How to bring the app icon to the screen of the Xiaomi phone: all ways

Have you installed a new app on your Xiaomi, but its icon doesn't appear on the home screen? Or did all the shortcuts disappear after the MIUI update? This problem is familiar to many owners of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi smartphones - especially after resetting or switching to a new version of the shell. Unlike "naked" Android, where shortcuts are created automatically, MIUI requires manual actions.

In this article, you will find 4 proven ways to bring the app icon to the screen, from the standard method through the application menu to the hidden functions of the launcher. We will also analyze why some programs do not appear in the installed list (for example, system utilities or limited applications), and what to do if the shortcut disappears after the update. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and older versions (12-13), as well as for all models from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi flagships 14 Ultra.

Why the app icon doesn’t appear on the screen automatically

In MIUI, app shortcuts are not automatically created after installation — a key difference from standard Android.

• 📱 Launcher setting: B MIUI Auto-brand creator is disabled by default (unlike Pixel Launcher or Nova Launcher).
• 🔧 System Restrictions: Some applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) are hidden from the user and do not appear in the menu.
• 🔄 Error after update: When switching to a new version MIUI (For example, from 13 to 14) reset the desktop settings.
• 📦 Installation through APK: Manually installed apps (not from Google Play) may not create a shortcut without additional action.

If you have installed the program through APK-File or Xiaomi GetApps, but it is not on the menu – check the Settings folder → Annexes → Application management → All applications. It may be disabled or running in the background without an interface (like some widgets or services).

⚠️ Attention: On models POCO F5 redmi K60 pre-established POCO Launcher shortcut algorithm is different. If the standard way doesn't work, try changing the launcher to Settings. → Topics → Desktop.

Method 1: Standard Addition through the Application Menu

This is a basic method that works on all versions of MIUI (12 to 15) and is suitable for 90% of applications.

1. Open the application menu (swipe up the main screen or click on the “dots” icon in the dock panel).
2. Find the app you want in the list. If you don't have one, use the search (the magnifier at the top of the screen).
3. Press the app icon with your finger and drag it to the home screen or dock panel.
4. Release your finger when the inscription Add to the main screen appears.

If the app doesn’t appear on the menu, but you’re sure it’s installed, check:

• 🔍 Hidden Apps: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Hidden applications.
• 🚫 Disabled Programs: In the same menu, select the Disabled tab.
• 📂 Folders in menus: Some apps (like Google or Mi Video) are grouped into folders by default.

App is installed (check in Settings)

The app is neither hidden nor disabled

The app menu activates All Apps mode (not Features)

The launcher is not reset to factory settings-->

For models with POCO Launcher (e.g. POCO X5 Pro): Hold the icon for longer than 1 second, then select Add to the main screen from the context menu. In some versions of the launcher, the shortcut is created by double tap on the icon.

Method 2: Creating a shortcut through application settings

If the app is on the system but its icon doesn’t appear in the menu (for example, after manually installing the APK), use this method:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the app you want in the list (use search if it’s not in the main list).
3. Slip it, then select Open or Create a shortcut (depending on the MIUI version).
4. If there is no option to Create a shortcut, click Additional → Add to the main screen.

This method is suitable for:

• 📌 Annexes installed through ADB or APK.
• 🔧 System utilities (e.g. com.miui.player - standard player).
• 📱 Programs with limited rights (e.g. Test) DPC to set up a working profile).

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 15 (beta 2026) The path to shortcut creation has changed. → Annexes → Editing (pencil icon) → Select an application → Add to the main screen.

Method 3: Using Widgets for Quick Access

If standard methods don’t work (for example, for system applications like Mi Share or Game Turbo), you can add a quick start widget. This is true for MIUI 14/15, where some features are hidden behind the widget.

Instructions:

1. Click the empty space on the home screen and select Widgets.
2. Scroll through the list to the Tools or Xiaomi section.
3. Find the Quick Start widget or Application Shortcuts (name depends on the version of MIUI).
4. Drag it to the screen and select the desired app from the list.

Advantages of this method:

• ⚡ Works for system applications that cannot be carried out in a standard way.
• 🔄 The widget can be configured for different actions (for example, running a specific section in Settings).
• 📱 Supported on all models, including Redmi 12C and Xiaomi Pad 6.

💡

If the Quick Start widget is not listed, upgrade your MIUI to the latest version or reset your launcher settings: Settings → Topics → Desktop → Reset settings.

Method 4: Alternative launchers for advanced users

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be in the MIUI launcher itself, in which case installing a third-party launcher, for example:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – Supports hidden apps and flexible shortcut settings.
• 📱 Lawnchair is an open source lightweight launcher.
• 🔧 Apex Launcher – Suitable for older models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3).

How to install and configure:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. After installation, click Home and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. Open the application menu (gesture depends on the launcher) and find the right one.
4. Hold the icon and drag it to the main screen.

Advantages of alternative launchers:

• 🔍 Show all installed applications, including hidden system.
• 🎨 Allows you to change the sizes of icons, fonts and animations.
• 📂 Supports folder grouping and gestures.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 11 and older) when changing the launcher may disappear widgets MIUI (Weather, footsteps, smart home to return them, switch back temporarily to the standard launcher.

Standard. MIUI Launcher|Nova Launcher|POCO Launcher|Lawnchair|Other-->

Solving problems: the icon disappeared after updating or resetting

If shortcuts are missing after updating MIUI or resetting settings, follow these steps:

1. Restart your phone – sometimes it restores your desktop settings.
2. Reset the launcher settings: Settings → Themes → Desktop → Reset the settings
3. Check the display settings: Settings → Desktop → Show app icons (option must be enabled).
4. Update the launcher via Google Play (if you are using POCO Launcher or MIUI Launcher).

If the problem occurs after upgrading to MIUI 15, check:

• 🔄 Launcher version: Version 15 changed the way the labels are stored. Try dragging the icons back manually.
• 📦 Unused folder: Some apps automatically move there after updating.
• 🔧 Security settings: C Settings → Confidentiality → Special access → Display over other windows, check if the launcher is blocked.

💡

After major updates (e.g., from MIUI 13 to 14), application shortcuts may be reset.This is not a bug, but a feature of the launcher. Restore them manually or through a backup (if it was created in Settings → Additional → Backup).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When adding shortcuts, users often face typical problems, and here's how to solve them:

If you're using Second Space or guest mode, shortcuts may not sync between profiles.

1. Go to Settings. → Second Space.
2. Select the Desktop Settings.
3. Activate the option to sync shortcuts.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions