The Android desktop is not just a place for application icons, but also a convenient area for quick access to important files. Many users do not know that you can display not only app shortcuts on the main screen, but also documents, photos, archives, or even folders with files. This saves time: instead of searching in Google Drive or a file manager, the desired PDF, APK or image will always be at hand.

In this article we will look at all the current ways to add files to the home screen, including hidden functions of new versions of Android (from Android 12 to Android 15). We will pay special attention to the nuances for firmware One UI (Samsung), MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco) and ColorOS (Oppo/Realme), where the algorithm may differ from “pure” Android. We will also consider workarounds for files that the system does not allow to be placed on the desktop by default.

1. Standard method: through a file manager

The most universal method is to use a built-in or third-party file manager. It works on 90% of devices, including budget smartphones with lightweight firmware. The algorithm is the same for Google Files, Mi File Manager, Samsung My Files and other popular applications.

Open the file manager and follow these steps:

  • 📁 Find the desired file or folder in the device memory (internal or on the SD card).
  • 🔗 Tap on the file and hold your finger 1-2 seconds until the context menu appears.
  • 🖼️ Select item "Create shortcut" (or "Add to main screen" —the wording depends on the firmware).
  • 📱 Confirm placement: the shortcut will appear on the desktop.

If there is no item "Create shortcut" check whether it is hidden under the button ⋮ ("More") in the upper corner of the screen. On some devices Huawei i Honor this option is called "Send to desktop".

📊 What file manager do you use?
Google Files
Samsung My Files
Mi File Manager
Total Commander
Other

2. Alternative method: through the "Widgets" menu

Not everyone knows that files can be placed on the main screen through the widgets section. This method is useful if the file manager does not offer the option to create a shortcut (for example, on older versions of Android). Instructions:

  1. Touch an empty space on the desktop and hold your finger until a menu appears.
  2. Select "Widgets" (or "Widgets" on English firmware).
  3. Scroll down the list to the section "Files" or "Shortcuts".
  4. Drag the widget "File shortcut" (or "File Shortcut") to the desktop.
  5. In the window that opens, select the desired file through the built-in explorer.

This method works even for files that are not usually displayed in the manager (for example, hidden system files with extension .nomedia). However, keep in mind that widgets take up more screen space than regular shortcuts.

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If the "File Shortcut" widget is missing, install a third-party file manager (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer) - they add this function.

3. For advanced: using ADB commands

If your device does not support creating shortcuts through the interface (for example, on some tablets with Android Go), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires a connection to a PC, but is guaranteed to work on any device.

Sequence of actions:

  1. Enable debugging USB in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
  2. Connect your smartphone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT -n com.android.launcher3/.ShortcutInstallActivity -d file:///sdcard/Download/yourfile.pdf -t text/plain

    Replace /sdcard/Download/yourfile.pdf with a real one path to your file.

  3. A request to create a shortcut will appear on the smartphone screen - confirm it.

This method is universal, but requires minimal knowledge of working with ADBTo simplify, you can use utilities like Scrcpy or SideQuest, which automate the process.

What to do if ADB does not recognize the device?

Make sure that the drivers for your smartphone model are installed (download them from the manufacturer's website). Also check if the mode is enabled File transfer (MTP) when connecting via USB. If the problem persists, try using a different USB cable. (preferably original).

4. Features for firmware of Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands

Manufacturers often modify standard Android, so the algorithm for adding files to the main screen may differ. Let's consider the key nuances for popular brands:

Brand/Firmware Features of creating shortcuts Alternative method
Samsung (One UI) There is no "Create a shortcut" option My Files There is no "Create shortcut" option. Use a widget "Shortcuts and folders" → "Files". Install Google Files - the function works as standard.
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (MIUI) In Mi File Manager shortcuts are created after a long time press → "More" → "Create shortcut". If the option is missing, update the firmware to MIUI 14+.
Google Pixel (Stock Android) The function works out of the box via Google Files or any third-party manager. For APK files, use the widget "App Shortcuts".
Huawei/Honor (EMUI) Shortcuts are created via Huawei Files, but only for files in folders Download or Documents. Move the file to an authorized folder or use ADB.

On devices with MIUI 13 and older, file shortcuts are automatically grouped into the "Shortcuts" folder on the desktop - this behavior cannot be disabled without root access.

5. How to display a folder with files

If you need to place a separate file, but an entire folder (for example, with a project or a collection of photos), the algorithm will be different. Most file managers do not support creating shortcuts for folders directly, but there are workarounds:

  • 📂 Use the widget "Folder files" (available in Google Files i Solid Explorer).
  • 🔄 Create a ZIP archive of the folder, and then bring it to the main screen as a regular file.
  • 🛠️ Install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) that supports folder shortcuts.

On Samsung a widget is suitable for this purpose—it allows you to attach a folder from the internal memory or "My files" - it allows you to attach a folder from the internal memory or SD cardson Xiaomi a widget performs a similar function. section "Folder" in section "Tools".

Compress the folder into a ZIP archive|Check the access rights files|Make sure that the path does not contain Cyrillic|Select a launcher that supports folder shortcuts-->

6. Solving problems: why the file is not added to the screen

Sometimes errors occur when trying to create a shortcut. Here are the most common reasons and ways to resolve them:

⚠️ Attention: If the file is stored. on SD card, make sure that it is formatted as internal memory (in the storage settings). Otherwise, the shortcut may disappear after reboot.
  • 🚫 The file is too large: Android limits the file size for shortcuts (usually up to 50 MB). Solution - archive the file or transfer it to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).
  • 🔒 Launcher restrictions: Standard shells (for example, One UI Home) can block shortcuts for certain file types. Set Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher.
  • 📛 Unsupported extension: Shortcuts are not created for files with extensions .apk, .exe Use ADB or rename the extension.

If the shortcut appears as an empty icon after creation, check:

  1. Whether the file has been moved since the shortcut was created (update the path manually).
  2. Are there restrictions on storage access for the file manager (Settings → Applications → Permissions).

7. Automation: how to quickly add files to the screen

If you often have to bring files to the desktop, it makes sense to automate the process. Here are a few ways to speed up the work:

  • ⚡ Voice commands: Set up Google Assistant Set up to create shortcuts by voice For example: “Okay, Google. add the file report.pdf to the main screen.
  • 🤖 Tasker/Automate: Create a task that, when moving a file to a specific folder (for example, QuickAccess) automatically generates shortcut.
  • 📎 Widget "Quick Actions": In Nova Launcher you can configure a gesture (for example, swipe up), which will open a menu with the option to add a file.

For Samsung useful use Bixby Routines: create a rule that, when connected to a certain Wi-Fi network (for example, at work), automatically displays the necessary files on the screen. Xiaomi performs a similar function Quick Ball.

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Automation saves time, but requires initial setup. Start with simple rules (for example, shortcuts for frequently used PDFs) and gradually increase complexity. scenarios.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about file shortcuts on Android

Is it possible to display a file from Google Drive or another cloud?

No, shortcuts only work for local files. However, you can:

  1. Download a file from the cloud to the device memory, then. create a shortcut.
  2. Use a widget Google Drivethat displays the latest files (but not a specific document).
Why did the shortcut disappear after a firmware update?

With major Android updates (for example, from Android 13 to Android 14) the launcher can reset the settings. Solution:

  • Recreate the shortcut manually.
  • Install a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher), which saves shortcuts between updates.
How to change the file shortcut icon?

Standard Android tools do not allow you to edit file shortcut icons. Workarounds:

  • Use a launcher that supports customization (for example, Nova Launcher + plugin Sesame Shortcuts).
  • Create a shortcut via Shortcut Maker (application in Play Market), where you can select any icon.
Is it possible to display an executable file (APK, EXE)?

For APKfiles:

  • Use the widget "APK Installer" (available in APKMirror Installer).
  • Create a shortcut via ADB (see section 3).

Files EXE are not supported on Android - they can only be launched through Windows emulators (for example, Wine or ExaGear).

How to remove a file shortcut from the main screen?

Deleting a shortcut does not delete it itself file! To remove a shortcut:

  1. Click on the shortcut and hold your finger.
  2. Drag it to the top of the screen to the inscription "Delete" (or "Remove").
  3. Release finger.

On some firmware (for example, EMUIyou must first click on the pencil icon (edit mode), then delete the shortcut.