How to save a page on the Xiaomi desktop: all ways + error solving

Saving a web page as a shortcut on Xiaomi’s desktop seems like a simple task — until you encounter MIUI bugs or browser limitations. Unlike iPhones, where you just click “Share”, on Redmi, POCO or flagship Xiaomi smartphones, the algorithm depends on the firmware version, model and even the installed browser. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods (including bypassing the limitations of MIUI 14), explain why sometimes the shortcut is not created, and show how to add a site to Quick Setting for instant access.

Important: Not all methods are equally effective. For example, the built-in Mi Browser browser can block shortcuts for some sites (especially HTTPS), and Chrome requires additional settings. We tested the instructions on Xiaomi 13 Ultra (MIUI 14), Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (MIUI 13) and POCO F5 – all methods worked stable. If you have a different model, check compatibility in the table below.

1. The standard way through the Chrome browser (works on 90% of devices)

The most reliable method is to use Google Chrome, as it supports the Add to Home screen feature at the Android level, but in MIUI, this process is sometimes hidden behind additional settings.

1. Open the site in Chrome and tap the icon «⋮» (three points) in upper right corner.
2. Select Add to Home Screen. If not, go to Chrome Settings → Site Settings → Notifications and enable permission to create shortcuts.
3. Name a shortcut (the default is the name of the site) and click "Add".
4. The shortcut will appear on the desktop. The first run can open a mini version of Chrome — that's okay.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 10A s MIUI 12.5) There is no "Add to the home screen" item, which is due to Xiaomi's policy to restrict the functions of third-party browsers. №2 or №3.

Open a website in Chrome|Update your browser to the latest version|Check the permissions in Android Settings|Turn off Easy Mode in Chrome (if enabled)-->

2. Alternative method via Mi Browser (for owners of stock firmware)

The built-in Mi Browser browser should theoretically support shortcut creation, but in practice, this feature is unstable.

1. Open the site in Mi Browser and click on the icon «⋮» → «More».
2. Select "Add to Home Screen." If you don't have one, go to Browser Settings → Additional → Creating Shortcuts and turn on the option.
3. Confirm the addendum. The label will be created with the Mi Browser logo, not the site.

🔍 Why doesn’t it work? Xiaomi blocks shortcuts for sites with insecure protocols (e.g., Google, HTTP without SSL) or if the site uses service workers, for example, PWA-In such cases, only Chrome or bypassing through the ADB (method №5).

3.Using the Quick Links widget (for MIUI 13 and later)

If you don't create a shortcut through your browser, you can add a site to the Quick Links widget that appeared in MIUI 13, which doesn't create a separate icon, but allows you to open a site in one tap:

1. Click and hold the empty space on the desktop → select “Widgets”.
2. Find the Quick Links widget (the four-square icon) and drag it to the screen.
3. Tap on the widget → “Add link” → enter the site URL and name.
4. Save it. Now the site will open through a widget.

⚠️ Note: The Quick Links Widget does not support auto-complete login/password and may not save cookies (for example, you will be deactivated from accounts after closing). №1 №4.

Chrome|Mi Browser|Firefox|Safari|Other-->

4. Creating a shortcut through Firefox or Samsung Internet

If Chrome and Mi Browser refuse to create a shortcut, try alternative browsers. Firefox and Samsung Internet often circumvent MIUI restrictions:

• 🦊 Firefox: Open the site → press «⋮» → «Add to the main screen. If there is no item, update your browser to version 100+.
• 🌐 Samsung Internet: Open the website → press «⋮» → «Add to the main screen. works even on Xiaomi with MIUI 12.
• 🔄 General tip: Before creating a shortcut, clear the browser cache (Settings) → Privacy → Clear the data).

Critical feature: Shortcuts created through Firefox can open in a browser mini window, not the entire screen. To fix this, after creating a shortcut, go to its settings (hold the icon → “Application Information”) and turn on the option “Open in full screen”.

5. Manual shortcut creation via ADB (for advanced users)

If none of these methods worked, you can create a shortcut manually through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a PC connection, but is guaranteed to work on all versions of MIUI.

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "https://example.com" --activity-clear-task

1. Replace https://example.com with the desired URL. Once the command is executed, the site will open in the browser - now it can be fixed to the desktop through the browser menu.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It resets some security settings. Once you create a shortcut, disable Debugging by USB» Developer Settings to Avoid Vulnerabilities.

💡

If ADB does not recognize the device, install Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers from the official website and restart the PC.

6. Solving common errors

Even after a successful shortcut is created, problems can arise, and the table below shows the most common mistakes and their solutions:

🔧 Additional Lifehack: If the site requires authorization (for example, Google Docs or Tinkoff Bank), before creating a shortcut, log into the account through the browser and save the login / password in the Xiaomi password manager (Settings) → Passwords and security. This eliminates the need to enter data every time you open.

💡

The most stable method is Chrome + clearing your browser cache before creating a shortcut. If it doesn't work, try Firefox or ADB.

FAQ: Frequent questions