Many of the functionalities that are included in devices with the Android OS They have quick access within the development itself, either in the notification bar or directly with their own icon (this is common in apps). However, there are some that don't offer this option and, even so, are used recurrently. Below we tell you what to do to achieve this safely and very easily and how prevent automatic access when installing apps.
This is a simple trick, without any complications and that does not put stability at risk from the terminal. Allows create shortcuts to features of the operating system, such as creating a Wi-Fi network or managing trusted certificates. This way, you can place an icon on the device's desktop so that using these options is easy. Too much faster.
The process has been tested on recent versions of Android and generally the steps are very similar between layers and manufacturers. There may be slight differences on some devices with proprietary interfaces, but the method we explain is generally available on the vast majority of phones.
Steps to follow
The first thing you should know is that we will rely on the creating widgets, as this is the shortest path to achieving the goal. Widgets are part of the system and are an excellent way to access internal sections of Settings with a single tap.
To get started, press and hold somewhere on the desktop that doesn't have icons. In the view that appears, tap the option Widgets. Locate the widget called Access to Settings (name may vary depending on the manufacturer) and drag it to the desktop.
Before placing it permanently, a screen will appear to choose the functionality from the shortcut: Battery Saver, Data Usage, Memory, Wi-Fi Hotspot, etc. Select the desired option and the icon will be created on the home screen. Tapping it will take you directly to the selected Settings section, without any intermediate steps.
Others Google development tricks you can find them in this section from Android Help, where there are simple options and other more advanced ones that will surely be useful to you.
Shortcuts to web pages
You can also create shortcuts to sitios web to open them from the home screen without going through the browser. Open the page in your browser (e.g., Chrome), tap the three-dot menu, and choose Add to home screen o Install application If the website is installable as a PWA, you will be able to rename the icon before adding it and relocating it to the desktop.
Access to photos, files and documents
To directly link a specific file (PDF, image, song, etc.) you usually need a specialized app. One of the simplest is Shorty, which works from the menu Share: open the file or photo, tap Share and choose the option Pin to home screen Shorty's. You'll be able to customize icon (color, thumbnail, name).
Another very complete alternative is Shortcut maker. Open the app, choose the category (apps, files, activities, websites), select the item and customize the icon before creating the shortcut. If you use an advanced file manager, many include the option Add to home screen for local routes. Please note that if you move or delete the original file, access will stop working.
App actions and internal activities
Many applications expose quick actions with a long press on its icon (for example, to open the front camera or compose a new email). Press and hold the icon, then press and hold the action to pin it as a shortcut. If your launcher does not support these actions, you can use the route of annual with a launcher like Nova Launcher (Activities widget) or the app QuickShortcutMaker to create shortcuts to internal app screens. Not all activities are designed for direct use, so some may not work.
WhatsApp Contacts and Chats
From the app Contacts can add a contact to the home screen: Open your tab, tap the three-dot menu and choose Add to home screenYou'll be able to call or send messages faster.
En WhatsApp, open the chat (individual or group), three-dot menu > More > Create Shortcut. The icon will appear on the desktop and will take you directly to the conversationIt behaves like any other app: you can move or delete it without affecting the conversation.
Quick settings in the notification curtain
In addition to the desktop, Android allows you to customize the workspace. Quick settings. Swipe down from the top, go to Edit and add or reorder the Switches available (Wi-Fi, hotspot, data saver, etc.). These are not desktop shortcuts, but they function as essential system shortcuts.
How to remove or organize shortcuts
To remove a shortcut, long press the icon and drag it to Remove or to the trash (it doesn't uninstall the app, it just removes the home icon). To avoid visual clutter, group shortcuts into folders (dragging one icon over another) and name them by categories: work, contacts, multimedia... Some launchers allow customize folders with icons and animations.
Troubleshooting and Safety Tips
If a shortcut stops working, check if the file changed location or if the target app has been updated. Recreate it. If the launcher crashes, delete it. cache and data from the launcher or try another one like Nova Launcher. For newer Androids, grant necessary permissions to shortcut apps (e.g., file access). Avoid putting access to sensitive documents on the first screen and use secure folders whenever possible.
With these methods, you'll have everything you use most at your fingertips: websites, contacts, chats, files, system functions, and even internal app activities. Well-organized shortcuts save time, reduce steps and improve your daily productivity without complications.
