How to Add a Shortcut of your File on Android Desktop

Introduction

If you use your Android device for work, study, or everyday how to add a shortcut of your file on android desktop tasks, you probably have a bunch of files you access frequently. Sometimes, it can be a hassle to open an app or navigate through folders just to find that one document or photo you need. Wouldn’t it be easier if you could simply tap an icon right on your Android home screen, similar to how you launch apps?

What is a Shortcut?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly discuss what a shortcut is.

A shortcut is essentially a small icon on your home screen that links directly to a file, folder, or app. When you tap on it, you’re instantly taken to the file or folder without having to navigate through the app or file manager.

In simpler terms, think of it like a shortcut on your computer’s desktop. Instead of opening a program through a menu or searching for it, you click on the shortcut that takes you directly to it.

Why Should You Add a Shortcut for Your File on Android?

There are several reasons why you might want to add a shortcut for your file on Android:

• Quick Access: If you’re working on a project or need a document frequently, having a shortcut means you can access it immediately without navigating through file managers.
• Organization: You can keep your most important files organized on your home screen, rather than digging through various apps or folders.
• Productivity Boost: Time spent searching for a file adds up. By reducing the time spent finding your files, you can be more productive.

Now that we’ve established why you might want to create shortcuts, let’s go over how you can do this.

1. Using Google Files App (for Most Android Devices)

If you use the Google Files app, you can quickly create a shortcut for your files on the Android desktop. Here’s how:

• Open the Files app: First, open the Google Files app on your device. This app might be pre-installed on your phone, or you can download it from the Google Play Store.
• Navigate to the file: Browse through the app and find the file you want to create a shortcut for.
• Tap and Hold: Once you locate the file, tap and hold on the file icon until a menu pops up.
• Select ‘Add to Home screen’: In the menu that appears, look for the option that says “Add to Home screen”. Tap on it.
• Confirm and Create: A confirmation screen will pop up, showing the file name and allowing you to adjust the shortcut name (optional). Tap “Add”.
• Shortcut Created: Your shortcut will now appear on your Android desktop!

2. Using File Manager Apps

If you don’t have Google Files, don’t worry! Most Android devices come with a default file manager app that allows you to add shortcuts. Here’s a general guide using any file manager:

• Open the File Manager: Open the file manager app that comes pre-installed on your device. It could be named “My Files”, “Files”, or something similar.
• Browse for Your File: Navigate to the file or folder you wish to create a shortcut for.
• Tap and Hold: Tap and hold the file until a menu appears.
• Select ‘Add Shortcut’: Depending on the app, you may see an option like “Add shortcut to Home” or “Add to Home Screen”. Tap it.
• Adjust (Optional): You may be asked to rename the shortcut or choose where you want to place it on your home screen. Customize as you like.
• Done!: Your shortcut will now be added to the home screen.

3. Using Third-Party Apps for More Customization

While the built-in apps on Android make it simple to add shortcuts, there are third-party apps that offer additional functionality and customization options. One such app is ES File Explorer. Here’s how to use it:

• Install ES File Explorer: Download and install ES File Explorer from the Google Play Store.
• Browse Your Files: Open the app and find the file you want to create a shortcut for.
• Tap and Hold: Tap and hold on the file to open the options menu.
• Select ‘Create Shortcut’: Look for the option that says “Create Shortcut” or “Add to Home Screen”.
• Choose Placement: You can now place the shortcut wherever you want on your home screen.

This method works similarly to the built-in file manager method, but it can give you more options, such as creating shortcuts for multiple files at once or customizing the icon.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Though the process of creating shortcuts is fairly straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here are a few common problems and how to solve them:

1. Option to Add Shortcut Not Available

Sometimes, you might tap and hold a file and not see the option to add it to your home screen. This can happen if your file manager app doesn’t support this feature. In such cases:

• Check for App Updates: Ensure your file manager app is up-to-date. Sometimes, newer features are added through updates.
• Use Google Files: If your current file manager doesn’t support shortcuts, you can always use the Google Files app, which is guaranteed to work.

2. Shortcut Not Working After a Restart

Another issue is when the shortcut disappears or stops working after restarting your device. This can happen for various reasons:

• Cache Issues: Try clearing the cache of the file manager or Google Files app.
• Permissions: Check if the app has the necessary permissions to access the file or folder you created the shortcut for.

3. File Type Not Supported

Some file types may not support the shortcut feature. For example, certain files in formats like .exe (which are designed for PCs) might not work. If that’s the case, check the file format and try converting it into something more widely supported, like a PDF or JPEG.

How to Organize Shortcuts on Your Home Screen

Once you’ve added a few shortcuts to your Android home screen, you might want to keep them organized for easy access. Here are a few tips on how to manage your shortcuts:

• Group Similar Files: You can create folders by dragging one shortcut over another. This will help you organize your files into groups (like work-related files, personal photos, or important documents).
• Label Your Shortcuts: Most Android devices allow you to rename the shortcuts. Label your shortcuts with clear, descriptive names to avoid confusion.
• Use Widgets: Some file manager apps offer widgets that display recent or favorite files directly on your home screen, so you don’t need to manually add shortcuts for each one.

Conclusion

Adding shortcuts for your files on your Android desktop is a simple, yet effective way to streamline your mobile experience. Whether you’re accessing important documents, photos, or videos, having these files just a tap away can save you valuable time and boost your productivity.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to quickly add shortcuts for any file, and you can even customize the process with third-party apps to suit your needs. No more digging through folders – your files will be right where you need them!

Q1. Can I create shortcuts for any type of file?

Yes, you can create shortcuts for almost any type of file on your Android device, including documents (like PDFs, Word files), images (like JPEGs or PNGs), videos, and more. However, some file types might not be supported by the default file manager apps, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the file format if you run into any issues.

Q2. Why can’t I see the “Add to Home Screen” option?

If you can’t see the option to add a shortcut, it could be due to the following reasons:

• The file manager app you’re using may not support this feature.
• The file type may not be supported for shortcuts.
• Your device might be using a custom launcher that changes the default options.

In such cases, try using the Google Files app, as it supports adding shortcuts to the home screen for most file types. Alternatively, check your app permissions or update the app if it’s outdated.

Q3. Will the shortcuts disappear if I restart my Android device?

Normally, shortcuts should remain even after a restart. However, if they disappear or stop working, there could be an issue with cache or permissions. To resolve this:

• Clear the cache of the file manager or Google Files app.
• Make sure the app has the necessary permissions to access your files.
• Try re-adding the shortcut.

Q4. Can I create shortcuts for apps using this method?

No, the method described here is specifically for creating shortcuts to files or folders on your Android desktop. To add app shortcuts, you can long-press on the app icon in your app drawer and select “Add to Home screen,” which is a separate process.

Q5. How do I organize my file shortcuts?

Once you’ve added your shortcuts, you can organize them by creating folders on your home screen. To do this, simply drag one shortcut on top of another, and Android will automatically create a folder for you. You can name the folder and continue to group other related shortcuts together for easy access.