Android App Shortcuts — Launch Features from Home Screen
App shortcuts provide quick access to specific features directly from the home screen. They improve user experience and engagement. Let's explore all three types.
Static Shortcuts
Define permanent shortcuts in your manifest:
<!-- res/xml/shortcuts.xml -->
<shortcuts xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android">
<shortcut
android:shortcutId="compose_message"
android:enabled="true"
android:icon="@drawable/ic_message"
android:shortcutShortLabel="@string/compose"
android:shortcutLongLabel="@string/compose_message">
<intent
android:action="android.intent.action.MAIN"
android:targetPackage="com.example.myapp"
android:targetClass="com.example.myapp.ComposeActivity" />
</shortcut>
</shortcuts>
Add to manifest:
<activity android:name=".MainActivity">
<intent-filter>
<action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
</intent-filter>
<meta-data
android:name="android.app.shortcuts"
android:resource="@xml/shortcuts" />
</activity>
Receive intent extras:
class ComposeActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
val recipientId = intent.getStringExtra("recipient_id")
val messageText = intent.getStringExtra("message_text")
// Handle shortcut intent
}
}
Dynamic Shortcuts
Create shortcuts at runtime with ShortcutManager:
val shortcutManager = getSystemService(ShortcutManager::class.java)
val shortcut = ShortcutInfo.Builder(this, "quick_reply")
.setShortLabel("Quick Reply")
.setLongLabel("Reply to recent messages")
.setIcon(Icon.createWithResource(this, R.drawable.ic_reply))
.setIntent(Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW).apply {
action = "com.example.myapp.QUICK_REPLY"
putExtra("mode", "quick")
})
.build()
shortcutManager.dynamicShortcuts = listOf(shortcut)
Important: Max 4 shortcuts total (static + dynamic).
Pinned Shortcuts
Allow users to pin shortcuts themselves:
val shortcutManager = getSystemService(ShortcutManager::class.java)
if (shortcutManager.isRequestPinShortcutSupported) {
val shortcut = ShortcutInfo.Builder(this, "settings")
.setShortLabel("Settings")
.setIcon(Icon.createWithResource(this, R.drawable.ic_settings))
.setIntent(Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW).apply {
action = "com.example.myapp.SETTINGS"
})
.build()
shortcutManager.requestPinShortcut(shortcut, null)
}
Best Practices
Icon sizes: Adaptive icons (108x108dp)
Label length: Short labels ≤20 chars, long labels ≤30 chars
Intent extras: Always include action to identify shortcut type
Target API 25+ for full shortcut support- Test on actual devices (shortcuts behave differently across launchers)
Static shortcuts provide always-available access, dynamic shortcuts adapt to usage patterns, and pinned shortcuts give users control. Combine them for optimal engagement.
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