How to display a shortcut on the Xiaomi Redmi Note desktop: all methods for MIUI

Have you just installed a new application on your Xiaomi Redmi Note, but its icon is nowhere to be seen? Or do you want to place quick access to your favorite website, contact, or even system function on your home screen? In MIUI —the proprietary shell Xiaomi —adding shortcuts works differently than in the “clean” Android. There is no classic application menu, but there are flexible desktop settings and hidden features.

In this article you will find 5 proven methods to display a shortcut on the home screen, including methods for applications, websites, contacts and system functions. We will also look at why icons sometimes “disappear” after an update MIUIand how to get them back. The instructions are relevant for all models of the series Redmi Note (from Note 8 Pro to Note 13 Pro+) on shell versions MIUI 12–14.

If you are a beginner, start with the first two methods (they are the simplest). Advanced methods using ADB or third-party launchers will be useful for experienced users.

1. Standard method: adding a shortcut from the application menu

The most obvious method is to move the icon directly from the list of installed apps. In MIUI this is done differently than in other shells Androidso follow the steps:

1. Tap an empty space on the desktop and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds until a menu appears.

2. Select an item “Widgets” (not to be confused with “Wallpaper and Style”)

3. Scroll down to the section “Application shortcuts” —all installed apps will be displayed here.

4. Find the application you need, long-press its icon and drag it to a free space on the desktop.

⚠️ Attention: If the application you need is not in the list, check if it is hidden in the settings. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications and find the app manually. Make sure it is not disabled.

Make sure the application is installed (check in Settings → Applications)

Remove restrictions for the application in Settings → Battery → Power saving mode

Update MIUI to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds)

Reboot the phone (hold the power button and select "Reboot")

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This method works for 90% applications, but is not suitable for system utilities (for example, Settings or Camera), since their shortcuts are usually already on the desktop by default. For them, use the methods from the following sections.

2. Quickly add through search

If you don’t want to scroll through a long list of applications, use the built-in search MIUI:

1. Swipe down on home screen to open the search bar.

2. Enter the name of the application in the search bar.

3. When the app appears in the results, hold down its icon and drag it to the desktop.

This method is convenient if you know exactly the name of the application, but do not remember in which folder it is located. It also helps to find system utilities. that are not displayed in the widget menu.

Drag and drop from the application menu

Search and drag

Add through application settings

I use a third-party launcher

Another option-->

⚠️ Attention: If the search does not find the application, check whether the indexing function is disabled in the settings. To do this, go to Settings → Advanced → Search and enable the option "Search" by application".

3. Creating a shortcut for a website (PWA)

Do you want to quickly open your favorite website directly from your desktop, like an application? Q MIUI this is done through the browser Xiaomi Browser or Google Chrome:

For Xiaomi browser data-i="99">"Add"

1. Open the site you want to create a shortcut for.

2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Add to Home Screen".

3. Confirm the shortcut name and tap "Add".

For Google Chrome:

1. Open the site and tap on the three dots in the top menu.

2. Select "Add to home screen".

3. If necessary edit the name and click "Add".

The created shortcut will open the site in PWA mode (Progressive Web App) - without an address bar and browser bar, like a native application. This is convenient for frequently visited resources, for example, VKontakte, YouTube or Gosuslugi.

Browser	Supports PWA	Max. number of shortcuts	Features
Xiaomi Browser	Yes	Unlimited	Automatically updates the site icon
Google Chrome	Yes	Unlimited	Requires confirmation when first added
Mozilla Firefox	No	—	You can create a bookmark, but not a shortcut
Opera	Yes (in settings)	Unlimited	Shortcuts open in a mini-window

4. Adding a shortcut to a contact or quick action

In MIUI you can create a shortcut not only for applications, but also for:

• 📞 Contacts (quick call or message)
• 📧 Email (sending a letter to a specific addressee)
• 📍 Navigation (route to home or work)
• 🔧 System functions (for example, Game mode or Flashlight)

How to add a contact shortcut:

1. Open the application "Contacts".

2. Find the desired contact and open it card.

3. Click on the three dots in the upper corner and select "Add to home screen".

4. Select an action: "Call", "Message" or "Video call".

How to add a system function shortcut:

Some functions MIUI (for example, Flashlight or Screen recording) can be brought to the desktop through the menu "Tools":

1. Touch and hold an empty space on the screen.

2. Select "Widgets" → "Tools".

3. Find the desired function (for example, "Flashlight" or "Calculator") and drag it to the screen.

How to return disappeared system shortcuts?

If after the update MIUI standard icons disappeared (for example, Camera or Phone), try:

1. Restart the phone (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Reset launcher settings: go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Launcher and select "Reset settings".
3. Update MIUI to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds).

5. Advanced methods: ADB and third-party launchers

If standard methods do not work (for example, for system applications that cannot be displayed), use ADB or third-party launchers.

Method 1: Via ADB (for advanced users)

This method allows you to create a shortcut for any Android component, even if it is hidden in MIUI. You will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with ADB drivers installed
• 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → MIUI version — tap 7 times, then return to Settings → Advanced → For developers)
• 🔌 Cable USB-Type C (original)

Command to create a shortcut (replace com.example.app with your application package):

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT \
--activity-clear-top \
--es name "Shortcut name" \
--es shortcutClass "com.example.app/.MainActivity" \
--es package "com.example.app"

Method 2: Using a third-party launcher

Launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher give more freedom in customizing your desktop After installation:

1. Set the default launcher. in settings (Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher).

2. Touch and hold an empty space on the screen, then select "Widgets" or "Shortcuts".

3. In Nova Launcher there is an option "Actions"where you can create a shortcut for any system function, even if it is hidden in MIUI.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB can lead to system malfunctions if you enter the wrong command. Before experiments create a backup copy of your data via Settings → Advanced → Backup.

6. Solving problems: shortcuts disappear or are not added

Sometimes after updating MIUI or resetting the settings, shortcuts disappear or do not want to be added. Here are the most common reasons and solutions:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The shortcuts disappeared after the update	Resetting the launcher settings in the new version MIUI	Restart the phone or reset the launcher settings manually
You cannot add a shortcut to the system application	Limitations MIUI for some utilities	Use ADB or a third-party launcher
Site shortcut does not open	Browser cache corrupted	Clear the browser cache in settings
The application is in the menu, but does not appear in the list of shortcuts	The application is disabled or hidden	Check the status in Settings → Applications

If none of the methods helped, try reset the launcher settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Management applications.

2. Find the application "Launcher" (or «MIUI Launcher»).

3. Select "Storage" → "Clear data".

4. Confirm the action and reboot your phone.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing launcher data will delete all your desktop settings (wallpapers, folders, widgets). Before doing this, take screenshots of the current icon arrangement to quickly restore it.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about shortcuts on Xiaomi Redmi Note

Is it possible to create a shortcut for a specific application function (for example, a new conversation in Telegram)?

Yes, but not for all applications (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp) support deep links (deep links). To create such a shortcut:

1. Use a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher).
2. In the add shortcuts menu, select "Actions" or «Shortcuts».
3. Find the desired application and select a specific action (for example, "New chat").

If there is no such option, try to find Intent command for the desired action on the Internet and create a shortcut via ADB.

Why did all the shortcuts disappear after resetting the settings?

When resetting to factory settings MIUI returns the desktop to the “out of the box” state To return your icons:

1. Restore your backup via Settings → Advanced → Backup (if it was created).
2. Manually add shortcuts again (see methods above).
3. If used third-party launcher, install it again and customize your desktop.

⚠️ Website shortcuts (PWA) are not restored from backup - they will have to be created again.

How to change the shortcut icon?

In standard launcher MIUI you cannot change the icon, but there are workarounds:

• 🎨 Use folders with wallpaper: create a folder, change its background to the desired picture and place a shortcut there.
• 📱 Install a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher), where there is an option "Icons" → "Change".
• 🖼️ For website shortcuts (PWA) the icon is taken automatically from the web page and is not edited.

You can download Nova Launcher can be downloaded icon packs (icon sets) from Play Market and apply them to all shortcuts.

Is it possible to move shortcuts to another screen?

Yes, in MIUI this is done simply:

1. Press the shortcut and drag it to the edge of the screen.
2. Wait 1-2 seconds - the desktop will scroll to the next screen.
3. Release the shortcut in the desired place.

To add a new screen, drag the shortcut to the very edge on the right and hold it until a blank screen appears.

Why some applications do not want to be added to the desktop table?

This may be due to:

• 🔒 MIUI restrictions: some system applications (for example, Settings) cannot be duplicated.
• 🛑 Application policy: some apps (for example, banking) block the creation of shortcuts for security reasons.
• 🐛 Shell bug: after major updates MIUI add options may temporarily disappear.

Solutions:

• Try adding a shortcut via search (method 2).
• Use ADB or a third-party launcher.
• Contact support Xiaomi via Settings → Review.