to drag it from the menu to the free screen space to add an icon – without additional confirmations.
2. How to fix a web page (site) on the main screen
You can add a website shortcut to the screen through any browser, but there are nuances in MIUI, like the standard Mi Browser browser, which is hidden deeper than Chrome or Firefox.
Method 1: Through Google Chrome
- 🌐 Open a site in Chrome (such as vk.com or youtube.com).
- ⋮ Click on three dots in the upper right corner → «Add to the main screen».
- 📝 If necessary, edit the name of the label and confirm.
Method 2: Through Mi Browser
In the standard Xiaomi browser, the path is different:
- Open the site and click on the icon «⋮» → «More».
- Select “Save to the main screen” (in some versions – “Accumulate”).
- If you do not have an option, update your browser via Google Play.
Why not add to the main screen option?
V MIUI 14 based on Android 13+ Site labels are created as PWA-Progressive Web Apps can run offline and send notifications like regular programs.
3. Addition through system settings (alternative method)
If standard methods fail (for example, due to a launcher failure), system tools can be used, a method that is suitable for adding not only applications, but also hidden features such as developer mode or test menus.
- ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Find the right application in the list and tap it.
- 🏠 Click "Open on the home screen" (or "Create a shortcut»).
For hidden features (e.g. com.android.settings for quick access to settings):
1. Install the Activity Launcher app from Google Play.
2. Find the activity you want in the list (for example, "Settings → Developer Mode").
3. Slip on it and select "Create a label."4 Problem Solving: Why You Can't Add a Page
Sometimes the Add to Home screen button is inactive or absent, and here are the most common reasons and ways to address them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No option in the browser | An outdated version of the Mi Browser | Update via Google Play or use Chrome |
| You can't drag the icon. | Child protection regime included | Turn off the Settings → Password and security |
| The shortcut disappears after the reboot | Launcher cache failure | Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Launcher |
| It doesn't work on POCO Launcher. | Conflict with the subject of design | Reset the theme to Settings → Themes |
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global for Europe (EEA) Some functions may be limited due to policy GDPR. For example, you can’t add shortcuts for system applications (e.g. Security), and changing the region in your Xiaomi account settings will help.
5. Creating shortcuts for hidden features (for power users)
With Activity Launcher or Nova Launcher, you can add hidden settings to the home screen, which usually require multiple taps.
- 🔧 Developer Mode (com.android.settings.DevelopmentSettings)
- 📡 Network test menu (com.android.settings.TestingSettings)
- 🔋 Battery statistics (com.android.settings.fuelgauge.BatteryHistory)
Instructions:
- Download Activity Launcher from Google Play.
- Open the app and find it in the Settings list (com.android.settings).
- Deploy the list of activities and select the one you want (for example,.DevelopmentSettings).
- Slip it and select “Create a shortcut”.
Install Activity Launcher| Check the MIUI version (at least 12)| Disable battery optimization for launcher | Make a backup of settings-->
Caution: changing hidden parameters can lead to unstable system operation, for example, incorrect settings in TestingSettings can disrupt the mobile network.
6. Widgets vs. shortcuts: what is best to use
In addition to shortcuts, you can add widgets to Xiaomi’s home screen, interactive elements that display current information (weather, calendar, smart home management).
| Criteria | Label | widget |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Opens the app/site | Shows data without opening (such as weather) |
| Battery load | Minimum | Medium (depending on the type of widget) |
| Support for MIUI | All versions. | Only MIUI 12+ on Android 10+ |
| Setting up | Simple. | Requires additional steps |
To add a widget:
- Click the empty space on the main screen.
- Select "Widgets" in the lower menu.
- Find the widget you want (like Weather or Google Search) and drag it to the screen.
⚠️ Note: Widgets from third-party apps (such as Spotify or Telegram) may not update in the background if battery optimization is enabled for them. To fix this, add the app to exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications.
7. Features for different Xiaomi models
The process of adding pages may vary depending on the model and version of MIUI. Here are the key nuances for popular devices:
- 📱 Redmi Note 11/12: V MIUI 13 A long tap on the icon calls up a menu with the option "Application Information" rather than "Add to Home Screen." Use drag and drop from the menu.
- 📱 POCO F3/F4/F5: It's used here. POCO Launcher, where it is enough to add the icon to the screen without additional confirmations.
- 📱 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro: Dynamic widgets (e.g., Google Keep) are supported, but you need to manually enable them in the launcher settings.
- 📱 Redmi 10A/10C: On budget models with MIUI Lite option to add site shortcuts may not be available – use Chrome.
For Android Go devices (such as the Redmi A1), the home screen customization options are severely limited, and installing a third-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, will help.
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On devices with MIUI for Russia (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G), some features may be blocked due to local restrictions. To unlock them, change the region in your Xiaomi account to India or Global.