How to add a browser bookmark to the Xiaomi desktop: instructions for MIUI

Creating a website shortcut on Xiaomi’s home screen is a simple procedure that saves time and makes it easier to access your favorite resources. Instead of opening your browser and manually entering your address every time, you get one-step access to your site right from your desktop, especially for users who regularly visit the same pages: social networks, email services, news portals or work tools.

However, depending on the version of MIUI and the browser used (standard Mi Browser, Google Chrome, Firefox, etc.), the algorithm of actions may differ. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including circumventing restrictions for some Redmi and POCO models, where the function is hidden in the settings, you will also learn how to change the shortcut icon and why some sites are not saved as bookmarks.

If you're using a Xiaomi smartphone based on MIUI 14 or later, it's as simple as possible, just a few touches, but owners of Android Go Edition devices (like the Redmi A1 or POCO C50) will have to use alternative methods, because in the lighter version of the OS, some of the functions of the browser are stripped down.

1. Method: through the standard Mi Browser browser

The standard Mi Browser app is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and offers a built-in shortcut creation feature, which works on most devices, including the Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13, POCO X5 and other models with MIUI 12-14.

To add a bookmark to the desktop:

1. Open Mi Browser and go to the right site.
2. Click on the icon «⋮» (three points) in upper right corner.
3. In the menu, select Add to the main screen.
4. If necessary, edit the name of the label and confirm the action.

Now, you'll see an icon on your desktop with the site logo (or a standard browser icon if the site doesn't support favicon), and you'll immediately click on it and get to the saved page.

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If you do not have the option Add to the main screen, upgrade the Mi Browser to the latest version via Google Play or App Store (for global firmware).

Note that on some firmware (e.g., Chinese versions of MIUI), this item may be called Create a shortcut or pin on the home screen, and there may be restrictions for sites with insecure HTTP protocol – such pages may not be saved.

2. Method: via Google Chrome

If you prefer Google Chrome, the algorithm is slightly different, but no less simple.This method is universal and works on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of the MIUI version or model (including Redmi 10, POCO F4, etc.).

Step instructions:

1. Open Chrome and go to the right site.
2. Click on the icon «⋮» (three points) in upper right corner.
3. Select Add to the main screen.
4. Confirm the creation of the shortcut by clicking Add.

Chrome automatically pulls up the favicon for the icon, but you can manually change it later (we’ll talk about this in one of the following sections). Importantly, if the site uses a responsive design (for example, a mobile version), the shortcut will open it, not the desktop version.

On some devices (e.g. Redmi 9A with Android Go), Chrome may not offer the option of adding to the desktop.

3. Method: Through Firefox and other browsers

Alternative browsers like Firefox, Opera or Edge also support shortcut creation, but the interface may be different. Consider the process with Firefox, which is popular among Xiaomi users due to its high speed and support for extensions.

How to add a bookmark to your desktop through Firefox:

1. Open the site in Firefox.
2. Click on the icon «⋮» (three dots in the bottom panel (or the top, depending on the version).
3. Select a Page → Add to the main screen.
4. Confirm the action by clicking Add.

Unlike Chrome, Firefox allows you to change the shortcut name right when you create it, and the browser better handles sites with non-standard favicon, which is useful for corporate portals or little-known resources.

For other browsers (such as Opera or Brave), the algorithm is similar:

• 🔍 Find the menu item Add to the main screen or Create a shortcut.
• 📱 Make sure the browser has permission to create shortcuts (check in Settings). → Annexes).
• 🔄 If the feature is missing, upgrade your browser or use Chrome as an alternative.

4.Why can’t you add a bookmark to your desktop?

Sometimes Xiaomi users find that the shortcut option is missing or not working. Let’s look at the main reasons and ways to eliminate them.

The most common problems are:

• 🚫 Older version of the browser – update the application through Google Play.
• 🔒 Firmware restrictions on some Chinese versions MIUI function disabled (solution – change of region or installation of global firmware).
• 🌐 Insecure site protocol – no shortcuts are created for pages from HTTP (only HTTPS).
• 📱 Android Go Edition – on budget models (Redmi) A1, POCO C50) part of the browser functions is reduced.

If you are using Mi Browser and you don’t see the Add option on the home screen, try the following:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Permissions and make sure that the permission to create shortcuts is enabled.
2. Clear the browser cache in Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Memory → Clear the cache.
3. Try adding a bookmark through another browser (such as Chrome).

On root-righted devices, you can manually create a shortcut through a file manager by copying the.url file to the /data/app folder, but this method requires technical skills and can disrupt the stability of the system.

5. How to Change the Shortcut Icon on the Desktop

Standard shortcut icons created by a browser don't always look aesthetically pleasing. Fortunately, Xiaomi can replace them without third-party apps. Here are two proven ways:

Method 1: through the settings of the label

1. Press and hold your finger on the label on your desktop.
2. In the menu that appears, select Change (or Edit).
3. Click on the shortcut icon and select a new image from the gallery.
4. Save the changes.

Method 2: Using the Icon Changer app

If you want all the icons on your desktop to look uniform, use the icon packages from Google Play (like CandyCons or Flaticon).

1. Download your favorite package.
2. When editing the shortcut, select the icon from the package folder (usually located in Download/Icons).

Download a new image in PNG format (size 192×192 pixels)

Make sure the shortcut is not blocked (click and hold → Unblock)

Check that the icon change app has permission to access files

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On some MIUI firmware (e.g. Xiaomi 12T with MIUI 13), icon editing may be limited, and an alternative launcher such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher, which offer advanced look and feel settings, will help.

6. Alternative methods: widgets and fast bookmarks

If shortcut creation is not available for some reason, you can use a browser widget or quick bookmarking feature, which are less convenient than a direct shortcut, but also provide quick access to sites.

Method 1: Browser widget

1. Press and hold the free space on the desktop.
2. Pick the Widgets.
3. Find the Mi Browser or Chrome widget (like Bookmarks or Quick Access).
4. Drag the widget to the desktop and set it up by adding the right sites.

Method 2: Quick bookmarks in the notification panel

• 📌 In Mi Browser, bookmark the site (asterisk in the address bar).
• 🔍 In the browser settings, enable the option to Show bookmarks in the notification panel.
• 📱 Now you can quickly open the site by swiping down from the top edge of the screen.

These methods are suitable if:

• 📵 Shortcut creation is disabled on your device (for example, on Redmi). 8A archaic).
• 🔄 You use multiple sites often and want to keep them on hand.
• 🎨 You don’t like the look of standard labels.

Widgets are especially convenient for users who are following multiple resources at the same time (e.g., mail, news, social networks).However, widgets take up more screen space than conventional icons.

7. Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have collected the main pros and cons of each method in the table:

If you value speed and simplicity, use Mi Browser or Chrome. For advanced features (change icons, grouping shortcuts), third-party launchers like Nova Launcher will do, and if you need to follow multiple sites at once, browser widgets will be the best solution.

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On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the most reliable way is to use Google Chrome, as it updates regardless of the firmware and supports all modern web standards.

8. Frequent Questions (FAQ)

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To keep shortcuts from getting lost after updates, regularly back up your desktop in Settings → Desktop → Backup. This will keep the icons and folders in place.