You Ever lost an important document in the jungle of smartphone folders? Or did you want to quickly open your favorite song without rummaging through Google Play Music? File shortcuts on Android solve this problem - they work as "hot keys" for your data. But unlike Windows or macOS, there is no universal solution: the method depends on the OS version, the manufacturer’s shell, and even the file type.

In this article we will look at all the current ways to create shortcuts - from built-in tools Samsung One UI and MIUI to universal applications like ES Explorer or Files by Google. You will learn how to make a shortcut for PDF, video, APK, and also why some files fundamentally do not want to be “shortcuted”. And yes, we won’t forget about the hidden features ADB for advanced users.

Why on Android there is no standard way to create a file shortcut

Unlike desktop OSes, Android initially not designed to work with the file system as the main interface. Here the priority is applications, and files are considered “internal kitchen”. Here's why:

  • 📱 Fragmentation of shells: Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo other manufacturers modify the standard Android, adding their own conductors and rules for working with files. For example, in One UI shortcuts are created through a long press, and in ColorOS through the context menu.
  • 🔒 Security Policy: Since version Android 10 Google has tightened access to the file system via Scoped Storage. Now applications cannot freely create shortcuts to other people's files without explicit permission.
  • 📂 Lack of a “desktop”: In pure Android (for example, on Pixel) there is no classic desktop - only a launcher with an application widget. There is simply nowhere to put file shortcuts here by default.

Another problem - file types. A shortcut for .mp3 or .jpg is easy to create (media players support them), but for .db or .apk you will have to use workarounds. Fortunately, there are universal solutions - we'll talk about them further.

📊 Which explorer do you use on Android?
Files by Google
ES Explorer
Standard from the manufacturer
Total Commander
Other

Method 1: Standard tools (for Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei shells)

If you have a smartphone Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei or Oppo, most likely, the system already has a built-in tool for creating shortcuts. Let's look at the most common options:

For Samsung (One UI)

Shell One UI allows you to create shortcuts directly from the standard explorer My files:

  1. Open the application My files.
  2. Find the file you need and do long press on it.
  3. In the menu that appears, select Create a shortcut (or Add to home screen in new versions).
  4. The shortcut will automatically appear on the desktop.

For Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS)

In MIUI and new HyperOS the algorithm is slightly different:

  1. Open Explorer (folder icon).
  2. Find the file, click on the three dots to the right of it.
  3. Select Send → Home screen.
  4. Confirm the creation of the shortcut.

Check the shell version (One UI, MIUI, etc.)

Make sure the file is not in a protected folder (for example, DCIM/.thumbnails)

Disable battery optimization for Explorer (if shortcuts disappear after reboot)

Check if there is free space on the main screen-->

⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi shortcuts for APK files are created only if the option Unknown sources is enabled in the security settings. Without this, the shortcut will open the file via Explorerrather than installing the application.

Manufacturer Explorer application Path to function Supported formats
Samsung My files Long press → Create shortcut Any except system
Xiaomi Explorer ⋮ → Send → Home screen Media, documents, APK
Huawei Files Select → More → Shortcut Everything except databases
Oppo/Realme File manager ⋮ → Add to home screen Limited to media files

Method 2: Through third-party explorers (ES, Total Commander, FX)

If your smartphone runs on a pure Android (for example, Google Pixel or Motorola), there may not be standard tools for creating file shortcuts. In this case, third-party explorers will help:

ES Explorer

One of the most popular solutions, despite reputational problems in the past (the application is now cleared of malicious code):

  1. Install ES Explorer from Google Play.
  2. Open the application and find the file you need.
  3. Long press → select the file → press More (three dots).
  4. Select Create a shortcut → confirm.

Total Commander

More advanced option with plugin support:

  1. Install Total Commander.
  2. Find the file in Explorer.
  3. Tap and hold file → Shortcut in the bottom menu.
  4. Select To home screen.

Files by Google

Official application from Google, but with limited capabilities:

  • 🔹 Supports shortcuts only for media files (photos, videos, audio).
  • 🔹 For documents and APK you will have to use workarounds (see Method 4).
  • 🔹 Algorithm: long press → Share → Create shortcut (if the option is available).

⚠️ Attention: Some Explorers (for example Solid Explorer) require additional permissions to create shortcuts. If nothing happens after pressing, check the application settings in the section Special access → File access.

💡

If the shortcut does not appear on the main screen, try dragging it from the "Widgets" folder (long press on an empty area of the screen → "Widgets" → find the shortcut in the list).

Method 3: Widgets and launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If standard methods do not work, you can take a workaround - use widgets or custom launchers. This method is universal and works even on older versions of Android.

Through the "Shortcuts" widget

Many launchers (for example, Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) support widgets for quick access to files:

  1. Install Nova Launcher (or similar).
  2. Long press on an empty area of the screen → Widgets.
  3. Find a widget Shortcuts or Shortcuts (may be called Activities in Nova).
  4. Select File or Document → specify the path to the file.

Using the "Shortcut" application Maker"

Utility Shortcut Maker (available in Google Play) allows you to create shortcuts for any files, including APK and system files:

  1. Install Shortcut Maker.
  2. Select the type of shortcut: File or Activity (for APK).
  3. Specify the path to the file (you can use the built-in explorer).
  4. Click Create → the shortcut will appear on the screen.

🔹 The advantage of the: works even for files in protected folders (for example, /data/data/), if you have root-access method.

🔹 Disadvantage: some launchers (for example, standard Pixel Launcher) do not support third-party shortcut widgets.

How to find the file path for Shortcut Maker?

Open any explorer that displays paths (for example, Total Commander).

Find the file and copy its full path from the address bar (example: /storage/emulated/0/Download/document.pdf).

In Shortcut Maker, paste this path into the "Location" or "File path" field.

Method 4: For APK and system files (advanced)

Creating a shortcut for a .apkfile or system document is more difficult due to security restrictions. Here are the working methods:

Via ADB (without root)

If you do not have root access, but have access to ADB, you can create a shortcut with the command:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d file:///sdcard/Download/yourfile.apk -t "application/vnd.android.package-archive"

Replace /sdcard/Download/yourfile.apk with the real path to file. After executing the command, the shortcut will appear in the recent applications menu - you can pin it to the main screen.

Using Tasker (automation)

Tasker allows you to create shortcuts for any files through tasks:

  1. Install Tasker and plugin AutoShortcut.
  2. Create a new task: Action → File → Open file.
  3. Specify the path to the file.
  4. Save the task and create a shortcut via Long press on the task → Create a shortcut.

⚠️ Attention: For APK files, the shortcut will open the file through Explorer, rather than launching the installation. To install the APK directly, use the command:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.INSTALL_PACKAGE -d file:///sdcard/Download/app.apk -t "application/vnd.android.package-archive"
💡

For APK files shortcut ≠ installation. To avoid unnecessary steps, use specialized installers like SAI (Split APK Installer) or App Installer from Google Play.

Method 5: Cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox)

If the file is stored in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, Yandex Drive), you can create a shortcut directly from the application:

Google Drive

  1. Open the file in the application Google Disk.
  2. Click on the three dots → Open in....
  3. Select Create shortcut (if the option is available) or Share → Copy link.
  4. Use the widget Google Drive on the main screen for quick access.

Dropbox

B Dropbox the algorithm is similar, but with nuances:

  • 📁 Find the file in the application.
  • 🔗 Click Share → Copy link.
  • 📱 Create a shortcut via widget Dropbox or use Shortcut Maker (see Method 3).

🔹 Plus of the method: files are available on all devices, the shortcut does not take up space in the smartphone’s memory.

🔹 Minus: requires a constant Internet connection to access the file.

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after creating a shortcut, you may encounter errors. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem Cause Solution
The shortcut disappears after reboot The launcher resets the cache Use Nova Launcher or add the shortcut to the folder on the screen
The shortcut does not open the file There is no default application Assign a app to open through Settings → Applications
Cannot create a shortcut for APK Limitations Scoped Storage Use SAI or ADB (see Method 4)
The shortcut leads to Explorer, and does not open the file Incorrect intent Check the MIME type of the file in Shortcut Maker

⚠️ Attention: On Android 13+ some explorers (for example, ES Explorer) may not see files in folders Download or Documents due to new privacy rules. Solution: move the file to the application folder (for example, /Android/data/com.example.app/files/) or use Total Commander with access to all files enabled.

Is it possible to create a shortcut for a file in the root folder (/system, /data)?

Without root access. data-i="306">loss of warranty or "brick" of the device —not even with ADB access to system folders is limited. If you have root, use Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with superuser mode enabled. Please note: changes to /system may lead to loss of warranty or damage to the device.

Why does the PDF shortcut open in the browser and not in Adobe Reader?

It depends on the settings default applicationsTo fix:

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Find Adobe Acrobat Reader → Open by default.
  3. Click Clear defaults.
  4. Open the PDF via a shortcut and select Adobe Reader in the dialog box.
How to make a shortcut for a file on an SD card?

On Android 11+ access to the SD card is limited. Solutions:

  • 📁 Move the file to internal memory.
  • 🔧 Use a file explorer that supports Storage Access Framework (for example, Mixplorer).
  • 🛠️ For root-users: mount the SD card as internal memory (setting in Settings → Storage).

⚠️ After removing the SD card, the shortcuts will stop working!

Can I change the shortcut icon?

Yes, but the methods depend on the creation method:

  • 🎨 For shortcuts via Shortcut Maker: click on the shortcut → Edit → select the icon.
  • 🖼️ For widgets in Nova Launcher: long press → Edit widget → Icon.
  • 📱 For standard shortcuts (Samsung/Xiaomi): the icon is taken from the associated application and does not change.
Does this work on Android Go or tablets?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • 📱 On Android Go some explorers (for example, Files by Google) do not support creating shortcuts. Use ES Explorer or Total Commander.
  • 🖥️ On tablets (for example Samsung Tab) the algorithm is the same as on smartphones, but shortcuts can be placed on the lock screen (in One UI).