Many smartphone users Xiaomi i Redmi, accustomed to the classic Android interface, often encounter confusion when trying to display a shortcut to a specific document or application on the home screen. The MIUI shell (and now HyperOS) is radically different from the stock version of the system, offering its own approach to organizing space. The standard “Create Shortcut” button in the “Share” menu is often missing or hidden here, which raises a lot of questions for beginners.
However, the absence of an obvious function does not mean it is impossible. The system Android based on MIUI has deep customization capabilities, allowing you to create shortcuts for files, folders and even specific actions within applications. Understanding the logic of the file manager and launcher will allow you to organize your desktop so that the necessary documents are at hand in one click.
In this article we will examine not only standard methods, but also workarounds that advanced users use. We will look at the work of a standard explorer, the capabilities of widgets and specialized utilities. The key point is to use the system component "Shortcut Creator" or analogues, since the direct function is often blocked by the manufacturer for the sake of minimalism of the interface.
Interface features of MIUI and HyperOS
Shell from Xiaomi has a unique architecture where application shortcuts and widgets are handled differently than in pure Android. There is no separate “Widgets” folder in a long tap on the screen, everything is mixed in a single editing menu. This creates the illusion of limitation, but in fact provides flexible management tools.
It is important to distinguish between the concepts file and shortcut in the context of a mobile operating system. A file is data stored in memory, and a shortcut is just a link that allows you to open that file in a specific application. The Android security system prohibits direct access to the file system without intermediaries, so the creation of a shortcut is always tied to a specific handler application.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface may differ depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14) or the new one HyperOS. The location of the “More” or “Add to desktop” items may vary.
Users often confuse widgets and shortcuts. A widget is an active interface element that consumes RAM resources to update data in real time. The shortcut is static and only initiates the launch. To save battery power and device performance, it is better to use shortcuts where you do not need to constantly update information on the screen.
Using a standard file explorer
The most obvious, but often ignored way is to use the built-in File Manager application. Unlike Google Files, the native file manager Xiaomi has a built-in function for creating shortcuts, although it is hidden in a submenu.
First, you need to find the desired file in the device's memory. This can be a PDF document, an Excel spreadsheet, or any other format. After the file is found, you need to call the context menu. Depending on the display settings, this is done by long pressing on the file icon or through three dots in the corner of the screen.
In the menu that opens, look for the “More” item. This is where the desired function is hidden. If you see the option "Create a shortcut" or "Add to desktop", the system allows you to do this natively. However, on some global firmware this feature may not be available.
If the "Create Shortcut" item is not in the "More" menu, try changing the default application to open this type of file, sometimes this will unlock hidden options.
An alternative way is through the settings of the application itself. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Explorer. Check permissions and notification settings. Sometimes the lack of rights to “Display on top of other applications” blocks the ability to create widgets and shortcuts.
The method of creating widgets through the widget menu
A more universal method, which works on almost all firmware versions, involves using the menu widgets. This method allows you to create shortcuts not only for files, but also for specific contacts, settings, or even direct calls.
Make a long tap (press) on a free area of the desktop. A toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen. You need to select the "Widgets" section. Don't be intimidated by the long list - look for the "Explorer" or "File Manager" item there.
Opening the list of Explorer widgets, you will see several options. We are interested in "File Shortcut" or "File Shortcut". Drag this item to your desktop. The system will immediately prompt you to select a specific file from the device memory.
- 📂 Press and hold your finger on an empty area of the screen.
- 🧩 Select the "Widgets" tab in the bottom menu.
- 📄 Find "Explorer" in the list and select the "File Shortcut" type.
- 📁 In the window that opens, specify the path to the desired document.
After selecting a file, an icon with the name of the document will appear on the desktop. When you click on it, the file will open in the application that is installed to work with this data type by default. This creates a stable connection between the shortcut and the content.
Working with application and folder shortcuts
Creating shortcuts for entire folders is a great way to structure your desktop without creating chaos from icons. In MIUI, this is implemented by creating a folder on the desktop, but there is a nuance with shortcuts to system folders.
To create a shortcut to a folder with files, it is best to use the widget method described above, selecting the “Folder Shortcut” type. This will allow you to open the entire document catalog at once, for example, “Downloads” or “Documents”, in one click.
If we are talking about application shortcuts, then everything is standard: long tap on the icon in the application menu and dragging it onto the screen. However, MIUI allows you to create “double applications” (Second Space or Clone apps), for which you can also display separate shortcuts with distinctive labels.
| Object type | Creation method | Location in the menu | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single file | Widgets → Explorer | Desktop | Only one file per widget |
| Folder | Widgets → Explorer | Desktop | Local folders only |
| Contact | Widgets → Contacts | Desktop | Only from the phone book |
| Settings | Widgets → Settings | Desktop | Only system toggles |
The system does not duplicate the file, but only creates a link to it. Therefore, before clearing memory, check which shortcuts may be affected.
Third-party solutions and launchers
If standard tools Xiaomi seem to be insufficiently flexible for you, you can always turn to third-party launchers. Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Niagara Launcher provide much more control over the creation of shortcuts.
By installing a third-party launcher, you get access to an expanded menu of widgets and the ability to create shortcuts for any Activities within applications. This allows, for example, to create a shortcut to open a specific chat in WhatsApp or a note in Evernote.
Risks of using third-party launchers
On some versions of MIUI, third-party launchers may be unstable, causing problems with navigation gestures or animations. It is recommended to test compatibility thoroughly.
There are also specialized shortcut maker applications such as "Shortcut Maker". They allow you to create custom icons, change names, and even set a delay before launch. This is a powerful tool for those who love perfect order.
When using third-party software, pay attention to the permissions. The application will need to be given rights to “Display on top of other applications” and access to the storage so that it can read the list of files and display their icons on the screen.
Setting up and customizing shortcuts
After creating a shortcut, you often want to change it: rename it so that the name is not cut off, or replace the icon with a more understandable one. In standard MIUI, the options are limited, but basic renaming is available.
Press and hold your finger on the created shortcut. If the system allows editing, a menu will appear with a "Rename" option. This is especially useful for files with long technical names, which in the original take up two lines of text.
To change the icon without third-party launchers, you will have to use a trick: create a shortcut through the Themes application, where you can download icon packs and apply them globally. Local replacement of the icon of one shortcut in the stock launcher is impossible.
- ✏️ Long tap to call the editing menu.
- 📝 Entering a new name in the text field.
- ✅ Confirming changes with the "OK" button.
- 🎨 Using a theme to change the icon style.
Do not forget that too many shortcuts on the desktop can visually overload the interface and make it difficult to find what you need. Use folders to group shortcuts by topic: “Work”, “Finance”, “Study”.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Users often encounter a situation where the created shortcut disappears after a reboot or does not open. This may be due to the aggressive power saving system MIUIwhich unloads background processes.
You need to fix the Explorer application in memory. Open the list of running applications, find File Explorer and click on the lock or select "Pin". This will prevent it from being unloaded from RAM.
⚠️ Attention: If the shortcut stops opening the file after a system update, check whether the default application for this file type has changed. Reset the file association.
Another problem is broken links. If you moved the file to another folder or renamed it, the shortcut will no longer work. In this case, it must be deleted and recreated, specifying a new path. There is no automatic path update in Android.
☑️ Diagnosis of a broken shortcut
In some cases, clearing the launcher cache helps. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Android system (or Launcher) and select "Clear cache". Do not confuse with “Clear data”, otherwise the arrangement of all icons on the desktop will be lost.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to create a shortcut to a file in the cloud (Google Drive)?
It is more difficult to create a direct shortcut to a file in the cloud. Typically, you'll need to open the file in the Google Drive app, tap the three dots, and select "Add to Home Screen" if that option is supported by the app version. Or use the Google Drive widget.
Why does the file shortcut look like a white sheet?
The system cannot determine the file type or it does not have an icon for this extension in the current theme. Try changing the theme or installing an application that supports this format.
Will the file be deleted if you delete its shortcut?
No. Removing a shortcut from your desktop only removes the link. The file itself remains in the device memory in the folder where it was originally saved.
How to create a shortcut to a specific setting (for example, a flashlight)?
Use widgets. In the widgets menu, find the “Settings” or “System Settings” item; there is often access to quick switches that can be placed on the desktop.
In conclusion, creating shortcuts on Xiaomi Redmi is a matter of getting used to the logic of MIUI. Despite some limitations of stock tools, the combination of widgets and proper use of Explorer allows you to achieve high efficiency in working with documents and applications.
Using "Explorer" widgets is the most stable and universal way to create file shortcuts on the MIUI and HyperOS shells without installing additional software.