How to put the app shortcut on the Xiaomi desktop: all ways for MIUI

Creating shortcuts on Xiaomi’s desktop seems like an easy task, but users often face the non-obvious limitations of the MIUI interface. For example, some apps don’t appear in the list to add, and the standard “Add” way through the “Add” menu doesn’t work for all firmware versions. In this article, we’ll break down three working methods, from basic to hidden features, and explain why some shortcuts may disappear after a system update.

MIUI is a feature that actively modifies the Android shell by removing or hiding standard features. For example, MIUI 13-14 has removed the ability to create shortcuts for individual actions (as in "pure" Android), but new gestures have appeared. We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T models - instructions are relevant for all devices based on MIUI 12 and later.

1. Standard method: through the "Add" menu

This is the most obvious method that works for most applications, but it has limitations: you can’t add shortcuts to system utilities (like Security or Themes) or hidden features.

Instructions:

• 📱 Press and hold the empty space on the desktop (not on the icon) with your finger!).
• 📌 In the menu that appears, select Widgets (or Shortcuts in older versions) MIUI).
• 🔍 Scroll down to the App section and find the right one.
• 🖱️ Press the app icon and drag it to the desktop.

No "Light Mode" mode (removes function)

The application is not hidden in the MIUI settings

There is a free space on the desktop (at least 1 cell)

The smartphone is not in the mode "For children"-->

If the app is not listed, it means that it is either system (a different method is required) or disabled in the settings, for example, this is what happens with the Google Play Store after resetting settings.

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To quickly find the app in the list, tap the search box at the top of the Widgets screen and enter the name.

2. Alternative method: through the notification panel

A little-known method that works even for system applications, but requires one hidden option to be enabled, and is useful if you want to add a shortcut to Settings, Security, or other built-in MIUI utilities.

How to do this:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Press the gear. ⚙️ in the upper right corner (or text Settings).
3. Hold the Settings icon (or other app from the panel) and drag it to the desktop.

If this method does not work, you must enable the option Show setting icons:

1. Go to Settings. → Desktop.
2. Activate the Switch Show system application icons (in some versions of MIUI, this item is called Display utility icons).
3. Reboot your smartphone.

3. Advanced method: using a third-party launcher

If the first two methods fail, then you have to use an alternative launcher, which is software that replaces the standard MIUI.

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – supports shortcuts for any application, including system.
• 🎨 Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration, but limited customization.
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for Xiaomi, retains style MIUI.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. When you first start, select Nova Launcher as the default launcher.
3. Tap and hold the empty space on the desktop → Widgets → Activity.
4. In the list, find the desired application and select an action (for example,.MainActivity for the main screen of the application).

Important: Once a third-party launcher is installed, some MIUI features (such as gestures or animations) may not work properly. To return the standard interface, go to Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher and select System Launcher.

Standard MIUI Launcher

Nova Launcher

Microsoft Launcher

Other (write in the comments)

I don't know what it is.-->

4. Problem Solving: Why Labels Are Disappearing or Not Created

Xiaomi users often find that added shortcuts disappear after a system reboot or update.

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If shortcuts disappear after each MIUI update, turn off automatic desktop optimization in the launcher settings.

⚠️ Note: Some users are trying to create shortcuts through ADB modified APK, But this may result in a loss of warranty or locking of the device due to a violation of Xiaomi's policy.

5. Hidden capabilities: shortcuts for individual application functions

In pure Android, you have the ability to create shortcuts for specific actions within apps (for example, immediately open a chat in Telegram or a playlist in Spotify), in MIUI this option is disabled by default, but it can be returned.

How to turn on:

1. Install the Shortcut Maker app from Google Play.
2. Open it and provide all the permissions requested.
3. In the list, select the app you want to create a shortcut for (such as YouTube).
4. Deploy the Activity list and select the action you want (e.g. com.google.android.apps.youtube.app.WatchWhileActivity to watch the video).
5. Click Create and confirm the addition to the desktop.

Examples of useful labels:

• 📹 YouTube: Open your subscriptions or history immediately.
• 📱 Settings: shortcut for Battery or Storage section.
• 💬 Telegram: Quickly open a specific chat.

⚠️ Note: Some activities (especially in banking applications) may not work due to security restrictions. For example, a label for SberBank Online with direct payment opening will block the application itself.

6 Desktop Optimization: How to Manage Shortcuts

Once you add labels, you can group them, resize them, and hide them.

Grouping:

• Drag one icon to another to create a folder.
• Name a folder (for example, social networks or games).
• To change the color of the folder, click on it → Edit → select a style.

Resize:

• Hold the icon. → Change the size.
• Choose Small, Medium or Large.
• For fine-tuning, hold the icon with two fingers and dilute/swipe them.

Hiding labels:

• Drag the icon to the top of the screen (the inscription “Delete” will appear).
• Turn off the display of shortcuts for specific applications in Settings → Desktop → Hidden applications.

MIUI 14 has a smart shortcutting feature, where the system automatically groups shortcuts into categories (e.g. Communication, Multimedia) to disable it:

1. Go to Settings. → Desktop.
2. Turn off the option of automatic sorting applications.

Comparison of methods: what way to choose

The choice of method depends on your task:

For most users, the first or second method is enough. Third-party launchers should only be used if you are actively customizing the interface. The method with Shortcut Maker is suitable for advanced users who want to automate routine activities as much as possible.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi