Changing the time zone is a standard procedure that every smartphone owner faces when traveling or moving. On Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi and POCO sub-brands, this process can differ from pure Android due to the MIUI or HyperOS shell. The system offers flexible settings that allow you to manage time manually or automatically over the network.
Incorrect timing often causes messaging apps, banking apps, and calendars to crash, server sync can be disrupted if the settings are in the wrong region or geolocation is disabled, and it's important to understand how time detection works to avoid errors.
In this guide, we will look at all the available methods for changing time parameters, you will learn how to force the change of time zone, even if the phone is in the wrong country, and will also examine the nuances of working with double time and automatic daylight saving time.
Automatic time settings through the network
The easiest way to get time is to trust the carrier, and the "Use Network Time" feature automatically pulls data from the cell tower that the phone is registered to, so you don't have to manually search for the country or city you want, you just have to turn on the switch.
To activate, go to Settings → Additional → Date and time. You need to activate the "Use Network Time" slider. If the function works correctly, the rest of the menu items will become unavailable for editing, as the system takes control.
But there are situations where the automation fails, and this can happen when roaming cards are used or in areas with unstable coverage, and in such cases, the phone may misidentify a region of a neighboring country where the time varies by an hour or two.
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Use In-Air mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off, which will force the phone to re-register and update the operator's time data.
If the automatic mode fails, the system can suggest that you manually select the time zone, even when the network option is turned on, which often happens when you cross borders, in which case it is better to temporarily disable the automation and select the parameters yourself.
Manual setting of time zone and region
When automatic determination is not required or is not working correctly, we move to manual settings, which is relevant for those who use a smartphone only with Wi-Fi or are in the border area, first you need to turn off the "Use Network Time" slider in the date and time menu.
Once you shut down, the Time Belt will be active, and if you click on it, you'll see a list of all the zones that exist, and you'll search by the name of the city or country, and you'll need to choose the city that matches your current location or the time you want.
☑️ Manual timing
Note that a time zone change can automatically adjust the date. If you move across the date line (for example, from Vladivostok to Alaska), the day can change to the previous or the next. This is normal behavior of the system.
⚠️ Note: With manual timing, banking applications may temporarily block access for security reasons. return automatic synchronization after use.
Some users are specifically changing the time zone to access content in other regions or to test applications, and remember that this can disrupt notifications from servers that check timestamps.
Set up a double time for travel
Double Clock is useful for those who travel or work with colleagues from other countries, and it allows you to display the time of the second time zone on the lock screen and in widgets, which eliminates the need to constantly switch settings back and forth.
To activate mode, go to Settings → Additional → Date and Time → Double Watch. Here you can select the city for the second dial. The lock screen will display two analog or digital time at the same time.
This feature is particularly useful when paired with desktop widgets, so you can display large clocks that show the time at home and in your current country of residence, and it helps you remember to call your family at the wrong time of day.
It's worth noting that turning on the double clock doesn't change the system time for the applications. All programs will run on the main time you set first. The second belt is purely informational.
Comparison of methods of setting time
The choice of the method of setting depends on your needs and the current situation. Automation is ideal for everyday use, while manual is necessary in specific cases. Below is a table to help you decide on your choice.
| Parameter | Automatically (network) | Manually. | Double watches |
|---|---|---|---|
| precision | High (atomic time) | Depends on the user. | Informatively |
| Battery consumption | Minimum | Absent. | Minor. |
| Convenience | No need to take action | Requires input | Useful on the road. |
| Impact on apps | Full synchronization | Possible conflicts | No influence. |
As you can see from the table, automatic mode wins by most parameters, but knowledge of manual settings is necessary for every Xiaomi owner, since software failures occur even in expensive flagships.
Using a double clock doesn’t affect the performance of the system, but adds a visual element to the lock screen. If you don’t need this feature, it’s best to turn it off for minimal interface.
Problems with time desynchronization
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where time is constantly “run away” or reset after rebooting, most often due to a discharged CMOS battery inside the phone, which stores real-time settings, or a software firmware failure.
The first step in solving the problem is to check the Automatic Time Change setting. Make sure it's on. If the problem persists, try changing the time zone to any other one, and then return the correct one. This action restarts the system timer.
Hidden time settings
It’s also worth checking if you have an alarm app or widget installed from third-party developers who have the rights to change system time. Some smart alarms can force time synchronization with their server, ignoring the phone’s settings.
⚠️ Warning: If the time is reset to the phone’s release date (e.g. 2018) after each shutdown, it’s a sign of hardware failure or a deep system failure.
In rare cases, cleaning the cache of the Settings system application helps. Go to Apps → All Apps → Settings → Memory → Clear. Don't worry, your personal data won't be affected.
The impact of time on the work of services Google and Xiaomi
Incorrect time zone is a common cause of errors when logging into a Google or Mi Account. Security protocols (SSL/TLS) require that the time on the device coincide with the real one. If the difference is large, the server rejects the connection, considering it potentially dangerous.
This is also true for two-factor authentication, and authentication apps are time-generated, and if the phone is just a minute behind, the code generated will be considered invalid, and you won't be able to log in to your mail or bank.
So if you stop working on Google Play, YouTube or sync photos, the first thing you do is check your date settings, and 90 percent of the time, you get automatic sync.
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Accurate system time is a critical parameter for the security and operation of modern Internet services on Android.
Users who experiment with firmware or receive Root rights should be especially careful: Modification of system files that are responsible for time (for example, for the purpose of the application, time_zone), It can cause a cyclical reboot of the device.