Smartphone users are often faced with the need for quick access to specific documents, photos or folders that are used daily. The standard interface Android does not always offer an obvious button to create a shortcut to an arbitrary file directly on the main screen, which causes confusion. However, this function exists and is implemented either through the built-in tools of the system or using third-party tools.
In this article we will examine in detail several methods that allow you to display the desired object on the desktop in a matter of seconds. You will learn how different file managers work, what are the features of different user shells, and what launcher applications can simplify this task. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to organize the workspace of your device as efficiently as possible.
Regardless of whether you use a clean Android on smartphones Google Pixel or a proprietary shell from Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei, the principles of creating shortcuts remain similar, although the paths to settings may vary. We will look at universal solutions that are suitable for most modern devices.
Standard capabilities of file managers
Most modern smartphones come with a pre-installed file manager, which has basic functionality for working with shortcuts. First of all, you should check the capabilities of the standard application Files or Files by Google. These apps often hide the function of creating a shortcut in the context menu of a file.
To do this, you need to open the file manager, find the desired document, image or folder. After a long press on an object, an action menu will appear. If there is an item "Add to home screen" or "Create a shortcut", the problem is solved. However, on some devices this option may not be available in the stock application.
In such cases, the system may offer to install an additional application or redirect you to settings. It is important to note that on some versions Android (especially starting from version 10) the rights to create shortcuts have become more strict for security purposes. Therefore, if the menu item is inactive, try using third-party solutions, which will be discussed below.
It is also worth considering that some manufacturers deliberately simplify the interface by removing unnecessary buttons. In this case, the standard Explorer can only serve for viewing, and not for managing the desktop.
If the standard menu does not have the desired option, try finding the file through a search in the system, and not through the “Files” application - sometimes the context menu in the search results is different.
Using third-party file managers
When the built-in tools fail, Powerful third-party applications come to the rescue. The leaders in this niche are Solid Explorer, CX File Explorer i FX File Explorer. These apps provide enhanced access to the file system and have special features for desktop integration.
The process of creating a shortcut in such applications is usually intuitive. You select the file, open the menu (often indicated by three dots) and look for the Send to or Shortcutoption. In Solid Explorer, for example, you need to hold down the file, click on the three dots in the upper corner and select "Create Shortcut". The application will automatically ask for permission to place an icon on the home screen.
- 📁 Solid Explorer: offers dual panel and strong encryption, shortcuts are created through the "Send" menu.
- 🚀 CX File Explorer: lightweight and fast manager with a clean interface, supports creating folder shortcuts.
- 🛠️ FX File Explorer: a powerful tool for advanced users with support for plugins and network protocols.
Using third-party software provides another advantage - the ability to create shortcuts not only for files, but also for specific actions, for example, opening a specific folder in grid or list mode. This can be useful for organizing your workflow.
Creating shortcuts via widget settings
One of the most reliable methods, which works on almost all versions Android regardless of the smartphone model, is to use the widget menu. This method does not depend on a specific file manager and uses the system capabilities of the launcher.
To use this method, go to an empty space on the desktop and long press on an empty area. In the menu that appears, select Widgets. In the list of available widgets, find the section related to file managers or the system. Often there is a widget with the name "Shortcut", «Shortcut» or an icon of a specific file manager.
Drag the desired widget onto the screen. The system will open a file or application selection window. Find the required document or folder in the list and confirm your selection. An icon will appear on the desktop, and when you click on it, the selected object will open in the corresponding application.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices with heavy shells (for example, older versions MIUI or EMUI), the “Shortcut” widget can only open a list of applications, not files. In this case, this method is only suitable for launching apps.
This method is especially convenient if you need to create a shortcut for a system function or deep setting that is not on the main screen by default. Widgets allow you to customize the interface to suit your needs without installing additional software.
☑️ Check before creating a widget
Features of different user shells
Smartphone manufacturers often modify the standard one Android, adding their own unique functions and changing the logic of the interface. This directly affects the shortcut creation process. Below is a table showing the differences in the approaches of popular brands.
| Shell / Brand | Standard method | Features |
|---|---|---|
| One UI (Samsung) | Long press on the file in “My Files” → “Add to Home Screen” | Permission confirmation required for each shortcut |
| MIUI (Xiaomi) | Via widgets → “Shortcut” → File selection | Aggressive memory cleaning can delete shortcuts |
| ColorOS (Oppo/Realme) | Share menu → “Create a shortcut on desktop table" | The interface may differ in different firmware versions |
| Pure Android | Widgets → “Shortcut” or through Files by Google | Minimalistic interface, fewer unnecessary steps |
Device owners Samsung should pay attention to the function Bixby Routinesthat allows you to create automations that include opening specific files at a given time or location. While it's not exactly a shortcut in the traditional sense, it is a powerful tool for quick access.
Users Xiaomi may experience that after creating a shortcut, it disappears after a reboot. This is due to the work of the memory optimizer. To avoid this, you need to pin the file manager application in memory through the multitasking menu.
Why do shortcuts disappear after a reboot?
Android systems often clear cache and temporary data to save battery. If the application that created the shortcut was completely closed by the system, the link may become invalid. Pin important applications in RAM.
Specialized applications for shortcuts
If none of the above methods worked or you want to get maximum control over the appearance of icons, there are specialized utilities. Applications like Shortcut Maker or XIcon are designed specifically to generate shortcuts of any type.
Shortcut Maker allows you to create shortcuts not only for files, but also for specific contacts, system settings, websites, and even actions inside other applications. You can completely change the icon by selecting an image from the gallery or a set of icons, and set any name for the shortcut.
The process of using such applications is as follows: you launch the utility, select a category (for example, “Files”), find the desired document and configure its display. After pressing the button Create the system will ask for permission to place it, and the shortcut will appear on the table.
⚠️ Attention: When installing third-party launchers or utilities for shortcuts, carefully check the requested permissions. Avoid applications that require access to contacts or microphone without obvious need for their functionality.
Such tools are indispensable if you want to bring aesthetic order to your desktop by making all the icons in the same style, or if standard methods are blocked by the device manufacturer.
Specialized applications provide maximum flexibility in customizing the appearance and functionality of shortcuts, but require the installation of additional software.
Solving problems with permissions and access
A frequent problem when creating shortcuts is the lack of necessary permissions for the application. Beginning Android 8.0, the system requires explicit confirmation from the user before adding any item to the home screen.
If nothing happens or an error message appears when you try to create a shortcut, check your permission settings. Go to Settings → Applications → [Your File Manager] → Permissions. Make sure that the application has access to the storage and, critically, permission to "Create shortcuts on the home screen".
In some cases, especially on devices with aggressive energy saving, the system may block background activity of the application required for the shortcut to work. Add a file manager or shortcut utility to the battery exceptions list.
It is also worth remembering that interfaces and menu names may change with system updates. If you do not find the described items, use the search inside the phone settings using the keywords “shortcut”, “home screen” or “widgets”.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and menu item names may differ depending on the Android version and phone model. Always check the latest help materials from your device manufacturer if the standard ways do not work.
Use the search in your phone settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top of the settings screen) by typing the word “shortcut” - this is the fastest way to find the desired permission switch on any version of Android.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to create a shortcut to a file located in the cloud (Google Drive)?
Yes, it is possible. In the application Google Drive open the desired file, click on the three dots and select “Add to home screen”. A shortcut will be created that opens this file directly in the cloud storage application.
Why does the shortcut appear as a white sheet instead of a file icon?
This means that the system cannot find an associated application for this file type or the icon has not loaded. Try opening the file manually through the file manager so that the system “remembers” the app to open it, and then create the shortcut again.
Is the file itself deleted if I delete its shortcut from the desktop?
No, deleting the shortcut does not affect the original file in any way. A shortcut is just a link to an object. The file will remain in the same place in the phone memory where it was originally.
How to create a shortcut for an entire folder at once?
Not all file managers support creating shortcuts for entire folders. Try using the “Folder” widget in the desktop widget menu or an application Solid Explorerthat allows you to display entire directories on the main screen.
Is it possible to change the name of a shortcut after it is created?
On most launchers, yes. Long press on the desktop shortcut itself until the edit menu appears and choose to change the name. If the launcher does not support this, you will have to delete the shortcut and create a new one with the desired name through a specialized application.