Modern smartphones Xiaomiworking on shells MIUI or new HyperOSoffer users wide personalization options. One of the basic but critical functions is the proper placement of application icons on the home screen. This is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also a way to increase productivity by providing instant access to frequently used apps.
Many users are faced with a situation where, after installing new software, its icon does not automatically appear on the desktop, but is hidden in the application menu. This system logic is sometimes confusing, especially for those who have switched from other operating systems. In this guide, we will examine in detail all the methods that allow you to return or create a shortcut where it is convenient for you.
We will look at standard methods through the app menu, working with widgets, and will also touch on more complex cases related to system limitations. Understanding the principles of the launcher's operation will help you create a truly convenient interface, adapted to your personal habits of using the gadget.
The standard method of adding through the app menu
The most common scenario that the owner faces Xiaomi is the need to manually move an icon from the general list of apps to the main screen. Unlike some other systems, here this process is as intuitive as possible and does not require a deep dive into the settings. You just need to find the desired object in the general list.
To begin, unlock the device and swipe up in the center of the screen to open the all applications menu. Find the required app in the list that you want to see on the start page. Touch the icon with your finger and hold down for 1-2 seconds until you feel a slight vibration or visual response from the system.
After the icon “grabs”, without releasing your finger, drag it to a free area of the desktop. You will see the screens begin to switch, allowing you to select the page you want to post. Release your finger when the cursor is in the desired location, and the shortcut will be fixed.
It is important to note that in some firmware versions a mode may be activated that hides new applications. If after installing the app you do not find it in the menu, check the launcher settings. Go to Settings → Desktop and make sure that the option “Add shortcuts to new applications on the desktop” is activated or, conversely, deactivated depending on your preferences.
Working with widgets and dynamic shortcuts
In addition to static icons, the system Android based MIUI allows you to display widgets on the desktop. These are mini-applications that display relevant information without having to open the full version of the app. They can show the weather, exchange rates, a task list, or tracks in a music player.
To add a widget, long press on an empty area of the desktop. A menu will appear at the bottom of the screen where you need to select “Widgets”. You will see a library of all available elements, sorted alphabetically or by category.
Find the desired application in the list and expand the sizes available for it. The system will offer several design options: from small squares to wide stripes that cover the entire screen. Select the appropriate size and drag it to the free space.
- 📅 Calendar widgets allow you to see the date and upcoming events without going into the application.
- 🎵 Music players display the album cover and playback control buttons.
- 🌤️ Weather and news informers are updated in real time if there is a network.
You should remember that active widgets consume more battery power than regular icons. They constantly update data via the Internet or use a GPS module. If you notice that your smartphone begins to discharge faster, analyze the number of active elements on the screen.
Use widgets only for the most important information. Oversaturation of the desktop with active elements can reduce system performance on older smartphone models.
Creating folders and grouping applications
When the number of installed apps amounts to dozens, the desktop turns into a chaotic pile of icons. To maintain order in Xiaomi a folder creation function is provided. This allows you to group applications by theme, for example, “Social networks”, “Games” or “Banks”.
The process of creating a folder is simple: find two icons that you want to combine. Click on one of them and, without releasing, drag it directly on top of the second. The system will automatically create a folder with a default name (usually the category name) and place both applications there.
You can rename the folder at any time. To do this, click on the created group to open it, then tap the name at the top of the window that opens. Enter a new name using the virtual keyboard and confirm the action.
☑️ Organize your desktop
Inside folders, you can also change the order of applications by simply dragging them. In addition, some versions of the shell have a built-in “smart folders” feature that can recommend applications to add to a group based on how often you use them. This helps you keep what you need right at your fingertips.
Customizing the Dock and Bottom Row
The bottom row of the desktop, known as the Dock, has a unique property: it persists across all pages of the Home screen. This is the perfect place to put the most important shortcuts that you use dozens of times a day. In the standard configuration Xiaomi the phone, messages, browser and camera are usually placed there.
To change the composition of the dock panel, simply drag the unnecessary icon to the main area of the screen, freeing up space. Then find the shortcut you want in the application menu or other pages and move it to the bottom row. The maximum number of icons in the dock is usually four or five, depending on the selected font size and screen grid.
Particular attention should be paid to the ability to hide the application bar. In some themes or "No Menu" modes, the Dock panel may behave differently, merging with the general list. Check the current mode in the settings: Settings → Desktop → Desktop mode.
⚠️ Attention: When you change the theme, the dock panel may change its appearance or the number of available slots. Some third-party themes forcefully change the structure of the bottom line.
You can also add folders to the dock panel. This allows you to compactly place a whole group of frequently used apps in a constant access area. Just create a folder anywhere on the screen and drag it down to the reserved area.
Problems with missing system application shortcuts
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where standard applications Xiaomisuch as Explorer, Calculator or Downloads disappear from the desktop and are not even found in the general menu. This does not always mean uninstalling the app; often it is simply hidden by system settings or a launcher error.
First of all, check if the application is disabled. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Find the missing app in the list. If you see an Enable button, click it. If an application is disabled, its shortcut cannot be displayed on the desktop.
The second common reason is a failure of the launcher cache. The system responsible for rendering the interface could “forget” about the existence of the shortcut. In this case, clearing the data of the system application “Security” or the launcher itself will help, but this will reset the icon layout settings.
How to reset the launcher settings without losing data?
Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Find “System Launcher” (or Launcher) in the list. Click "Clear" → "Clear all data". Keep in mind that this will return the arrangement of icons to the factory state.
There is also a category of system utilities that, as intended by the developers, do not have an interface for display on the desktop. They work in the background. To access them, the path is usually through the settings or the “Tools” folder, which is preinstalled on all smartphones of the brand.
Comparison of methods for displaying shortcuts
Various methods of placing elements on the screen have their advantages and disadvantages depending on the user’s goals. Some methods are suitable for quick access, others for saving space. Below is a table to help you choose the best option for your situation.
| Method | Access speed | Impact on battery | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular shortcut | High | Min | Frequently used applications |
| Widget (large) | Medium | High | Information monitoring (weather, course) |
| Folder | Medium | Minimum | Grouping of rare apps |
| Dock panel | Maximum | Minimal | Phone, messages, camera |
Analyzing the table data, we can conclude that regular shortcuts and the dock panel are best suited for everyday navigation. Widgets should be used selectively only if you really need to see information immediately after turning on the screen.
The optimal desktop configuration balances between the speed of access to functions and the visual cleanliness of the interface.
Frequently asked questions and problem solving
Even if you follow all the instructions, there may be nuances associated with specific models or software versions. Interfaces MIUI 13, 14 and HyperOS have their own behavioral characteristics. Below are answers to the most popular questions from users.
If the shortcut does not move, the screen may be locked from changes. Check to see if Layout Lock is enabled in your desktop settings. The problem may also be that the smartphone’s memory is full, which slows down the graphical interface.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and location of menu items may vary slightly depending on the Android version and regional firmware. If you do not find the described item, use the search in the phone settings.
If standard methods fail to display the shortcut, you can use third-party launchers, such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher. They provide advanced shortcut management capabilities, including creating shortcuts for specific contacts or system settings.
To quickly find settings, use the search bar at the top of the Settings menu. Enter the word "worker" or "launcher" to instantly jump to the desired section.
Regularly clearing the desktop of unused icons not only improves visual perception, but can also have a positive effect on the system's response speed, especially on devices with a small amount of RAM.
Why did the shortcut disappear after a system update?
With major updates Android or the shell MIUI the system launcher may be reset to factory settings. This is standard behavior to ensure the stability of the new software version. You will need to re-adjust the layout of the icons.
Is it possible to change the size of the icon on the desktop?
Yes, in the theme settings or in the “Desktop” section there is often an option to change the grid size. Reducing the number of cells (for example, from 6x4 to 5x4) will visually increase the size of all shortcuts on the screen.
How to remove the inscription under the application icon?
It depends on the installed theme. In standard settings Xiaomi hiding captions is not provided, but many third-party themes from the Themes store allow you to remove the text under the icons for a cleaner look.
What to do if the shortcut leads to a blank screen?
Most likely, the application was deleted, but the shortcut remained. A long press on such a shortcut usually offers a “Delete” option. If the application is a system application and has been disabled, you must first enable it in the settings.