Where to find a timer on a Xiaomi phone: a step-by-step guide for all models

Why Xiaomi Timer Is So Hard to Find and Where to Find It

You just bought a new Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro, you're trying to run an egg-cooking timer -- and you can't find it? You're not alone. The manufacturer regularly moves standard apps in newer versions of MIUI, and some users don't even know the timer is hidden in the Watch app (which, by the way, isn't always visible on the home screen either).

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can find a timer on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from the obvious to the hidden, and how to add a timer shortcut to the home screen, set up voice control, and even use a timer through Google Assistant if the standard app suddenly disappears after the update.

Spoiler: on MIUI 14 models, the timer has been moved to a separate tab in the alarm app, and on older versions it may be hidden under the name "Secundometer." But everything in order.

Method 1: Standard Clock Appendix (for MIUI 12–14)

On most modern smartphones, Xiaomi timer is built into the Watch app (or Clock on English firmware).

1. Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Find the Watch icon (usually an analog watch with a white background) and if it isn’t, use an app search (the magnifier at the top of the menu).
3. At the bottom of the screen, select the Timer tab (an hourglass icon).

If you don't have a timer tab, you have an older version of MIUI (up to 12th), in which case the timer may be called a Stopwatch or hidden in the alarm menu, and more on that in the next section.

Method 2: Timer in the app "Alarm clock" (MIUI 14 and later)

With MIUI 14, Xiaomi decided to simplify the interface and moved the timer to the alarm app.

1. Open the alarm clock (icon with a bell).
2. In the bottom menu, select Timer (second tab on the right).
3. Click on + to add a new countdown.

Note that on some models (such as the Xiaomi 13T), the timer tab may be called Countdown, and if you can’t see it, check if it’s hidden in the app’s additional settings.

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Press and hold the timer icon in the Clock/Alarm clock app to quickly add a shortcut to the home screen.

Method 3: Search through system search (if the application is hidden)

If you can't find either the Watch or the Alarm clock, don't panic. MIUI has a built-in search system that finds even hidden applications:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. At the top of the screen, tap on the search bar (or click on the magnifier icon).
3. Enter the request: timer or timer.
4. The system will show all related results, including hidden labels.

If the search is not working, check if the Watch app is disabled in the settings.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find the Clock or the Clock.
3. If the status is "Disabled" - click Enable.

Method 4: Voice-start timer (via Google Assistant)

Do you want to go through the menu? Run your timer with your voice -- it works even if the standard Watch app is deleted or hidden.

1. Activate Google Assistant (click the Home button or say “OK, Google”).
2. Say the command: Start the timer for 5 minutes or set a timer for 10 minutes called "Tea"
3. The assistant will confirm the launch and show a countdown notification.

The advantage of this method is:

• 🔹 It works even if the app is removed.
• 🔹 You can set the timer name (for example, “Timer for yoga»).
• 🔹 Supports multitasking – you can run multiple timers at the same time.

⚠️ Note: If Google Assistant does not respond to commands, check the permissions for the Google app in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → Google → Permits: Make sure that microphone and notifications are enabled.

Method 5: Install a third-party timer (if the standard one does not suit)

If the built-in timer on Xiaomi seems uncomfortable (for example, there is no possibility to create multiple timers at once or there is no vibration at completion), you can install an alternative from Google Play.

• 🏆 Timer Plus – supports unlimited timers, widgets and voice control.
• ⏱️ Multi Timer – convenient for training (interval timers).
• 🎵 Sound Timer – lets you choose an alert melody from your music.
• 🔄 Repeat Timer – for cyclic reminders (e.g. watering plants every 2 hours).

To set a third-party timer:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Type the name of the application (e.g. Timer Plus) in the search.
3. Click Set and confirm permissions.

⚠️ Warning: Some third-party timers request permissions to access contacts or locations.This is not necessary for the timer to work - opt out of unnecessary permissions in the app settings.

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Xiaomi’s standard timer consumes minimal battery power, while third-party apps can use energy for background processes. If your goal is to save charge, use built-in tools.

How to add a timer to the main screen (shortcut)

To avoid searching for a timer every time in the app menu, add it to the home screen:

1. Find the Watch or Alarm App (see the methods above).
2. Click on the app icon and hold it for 1-2 seconds.
3. In the menu that appears, select Add to the main screen (or drag the icon to the right place).

If you want to create a separate shortcut for the timer (not the entire Watch app):

1. Open the clock. → Timer.
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right.
3. Select Add to the main screen.

Now you'll have a direct link to the timer -- one tap, and the countdown is up!

Frequent timer issues on Xiaomi and their solutions

Sometimes the timer on Xiaomi fails, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

• 🔇 Timer doesn't make sound: Check if the phone is silent (volume button down to full stop). Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Volume media and level up. Make sure the timer settings have the melody (not "No sound»).
• ⏳ Timer resets after reboot: This is normal behavior for MIUI — Background processes are forced to close when you restart. Use third-party applications (such as Timer Plus) if you need a timer that works after a reboot.
• 🔄 It is impossible to create multiple timers: Standard app Watches in MIUI It only supports one active timer. Multi-Timer or Repeat Timer is available for multitasking.

Settings → Applications → Watch → Storage → Clean the cache

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions