Migrating applications to Xiaomi desktop seems like a simple task — until you encounter the nuances of MIUI. Unlike “pure” Android, the shell from Xiaomi hides some of the features, limits the actions with system utilities and sometimes “loses” shortcuts after updates. This article will not just list ways to add icons to the home screen, but also explain why some applications can not be ported in the standard method, how to circumvent the restrictions for system programs (for example, Settings or Security) and what to do if the shortcut disappeared after a reboot.
We tested all methods on devices with MIUI 12.5–14.0 (including Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12, and POCO F5) and found key differences between versions. For example, MIUI 14 removed the Add to the Home Screen button from the app menu, but a new gesture appeared to quickly create a shortcut. And owners of older models (such as the Redmi 9A) will have to use workarounds due to the stripped functionality. At the end of the article, the table of compatibility of methods with different versions of MIUI and FAQ for frequent errors.
1. Standard method: transfer through the application menu
This is a basic method that works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the version of MIUI. Suitable for 90% of user applications (for example, Telegram, VKontakte, YouTube), but does not work for system utilities like File Manager or Camera.
Algorithm of action:
- 📱 Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen or click on the “dots”/”squares” icon in the dock panel).
- 🔍 Find the app you want in the list (use the search bar at the top if it’s not prominently located).
- 🖱️ Press and hold the app icon for 1-2 seconds until the context menu appears.
- 🏠 In the window that appears, select Add to the main screen (in MIUI 14 may be called Create a label).
- 📍 Drag the icon to a free desktop space or to the docking panel (bottom line with frequently used programs).
⚠️ Note: If the item Add to the main screen is missing, then the application is system or hidden by politicians MIUI. For such cases, read the section on workarounds.
2.Alternative methods for system and "stubborn" applications
System utilities (Settings, Security, File Manager) and some pre-installed programs (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) are often blocked from porting to the desktop. This is done to save space and "clean" interface, but the limitation is easy to get around.
Method 1: Through the widget "Application shortcuts"
This method works even for apps that don’t appear in the Add to Home screen menu:
- Click and hold the empty space on the desktop → select Widgets.
- Scroll through the list to the Tools block and find the Application Shortcuts widget (the four-dot icon).
- Drag the widget onto the screen, and you'll see a list of all the programs you've installed, including the system programs.
- Select the desired application - its icon will appear in the form of a widget (you can change the size by pulling the edges).
Method 2: With the help of a launcher from a third-party developer
If you need to flexibly manage shortcuts (such as changing their icons or grouping them into folders), install an alternative launcher:
- 🛠️ Nova Launcher – supports customization of icons and gestures, works on all versions MIUI.
- 🎨 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows and OneDrive Cloud.
- ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for performance, but with limited settings.
After the launcher is installed:
- Open its settings (usually a long press on the desktop → Launcher settings).
- Find the Apps or Labels section.
- Activate Show System Applications (in Nova Launcher, it’s Settings → Shortcuts and Folders → Show all apps).
- Now transfer the icons to the screen as usual.
Download APK from the official website (not from third-party sources)
Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Installation of Unknown Applications)
Backup current shortcuts (screenshot)
Disable Battery Optimization for Launcher (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Find Launcher → Disable)
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3. Creating a shortcut through application settings (hidden method)
This method only works for applications that support shortcuts for specific actions (such as direct calling a contact or opening a specific chat in the messenger). It is not suitable for porting the program icon itself, but is useful for quick access to frequently used functions.
Instructions:
- Open the application menu and find the desired program.
- Press three points (⋮) Next to the name or hold the icon to open the context menu.
- Select Application Information (or Information in older versions of MIUI).
- Scroll down to the block Additional → click Open by default → Add a shortcut to the main screen.
⚠️ Note: Not all apps support this feature, for example, WhatsApp can shortcut a specific chat, and Google Chrome can shortcut a bookmark quickly.
4.Move applications from the “Recent” folder
If you use the app often but don’t want to search for it on the menu, you can create a shortcut right from the list of recent tasks:
- Open the menu of recent apps (swipe up from the bottom edge of the late screen or the “squares” button in the navigation bar).
- Find the desired application in the list and hold its icon for 1-2 seconds.
- In the menu that appears, select Add to the main screen.
This is convenient for temporary shortcuts (for example, if you often open Google Maps on a trip, but do not want to download the app menu). However, after cleaning the list of recent tasks or rebooting the device, the shortcut will not disappear - it will remain on the desktop as a full-fledged icon.
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If recent apps don't have Add to the home screen, try opening the app first and then repeating the steps. Sometimes MIUI blocks shortcuts for background processes.
5 Problem Solving: The label is gone or not created
A frequent complaint of Xiaomi users is that shortcuts disappear after a MIUI update or a device reboot.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The label disappeared after the MIUI update | Resetting the launcher settings when updating | Restore shortcuts manually or use a backup via Mi Cloud (Settings → About Phone → Backup) |
| You cannot transfer the system application | MIUI restrictions for pre-installed programs | Use the Application Shortcuts widget or third-party launcher (see Section 2) |
| The shortcut turned into a widget after the reboot | Launcher cache failure | Clear the launcher cache: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache |
| When transferring, an error appears “Can not be added” | Memory shortage or application data corruption | Restart the device and try again. If it doesn't work, reinstall the problem app. |
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI You've lost all the labels on your desktop, so check if the launcher settings are reset:
- Press and hold the empty space on the screen → Desktop settings.
- Scroll to Restore the default settings.
- If the option is active, it means that a reset has occurred. Restore shortcuts from the backup or reconfigure the screen.
6. Specifics for different versions of MIUI
Application portability functionality varies depending on the shell version, and the following are key differences to consider:
| MIUI version | Standard transfer (holding icon) | Application shortcuts widget | Transfer from "Recent" | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12.5 and older | ✅ It works for all user applications | ✅ Available under "Tools» | ✅ It's stable. | No gesture to quickly create a label |
| MIUI 13 | ✅ It works, but the menu is delayed. | ✅ Widget renamed to "Quick labels» | ✅ Animation added during transfer | System applications are blocked more often |
| MIUI 14 | ⚠️ Add to the main screen is hidden behind a long press + swipe-up | ✅ The widget is called “Application Shortcuts” (no changes) | ✅ It works, but requires confirmation by gesture. | Added a new gesture: swipe up the icon in the app menu → Create a shortcut |
💡 Advice MIUI 14: To quickly create a shortcut, open the app menu, find the program you want, and swipe up the icon (without holding it!) and a context menu will appear with the option to Create a shortcut.
Why did MIUI 14 change the way labels are created?
7. porting applications to the desktop using ADB (for advanced users)
If none of the above methods worked (e.g. for deep-integrated system utilities like EngineerMode), you can use the same method. ADB-This requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and basic command line knowledge.
Step-by-step:
- Enable USB debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times until the message “You’re a developer”) Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB (enable)
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable and confirm the debugging permit.
- Open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type: adb shell pm create-shortcut --package <name package> --activity <name activity> For example, for the Settings application (com.android.settings): adb shell pm create-short --package com.android.settings --activity com.android.settings.Settings
- The shortcut will appear on your desktop. If not, reboot your device.
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not change the parameters of system applications unless you are sure of their purpose. <packet> and <activity-name> Use the App Inspector utility (available on Google Play).
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ADB-Teams are an extreme method that should only be used if other methods have failed. MIUI third-party launcher.