Modern shell MIUI and new HyperOS offer users many ways to organize space, but standard algorithms for working with files sometimes hide obvious functions. Many smartphone owners are confused about how to pin an important document, image, or created folder directly to the home screen for quick access. This is especially true when you need to regularly open work reports or family photos without a long search through Explorer.
Moving objects to the desktop is not just a matter of convenience, but also a way to optimize the workflow. Depending on the firmware version and device model, the paths to the required settings may differ slightly, but the basic principles remain the same. We will look at all existing methods: from creating simple application shortcuts to creating complex folders and widgets that save time.
It is important to understand the difference between moving the file itself in memory and creating its shortcut. The system Android in conjunction with Xiaomi most often offers the creation of a shortcut link, since physically moving system files to the desktop is technically impossible without root access. However, there are effective workarounds for user data, which we will consider in detail in this article.
Basic principles of working with application shortcuts
The simplest and most common way to fill the home screen is to remove icons of installed apps. Unlike “pure” Android, the default shell often separates the application menu and desktops. To move an icon, you need to go to the menu of all apps, find the desired object and hold it with your finger. Xiaomi by default, it often separates the application menu and desktops. To move an icon, you need to go to the menu of all apps, find the desired object and hold it with your finger.
After holding for a second, the system will offer to drag the element. If you have Classic Menu mode enabled, the icons are already on the tables and can simply be dragged and dropped between pages. In iOS Style mode, an explicit add action will be required. This is a fundamental setting interfacethat affects all further actions with shortcuts.
Some system utilities may be hidden or blocked from moving by the manufacturer. In such cases, trying to drag the icon will not work, or the item will automatically return to the menu. This is done to protect critical system settings from accidental deletion by the user.
It is worth noting that a long tap on the icon often brings up a context menu with additional options. Here you can quickly create widget or access application settings. Use this feature for quick navigation without going deep into the phone settings menu.
Creating and customizing folders on the main screen
When the number of icons becomes too large, folders come to the rescue. This is the best way to structure your space and group files by topic: “Work”, “Games”, “Finance”. The creation process is intuitive, but has its own nuances in different versions. MIUI.
To create a new group, simply drag one application icon on top of another. The system will automatically generate a container and prompt you to enter a name. You can rename a folder at any time by clicking on the name field. You can store dozens of applications inside one folder, which significantly saves screen space.
Use emoji in folder names for faster visual search for the desired category among many icons.
Management of folder contents is also done using drag-and-drop method. You can drag apps out of the folder back onto your desktop, or move them between different groups. When you delete all applications from a folder, it disappears automatically, freeing up space.
⚠️ Attention: Do not create too deep levels of nesting or huge folders with 50+ icons. This can lead to micro-delays when opening and make it difficult to find the desired item.
The design of folders can be customized by changing their transparency or shape, if your theme supports such functions. In standard settings, themes Wallpaper and the style of folders are often linked, so changing the visual style of the phone can change the look of your application groups.
Working with files through the built-in Explorer
Question about how to move a specific file (document, photo, music) to the desktop, can be solved through the system application Explorer. Unlike application icons, files are not directly displayed on the home screen, but you can create special widget shortcuts for them.
Open the application Explorer and find the file you need. Tap and hold your finger to select the object. In the bottom menu that appears, select “More” (three dots), and then find the “Create shortcut” option. The system will ask for confirmation and automatically place the file icon on an empty space on the desktop.
Such a shortcut works as a direct link. When you click on it, the file immediately opens in the corresponding application. This is extremely convenient for frequently used documents, such as price lists, instructions or personal notes in the format PDF.
| File type | Shortcut support | Opening application | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image (JPG, PNG) | Yes | Gallery | Opens immediately in full screen |
| Document (DOC, PDF) | Yes | Docs / Reader | Requires installed editor |
| Audio (MP3) | Yes | Music | Start playback |
| Video (MP4) | Yes | Video | May require a codec |
If the option to create a shortcut is not in the menu, check to see if the file is located in a protected system folder or on an encrypted SD card with restricted access. In some cases, access rights block the creation of links on external media.
☑️ Check before creating a shortcut
Using widgets to access data
Widgets are a powerful shell tool HyperOS i MIUIthat allows you to display information and controls directly on the desktop table With their help, you can access not only applications, but also specific functions or folders with files.
To add a widget, long-tap on an empty space on the desktop and select “Widgets” in the bottom menu. A library of all available elements will open. Look for an Explorer or Folders widget that allows you to pin access to a specific directory.
Some widgets allow you to display recently opened files or quick actions. For example, a notes widget can show the text of the latest recording, and a music widget can show player controls. This eliminates the need to open the entire application each time.
The size of widgets can be changed. By tapping and holding the widget, you will see a frame with resizing handles. Stretch the element to the required dimensions so that it displays more information or, conversely, takes up less space. This gives flexibility in planning screen space.
⚠️ Attention: A large number of active widgets, especially those updated in real time (weather, news), can increase battery consumption and RAM consumption.
New versions of the firmware have introduced “Capsules” and interactive widgets that respond to clicks. Explore the recommendations section in the widgets menu - they often offer smart scenarios based on your smartphone usage habits.
Advanced grid and scale settings
If the standard desktop grid does not allow you to fit everything you need, you can change its settings. B Xiaomi this is done through theme settings or special gestures. Changing the number of cells allows you to fit more icons and widgets on one screen.
Long-press an empty space on the screen and go to Settings (gear). Find the "Advanced Settings" or "More" option where the "Layout" option is hidden. Here you can select a configuration, for example, 5x6 or 6x6 instead of the standard 4x5.
You can also configure the font scale and interface elements in the general phone settings. Reducing the scale makes the icons smaller, which visually frees up space. However, elements that are too small may be difficult to press with your finger.
Secret Developer Mode
In the “For Developers” menu, you can enable the option to force changes in screen density (DPI), which will make icons extremely small, but this may break the operation of some applications.
Remember that changing the layout may disrupt the existing arrangement of icons. The system will try to maintain their position, but the widgets may move or change size. It is recommended to take a screenshot of the current layout before making major changes.
Solving problems with movement and freezing
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the icon “sticks” to the finger and does not move, or the desktop is blocked. This is most often due to the Layout Lock feature being enabled. Check your desktop settings and make sure the lock is open.
If file shortcuts stop opening or appear as a blank sheet, the application associated with that file type may have been uninstalled or updated incorrectly. Try deleting the shortcut and creating it again through Explorer.
In rare cases, clearing the launcher cache helps. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find “System Launcher” and clear the cache. This will not delete your data, but will reset your desktop display settings.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and menu names may vary depending on the version MIUI or HyperOS. If you do not find the described item, use the search in the phone settings.
Regularly rebooting the smartphone also helps eliminate minor graphical glitches associated with the display of icons. If the problem is systemic, check for firmware updates in the About Phone menu.
Layout locking is the most common reason for not being able to move an icon. Always check the lock status in the desktop settings first.
Why can’t I move a file from the Gallery to the desktop?
Directly moving photos as application icons is not supported by standard tools. You need to create a shortcut through Explorer or use the Gallery widget, which displays slide shows or specific albums.
How to return the standard desktop view after changes?
In the launcher settings there is a “Reset desktop settings” function. It will return the grid, icon layout and widgets to the factory state by deleting all your custom folders.
Is it possible to move applications to the SD card to free up space?
In modern versions of Android and MIUI, the ability to move applications to the SD card is limited or absent for most apps. This is done to ensure stable system speed.
What to do if a file shortcut shows a “File not found” error?
This means that the original file has been moved to another folder or deleted. A shortcut is just a link. You need to find the original file in Explorer and create a new shortcut with the current path.
How to disable advertising in folders and on the desktop?
Advertising recommendations in folders can be disabled in the launcher settings by finding the “Receive recommendations” item and unchecking the box. It is also worth disabling the MSA service in the privacy settings.