Searching for standard apps and widgets on Xiaomi smartphones can be an unexpected puzzle, especially after updating the firmware or changing the version of the MIUI shell to HyperOS. Users often ask where the Xiaomi watch is, implying either a built-in alarm clock or a time widget on the desktop. The Chinese manufacturer's interface is famous for its functionality, but sometimes hides obvious elements in deep menus or requires activation through special screen editing modes.
In this article, we will take a look at all possible locations for watch functions. You will learn how to add a large watch widget to a locked screen or desktop, where to find system time settings and how to manage timers. System navigation in Xiaomi devices has its own logic, which you need to understand for comfortable use of the gadget.
Keep in mind that the layout of elements may vary slightly depending on the regional version of the firmware (Global, China, EEA) and the specific device model. However, the basic principles of working with the interface remain unchanged for the entire ecosystem of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. We will consider universal paths relevant to most modern models.
Search and set up the clock widget on the desktop
The most common request is to place beautiful dials right on your desktop. Unlike pure Android, the MIUI shell offers advanced customization capabilities. To find the widget, you need to swipe to the right end or pinch two fingers on the free space of the screen to go into editing mode.
From the menu that opens, you can select "Widgets" (or "Widgets"), which contains a huge catalog of available items, including "Clocks", which offers a variety of styles, from classic analog hands to digital giants with display of date and weather, the choice of widget depends on your aesthetic preferences and the size of free space on the screen.
Once you have chosen the style, the widget moves to the desktop, and you can scale it if the widget model allows it, just by pulling the edges. It's important to note that some widgets require an Internet connection to display current weather or currency rates, while others only show the device's local time.
- ⏰ Classic digital watch with large font for quick time check.
- 🌡️ Combined widgets displaying time, date and current temperature.
- 🌙 Stylish analog dials that simulate mechanical clocks.
- 📅 Week schedulers with current time indication.
If a standard set of widgets doesn't suit you, you can use the Themes app. There are hundreds of independent designs available inside the theme store, and installing this widget often requires activating the whole theme, but the result is worth it to personalize the interface.
Where is the app “Clock” in the smartphone menu
If you're not interested in the look and feel, but in the functionality (alarm clock, timer, stopwatch), you need to find a system application. It's simply called the Watch by default, and it has an icon with a dial image. In a standard MIUI build, it's usually located in the Tools folder on your desktop or in a general list of all applications.
In the newest HyperOS shell, the logic of search remained the same, but the visual design of the icon could change. If you can't find an app visually, the fastest way to use a global search is to swipe down the center of the desktop (or up, depending on the navigation settings) and type in the word "clock" or "alarm clock".
System search will instantly give you the desired application, and also prompt you to start a specific function, for example, to open the timer right away. This is the fastest way to access the functionality if the icon is lost among hundreds of other programs.
⚠️ Warning: Do not delete the Clock system app, even if it seems unnecessary.It is associated with system alarms and timers, which may not work when the phone is turned off if the app is removed or damaged.
In some custom builds or heavily modified launchers, the standard application can be hidden, in which case it can be found through settings: go to Settings → Apps → All Apps and find the Watch in the list. From there, you can clear the cache if the widget stopped displaying the time correctly.
Setting up alarm clocks and timers in MIUI and HyperOS
Inside the Watch app, there is a powerful, often underrated feature: the alarm tab allows you to create complex schedules, adjust repeating signals on the days of the week and select different tunes. Xiaomi’s smart alarm clock is able to gradually increase the volume to make the awakening feel softer.
The special feature of the Workday alarm is that it automatically detects holidays and weekends, synchronizing with the calendar. You don't have to manually turn off the alarm clock during the holidays or turn it on after a short work week. It's one of the most useful features of the Xiaomi ecosystem.
☑️ Setting up the perfect alarm clock
The Timer and Stopwatch tabs also have their own features: the timer can be run for a certain time, and after which the phone can perform an action, for example, turn off (if supported by iron) or just make a sound. The stopwatch supports intermediate time cutoffs (paws), which is convenient for athletes.
| Function | Description | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Working alarm clock | Ignoring weekends and holidays | Inside the alarm clock setting |
| Delayed signal | Repeat the signal in 5-10 minutes | Settings of the Watch application |
| Loudness of the button | Increase the volume of the phone buttons | Settings of alarm clock |
| Sleep timer | Auto-enabled "Do Not Disturb" mode | Appendix sleep modes |
So for tech enthusiasts, voice control is available, and you can say, "OK, Google, set the alarm for 7:00 a.m.," and the system will create the recording in the app itself, and it works even if the screen is off, which is very convenient in the morning rush.
Watches on the locked screen (Always on Display)
A separate category of settings concerns displaying the time when the smartphone screen is locked. Always On Display (AOD) allows you to keep the clock and date visible all the time without consuming much energy thanks to AMOLED-matrix technology. You can find these settings in the Settings menu → Wallpaper and personalization → Always-on display.
Here, you can choose the display style: vertical, horizontal, with a second hand or animation, and you can adjust the AOD schedule to keep the screen from burning all night, which is a critical parameter for maintaining battery power.
The Effect of Always On Display on the Battery
If your smartphone does not supportAlways On Display at the hardware level (for example, it has a IPS-The screen, the clock on the locked screen will not appear, in which case you can use third-party apps from Google Play, which emulate this effect, although with a high energy consumption.
Newer versions of HyperOS have the ability to customize the watch view on the lock screen in more detail, you can change fonts, colors, and even add pedometer widgets or headphone charge right under time, access to these settings opens with a long tap on the lock screen.
Time mapping problems and their solution
Sometimes users are faced with a situation when the clock on Xiaomi is lagging, rushing or disappearing altogether. Most often the problem lies in the wrong time zone settings or synchronization. If time is lost after a reboot, check whether the option “Use network time” is enabled in the date and time settings.
Another common cause is a system launcher failure: If the time widget is black or has stopped updating, try clearing the Clock app cache or restarting the device. In rare cases, resetting the widget settings through the desktop editing menu helps.
- 🔄 Check the automatic time synchronization over the Internet.
- 🌍 Make sure you choose the right time zone for your region.
- 🗑️ Clear the cache of the Watch and Security app».
- ⚡ Reboot your smartphone to update system processes.
⚠️ Warning: If time is constantly strayed several hours ahead or back immediately after the phone is turned off, this may indicate the discharge of the internal battery. RTC (Real Time Clock on the motherboard, which requires a visit to the service center.
It is also worth mentioning the problem of time desynchronization in two-symbol devices when using SIM-You can choose which mobile network settings to use. SIM-The card will provide time data for the correct operation of the system clock.
Third-party applications to replace standard watches
Xiaomi’s standard functionality is rich, but sometimes users need something more specific. The Google Play Store has thousands of alarm apps and time widgets available. Popular options include Clock Widget, Alarmy, and Flip Clock.
Installing a third-party widget requires permission to display on top of other applications. Once you install the app, you usually have to go into desktop editing mode, select widgets, and find the name of the program you just installed there, which will replace the standard clock with a more beautiful or functional one.
💡
Use the KWGT Kustom Widget Maker widgets to create a totally unique watch that no one else has. It takes time to set up, but the result is worth it.
However, it is worth remembering that third-party widgets can consume more CPU and battery resources than native solutions from Xiaomi. Optimization for own widgets is always higher.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t the alarm go off when the phone is off?
How to make your watches bigger on your desktop?
Can time be synchronized with an atomic clock?
Where to find a stopwatch on Xiaomi?
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Searching for a watch on Xiaomi depends on the purpose: widgets are searched through the table editing menu, and alarm clocks and timers are found in the system app “Clock” or through a global search.