How to fix the site on the desktop of the smartphone Xiaomi: all the ways of 2026

Creating a site shortcut on Xiaomi’s desktop is a task that seems easy only at first glance. Users often find that standard methods do not work due to the features of the MIUI shell or browser versions. For example, in Chrome, on some Redmi or POCO models, the Add to Home screen button may not be available, and in Mi Browser, you may require additional permissions.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including hidden MIUI features, bypassing browser restrictions and using Progressive Web Apps (PWA).We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of the firmware - from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15, as well as models with hyper OS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or POCO F6). If you tried to add a site through the browser menu and received an error "failed to create a shortcut", here you will find a solution.

Separately, we will look at why some sites (like VKontakte or YouTube) block shortcut creation through standard methods, and how to get around it. All instructions are tested on current versions of Android 13/14 and do not require root rights.

1. The standard way through Chrome (does not work on all models)

The most obvious method is to use Google Chrome's built-in feature, but on Xiaomi it is often hidden or disabled due to MIUI policies.

1. Open the site in Chrome (update your browser to the latest version).

2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner → select Add to the home screen.

3. If there is no item, then your Xiaomi model is blocking the function. Go to the alternative methods below.

Why doesn’t it work? In MIUI 14+, Xiaomi limits shortcuts to save resources (according to developers), and the feature may not be available on devices with 64-bit versions of Android Go (such as the Redmi A2 or POCO C50).

2.Alternative: Mi Browser with forced label creation

The built-in Mi Browser browser allows you to add sites to your desktop, but with nuances. Instructions for MIUI 12-15:

1. Open the site in Mi Browser (if not, download from Google Play).

2. Click on three dots → "Add to the main screen."

3. If the error “Failed to create a shortcut”, follow the following steps:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Mi Browser.
• 🔄 Click on “Clear Cache” and “Reset Settings».
• 📱 Restart your phone and try again.

Important: On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the Mi Browser may require permission to “Overlap Other Windows” and must be enabled manually in the app settings.

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If the site is not added through Mi Browser, try opening it in PC mode (three dots → “Computer Version”). Sometimes this works.

3. Use of PWAs (Progressive Web Apps) for Stable Shortcuts

PWA — It's a technology that allows websites to function as full-fledged applications, and many popular services like Twitter, Telegram Web support it. PWA-tag:

1. Open a site in Chrome or Microsoft Edge (they are best supported by PWA).

2. The address bar will display the “Install” icon» (📥) — press it.

3. Confirm installation. The label will appear on the desktop and in the application menu.

If the badge is not:

• 🔍 Check if the site supports PWA (You can find out through the PWABuilder service).
• 🔄 Update your browser to the latest version.
• 📵 Make sure that in the settings → Annexes → Chrome → Permits included "Installation of unknown applications».

On Xiaomi 14 Ultra and other 2026 flagships, PWA can conflict with HyperOS optimization. In this case, use Firefox - it bypasses the limitations of MIUI.

4. Manual shortcut creation through “Widgets” (for power users)

If none of the above methods worked, you can create a shortcut manually through MIUI widgets. This method is universal, but requires more action:

1.Tap and hold the empty space on the desktop → select “Widgets”.

2. Scroll down to the "Tools Shortcuts" section.

3. Click App Shortcut → select a browser (e.g. Chrome).

4. In the “URL” field, enter the site address (e.g. https://vk.com).

5. Name a label (for example, “Vkontakte”) and save it.

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Note: This method creates a shortcut that opens the site in a new browser tab, rather than as a standalone application. For some services (such as WhatsApp Web), this can cause authorization problems.

5. Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher, Apex and others

If standard methods don’t work, install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) that allows you to create shortcuts to sites without the limitations of MIUI:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.

2. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop → “Widgets”.

3. Select “Action Shortcuts” (Nova) or “Bookmark” (Apex).

4. Enter the URL of the site and the name of the shortcut.

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Note: On Xiaomi with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or POCO X6 Pro) after installing the launcher, you may need to disable battery optimization for it in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Nova Launcher → Battery → Without restrictions.

Pros of the method:

• 🎯 It works on all versions. MIUI Android.
• 🔧 Allows you to customize label icons.
• 🚀 There is no limit on the number of labels.

Install Nova Launcher from Google Play|Disable battery optimization for launcher|Prepare. URL website|Select an icon for a label (optional)-->

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

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

1. Site restrictions

Some platforms (e.g. Instagram, Facebook) block shortcut creation via the browser.

• 🌐 Use it. PWA (if maintained).
• 📱 Install the official app from Google Play.

2. "Failed to create a shortcut" error in Mi Browser

Causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Cache cleanup: Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📋 Resetting: In the Mi Browser settings, select “Restore default settings».
• 🔒 Permissions: Enable browser access to "Storage" and "Place over other windows».

3. A label is created, but it is not opened.

Possible causes:

• 🔗 The site requires authorization (e.g. Netflix or Disney)+). Solution: Sign in to your account via browser before creating a shortcut.
• 🛠️ Conflict with optimization MIUI. Solution: Add the browser to battery exclusions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Select applications → Chrome/Mi Browser → No restrictions).

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If a site uses HTTPS with an incorrect certificate (such as a self-signed one), the shortcut may not work. Check your browser address bar for security warnings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about website shortcuts on Xiaomi