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

Users of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often face the need to quickly access frequently used applications, files or web pages. Labeling on the desktop (main screen) saves time and makes it easier to interact with the device. MIUI This process may differ from standard Android, especially when it comes to system utilities, APK-files or hidden functions.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to add a shortcut to Redmi’s home screen, including rare methods for files, folders, and even widgets. The instructions are relevant for all modern models, from the budget Redmi 10A to the flagship Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of MIUI 14 and the limitations that the manufacturer imposes on some types of shortcutes.

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1. Standard method: application shortcut from the menu

The easiest method is to transfer the icon from the general list of applications, and it works for all programs installed through Google Play or manually (APK).

How to do this:

1. Tap the All Apps icon (usually at the bottom of the home screen or swipe up).
2. Find the desired application in the list and pinch its icon for 1-2 seconds.
3. Drag the shortcut to a free desktop space. If the screen is full, swipe left/right to add a new page.
4. Release your finger, the label will be fixed.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI You can't duplicate the label in the standard way. If you try to drag and drop an icon from an already-exposed app, the system will just move it to a new location.

This method is suitable for 90% of cases, but does not work with:

• 📁 System utilities (e.g., Equipment Testing or Developer Mode).
• 📄 Files and folders (you need a different way to do this, see Section 3).
• 🌐 Web pages (requires Chrome or Mi Browser browser).

2. shortcut for system applications (hidden utilities)

Xiaomi hides some system tools from the user, but they can be returned to the desktop via the Activity menu, which requires activation of the developer mode.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Enter your password if needed.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

«Activity Launcher»

Google Play

Activity Launcher

com.android.settings.Settings$TestingSettingsActivity

"Creating a label"

🔹 Examples of hidden utilities:

• 🔧 Testing equipment (com.android.settings.TestingSettings)
• 📡 Hidden network settings (com.android.settings.Settings)$NetworkDashboardActivity)
• 🔄 Firmware mode (com.android.settings.DevelopmentSettings)

⚠️ Note: Not all system utilities work consistently through shortcuts. For example, Mi Cloud may give an error when running in this way.

💡

If the utility you want doesn’t show up in Activity Launcher, try updating the app or clearing its cache in the settings.

3. shortcut for files, folders and APK

MIUI doesn’t have a built-in file shortcut creation feature, but it can be done with third-party apps. The best option is File Manager+ (from Xiaomi) or Solid Explorer.

Instructions for File Manager +:

1. Open the application and find the desired file or folder.
2. Press the item and select “Create a shortcut” in the context menu.
3. Confirm the action - the label will appear on the desktop.

For APK-Application installers (files) algorithm other:

• 📱 Install «APK Shortcut Maker from Google Play.
• 🔍 Choose. APK-file through the built-in application conductor.
• 🖼️ Click on “Create Shortcut” – the shortcut will appear on the home screen.

📌 Limitations:

• File shortcuts are not automatically updated – if a file is moved or deleted, the icon will become “broken.”
• For folders, the shortcut will be opened by the File Manager, not the content of direktno.

4. Web page label (Chrome, Mi Browser)

Creating a shortcut for a site allows you to quickly open it without running a browser. In MIUI, this works through Google Chrome or the standard Mi Browser.

For Chrome:

1. Open the site in your browser.
2. Tap it on. ⋮ (three-point) → «Add to the main screen».
3. Assign a name to the label and click "Add".

For Mi Browser:

1. Go to the right page.
2. Press on. ⋮ → «More» → «Add to the main screen».
3. Confirm the creation.

⚠️ Attention: Site labels in MIUI They open in a mini version of the browser without an address bar, and to go back to the full version, you have to manually open Chrome or Mi Browser.

🔹 Advantages:

• 🚀 Quick access to frequently visited resources (social networks, mail, banks).
• 🔒 You can create a shortcut for the web version of the application (for example, Telegram Web or Telegram Web). VK Lite).

5. Widgets as an alternative to labels

If the shortcut is not suitable (for example, for quick access to settings), use widgets. They display relevant information directly on the desktop.

How to add a widget:

1. Click the empty space on the main screen.
2. In the lower menu, select “Widgets”.
3. Scroll through the list and tap on the desired (for example, Weather, Calendar, Brightness).
4. Press the widget and drag it to the screen.

📊 Popular widgets in MIUI:

⚠️ Warning: Widgets consume an extra battery as they update data in the background. If you notice a fast discharge, check the sync settings in Settings → Battery. → Battery utilization.

Make sure there is a free space on the desktop.|Check if the app is hidden in the settings MIUI|Update the file manager to the latest version|Turn off power saving mode (can block widgets)-->

Frequent problems and solutions

Redmi users often encounter errors when creating shortcuts. Consider typical scenarios and how to fix them.

Problem 1: No application shortcut is created (the icon is not drag-and-drop).

• 🔄 Solution: Reboot your smartphone. MIUI Sometimes the launcher settings get confused.
• 📱 Solution: Update the launcher via Google Play (search on request) MIUI Launcher).

Problem 2: The file shortcut has turned gray (not working).

• 🗑️ Solution: File deleted or moved. Remove the shortcut and create a new one.
• 🔧 Solution: Check the folder access rights in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Warehouse.

Problem 3: The widget is not updated.

• 🔄 Solution: Remove the widget and add again.
• 📵 Solution: Turn off power saving mode for widget app in battery settings.

Critical information: B MIUI 14 System Application Shortcuts (e.g., Security) may disappear after the update. To restore them, reset the Launcher settings to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

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For maximum stability of shortcuts, disable battery optimization for the launcher (Settings → Battery → Optimization → Launcher → No Limits).