How to create a shortcut on the Xiaomi desktop: files, applications, folders

Desktop Xiaomi based MIUI allows you to flexibly customize the location of shortcuts, but many users encounter difficulties when trying to add not only applications, but also files, folders or web pages. Unlike Windows or macOS, Android limits direct work with the file system through the interface, but workarounds exist.

In this article we will look at all the current ways to create shortcuts on the home screen Redmi, POCO or Mi —from standard MIUI functions to third-party applications. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with MIUI 14/15, where the logic for placing labels has changed compared to earlier versions. If you are looking for a way to quickly access documents, photos or frequently used folders, you are on the right track.

Why can’t you just drag a file onto the desktop on Xiaomi?

Unlike computer OSs, Android (and MIUI in particular) does not initially support direct work with the file system via desktop interface. This is due to:

• 🔒 Security restrictions: Android isolates applications and files to prevent unauthorized access.
• 📱 Philosophy of mobile OS: Google and smartphone manufacturers believe that the user only needs shortcuts for applications, and files should be opened through appropriate apps (for example, Gallery for photo, Files for documents).
• 🔄 Fragmentation of MIUI: In different versions of the shell (MIUI 12 vs MIUI 15), the methods for creating shortcuts can radically different.

However, these restrictions are circumvented. Below are all working methods, including those that do not require root access or installing additional software.

Method 1: Application shortcut through the "All applications" menu

The easiest way is to add a shortcut installed application to the desktop. This works on all versions of MIUI and does not require additional actions:

1. Touch the icon All applications (usually located at the bottom of the screen or swipe up).
2. Find the application you need in the list.
3. Long-press its icon for 1-2 seconds until it “separates” from the background.
4. Drag the icon to a free space on the desktop.

If the application is not in the menu, check:

• 🔍 Is it hidden in settings (Settings → Applications → Hidden applications).
• 📥 Is it installed at all (sometimes users confuse websites with applications).

Method 2: Shortcut to a file or folder through "Files" (without third-party applications)

Standard application Files (or File Manager) on Xiaomi allows you to create shortcuts for folders and some types of files. Instructions:

1. Open the application Files (usually preinstalled on all Redmi/POCO/Mi).
2. Go to section Local storage or Internal memory.
3. Find the desired folder or file (for example, PDF, APK, ZIP).
4. Hold your finger on the file/folder → in the context menu select Add to home screen.

Method limitations:

• ❌ Does not work for all types of files (for example, shortcuts for .txt or .docx cannot be created).
• ❌ On some firmware option Add to home screen may be missing.
• ✅ Works for folders and APK files on all versions of MIUI.

Why can’t I create a shortcut for DOCX or TXT?

In MIUI, shortcuts are created only for files that the system considers "executable" or "openable by default". Text files and documents do not fall into this category, since they require an application selection to open them.

Method 3: Using the "Files" widget for quick access

If a direct shortcut cannot be created, there is an alternative. - widget from the application Files. It allows you to quickly open frequently used folders:

1. Press your finger on an empty space on the desktop.
2. In the menu that appears, select Widgets.
3. Scroll the list to the widget Files (usually there are options 2×2, 4×1, etc.).
4. Drag the widget onto the screen and configure it by selecting a folder (for example, Downloads or Documents).

Widget advantages:

• ✅ Works for any folders, including cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• ✅ Does not require installation of third-party applications.
• ⚠️ Minus: takes up more space on the screen than a regular shortcut.

Shortcut type	Method 2 ("Files")	Method 3 (Widget)
Folder	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
APK file	✅ Yes	❌ No
PDF/DOCX	❌ No	✅ Yes (via folder)
Image	❌ No	✅ Yes (if in a folder)

Method 4: Third-party applications for creating shortcuts (Shortcut Maker, QuickShortcutMaker)

If standard methods do not work, third-party software will help. The most reliable options:

• 📌 Shortcut Maker (free, without unnecessary fuss) - creates shortcuts for files, contacts, settings.
• 🔧 QuickShortcutMaker - advanced settings, including hidden MIUI functions.
• 🌐 Browser Shortcut - for shortcuts to web pages. (opens sites as applications).

Instructions for Shortcut Maker:

1. Install the application from Google Play.
2. Open it and select File Shortcut (file shortcut).
3. Specify the path to the file using the built-in Explorer.
4. Click Create Shortcut —the shortcut will appear on the desktop.

⚠️ Attention: Some antiviruses (for example, Mi Security) may block the creation of shortcuts through third-party applications. In this case, add Shortcut Maker to the exceptions in the settings. security.

Install the application from the official store|Grant access to the storage|Disable battery optimization for the application|Check the antivirus for blocking-->

Method 5: Shortcut to a web page through the browser

If you need quick access to a site (for example vk.com or google.com), create a shortcut directly from the browser:

In Google Chrome:

1. Open the desired site.
2. Click on the three dots (⋮) → Add to home screen.
3. Confirm the shortcut name.

In Mi Browser:

1. Open the website.
2. Touch the icon ⋯ → Add to desktop.

Such a shortcut will open the site in full screen mode without an address bar, simulating an application. On MIUI 15, shortcuts to web pages can be automatically grouped into the "Sites" folder - this behavior cannot be changed.

Troubleshooting: the shortcut is not created or disappears

If the shortcut does not appear on the desktop or disappears after a reboot, check:

• 🔄 Battery optimization: Disable it for the application that created the shortcut (Settings → Applications → Battery management → Select application → Unlimited).
• 🗑️ Clearing cache: Sometimes after clearing application data Launcher (MIUI launcher) shortcuts are reset. To restore them, reboot your phone.
• 🔒 Access rights: For third-party applications (for example, Shortcut Maker), grant permissions to Storage and Overlay on top of other applications.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware Xiaomi for POCO F3/F4 i Redmi Note 11/12 after updating MIUI, file shortcuts may disappear. This is due to changes in the security policy. In this case, only re-creating the shortcuts will help.

If the problem persists, try:

1. Reset launcher settings: Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear data.
2. Install an alternative launcher (for example Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) that supports extended shortcuts.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi

Is it possible to create a shortcut for an Excel or Word file on Xiaomi?

There is no direct way, but there are workarounds:

1. Use Shortcut Maker (see Method 4).
2. Pin the file to Google Disk or Mi Cloud, then add the cloud storage widget to your desktop.
3. Convert the document to PDF (via Word/Excel → File → Save as PDF) and create a shortcut to the PDF file via Files.

Why did all the shortcuts disappear after updating MIUI?

This is a known problem. MIUI 14→15The launcher resets user shortcuts during major updates. To restore them:

• Reinstall the applications that created the shortcuts (for example, Shortcut Maker).
• Check the folder Archive on the desktop - sometimes shortcuts are moved there.
• Use backup via Settings → Advanced → Backup (but shortcuts will only be saved if they were created through standard tools MIUI).

How to make a shortcut for system settings (for example, mobile data)? summary>

Suitable for this QuickShortcutMaker:

1. Open the application.
2. In the search, enter the name of the setting (for example, mobile network for mobile data).
3. Select the desired item from the list and create a shortcut.

Alternative: add a widget Settings to the desktop (available in the list widgets).

Is it possible to change the shortcut icon on Xiaomi?

Yes, but not for all types of shortcuts:

• 🎨 For applications: use icon packs (for example, Icon Pack Studio) or launchers like Nova Launcher.
• 📄 For files/folders: the icon can only be changed through third-party applications (for example, Shortcut Maker allows you to select an image from the gallery).
• ⚠️ Standard MIUI shortcuts (created through Files) cannot be changed.

Do these methods work on POCO Launcher?

POCO Launcher (set by default to POCO X3/X4/F5) supports:

• ✅ All standard methods (via Files, widgets).
• ✅ Shortcuts from Shortcut Maker.
• ❌ Does not support changing shortcut icons without third-party launchers.

If you need advanced features (for example, gestures for shortcuts), install Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher.