Why save web pages to your desktop?
Saving frequently visited sites to the Xiaomi Redmi home screen saves time and makes it easier to access important resources. Instead of opening your browser and entering your address every time, you get instant access to your favorite services — whether it’s mail, social media, work tools or entertainment platforms — especially for users who regularly check the same web pages, such as a bank account, order tracker or news portal.
On Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell or a new HyperOS, there are several ways to create a site shortcut. Some methods work through the standard Mi Browser browser, others through Google Chrome or third-party applications. It is important to understand that the saved page will not become a full-fledged application, but will open in the browser with minimal delays. And for some sites (for example, Twitter, Telegram Web), you can even turn on PWA mode, a progressive web application that works almost like a native one.
In this article, we will analyze all current methods, including nuances for different versions. MIUI/HyperOS and Redmi models from Redmi Note 10 redmi K70). We also learn why sometimes a shortcut is not created and how to fix common mistakes.
Method 1: Through the standard Mi Browser browser
The easiest method is to use the pre-installed Mi Browser browser, which is on all Xiaomi smartphones, and it supports the "Add to Home Screen" function without additional settings. MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.
Open Mi Browser and go to the page you want. Click on the icon «⋮» (three dots) in the upper right corner, then select Add to the home screen. The system will prompt you to name the shortcut — the default is the title of the page, but you can edit it. After clicking Add the icon will appear on the desktop. When you first launch, the shortcut will open the site in Mi Browser.
- ✅ Quickly and without installing additional applications
- ✅ It works on all Redmi models (including Redmi). 9A, Redmi Note 12 Pro+)
- ⚠️ The shortcut always opens in Mi Browser, even if you use Chrome.
- ⚠️ Some dynamic websites may not work properly
⚠️ Note: If Add to the home screen is not available, update Mi Browser via Google Play or App Store MIUI. In older versions, the function could have been hidden.
The desired page is open (not the main browser)
Browser Updated to the latest version
There is free space on the desktop for an icon.
Mi Browser restrictions disabled in battery settings-->
Method 2: Through Google Chrome (PWA mode)
Google Chrome offers more flexible settings, including support for progressive web applications (PWA), which look like full-fledged applications: open in a separate window without an address bar, can send notifications and work offline (if the site supports it), the method is suitable for Redmi on Android 10 and later.
Open the site in Chrome, click «⋮» → «Add to the main screen if the site supports PWA, You'll see a suggestion to install it as an app -- OK, so you add an icon to your desktop, and when you launch, it'll open in a minimalist window without any browser elements, like Twitter Lite, Spotify Web Player, or Google Docs.
| Characteristics | Mi Browser | Chrome (PWA) |
|---|---|---|
| Offline support | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes, if the site supports) |
| Notifications | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Opening in a separate window | ❌ No (in the browser) | ✅ Yes. |
| It works on the old Redmi (Android 9) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
Important: Not all sites support PWA. To check, open a page in Chrome on your PC, click F12 → Application → Manifest. If there is data, then PWA is available.
Mi Browser
Google Chrome
Firefox
Other-->
Method 3: Through third-party applications (for advanced users)
If standard methods do not work (for example, you need to save a page with authorization or complex authentication), you can use third-party utilities.
- 📱 Hermit Lite Apps – creates lightweight versions of websites, saving traffic and battery, supports notifications and offline mode.
- 🌐 Kiwi Browser – Chrome analogue with advanced features PWA. Allows you to install web applications even on older versions of Android.
- 🔗 Shortcut Maker – for manual shortcuts with custom icons and commands.
Examples from Hermit Lite Apps:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Open it and enter the site address in the search bar.
- Click Create Lite App and select options (such as ad blocking).
- The finished label will appear on the desktop.
⚠️ Note: Apps like Hermit may conflict with energy saving settings MIUI. After installation, add them to the exception list: Settings → Battery → Choice of applications.
How to change the label icon?
Why a label is not created: typical mistakes and solutions
Sometimes when you try to save a page to the desktop, nothing happens, or the shortcut disappears after a reboot.
- 🔄 Browser not updated – check the Mi Browser or Chrome version on Google Play. Outdated versions may not support the feature.
- 📱 Limitations MIUI — The shell sometimes blocks shortcut creation. Solution: Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Mi Browser/Chrome → Permits and include all rights.
- 🚫 Prohibition of the installation of labels - in some firmware MIUI This feature is disabled by default. Try using Nova Launcher or another launcher.
- 🔒 The site blocks the preservation - some resources (for example, banking) prohibit the creation of shortcuts for security reasons.
If the shortcut is missing after the MIUI/HyperOS update, try re-create it. Also check if the Second Space mode is on, which may have different desktop settings.
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To prevent the shortcut from disappearing after the reboot, pin it to your desktop: press and hold the icon, then drag it to the Fixed Apps panel (if your launcher supports this feature).
How to remove unnecessary label from the desktop
If the saved page is no longer needed, it is as easy to delete as the regular app. Press and hold the shortcut icon, then drag it up to the Remove (or Recycle Bin) label. In some versions of MIUI, you may need to select Remove the shortcut in the context menu first.
Important: removing the shortcut does not affect the site itself or the bookmarks in the browser. If you want to completely clear the data, go to Settings → Apps → Browser → Storage and click Clear Data.
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 8A) Site shortcuts may conflict with system icons. If the shortcut appears again after removal, reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
Comparison of methods: which way to choose?
The choice of method depends on your tasks:
- 🔹 For quick access – a standard shortcut through the Mi Browser is enough.
- 🔹 To work with PWA (notifications, offline mode – use Google Chrome.
- 🔹 To save traffic, Hermit Lite Apps is suitable.
- 🔹 For customization of icons - Shortcut Maker.
On new Redmi models (such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro+) with HyperOS, it is recommended to test all ways - there may be changes in the logic of shortcut creation in the new shell. If stability is important to you, stick to Mi Browser or Chrome.
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For most users, Google Chrome is optimal with PWA support – it combines convenience, speed and advanced features.