Where to find a stopwatch on Xiaomi: 5 ways to run on all models

You try to run a stopwatch on a Xiaomi smartphone but can't find it? This problem is familiar to many users - especially after updating MIUI or changing the model of the phone. The fact is that the manufacturer regularly changes the location of standard utilities, and in some firmware, the stopwatch generally "hidden" in non-obvious sections.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can access the stopwatch on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from the classic path through the Watch app to hidden functions in the notification panel. You’ll also learn how to add a stopwatch to the home screen as a widget and why it might disappear after a system update. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 and all modern models (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5).

1. Standard method: Appendix "Clock"

The most obvious (but not always working) method is to search for a stopwatch in the company’s Watch app.** On most Xiaomi devices, it is built in there, but its location depends on the version of MIUI:

• 📱 MIUI 12-13: Open the Clock» → swipe to the right or click on the icon ⏱️ Stopwatch on the bottom menu.
• 🔄 MIUI 14: The Watch app may not have a stopwatch tab — use the Chronometer instead (the function is identical).
• ⚠️ Problem: on some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) The Clock app does not contain a stopwatch at all - see alternative methods below.

If the Watch icon is not on the home screen, search for it through a search (Conductor → Search → “Clock”) or in the Google/Tools folder. On older versions of MIUI (up to the 11th) the stopwatch could be called the Timer – do not confuse it with an alarm clock!

2. Quick access through the notification panel

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has added the ability to start the stopwatch directly from the notification panel, which works even if the Watch app is removed or hidden:

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the icon. ⏱️ Stopwatch (can be hidden under the button Edit).
3. Click on it - a mini stopwatch window with start / pause / reset buttons will open.

Important: If the icon is not there, you need to add it manually.

1. Open the notification panel and tap on ⚙️ Settings (or Editing).
2. Find the Stopwatch in the list and drag it to the active area.

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On some models (e.g. Redmi 10), the notification panel supports double-clicking the stopwatch icon for instant start/pause – check in the gesture settings.

3. stopwatch widget on the main screen

If you use a stopwatch a lot, it's logical to put it on the home screen as a widget, and it works on all versions of MIUI, but you need to pre-configure it.

1. Click and hold the empty space on the home screen → select Widgets.
2. Scroll through the list to the Tools or Clock section.
3. Select the Stopwatch widget (usually 2×2 or 4×1) options are available.
4. Drag it on the screen and adjust the size.

On the POCO F4 and Xiaomi 12T, the stopwatch widget may not be available in the standard set – in this case, use third-party apps (see Section 6).

4.Voice assistant and fast commands

If you're too lazy to look for a stopwatch on the menu, use Google Assistant or XiaoAI (Chinese firmware).

• 🎤 OK Google, start the stopwatch – open the standard Google Clock app (if installed).
• 🤖 XiaoAI, turn on the chronometer – works on Chinese versions MIUI (requires activation in settings).
• ⚡ Google, set a timer for 1 minute, an alternative if the stopwatch is not on.

On MIUI models for Russia (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+), voice commands may not work due to localization limitations.

⚠️ Note: Before using the voice assistant, check if the microphone is enabled for the Google app in the App settings → Permits → Microphone. Some Xiaomi firmwares block this access by default.

5. Secret Way: Engineering Menu (for Advanced)

On older models (Redmi 4X, Xiaomi Mi A1) and custom firmware, the stopwatch can be hidden in the engineering menu.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the Equipment Testing section.
4. Find the Stopwatch or Timer Test (name varies).

Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu - this can cause malfunctions in the phone.The stopwatch here is designed to test hardware components and may not work stable.

Third-party applications: if the standard stopwatch is lost

If none of the above methods worked, you have to install a third-party stopwatch.

• ⏱️ Google Clock is the official Google app with a stopwatch, timer and alarm clock.
• ⚡ Stopwatch & Timer – Minimalistic stopwatch with support for widgets and history of measurements.
• 📊 Runtastic Stopwatch – for athletes (there are circle functions and statistics).
• 🔧 Mi Tools – a set of tools for Xiaomi, including a stopwatch (works without the Internet).

After installation, add the third-party app widget to the home screen:

Download the app from the Play Market

Open and provide the necessary permits

Add a widget to the main screen (long press → Widgets)

Set up hot keys (if supported)

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Important: Some Xiaomi firmware can block third-party apps with a battery optimizer, so that the stopwatch runs in the background:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the stopwatch installed and select Auto Start and Work in the background.
3. Turn off Battery Optimization for this application.

7.Why did the stopwatch disappear after the MIUI update?

Many users find that after updating the firmware stopwatch disappears from the menu.

On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 Global, the stopwatch can be moved to the Tools app** (the wrench icon). Check this folder if you don't find it in the Watch.

⚠️ Note: If after updating to MIUI 14 stopwatch has stopped saving the history of measurements, this is due to the new privacy rules. → Confidentiality → Special permits → Activity log and enable access to the "Clock" app».

FAQ: Frequent questions about the stopwatch on Xiaomi

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On most Xiaomi models, the stopwatch is built into the Watch app, but its location depends on the version of MIUI. If the standard method doesn't work, use the notification bar, widgets or third-party apps.