Xiaomi Redmi: How to add and configure a widget in 2 minutes

Why You Need a Home Screen Watch and Why It’s Not by Default

You just bought a new Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or Redmi 10C, turned it on — and found that there is no familiar watch on the desktop? It is not a bug or a manufacturer's omission. MIUI (the Xiaomi brand shell) by default hides the time widget so as not to overload the interface. But for many users, the clock on the home screen is not just a decoration, but a necessary element: they allow you to quickly check the time without unlocking the phone, and serve as an additional guide when searching for applications.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to add a watch to your desktop, from standard MIUI widgets to third-party solutions with advanced features (weather, stopwatch, alarm clock). We will also discuss why the widget may not appear after installation, and what to do if the watch disappears after the system update. All instructions are relevant for Redmi based on MIUI 12, 13 and 14 (including Redmi Note 11 Pro+, Redmi A2, POCO X5 Pro and other models).

Before you proceed to setup, make sure that on your smartphone:

  • 📱 The latest version has been installed MIUI (Check in the settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
  • 🔄 There are no active restrictions on widgets (sometimes they are blocked in power saving mode).
  • 📦 Enough free space on the main screen (widget takes up the cell) 4×2 or 2×2).

Method 1: Standard watch widget in MIUI (fastest)

If you don’t need the delights — a simple display of time and date — use the built-in widget from Xiaomi. It consumes minimal resources and is guaranteed to work on all Redmi models.

Instructions:

  1. Touch any free area on your desktop and hold for 1-2 seconds until the settings menu appears.
  2. At the bottom of the screen, select “Widgets” (the icon with squares).
  3. Scroll down to the “Clock” section (or “Clock” in English firmware).
  4. Choose your favorite style (usually available 3-4 options: analog, digital, with a date).
  5. Drag the widget to a free space on the desktop.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, Redmi 8 may not have a built-in widget. In this case, go to Method 3 (installation via Google Clock).

Make sure there is free space on the screen.

Check out the MIUI version (relevant to older models)

Turn off the power saving mode (can block widgets)

Restart your phone if the widget doesn’t show up-->

The standard widget supports:

  • 🕒 Display time in 12- or 24-hour format (configured in Settings) → Additionally. → Date and time).
  • 📅 Date (can be turned off in the widget settings).
  • 🌙 Automatic dark theme switching (if enabled in the system).

Method 2: Widget via the app “Clock” from Xiaomi

If you don’t find a suitable option in the widget list, try adding the watch directly through the company’s Clock app, which works even on older versions of MIUI (for example, on the Redmi 7 or Redmi Note 8 Pro).

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Clock app (icon with dial).
  2. Slip along three horizontal lines in the upper left corner (menu).
  3. Select "Widget" or "Add to the main screen".
  4. The system will offer several design options - choose the appropriate one and click "Add".
  5. Place the widget on the desktop, holding it with your finger.

🔹 Features of this method:

  • 🔄 Widget synchronizes with alarm clocks and timers from the app “Clock».
  • 🎨 More styles are available than in the standard widget menu (including transparent and minimalist options).
  • ⚡ It is updated faster when changing the time zone.

💡

If the widget isn’t added, try clearing the Cache of the Clock app: go to Settings → Apps → App Management → Watch → Storage → Clear the Cache.

Method 3: Google Clock widget (for minimalist lovers)

If you don’t like Xiaomi’s standard watch, install a Google widget that looks concise and supports Google Assistant integration.

How to determine:

  1. Download the Google Clock app from Google Play (unless it is installed by default).
  2. Press your finger on the free space of the desktop → “Widgets”.
  3. Find the list of Google Watches (or Google Clock).
  4. Select a size (4×2 or 2×2) and drag the widget to the screen.

🔹 The Benefits of Google Clock:

  • 🌍 Automatic time zone determination when traveling.
  • 🔔 Integration with alarm clocks and Google Assistant reminders.
  • 🎨 More design options (including weather widgets).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9T) Google Clock widget may conflict with the built-in clock, in which case, remove one of the widgets.

Standard from Xiaomi

Google Clock

Part of the application (e.g. Chronus)

I don't need a watch on the screen.-->

Method 4: Party of the application with advanced functions

If you don't want to just display time, look at third-party widgets. They offer:

  • 🌤️ Built-in weather (e.g. Chronus or Transparent Clock & Weather).
  • ⏱️ Stopwatch and timer right on the widget.
  • 🎨 Full customization (color, font, animations).
  • 📊 Telephone usage statistics (in some applications).

Top.-3 Applications for Xiaomi Redmi:

AnnexFeaturesConsReference
ChronusWeather, calendar, steps, alarm clocksPaid themesGoogle Play
Transp. Clock & WeatherTransparent design, 10+ watch stylesAdvertising in the free versionGoogle Play
Digital Clock WidgetMinimalistic digital widgetNo analog watch.Google Play

🔹 How to install a third-party widget:

  1. Download the application from the table above.
  2. Open it and follow the setup instructions.
  3. Press your finger on the desktop → “Widgets” → find the name of the installed application.
  4. Select the size and style of the widget, then place it on the screen.
How to remove an unnecessary widget?
To remove the widget from your desktop, hold it with your finger for 1-2 seconds, then drag it to the top of the screen where the "Delete" (or basket icon) will appear. Release your finger - the widget will disappear.

Method 5: A clock in a state bar (alternative to widgets)

If you don’t want to load your desktop with extra elements, but the time should always be in sight, turn on the display of the clock in the status bar (top notification bar). MIUI 12+.

How to turn on:

  1. Go to Settings → Screen → Status Line.
  2. Find the “Show the Watch” option (or “Display Time”) and activate it.
  3. Select the position: left or right of the notification icons.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi) K50) The clock in the status bar can disappear when you deploy the notification bar. It's not a bug, it's a feature. MIUI.

🔹 Additional settings:

  • 🕐 Time format (12/24 (hour) changes in Settings → Additionally. → Date and time.
  • 📱 The color of the watch is automatically adjusted to the theme of design.
  • 🔋 When the battery is low, the clock may be hidden (turns off in the battery settings).

Why the clock widget doesn’t work – and how to fix it

Sometimes, after installation, the watch widget refuses to display or shows the wrong time. Here are 5 common reasons and solutions:

Problem.Reason.Decision
No widget addedThere's not enough screen space.Remove unnecessary shortcuts or change the screen grid in the launcher settings
The clock is not updatedBackground limitation for the applicationGo to Settings → Applications → Watch → Battery → No restrictions
Widget disappeared after updateResetting launcher settingsRestart your phone or add the widget again.
Wrong time.Date/time settings are lostEnable automatic synchronization in Settings → Additional → Date and time
Widget doesn't respond to tapsConflict with the shellInstall an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher)

🔹 If nothing helps:

  1. Clear the launcher cache: Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache.
  2. Check if the “Light Mode” mode is set (it turns off widgets).
  3. On some Redmi firmware (e.g. MIUI 13.0.4), the watch widgets are blocked due to a system error, in which case only a software update or a reset will help.

💡

If the watch widget is missing after the MIUI update, try resetting the launcher settings: press your finger on the desktop → Screen settings → Reset. This will return the standard look of the screen without losing data.

Additional Chips: How to Make Your Watch Unique

Standard widgets are boring. If you want a Xiaomi Redmi watch to look different than everyone else’s, take these tips:

  • 🎨 Change the color and font: In apps like Chronus or UCCW You can customize every element of the widget - from the size of the numbers to the color of the second hand.
  • 🌌 Transparent background: Transp. Clock & Weather or Minimal Clock Widget widgets support transparency - the watch will merge with wallpaper.
  • 📱 Animation: B KWGT Kustom Widget Maker can be created with smooth transitions (for example, changing color depending on the time of day).
  • 🔧 Interactive elements: Some widgets allow you to run an alarm or timer directly from the home screen (e.g., Digital Clock Widget Xperia).

🔹 Example of settings in KWGT:

  1. Install KWGT from Google Play.
  2. Download your favorite watch template (for example, on the Kustom Rocks website).
  3. Import the template to KWGT and place the widget on your desktop.
  4. Customize colors, fonts and extra elements (weather, battery, etc.).

⚠️ Warning: Complex widgets (such as animations) can increase battery consumption by 5 to 10 percent. If you notice that your phone is running out faster, replace the widget with a simpler one.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the watch on Xiaomi Redmi

🕒 Can I make a clock on the lock screen?
Yes, but only if you have MIUI 12 or newer. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Watch style and choose one of the options offered. On older versions of firmware, this option may not be available.
⏰ Why the clock on the widget and in the status bar show different times?
This is due to a sync setting conflict. Go to Settings → Additional → Date and Time and: Enable Automatic Date and Time. Choose the correct time zone (sometimes it gets lost after an update). Reboot your phone. If the problem persists, clear the Clock cache.
📱 How to return the clock to the desktop after resetting the settings?
After reset, all widgets are removed. To return the watch: Add the widget again (see Method 1 or Method 2). If the widget does not appear in the list, update the MIUI to the latest version. Older models (Redmi 6, Redmi 7) may require the installation of an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher).
🔄 Can you sync the watch widget with the Mi Band?
There is no direct sync, but you can use a workaround: Install the Mi Fit app and connect the Mi Band. Turn on alarms in the bracelet settings. Use the Google Clock widget or Chronus, which supports integration with Google Fit, where data from the Mi Band is transmitted. 🔹 There will be no full time synchronization, but alarm clocks and reminders will be duplicated on the bracelet.
🛠️ What to do if the watch widget lags or slows down?
This is a typical problem for widgets with animation or complex graphics: 🔋 Disable battery optimization for the watch app (Settings) → Annexes → The clock → Battery → No restrictions). 🗑️ Clear the launcher cache and the “Clock” app». 📉 Reduce the size of the widget (for example, with 4×2 before 2×2). 🔄 Switch to a simpler widget (for example, standard from Xiaomi instead of the one that is not the same). KWGT). If the problem persists, check if the phone is overheating – widgets can brake when the processor is under high load.