Adding shortcuts to the desktop Android is one of those simple, but not obvious functions that save time. Do you want your favorite site, frequently used application or contact to be always at hand? No need to look for them in the menu or browser - just one touch on the main screen. However, not everyone knows that on Android you can place not only app icons, but also links to web pages, direct contacts for calls/SMS, and even special commands (for example, launching a navigator to your home).

In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from standard tools Android 13/14 to hidden functions of manufacturers (Samsung One UI, MIUI, ColorOS). You'll learn how to get around the limitations of some skins, why shortcuts sometimes disappear after an update, and how to get them back. And also - the only working method for creating shortcuts on the lock screen (without root access).

1. Standard method: site shortcut via browser

The most universal method that works on 99% of smartphones is adding a link directly from the browser. Suitable for Google Chrome, Samsung Internet, Yandex Browser and other popular applications. The main advantage: does not require installation of additional software.

Instructions:

  • 🌐 Open the desired site in the browser (for example, vk.com or gmail.com).
  • 🔍 Click on the icon ellipsis (⋮) in the upper right corner.
  • 📌 Select “Add to home screen" (in Chrome) or "Create a shortcut" (in Samsung Internet).
  • ✏️ If necessary, edit the name of the shortcut.
  • 📱 Click “Add" - the icon will appear on the desktop.

⚠️ Attention: On On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Redmi c MIUI 14), the shortcut may not be created as a separate icon, but as a “browser widget”. To fix this, hold your finger on the shortcut → select “Change" → change the type to “Shortcut».

The site opens without errors in the browser

The smartphone has enough free space on the desktop

The browser is updated to the latest version

Disabled browser restrictions in battery settings-->

2. Application shortcuts: quick access to functions

Many applications (for example, Google Maps, Telegram, WhatsApp) support the creation of deep links shortcuts that open not the application itself, but a specific one section. For example, you can place a button on the desktop for:

  • 📍 Quick launch of the navigator to home address.
  • 💬 Opening specific chat to messenger.
  • 🎵 Playback playlist in YouTube Music or Spotify.
  • 📝 Creations new notes to Google Keep.

How to do this:

  1. Hold your finger on an empty space on the desktop.
  2. Select "Widgets" (or "Shortcuts" to Samsung).
  3. Find the desired application in the list (for example, Google Maps).
  4. Drag a widget with the name "Label" or "Quick actions».
  5. Select an action from the suggested ones (for example, “Home” or “Work” for the navigator).
Why do not all applications support deep links?

Developers must specifically add this function to the application code via Android Manifest. If there is no “Shortcuts” item in the widget menu for a specific application, then this option is not implemented. Alternative: use Tasker or Shortcut Maker to create custom shortcuts.

⚠️ Attention: On Huawei and Honor s EMUI/Magic UI If the widgets are not in the main menu, try:

  1. Open the application "Shortcuts" (if it is preinstalled).
  2. Or use third-party software like QuickShortcutMaker (available c Google Play).

3. Creating a contact shortcut for a quick call/SMS

If you often have to call the same person (for example, your boss or a close relative), place his contact on your desktop. This will save time - you don’t need to open the phone book.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the application "Contact» (Google Contacts or standard).
  2. Find the desired contact and open it.
  3. Click on the icon ellipses (⋮) → «Add to main screen».
  4. Select action type:
    • 📞 Call (will immediately dial the number when pressed).
    • 💬 Message (will open SMS chat).
    • 📧 Email (if an email address is attached).
  • Confirm the creation of the shortcut.

    • 🔹 Problem on Xiaomi: On some models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5), the “Add to home screen” option may not be available Solution:

    • Use the "Contact" widget (hold your finger on the screen → "Widgets" → find the contacts widget).
    • Or install an alternative contacts application (for example, Simple Contacts).
    💡

    If the contact shortcut does not work after updating MIUI, try clearing the application cache “Contacts” in settings (Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Contacts → Clear cache).

    4. Advanced methods: shortcuts via ADB and third-party applications

    If standard methods are not suitable (for example, you need to create a shortcut for system menu or hidden function, you will have to use developer tools. This is relevant for:

    • 🔧 Quick access to Settings → System → Developer options.
    • 🔄 Create a shortcut for reboot to recovery.
    • 📱 Launch split screen mode for specific applications.

    To do this you will need:

    1. Enable USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to “System → Developer options” and enable debugging).
    2. Install on PC ADB Tools (for example Platform Tools from Google).
    3. Connect the phone to the computer and run the command:
    adb shell am shortcut --add

    --package com.android.settings
    

    --action android.settings.DEVELOPMENT_SETTINGS
    

    --name "Developer options"
    

    --icon-res android:drawable/ic_settings

    🔹 Alternative without ADB: Application Shortcut Maker (available in Google PlayIt allows you to create shortcuts for:

    • 📁 Any Activities in applications.
    • 🔗 Deep links (for example, intent:#Intent;action=android.intent.action.VIEW;package=com.whatsapp;end).
    • 📱 System functions (reboot, enable/disable mobile data).

    Standard (via browser/contacts)

    Application widgets

    Third-party apps (Shortcut Maker, Tasker)

    ADB commands

    I don’t create shortcuts -->

    5. Why shortcuts disappear and how to fix it

    Users often encounter a problem: shortcuts suddenly disappear from the desktop after reboot, update the system or clear the cache. Causes and solutions:

    Problem Cause Solution
    Shortcuts disappear after updating MIUI/One UI Reset settings launcher Install an alternative launcher (Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher)
    The site shortcut opens in the browser, not in the application Incorrect binding Intent Delete the shortcut and create it again by selecting “Open in application”
    Shortcuts are reset after clearing the cache Clearing launcher data Do not clear the cache for the application "Launcher" or "Home screen»
    Shortcuts are not created on Huawei Restrictions Restrictions EMUI for third-party launchers Use a standard launcher or Huawei Launcher

    ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Realme, Oppo with ColorOS) shortcuts may disappear due to the "Optimization of the work. desktop" function. To disable it:

    1. Go to Settings → Desktop and wallpaper → Desktop settings.
    2. Disable the option "Automatic optimization».
    💡

    If shortcuts disappear after each update - use a backup of the launcher settings (in Nova Launcher: Long press → Backup/Restore).

    6. Hidden features: shortcuts on the lock screen

    Few people know, but on Android you can place shortcuts even on the lock screen - without root access and complex manipulations. This works through the "Quick tools"(on Samsung) or "Lock shortcuts" (on Xiaomi).

    Instructions for Samsung Galaxy (One UI 5/6):

    1. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Quick tools.
    2. Select "Add shortcut».
    3. Specify an application or action (for example, "Camera», «Phone», «Google Assistant»).
    4. Swipe up on the lock screen - the shortcut will appear in the bottom panel.

    For Xiaomi/Redmi (MIUI 14):

    1. Open Settings → Lock screen → Lock shortcuts.
    2. Activate the switch and select up to 5 applications.
    3. Now when you swipe left/right on the selected shortcuts will open on the locked screen.

    ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Pixel, Motorola) this function is not available. An alternative is to use the “Shortcuts" widget on the main screen with a minimal swipe to unlock.

    How to add a custom shortcut to the lock screen?

    This requires an application Lock Screen Shortcuts (requires permission Special AccessAfter installation:

    1. “Add Shortcut.”

    2. Specify an action (for example, launch Spotify or opening a website).

    3. Place the shortcut in one of the corners of the lock screen.

    ⚠️ Does not work on all devices due to manufacturer restrictions.

    7. Automation: shortcuts using Tasker

    If you need dynamic shortcuts (for example, that change the action depending on the time of day or location), use TaskerThis tool allows you to create complex scripts:

    • 🕒 Shortcut "Home", which leads to work on weekdays and home on weekends.
    • 📡 Shortcut to enable airplane mode in a specific place (for example, in movie theater).
    • 🔋 Shortcut that opens energy saving mode when the battery is low.

    Setting example:

    1. Install Tasker from Google Play.
    2. Create a new task (Tasks → +).
    3. Add the action "Open application" or "Send Intent».
    4. Go back to the home screen, hold your finger → "Widgets" → find the widget Tasker.
    5. Drag it to the screen and select the created one task.

    🔹 Tip: To simplify it, use the plugin Tasker App Factory —it allows you to export tasks to separate APK files that can be installed like regular applications.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about shortcuts on Android

    Is it possible to create a shortcut for a folder with files?

    Yes, but not directly. Use a file manager (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer), find the folder, click "Add to home screen". data-i="293">this works through the app " Samsung it works through the app "My files».

    Why does the site shortcut open not in full screen mode, but as a browser tab?

    It depends on how the site is configured to display on mobile devices. If in. There is a tag <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width">in the site code, it will open correctly. To force it to open in full screen mode, use a browser Kiwi Browser with the function "Add to home screen as PWA».

    How to change the shortcut icon?

    No way with standard means. But you can use:

    • Application Shortcut Maker (allows you to select any icon from the gallery).
    • Launchers like Nova Launcher (support for custom icons for shortcuts).
    • On Samsung: hold the shortcut → "Change» → «Icon».
    Can I transfer shortcuts to another smartphone?

    Yes, if you use a launcher with a backup function (for example, Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher), export the settings on the old device (Long press → Backup), then import on the new one. For standard launchers (One UI, MIUI), transfer shortcuts. is impossible - they will have to be created anew.

    Why is there no “Add to home screen” option on some sites?

    This depends on two factors:

    1. Browser: B Firefox i Opera this function may be hidden in the submenu "Share» → «Add to home screen».
    2. Site: Some resources (for example, banking services) block the creation of shortcuts for security reasons. Solution: use the “For computer" mode in the browser.