How to make an app shortcut on the Xiaomi desktop: all ways + error solving

Why can't Xiaomi just drag and drop an app onto the desktop like other Android smartphones? This is a question many users ask after switching from Samsung, Google Pixel or even older versions of MIUI. It's about the shell: starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has simplified the interface, but at the same time hid some of the features under the settings layer, and as a result, even the basic operation of creating a shortcut can be difficult.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to add a shortcut to your desktop, including methods for hidden apps, games, and even websites. We will also break down common bugs (such as why the shortcut disappears after a reboot) and give recommendations for desktop optimization, with special attention to Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, and POCO F5 models, where the algorithm differs from older devices.

If you use MIUI 14 or later, some of the features can be moved, we’ve included that in the instructions, and for Android 13+ devices, we’ve added a separate section to reflect changes in Google’s security policy.

1. Standard method: via the application menu

The most obvious method is to use the built-in MIUI menu, which works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, but requires you to follow the steps precisely:

1.Unlock the screen and swipe your finger up from the bottom edge to open the app menu.

2. Find the desired application and pinch its icon for 1-2 seconds.

3. In the menu, select Add to the desktop (on some firmware - Create a shortcut).

4. Drag the shortcut to the free screen space and release your finger.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and Android 13+ You may have permission to overlay other applications, but you need to confirm it, otherwise you won't create a label.

• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI (including POCO Launcher).
• ❌ Not suitable for system applications (such as Settings or Phone).
• 🔄 If the shortcut does not appear, try restarting the device.

Some firmware (e.g., Xiaomi Mi 11 with global MIUI) may not have the Add to desktop option, in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.

2. Creating a shortcut through screen settings

If the standard method didn’t work, try adding a shortcut through desktop settings, a method that is especially useful for system applications that can’t be dragged around in the usual way.

Instructions:

1. Click and hold the empty space on your desktop (not on the icon!).
2. In the menu that appears, select Widgets (or Screen Settings on older versions).
3. Scroll down to App Shortcuts (or App Shortcuts) section.
4. Select the desired application and drag it to the screen.

🔹 Note: On POCO F4 redmi K50 This section may be called Quick Actions. If it's not, update it. MIUI last-minute.

Make sure there is free space on the screen.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Turn off Easy Mode (if enabled)

Reboot your phone if you make mistakes-->

This method also allows you to create shortcuts for hidden applications (e.g. Developer Mode or Security), however, some system utilities (e.g. MIUI Optimization) can be blocked for adding to the desktop.

3.Use widgets for quick access

If you need to get more than just running an app, and get quick access to its features (like creating a message on WhatsApp or starting a record in Google Keep), use widgets. They are more flexible than conventional shortcuts, and are supported by all versions of MIUI.

How to add a widget:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop.
2. Select Widgets → find the desired application in the list.
3. Drag the widget onto the screen. Some apps (like Google or Spotify) offer multiple widget options.

📌 Example: Google Search widget allows you not only to open an app, but also to enter a query immediately. Calendar widget shows the nearest events without running the program.

⚠️ Note: Some app widgets (e.g. TikTok or Instagram) may not appear on the list due to developer restrictions.In this case, use the method with shortcuts through the launcher (section 5).

4. Website shortcuts (PWA)

Want to add a shortcut to your desktop for a site (like VKontakte, YouTube or corporate portal)? In MIUI, this is done through Google Chrome or Mi Browser, which would open the site in PWA (Progressive Web App) mode - without an address bar, as a separate application.

Step-by-step instructions for Google Chrome:

1. Open the site in your browser.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Add to the main screen.
3. If necessary, edit the name of the label and confirm the addition.

For Mi Browser:

1. Open the site and click on the icon ⋮ (menu).
2. Select Add to the desktop.
3. Confirm the label's creation.

🔹 Advantages PWA-labels:

• 🚀 Quick Launch (the site opens as an app).
• 🔔 Support for notifications (if the site provides them).
• 🔒 Work in an isolated window without browser tabs.

💡

If the site shortcut does not open, clear the browser cache in Settings → Annexes → Chrome/Mi Browser → Memory. → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10A) The function of adding a site to the desktop can be disabled in the browser settings. To enable it, go to the browser settings → Mainstream → Add shortcuts to the main screen.

5. Alternative launchers for flexible settings

If the built-in MIUI tools don’t suit you, install a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) that offers advanced shortcut management capabilities, including:

• 🎨 Changing the size of icons.
• 🔄 Grouping applications into folders with gestures.
• 🔍 Finding and Adding Hidden System Applications.
• 🖼️ Use custom icons (e.g. from Icon Pack Studio packs).

How to add a shortcut through Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and select it as the default launcher.
2. Click and hold the empty space on the desktop → Widgets → Nova actions.
3. Select the App Shortcut and find what you want in the list.

📌 Example: Nova Launcher can shortcut hidden system functions, such as:

• Activity: Launching a specific part of an application (e.g., camera settings).
• Developer Settings – Quick access to Developer Options.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi with Android 13+ Some launchers (such as Action Launcher) may request additional permissions to work with shortcuts. If no shortcuts appear after installing the launcher, check the permission settings in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Overlaying on top of other applications.

6. Solving label problems

Sometimes shortcuts on Xiaomi are unpredictable, disappearing after a reboot, not opening or duplicated, and here are the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:

🔧 Additional advice:

• 🔄 If no game shortcuts are created, check the Game Turbo settings in Settings → Special facilities.
• 📱 On Xiaomi with dual apps (Duplicate Apps feature), shortcuts are created separately for each profile.
• 🔒 If the banking application shortcut does not work, add it to the Safe folder (Settings) → Confidentiality).

💡

Before resetting your launcher settings, back up your desktop via Settings → Additional → Backup. This will keep the shortcuts and widgets located.

FAQ: Frequent questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi