How to save a site to the Xiaomi desktop: all ways to MIUI

Saving a website to the desktop of a Xiaomi smartphone is a convenient way to quickly access your favorite resources without searching the browser. However, the standard algorithm of actions in MIUI differs from pure Android, and some functions (for example, PWA) can work unstable on different models. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from classic shortcut creation to installing the site as a full-fledged application.

Xiaomi’s firmware is designed to modify standard Android actions, for example, the Mi Browser browser may not have the “Add to Home Screen” option, and Google Chrome may require additional confirmations, and we tested all methods on devices with MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13) and identified those that work stably.

1. Save the site through the Google Chrome browser

The most reliable method is to use Google Chrome, as it supports the Progressive Web Apps (PWA) standard and integrates correctly with MIUI. The instruction is suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on Android 11-14.

Open the site in Chrome, then:

1. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner (browser menu).
2. Select Add to the main screen.
3. If necessary, edit the name of the label.
4. Click Add – the icon will appear on the desktop.

⚠️ Note: On some devices with MIUI 13/14 After adding the shortcut may not open as a separate window, but in a new Chrome tab. №3 (installation PWA).

Open a website in Chrome (not in Mi Browser)

Make sure the site supports HTTPS

Turn off the “Lite” mode in the Chrome settings

Check the free space on the device (minimum 50 MB)

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2.Using the standard Mi Browser browser

In the Mi Browser browser (pre-installed on all Xiaomi), the desktop add feature is implemented differently. There is no PWA support, but the process is simpler:

Go to the right site, then:

• 📌 Slap the icon. ⋮ (three dots) at the bottom of the screen.
• 🔖 Select Add to the main screen.
• 📝 If necessary, change the name of the label.
• ✅ Confirm the addition of the OK button.

The shortcut will be created but will open in a new Mi Browser tab, rather than as a standalone app, which is suitable for quick access, but does not provide full offline mode or notifications.

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If the option “Add to the Home Screen” is not available in the Mi Browser, update the app via Google Play or use Chrome (the method). №1).

3. Installation of the site as a PWA (Progressive Web App)

PWA (Progressive Web App) is a technology that allows you to install sites as full-fledged applications with notifications and offline work. Not all resources support PWA, but for those that do (for example, Twitter, Telegram Web, Spotify), this is the best option.

To install the site as a PWA on Xiaomi:

1. Open the site in Google Chrome.
2. There will be an icon in the address bar ➕ inside the circle (or banner with a proposal to install).
3. Click on it and confirm the installation.
4. The app will appear on the menu and on the desktop.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 some PWA In this case, use alternative browsers such as Microsoft Edge or Samsung Internet.

4.Tag creation through third-party launchers

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., custom-built POCO F5), alternative launchers like Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher can be used.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

• 📱 Keep your finger in the free space of the desktop.
• 🔹 Select the Widgets → Labels of action.
• 🌐 Find the Chrome option: Web page shortcut.
• 🔗 Enter. URL site and confirm.

The advantage of this method is the flexibility of settings (you can choose an icon, name), but it requires the installation of a third-party launcher. On MIUI with Nova Launcher, shortcuts open in a separate window, not in the browser.

Google Chrome

Mi Browser

Microsoft Edge

Samsung Internet

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5. Alternative methods: through "Quick Teams" and widgets

MIUI 13/14 has a hidden feature called “Quick Commands” (Settings → Special Options → Quick Commands) that allows you to create shortcuts for quick link opening, but this method is only suitable for tech-savvy users, as it requires manual input of intention commands.

Example of a command to open a site through Chrome:

am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "https://example.com" com.android.chrome

To add a widget with the site:

• 📱 Keep your finger on the desktop. → Widgets.
• 🔍 Find the Chrome widget: Web page shortcut.
• 🔗 Drag it on the screen and type it in. URL.

⚠️ Note: Widgets may not work on some Redmi models with a lightweight version MIUI (Like Redmi. A2). In this case, use the methods №1 №3.

6. Problem Solving: Why the Site Is Not Saved to the Desktop

If none of the methods worked, check the following points:

• 🔒 Limitations MIUI: On some devices (especially corporate or with a MIUI for Russia) the ability to add shortcuts is disabled. The solution is to use Chrome in guest mode or reset the launcher settings (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Drop it).
• 📶 No Internet connection: Some sites (especially PWA) Requires an active connection to the installation.
• 🗃️ Not enough memory: Xiaomi with a small storage capacity (e.g. Redmi) 9A 32GB system can block the creation of new shortcuts.
• 🛠️ Outdated version of the browser: Update Chrome or Mi Browser to the latest version.

On devices with MIUI 14 and HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the desktop site add feature can be hidden in the developer settings. To enable it, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (7 times), then to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate the option to Enable Adding Web Shortcuts.

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If your site is not saved via Chrome, try using Microsoft Edge browser – it integrates better with MIUI and supports PWA without crashes.

FAQ: Frequent questions