How to make a site shortcut to the Xiaomi desktop: all ways for MIUI

Creating a website shortcut on Xiaomi’s desktop is a simple procedure that saves time and makes it easier to access your favorite resources. However, many users face difficulties: MIUI does not have a universal method, and the algorithm depends on the firmware version, browser, and even smartphone model. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, from the standard features of Mi Browser to hidden features of Chrome and progressive web applications (PWA).

Xiaomi is actively modifying Android by removing or moving standard options. For example, MIUI 14 has removed the “Add to the home screen” button in the browser menu, which is replaced by an alternative path through “Share”, We have tested all methods on devices from Redmi Note 11 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra – and are ready to provide working solutions even for non-standard cases.

Why can’t you add a label in the standard way?

The problem lies in Xiaomi’s policy of optimizing the interface. Unlike “pure” Android, where the site shortcut feature is available in 2 clicks, MIUI often:

• 🔹 Hiding the option in deep browser settings (for example, in Mi Browser it was moved to “More” → Add to the main screen»).
• 🔹 Blocks shortcuts for some sites (especially those with an insecure protocol) HTTP).
• 🔹 Replaces shortcuts with “web clips” – miniature windows that open on top of the interface (the function of Web Apps in the Internet). MIUI 13+).
• 🔹 Requires browser updates – older versions of Chrome (below 90.0) may not have the option.

Another common reason is launcher restrictions: MIUI uses POCO Launcher or Mi Launcher by default, which filter shortcut types, for example, they can block the addition of duplicates (if the screen already has a shortcut to this site) or require confirmation through Settings → Apps → Permissions.

Method 1: Using the standard Mi Browser browser (fastest)

If you use the Mi Browser preinstalled, the algorithm is as simple as possible. This method works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 12 and later:

1. Open Mi Browser and go to the desired site (e.g. vk.com or youtube.com).
2. Click on the icon «⋮» (three points) in upper right corner.
3. From the menu, select “Add to the main screen”** (in some versions – “Create a shortcut”).
4. Confirm the action by clicking "Add"** in the window that appears.

The shortcut will appear on the desktop with the site logo. If the option is not in the menu, update your browser via Google Play or check the launcher settings (see the section about the launcher).

Method 2: Google Chrome (for PWAs and responsive sites)

Google Chrome offers more flexible customizations, including support for progressive web applications (PWA), which are full-fledged "wraps" for sites that work as separate applications (for example, Twitter Lite or Telegram Web).

1. Open your site in Chrome (version 90.0 or later).
2. Press «⋮» → «Add to the main screen»**.
3. When you see a request to “Open as an application”, select “Add”.
4. Run the shortcut from the desktop – the site will open in a frameless window (without an address bar).

If you don't have the "Add to Home Screen" option, you don't have PWA support or you have an outdated version of Chrome.

chrome://flags/#enable-site-settings-mac-auto-redirect

In the flag search bar, type #enable-desktop-pwas-installable and make sure the status is either “Default” or “Enabled.”

Method 3: Share Menu (alternative to MIUI 14)

In the latest versions of MIUI 14, Xiaomi has simplified the process, but hid it in the Share menu.

1. Open the site in any browser (Chrome, Mi Browser, Firefox).
2. Click on the Share icon** (usually as an arrow or three connected dots).
3. In the list of applications, find “Add to the main screen” or “Create a shortcut”.
4. Confirm the action. The label will appear on the desktop with the site logo.

If the "Add to the main screen" item is not in the "Share" menu, it means:

• 📱 The launcher blocks the function (solution – see section below).
• 🌐 The site uses an insecure protocol (HTTP instead HTTPS).
• 🔄 You need to update your browser (in Chrome, check the version in Settings). → Chrome).

Method 4: Set up a launcher to unlock shortcuts

If shortcuts are not added in either way, the problem may be in the launcher. Xiaomi uses its own shells (Mi Launcher, POCO Launcher), which sometimes block the creation of web shortcuts.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find your browser (like Chrome) and open its settings.
3. Select “Allowances” and enable “Shortcut Creation” (or “Changing System Settings”**).
4. Reboot your smartphone.

If the "Creating Shortcuts" section is missing, try changing the launcher to a third-party one (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher).They don't have MIUI restrictions and allow you to add any shortcuts.

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If after changing the launcher, the shortcuts disappeared, return them through the launcher settings → Backup → Restore.

Method 5: Manually create a shortcut through a widget (for power users)

For those who like customization, there is a way to create a shortcut manually through the shortcut widget**.This is true if the site blocks the addition through a browser or you want to customize your own icon:

1. Press and hold the free space on the desktop.
2. Select “Widgets” → find the “Tags” widget (or “Shortcuts”**).
3. Drag it to the screen and select Activity.
4. In the list, find your browser (e.g. com.android.chrome) and select OrgChromiumChromeBrowserDocument activity.
5. In the URL field**, enter the site address (e.g. https://vk.com) and save.

This technique requires technical knowledge, but gives you complete control of the label, such as setting a custom icon through an application like Icon Pack Studio or changing the name.

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The manual method is suitable for creating shortcuts with custom icons or for sites that block the addition through the browser.

Compatibility table with MIUI versions

Important: On devices with MIUI Global Stable, shortcuts may disappear after a firmware update. To avoid this, use a launcher backup (for example, in Nova Launcher).

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

Even following the instructions, users are faced with problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

⚠️ Note: If a shortcut is created, but when you click it opens the browser instead of a separate window, then the site does not support PWA. Solution: use the widget method or install Kiwi Browser (it forcibly converts sites to the Widget). PWA).

• 🚫 Error: "Can't add a shortcut" Reason: Launcher blocks feature.Solution: Install third-party launcher or upgrade MIUI last-minute.
• 🔒 Error: The shortcut disappears after the reboot Reason: Launcher cache failure Solution: Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Memory.
• 🌐 Error: The label opens the wrong site Reason: URL Solution: Create a shortcut manually through a widget with the exact address.
• 📱 Error: No option to Add to Home Screen in Chrome Reason: Outdated version of browser Solution: Update Chrome via Google Play or install Chrome Beta.
• 🔄 Error: The shortcut opens in the Web App window Reason: Web Apps feature is enabled in the Web Apps MIUI 13+. Solution: Turn it off in Settings → Special facilities → Web Apps.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro) site shortcuts may conflict with system widgets. Solution: move the shortcut to a separate screen or folder.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions