How to add the shortcut to the Xiaomi app on the desktop: all ways

Creating a Xiaomi app shortcut on the desktop seems like an easy task, but MIUI users often face unexpected limitations. Unlike “pure” Android, Xiaomi’s firmware hides some system features, and in recent versions (starting with MIUI 12) it has completely removed the standard way to add shortcuts through the app menu. This article will help you figure out how to get around the restrictions and place the right shortcut in 2 minutes – whether it’s Settings, Security, Themes or any other application.

We’ll look at 5 working methods, from official (newer versions of MIUI 14/15) to alternative (using widgets and third-party launchers), and focus on the hidden features of MIUI that allow you to add shortcuts to system applications without root rights. If you tried to drag an icon to your desktop but failed, you’re not alone: this is a limitation in the firmware and can be circumvented.

Why can’t Xiaomi just add a shortcut to the desktop?

In MIUI (especially in versions 12-15), Xiaomi developers deliberately removed the ability to create shortcuts for system applications by long-term clicking on the icon in the menu.

• 📱 Simplify the interface – according to Xiaomi, users do not need unnecessary shortcuts on the desktop.
• 🔒 Security – Restricting access to system settings (e.g. for developers).
• 🎨 Widget promotions – the company is actively implementing widgets instead of classic shortcuts.

But it's a little bit uncomfortable. For example, you have to do a little extra work to open Settings → Battery. Fortunately, there are workarounds that don't require unlocking the bootloader or getting root.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14/15 Some methods (e.g., through Active Applications) may not work on Chinese firmware (China) ROM). They will require a change of region or the use of a third-party launcher.

Method 1: Using the Active Applications menu (official method for MIUI 14/15)

This is the easiest way to do it, and works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with the latest firmware versions, and is suitable for adding shortcuts to any application, including system ones.

1. Open Settings and go to Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the app you want (like Security or Themes) and tap it.
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Add to the desktop.
4. Confirm the action - the shortcut will appear on the main screen.

If there is no item Add to the desktop:

• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (in) MIUI 13 and older, this method works consistently).
• 🌐 Check the firmware region: on Global ROM The feature is available more often than in China. ROM.

Update. MIUI last-minute|Check the firmware region (Global/China)|Make sure the app is not hidden in the settings|Restart the device if the label does not appear-->

Method 2: Using the app shortcut widget

If the first method didn’t work, use the built-in Application Shortcut widget, which allows you to create a shortcut even for applications that aren’t displayed on the menu.

Instructions:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop, then select Widgets.
2. Scroll down and find the App Shortcuts widget (or App Shortcuts on English firmware).
3. Drag it to the desktop, and you'll see a list of all the apps you've installed.
4. Choose the right one and confirm the creation of a shortcut.

The advantage of this method is the ability to add shortcuts for hidden system applications, for example:

• 🔧 Developer options (Developer options)
• 🔒 Security (Security)
• 🎨 Topics (Themes)

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F5 or Xiaomi 13) the widget may not display system applications. In this case, use Method 3 or Method 4.

Through Active Applications |Application Shortcuts Widget |Third-Party Launcher |ADB|Teams Don't know, haven't tried-->

Method 3: Third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Apex, Hyperion)

If the built-in methods don't work, install an alternative launcher.The best options for Xiaomi are:

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – supports shortcuts for any application, including system.
• 🔄 Apex Launcher – lightweight, with flexible settings.
• 🎨 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for the MIUI.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Assign it to the default launcher (at the first start, an offer will appear).
3. Tap and hold the empty space on the desktop → Widgets → Nova Activity.
4. In the list, find the desired application (for example, com.android.settings for Settings) and create a shortcut.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

💡

If no shortcuts are created after the launcher is installed, clear the Settings cache through Settings → Applications → Application Management. This often solves the problem of displaying system components.

Method 4: ADB commands (for power users)

If you need to add a shortcut to a hidden system application (e.g. Hardware Testing or Developer Mode), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a connection to a computer but gives you full control.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
4. Create a shortcut for the desired application (example for Settings): adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT -n com.android.settings/.Settings

List of popular commands for Xiaomi system applications:

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not change settings unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, the adb shell pm disable-user command can disable critical system applications.

Method 5: Manual shortcut creation through file manager (for advanced)

This method is suitable for users who are ready to work with the Android file system. It allows you to create a shortcut manually by editing configuration files.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with access to the root folder (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /data/app and find the folder with the desired application (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter for Security).
3. Copy the path to the *.apk file (e.g. /data/app/com.miui.securitycenter-1/base.apk).
4. Create a new file with the.desktop extension in /data/data/com.android.launcher3/files (for the standard MIUI launcher) with the following content: [Desktop Entry] Name=Security Exec=am start -n com.miui.securitycenter/.HomeActivity Icon=/data/app/com.miui.securitycenter-1/base.apk

This method requires root rights or at least access to system folders through ADB. Without them, you can not edit files in /data.

💡

If you do not have root rights, use Method 3 (third-party launcher) or Method 4 (ADB) – they give a similar result without risk to the system.

Problem Solving: A label is not created or disappears

If the shortcut doesn’t appear or disappears after the reboot, check the following points:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI — in older versions (below) MIUI 12) there may be labeled bugs.

Check the screen settings

POCO Launcher

Turn off battery optimization

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Optimization
2. Find the MIUI Launcher and select No Limits.