How to install application shortcuts on the Redmi Note 10S desktop: 4 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S, based on the MIUI shell, offers flexible desktop settings, but not all users know how to organize access to their favorite apps as efficiently as possible. Home screen shortcuts save time - instead of searching the menu, you get instant access to messengers, games or utilities. However, the standard way to add icons is not always obvious, especially if you switch from iOS or other versions of Android.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of creating shortcuts on the Redmi Note. 10S, including hidden functions MIUI 14 (current for firmware 2023-2026) You will learn how to add an icon from the app menu, pin the widget as a shortcut, restore disappeared icons, and even create a shortcut for hidden apps or APK-Particular attention will be paid to typical errors that cause shortcuts to not appear or to be reset after rebooting.

If you find that the standard method does not work, do not rush to reset the settings. 90% of the time the problem is solved by changing one parameter in Settings → Desktop. And for advanced users, we have prepared instructions for creating shortcuts through ADB (no root rights!).

1. Standard method: Adding a shortcut from the application menu

The easiest method that works on all versions of MIUI for the Redmi Note 10S is to drag and drop the icon from the general list of apps.

  1. Open the application menu – swipe up the desktop or click on the icon • • • (three dots) in the dock panel.
  2. Find the right app – use the search bar at the top or scroll through the list manually.
  3. Press the icon with your finger for 1-2 seconds until it “sticks” from the background and there is a vibration.
  4. Drag the icon to the free desktop space or to the docking panel (bottom bar with 5 fixed shortcuts).

If no label is added, check:

  • 🔄 Free space on the screen - on MIUI You can not place icons on top of widgets or other icons.
  • 🚫 Launcher restrictions – some firmware blocks shortcuts for system applications (e.g. Settings or Phone).
  • 🔧 Light Desktop Mode - if enabled, shortcuts are added only to the dock panel. → Desktop → Desktop mode.

Hold the icon for longer than 1 second|Check the free space on the screen|Turn off the "Light Desktop" mode"|Update the launcher to the latest version-->

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 10S s MIUI 13+ When holding the icon, you can open the context menu instead of dragging it. In this case, tap on the item Add to the desktop.

2. Alternative method: through the context menu of the application

If drag and drop doesn’t work (for example, due to touch lags or firmware features), use the built-in menu:

  1. Open the app menu and find what you need.
  2. Touch the icon with one finger (do not hold it!).
  3. In the menu that appears, select Add to the desktop (or Secure for the dock panel).

This method works more reliably for:

  • 📱 Applications with dynamic icons (for example, WhatsApp with a message counter).
  • 🔒 System utilities that block drag and drop (e.g. Security or Topics).
  • 📁 Apps folders – they can also be fixed as a shortcut.

If there is no Add to the desktop, then the application is blocked by MIUI policies. The solution is to use the widget method (see next section) or ADB (for advanced ones).

Drag icon |Context menu |Through the tag widget |I don't know, haven't tried-->

Creating a shortcut through the "Applications Shortcuts" widget

MIUI has a hidden widget that allows you to add shortcuts even for apps that aren’t displayed on the menu (such as hidden or disabled).

  1. Click the empty space on the desktop and select Widgets.
  2. Scroll through the list to the Tools block and find the Application Shortcuts widget (the icon with four squares).
  3. Drag the widget to the desktop, and you'll see a list of all the apps you've installed, including the hidden ones.
  4. Choose the right one and click Ready - the shortcut will appear in the form of a widget icon.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔍 All applications are visible, even those hidden in Settings → Annexes → Hidden.
  • 🔄 You can create a label for APK-file without installing it (if Unknown Sources are enabled).
  • 📌 The widget tag doesn’t disappear after the launcher is reset (unlike standard icons).

⚠️ Note: App shortcuts widget may not show if you are using a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Apex). MIUI In Settings → Annexes → By default. → Launcher.

Method of additionSuitable forLimitations
Dragging the iconAll apps from the menuIt does not work for hidden applications
Contextual menuApplications with drag-and-drop lockThere is no point for system utilities
The tag widget.Hidden/Disabled Applications, APKDoes not work with third-party launchers
ADB-teamAny applications, including systemRequires PC and debugging over USB

4. Advanced method: creating a shortcut through ADB (no root rights)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g. for system applications like com.android.settings), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which doesn’t require superuser rights, but requires a computer and enabled USB debugging.

Instructions:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi Note 10S: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer!
  2. Open the command line (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb shell pm create-shortcut --package <name package> --activity <name activity> Example for Settings: adb shell pm create-shortcut --package com.android.settings --activity com.android.settings.

To find out the name of the package and the activity of the desired application, use the command:

adb shell dumpsys package | grep -i "packageName"

or the App Inspector app installed on the phone.

How to find a package name without ADB?
Open Google Play, find the app you want, and copy the ID from your browser’s address bar (for example, for WhatsApp, it’s com.whatsapp).

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB The shortcut may disappear after the reboot if the application is system-based. To lock it in, back up the launcher through Settings. → Desktop → Backup.

5. Solving the Problem: Why Labels Are Disappearing or Not Added

Redmi Note 10S users often experience shortcuts disappearing after rebooting or updating MIUI. Here are the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:

  • 🔄 Launcher reset – if shortcuts disappear after the upgrade, reset the launcher cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management. Find Louncher. MIUI (or Lawnchair if you use it. Select Warehouse → Clear the cache.
  • 🚫 Limitations on energy conservation — MIUI Can block background launcher activity: Open Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery management. Find the launcher. MIUI and set up a regime without restrictions.

Conflict with the optimizer

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Cleaning.
  2. Turn off the Cleanup option when you lock the screen.

💡

If shortcuts disappear after a reboot, back up your desktop in Settings → Desktop → Backup and restore it if necessary.

6. Additional chips: folders, gestures and hidden labels

The Redmi Note 10S not only allows you to add shortcuts, but also organize them as conveniently as possible.

  • 📂 Desktop folders -- drag and drop icons to create folders. To rename it, tap the name.
  • 👆 Gestures for labels - in Settings → Desktop → Gestures can be customized: Double tap to launch the app. Up/down swipe to open widgets. 🔍 Hidden shortcuts – if you don’t want the icon to be visible, but you need a quick link: Create a shortcut through the app shortcut widget. Reduce the widget size to 1×1 (pinch → Resize. Move it to the corner of the screen and close it with a transparent icon (e.g., via Icon Pack Studio).
  • 🔄 Duplicate shortcuts – if you need two icons of the same app (for example, for different accounts), use the shortcut widget or ADB.