Shortcuts on Android are not just application icons, but a powerful tool for speeding up work with a smartphone. They allow you to open in one tap not only apps, but also specific functions (for example call your favorite contact or voice recording), web pages, system settings and even hidden OS features. Unlike iOS, where customization options are limited, Android gives you complete freedom: you can place shortcuts anywhere - on desktop, on quick settings panel or even on lock screen (on some firmware).

The problem is that many users have been using a smartphone for years without knowing about half of these capabilities. For example, did you know that you can create a shortcut to directly launching the shooting mode in manual format (RAW) in the camera or to open a specific chat in Telegram without searching? And what about the fact that some shortcuts save up to 30% of time on everyday tasks? In this article we will look at all the methods - from basic to advanced, including those that are not obvious even to experienced users.

1. Standard application shortcuts: how to add and organize

Let's start with the basics: adding application shortcuts to the desktop. This method works on all versions of Android (from Android 5.0 Lollipop to Android 15) and does not require superuser rights. The main rule: do not fill the screen with all apps in a row - this will slow down the search for what you need. It’s better to group them into folders or use widgets.

To add a shortcut:

  • 📱 Open application menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen or tap on the "All applications" icon).
  • 🔍 Find the application you need (you can use the search at the top of the screen).
  • 🖱️ Long-press the application icon and drag it to the desktop. On some firmware (for example MIUI or ColorOS), you must first click "Add to home screen".
  • 📍 Place the shortcut in a convenient place. To create a folder, drag one icon onto another.

If the shortcut is not added, check:

  • 🔄 Is the mode Easy interface activated (located in Settings → Accessibility). It simplifies the menu, but limits customization.
  • 📱 Is a third-party launcher used (for example, Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher). The process may differ in them.
  • 🔒 Is the application blocked by the device administrator (relevant for work phones).
📊 What launcher are you using?
Standard (from the manufacturer)
Nova Launcher
Apex Launcher
Microsoft Launcher
Other
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI) application shortcuts are hidden in the "Tools" folder by default. To see them, swipe left on the desktop.

2. Contact shortcuts: quick call or message

One ​​of the most useful types of shortcuts is contact. They allow you to call, write SMS or open a chat in messenger (WhatsApp, Telegram) to a specific person in one tap. This is especially convenient for frequently used contacts (for example, loved ones or colleagues).

You can create such a shortcut in two ways:

Method 1: Through the contacts menu

  1. Open the application Contact (or Phone).
  2. Find the desired contact and tap on it.
  3. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner → Add to home screen.
  4. Select an action: Call, Message or Video call (not available on all devices).

Method 2: Through the "Contacts" widget (works on most firmware):

  • 🖱️ Press and hold an empty space on the desktop → select Widgets.
  • 🔍 Find the widget Contact (or Direct Dial/Direct Message on English firmware).
  • 📞 Drag it to the screen and select contact + action.
Shortcut type Action Supported applications
Call Dial by tap Standard call, WhatsApp, Telegram (voice only)
Message Open chat or SMS SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Signal
Video call Start a video call WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Duo, Zoom
Email Create a letter Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ i One UI 4.0+ (Samsung) contact shortcuts may not work if access to contacts for the launcher is disabled in your privacy settings. Check in Settings → Applications → Launcher → Permissions.

3. Website shortcuts: quick access to pages. data-i="120">If you frequently visit certain sites (for example, mail, social networks or work services), create shortcuts for them on the desktop. This will eliminate the need to open the browser and enter the address manually. data-i="123">🌐 Open the site in the browser

If you frequently visit certain sites (for example, email, social networks or work services), create shortcuts for them on your desktop. This will eliminate the need to open the browser and enter the address manually. Especially convenient for sites without official applications (for example, Trello, Notion or corporate portals).

Instructions for Chrome:

  • 🌐 Open the site in your browser Google Chrome.
  • 🔧 Tap on the three dots (⋮) → Add to home screen.
  • 📝 If necessary, edit the shortcut name.
  • ✅ Click Add.

For other browsers:

  • Firefox: ⋮ → Page → Add to home screen.
  • Samsung Internet: ⋮ → Add shortcut.
  • Opera: ⋮ → Add to screen.

Important: such shortcuts open the site in mini-browser version (without an address bar), which speeds up loading, but may limit functionality (for example, some extensions will not work).

Is the site open in browser?

Is there free space on the desktop?

Is JavaScript enabled on the site (otherwise it may not work)?

Is the login/password saved (if authorization is required)?

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Web application shortcuts (PWA) on Android 10+ are automatically updated in the background, like native applications, but they consume less memory For example, the shortcut Twitter Lite or Google Docs will weigh 5-10 times less than a full-fledged application.

4. Shortcuts to system settings and functions

Android allows you to create shortcuts for direct access to settings. for example, to Do Not Disturb mode, mobile data or Bluetooth. This eliminates the need to delve into the menu. The method works on all devices, but the settings may vary depending on the firmware.

Method 1: Through the notification panel (Android 7.0+)

  • 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel.
  • 🔧 Find the icon of the desired setting (for example, Wi-Fi or Flashlight).
  • 🖱️ Long-press the icon and drag it to the desktop. On some devices, you must first click "Edit" (✏️).

Method 2: Via widget Settings data-i="160">Settings (works on Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO):

  • 🖱️Pinch an empty space on your desktop → Widgets.
  • 🔍 Find the widget Settings (or Quick Settings).
  • 📱 Drag it to the screen and select the desired function from the list.

Method 3: Through the "Settings Shortcuts" application (for advanced users)

If your firmware does not support creating settings shortcuts, install the free one application Settings Shortcut from Google Play. It allows you to create a shortcut for any Android settings, even hidden ones. For example:

  • 📱 Settings → System → Gestures (to quickly change navigation gestures).
  • 🔋 Settings → Battery → Power saving mode.
  • 📡 Settings → Network and Internet → SIM cards (for quick operator change).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ some settings shortcuts may require confirmation via Pin code or Fingerprint on first launch. This is a security measure against accidental changes.
How to create a shortcut for hidden settings (for example, developer mode)?

1. Activate Developer mode (7 taps by build number in Settings → About phone).

2. Install the application Activity Launcher from Google Play.

3. Open the application, find the section Settings and select the desired activity (for example, DevelopmentSettings).

4. Click on the three dots → Create Shortcut.

5. Advanced shortcuts: tasks, automation and hidden functions

For users who want To get the most out of Android, there are more complex types of shortcuts. They allow you to automate routine tasks or access functions that are usually hidden behind several menus.

1. Task Shortcuts

Some applications (for example, Google Assistant, Google Keep, 1Password) support shortcuts for specific actions. To see them:

  • 🖱️ Long-press the application icon on the desktop.
  • 🔍 In the menu that appears, select the desired action (for example, "Create a note" in Google Keep or "Scan QR code" in Google Lens).
  • 📍 Drag the shortcut to your desktop.

2. Shortcuts via ADB (for the tech-savvy)

If you're ready use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can create shortcuts for any actions, including those that are not supported by standard methods. For example:

  • 📱 Quick enable/disable USB debugging.
  • 🔄 Reboot to Recovery or Fastboot.
  • 📡 Forced switching between 2G/3G/4G/5G.

Example command for creating a shortcut reboot in Recovery:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.android.settings/.RebootSettings

3. Shortcuts through automation applications

Applications like Tasker, MacroDroid or Automate allow you to create shortcuts for chains of actions. data-i="217">chains of actions

  • 📱 Simultaneous activation Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and launch Spotify.
  • 📞 Automatic answering of calls with sending SMS (for example, “I’m on the way, I’ll call you back in 10 minutes”).
  • 🔋 Enabling power saving mode when the charge level is below 20%.
💡

If a shortcut stops working after updating Android, try deleting it and creating it again. Sometimes the system resets permissions for old shortcuts.

6. How to manage shortcuts: deleting, moving, backing up

Over time. chaos of unnecessary shortcuts accumulates on your desktop. To maintain order:

Deleting shortcuts

  • 🖱️ Hold the shortcut and drag it to the top of the screen onto the inscription Delete (or to the trash).
  • 🗑️ On some firmware (for example, EMUI), you must first click "Delete" in the menu that appears.

Moving and grouping

  • 📱 To move a shortcut, hold it and drag it to the desired location.
  • 📁 To create a folder, drag one shortcut to another.
  • 🔤 To rename a folder, tap on its name.

Backup shortcuts

If you are using a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher), it allows you to save and restore the location of shortcuts:

  • 🔧 Open the launcher settings (press and hold an empty space → Settings).
  • 📥 Find the section Backup copy/restore.
  • 💾 Save the current configuration to Google Drive or to a file.

On standard launchers (for example, on Pixel or Samsung) backup of shortcuts is not supported - they will have to be configured again after a reset.

💡

Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair) offer more options for managing shortcuts, including backup, gestures and adaptive icons.

7. Solving problems with shortcuts

Sometimes shortcuts stop working, disappear or behave strangely. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

Problem Possible reason Solution
Shortcut does not open The application was deleted or updated Delete the shortcut and create again
The shortcut disappeared after updating Android Reset launcher settings Reboot the device or restore from backup copies
The website shortcut opens the browser, not the PWA Cleared the browser cache Delete the shortcut and create it again
Contact shortcuts do not work Contact permissions revoked Check permissions in Settings → Applications → Launcher
Cannot create a settings shortcut Firmware restrictions Use the app Settings Shortcut or Activity Launcher

If the shortcuts keep disappearing, try:

  • 🔄 Change the launcher (for example, install Nova Launcher).
  • 📱 Disable battery optimization for the launcher in Settings → Battery → Battery optimization.
  • 🔧 Reset the launcher settings (in its settings).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android Go Edition (for example, Nokia 1 or Samsung Galaxy J2 Core) the possibilities for customizing shortcuts are very limited due to optimization for weak hardware.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about shortcuts on Android

Is it possible to create a shortcut for a specific chat in Telegram/WhatsApp?

Yes, but only through the widget or third-party applications:

  • B Telegram: add the widget Telegram to the desktop and select chat.
  • B WhatsApp: use application Direct Chat from Google Play.
Why do shortcuts disappear after a reboot?

This happens due to:

  • Launcher failure (try changing it to Nova Launcher).
  • Memory optimization (disable it for the launcher in the battery settings).
  • Firmware updates (some manufacturers reset shortcuts).
How to make a shortcut to enable VPN?

Methods:

  • Add a widget for your VPN application (for example, ProtonVPN or NordVPN).
  • Use Tasker to create a shortcut with the command am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings$VpnSettingsActivity.
  • On some firmware (for example, OxygenOS) you can add a VPN shortcut through the notification panel.
Is it possible to change the shortcut icon?

Yes, but only with the help of third-party launchers:

  • B Nova Launcher: hold the shortcut → Edit → tap on icon.
  • In Apex Launcher: hold the shortcut → Edit → Icon.
  • Use icon packs from Google Play (for example, Whicons or Delta).
How to transfer shortcuts to another Android smartphone?

Options:

  • If you use Nova Launcher: export the settings to a file and import on the new one device.
  • Using Google Assistant: say “Transfer data from my old phone” (does not work on all devices).
  • Manual transfer: take screenshots of your desktop and restore shortcuts manually.