How to create a shortcut on Android step by step

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If you use Android daily, you've probably thought more than once how great it would be to access certain functions, chats, or web pages with a single tap. Well, that's exactly what a shortcut lets you do: super-fast shortcuts from the home screen to almost any corner of the system or your apps , without having to navigate through menus.

Besides saving time, shortcuts are a very easy way to personalize your phone to suit you : you can place your favorite contacts, work documents, WhatsApp conversations, system settings, or even specific actions within an app on your home screen. Let's look, step by step, at all the possibilities that Android offers, from the most basic to the most advanced.

What is a shortcut in Android and what types are there?

On Android, a shortcut is simply an icon that takes you directly to an app, a specific section, or a particular piece of content . It's usually placed on the home screen or in the app drawer, and it behaves almost like any other app: you can move it, group it into folders, or delete it without deleting anything important.

Within the system, there are several types of user shortcuts and, internally, different types of shortcuts that developers can create. Broadly speaking, we can talk about these main groups , which you will see throughout this article:

• Classic shortcuts to apps and system elements: icons for applications, contacts, conversations, internal options, etc.
• Shortcuts created from browsers and apps: websites, Drive files, WhatsApp chats, tasks in apps like Microsoft To Do, etc.
• Shortcuts using widgets: small app modules that function as enhanced shortcuts.
• Developer shortcuts: static, dynamic and pinned, configured in the app code.

In all cases, the idea is the same: to minimize the number of taps needed to get exactly where you want , whether it's a file, a setting, a chat, or a specific screen within an application.

How to delete or move shortcuts on Android?

Before learning how to create them, it's helpful to know how to remove or reposition them, because you'll likely end up doing a lot of experimenting. To delete a shortcut from the home screen, you usually just need to press and hold the icon for a few seconds until options appear at the top or bottom of the screen.

In most custom Android skins, you'll see something similar to "Remove" and sometimes "Uninstall." The "Remove" option only removes the icon from the home screen , while "Uninstall" completely deletes the app from your device. It's important to pay close attention to avoid deleting the wrong thing.

If you simply want to reposition it, press and hold the shortcut and drag it to the most convenient position , whether it's on another part of the same screen, to an adjacent screen, or inside a folder you've created.

Create basic application shortcuts

The most common shortcut is an app icon on the home screen. On many phones, when you install a new app, the system automatically places a shortcut on the home screen . If you've removed it or your launcher doesn't do this, you can create it manually.

Normally, you'll just need to open the app drawer, press and hold the app icon, and drag it to the home screen . Whether you use the manufacturer's native launcher or a third-party one like Nova Launcher, the process is usually virtually identical.

If you ever change your mind, you can safely remove that icon : the app will still be installed and available in your app drawer. The home screen icon is simply a shortcut.

Shortcuts to web pages on Android

One of the most convenient features is the ability to create shortcuts to specific websites : your favorite newspaper, the weather forecast, your work intranet, an online control panel, etc. This way, you won't have to open your browser and type or search for the address every time.

With Google Chrome, which comes pre-installed on most Android phones, the process is very simple: open the website, tap the three-dot menu and choose the "Add to home screen" option (sometimes it may appear as "Add shortcut" or "Install app", depending on the page).

Doing so will allow you to rename the shortcut to your preferred name , and then it will be sent to the launcher to place the icon wherever there is space. You may need to find it on a side panel and then reposition it as desired.

In other browsers such as Firefox or integrated browsers from some manufacturers, the option is usually called the same or very similar and also appears in the browser's options menu, always after loading the page you are interested in.

Shortcuts to files, photos, music, and documents

You can create shortcuts not only to apps or websites, but also to specific images, songs, videos, or documents . This is especially useful if you work with certain files daily and want to open them with a single tap.

Android doesn't always offer this feature natively for every file, so it's common to use a specialized app. One of the simplest options is Shorty , available for free on Google Play, which integrates directly with the system's Share menu.

The workflow is very simple: open the photo, document, or file from your gallery or file manager, tap Share, and choose Shorty's "Pin to home screen" option . From there, the app will let you configure a few details.

Shorty lets you customize the shortcut name (Tag) and icon type : for images, you can use a thumbnail of the photo; for other file types, you can choose different colors or styles to better identify each shortcut.

There are other equally useful tools, such as Shortcut Maker or Shortcut Creator, that go a step further and allow you to link not only files, but also internal application and system functions . They usually offer a wizard where you choose the type of element, the icon, and the style before sending the shortcut to the home screen.

Shortcuts to folders and files in the cloud

If you work a lot with Google Drive, you can also pin folders and documents that you use all the time to your home screen , without having to navigate through directory levels every time.

From the Drive app, the process is straightforward: find the file or folder, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Add to Home screen ." The system generates an icon that behaves like any other: you can move it, group it into folders, or delete it when you no longer need it.

Some third-party file explorers also offer similar features for files stored in internal memory or on the SD card , so you can mix shortcuts to local and cloud content on the same desktop.

Shortcuts to contacts and calls

Another practical option is to create shortcuts to specific contacts so you can call or text them in seconds . This is especially useful for people you talk to frequently: your partner, close family, boss, etc.

The Google Contacts app (and many manufacturer contact apps) includes a dedicated option. You'll typically need to open the contact's profile, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Add to Home Screen ." Upon confirmation, an icon with the contact's photo or initial will appear on your home screen.

By tapping that icon, you can choose whether you want to make a call, send an SMS, or use another available form of communication . This prevents an accidental tap from placing a direct call without asking.

Shortcuts to WhatsApp chats

WhatsApp also lets you create shortcuts for your contacts in WhatsApp , so you can open your most important chats without even going through the conversation list.

Within WhatsApp, the usual procedure is to first enter the conversation you're interested in, then tap the three-dot menu, select "More," and choose "Create shortcut" or "Add shortcut ." The system will then display a pop-up window to confirm that you want to add it to your home screen.

Once created, you'll see an icon with the contact's photo or the group's name on your home screen. You can move it, delete it, or group it into folders just like any other app . If you delete it, only the shortcut disappears; the conversation will remain in WhatsApp as is.

Use widgets as advanced shortcuts

Widgets are small modules placed on the home screen that combine real-time information with quick access functions . In practice, many of them act as souped-up shortcuts.

To add a widget, you usually press and hold an empty space on your home screen and select "Widgets" . From there, you'll see a list of all the widgets offered by your installed apps and the manufacturer's interface.

Some very useful examples that work almost like shortcuts are:

• WhatsAppwhich can display a list of chats and allow you to directly access unread messages.
• Telegram, with widgets for frequent contacts or conversations with pending notifications.
• System tools (for example, in MIUI and other layers), which include shortcuts to lock the screen, activate Wi-Fi, turn on the flashlight, etc.
• Chrome, with bookmark widgets or featured pages.
• Google Photoswhich allows you to always have automatically generated albums or memories at hand.
• Spotify or other playerswhich let you control playback without entering the app.

The list of available widgets depends on the apps you have installed and the launcher , so it's worth taking a few minutes to review all the options, because there are some real hidden gems.

Shortcuts to system settings

Android allows you to create shortcuts to specific sections of the settings (for example, battery, Wi-Fi, data usage, hotspot, etc.). Technically, these shortcuts are special widgets, but to the user they behave almost like normal icons.

To create them, you'll usually need to open the widgets menu and look for an entry called "Settings" or something similar . It typically appears as a single widget; when you drag it to the screen, the system will ask you which settings section you want to link.

The available options will vary depending on the manufacturer and Android version, because each manufacturer customizes the settings menus in its own way . In any case, this method is very useful for accessing frequently visited sections with a single tap, such as memory usage, Wi-Fi hotspot settings, or battery options.

Quick access from the notification shade

In addition to the home screen, you can use the quick settings area (the notification shade) as a shortcut panel for system functions and, in some cases, for app options.

Swiping up from the top of the screen to fully expand the quick settings usually reveals an edit button (a pencil or similar icon) . Tapping it will show you all the available buttons, and you can drag the ones you want to the main panel.

By rearranging these icons, you can prioritize the functions you use most (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, power saving, tethering, etc.) , so that they are always accessible with a simple gesture.

App Shortcuts

Since Android Nougat, many apps can display quick actions when you long-press their icon . These are called "app shortcuts" or "launcher shortcuts," and they allow you to directly open internal sections without going through the home screen.

For example, a camera app might offer shortcuts to directly open the front camera or start recording video ; an email client might have shortcuts to compose a new message or go to the inbox of a specific account.

In advanced launchers like Nova Launcher, if you press and hold an app icon, its actions will appear, and you can also press and hold one of those actions and drag it to the home screen . This turns it into a standalone shortcut.

In some pre-installed launchers, this feature is limited or simply nonexistent. If that's the case for you, you can use specialized apps or shortcuts to app activities , as we'll see below.

Shortcuts to internal app activities

Within an Android application, each important screen is typically an "activity." Some of these screens can be opened directly via a shortcut, without going through the app's main screen , allowing for the creation of very powerful shortcuts.

Launchers like Nova include a widget called "Activities" that displays a complete list of activities for all installed apps . By placing this widget on your home screen, you can select any activity and create a shortcut to it.

Not all activities will work perfectly (some are intended for internal use), but you can try them out and see which ones you find useful . If you don't use Nova or a similar launcher, there are alternative apps like QuickShortcutMaker, which offer a list of activities and create shortcuts without needing to switch launchers.

Specific shortcuts in specific apps: example with Microsoft To Do

Some applications integrate their own shortcuts from the icon on the Start screen. Microsoft To Do, for example, allows you to create shortcuts for "Add new task" or "Search" directly from the desktop.

First, you need to make sure the To Do app is on your home screen. To do this, open the app drawer, press and hold the To Do icon, and drag it to the home screen . Once it's there, you'll be able to access its advanced shortcuts.

If you press and hold the To Do app icon, a context menu will open with options like "Add new task" or "Search." Simply press and hold on one of these options and drag it to your home screen to create a standalone shortcut.

Applications for creating custom shortcuts

When native or launcher functions fall short, you can turn to apps dedicated to creating highly customized shortcuts . Among the best-known are Shortcut Maker, Shortcut Creator, and Shorty.

Shortcut Maker lets you create shortcuts to almost anything: system options, app functions, files, images, websites, and more . It also offers extensive customization options for icons, shapes, and colors, and can transform buttons into true quick controls (for example, to turn Bluetooth on or off with a single tap).

Shortcut Creator works similarly, with a slightly simpler but equally powerful interface. It guides you step by step: you choose what you want to link, select the icon design, and then send the shortcut to your home screen . It's a good option if you don't want to overcomplicate things but need more than the standard shortcuts.

Shorty, on the other hand, focuses more on creating shortcuts to items on your internal storage: documents, photos, videos, etc. After installing it, simply go to your file manager or gallery, select the item, tap Share, and choose Shorty. You can customize the name, style, and icon before it appears on your desktop.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Sometimes a shortcut might stop working correctly : clicking it doesn't open anything, an error message appears, or it takes you to a site that no longer exists. This usually happens if the file it points to has been moved or deleted, if an app has been updated, or if the launcher has experienced a problem.

If the shortcut pointed to a document or image, the path may have changed. Checking the file using your file manager can often help you understand what happened . In many cases, simply deleting the broken shortcut and repeating the creation process will get it working again.

When the problem seems widespread (multiple logins fail simultaneously), it could be due to the launcher. In that case, you can try resetting the launcher from the system's application manager : go to Settings, then to Application Manager, locate the launcher (whether it's the system launcher or an external one), and under Storage, clear the cache, or even the data, or restore default settings.

Group and organize shortcuts

If you're a neat freak, you'll be happy to know that shortcuts behave just like regular app icons when it comes to organizing them . You can move them, group them into folders, and place them on different screens without any problem.

For example, you could create a folder with your favorite contacts, another with your preferred news websites, and another with shortcuts to work documents . This way, you have everything at hand without cluttering your screen with random icons.

Removing a grouped shortcut is as easy as pressing and holding it, then dragging it to the trash or the Remove option . Remember that you'll only delete the shortcut itself, not its contents or the app it points to.

Shortcuts from the developer's point of view

In addition to the shortcuts that the user creates manually, Android offers developers a specific API for define shortcuts within the app itselfThese shortcuts can be static, dynamic, or pinned and are primarily managed through the class. ShortcutManager or its compatibility version ShortcutManagerCompat from Jetpack.

The static shortcuts These are the ones defined in an XML file within the application and remain more or less constant throughout a version of the app. They are referenced from the AndroidManifest.xml adding a block <meta-data> to the main activity, with something like android:name="android.app.shortcuts" y android:resource="@xml/shortcuts".

In the File res/xml/shortcuts.xml one or more elements are specified <shortcut>each with attributes such as android:shortcutId, android:shortcutShortLabel, android:shortcutLongLabel, android:icon y android:enabled, in addition to one or more <intent> Internal controls that indicate what action should be triggered when the shortcut is pressed. Categories can also be added, and capability-binding to integrate them with services like Google Assistant.

Dynamic shortcuts

As for dynamic shortcutsThese are created and updated at runtime, adapting to the user's app usage (for example, the latest contacts they've chatted with or their current game level). They are managed with methods such as pushDynamicShortcut(), removeDynamicShortcuts() o removeAllDynamicShortcuts(), Either from ShortcutManager Or from ShortcutManagerCompat.

Jetpack's ShortcutManagerCompat library is especially useful because it reduces repetitive code and ensures consistent behavior across different Android versions . Furthermore, it's required for integration with the Google Shortcuts Integration Library (core-google-shortcuts), which allows these dynamic shortcuts to appear on platforms like the Assistant.

Thanks to this integration, an app can, for example, send a dynamic shortcut each time the user performs a specific action (such as starting a workout or messaging a contact named "Alex"). The user could then trigger that action with their voice, asking the Assistant to open that specific shortcut in the app.

fixed direct access

The pinned shortcutsAvailable since Android 8.0 (API 26), shortcuts are placed as separate icons in the launcher, often after user confirmation. To create them, the app must check if the launcher supports this function using isRequestPinShortcutSupported(), to build an object ShortcutInfo (new or based on an existing one) and call requestPinShortcut(), being able to pass a PendingIntent to receive a notification when the anchoring has been successfully completed.

It is important that the IDs of these pinned shortcuts are stable and consistentbecause the system automatically backs up and restores them across devices. Once set up, they can be updated with updateShortcuts() just like other shortcuts.

Developers can also create activities dedicated to the creation of personalized shortcutsDeclaring an intent filter with ACTION_CREATE_SHORTCUT In the manifest, the system can launch that activity when the user attempts to create a shortcut. Within it, the user configures the options, and the app generates the resulting intent with createShortcutResultIntent(), returns it by setResult() and the activity ends with finish().

To test the shortcuts in development, simply install the app on a device with a compatible launcher, press and hold the icon, and verify that they appear and function as expected . You can also drag them to the home screen to test the behavior of the pinned shortcuts.

With all these possibilities, shortcuts on Android become a powerful tool for both users and developers: from adding a simple icon to your favorite website to triggering complex actions integrated with Google Assistant , all with one or two taps from the home screen. Share this tutorial so other users can learn how to create shortcuts in Android apps.