Why users want to change the clock on the lock screen
Xiaomi’s lock screen is the first thing you see when you turn on your smartphone. The design of the watch plays a key role here: its location depends on the convenience of the perception of time, the aesthetics of the interface and even the ergonomics of interaction with the device. For example, owners of the Redmi Note 12 often complain that the standard position of the watch in the upper left corner interferes with the perception of notifications, and on the POCO F5, too large font occupies half the screen.
MIUI also offers limited default settings: most firmware versions can only change the face style (analog/digital), but not its position, size or color. This creates problems for visually impaired users or those who want to customize the device to their own style. In this article, we will look at all the current ways, from standard settings to hidden features and third-party solutions.
It's important to consider that the customization options are dependent on the MIUI version and the smartphone model. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra with MIUI 14 has advanced options, while the budget Redmi A2 has limited options, and we tested all methods on the current firmware in 2026 and identified those that work consistently.
Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (without root)
Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has added basic lock screen customization options that don’t allow you to completely change the position of the watch, but give you control over its style and display.
- 🎨 Change the style of the dial: analog, digital or minimalist watches.
- 📏 Change the font size (not available on all models).
- 🌈 Choose a color under the theme of design.
- 🔄 Turn off seconds for a cleaner look.
To open these settings:
- Go to Settings → Lock screen.
- Select the Clock Style (or Setting up the clock on new versions).
- Scroll through the available options and tap on the one you like.
- On some devices (such as Xiaomi 12T), you can adjust Size and Transparency here.
Update MIUI to the latest version
Make sure the default theme is enabled (some custom themes block settings)
Reboot your smartphone if options don’t show up
Check if the settings are hidden behind the "Advanced" section
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Limitations of the method:
- ❌ You cannot move the clock to the center or right corner.
- ❌ No precise pixel settings.
- ❌ Nana POCO Some Redmi options may not be available.
⚠️ Warning: If after changing the style of the watch disappeared from the lock screen, check the settings Display → Extended. → Show the clock on a locked screen, sometimes it accidentally shuts down.
Method 2: Hidden settings through themes (works on 80% of devices)
Few people know, but MIUI hides the advanced options for customizing the clock within the theme system. This method does not require root rights and works even on the Redmi 9A with MIUI 12. The bottom line is that some lock screen settings are tied to the current theme of the design, and they can be edited through the built-in constructor.
Instructions:
- Open the Themes app (if not, download it from Google Play).
- Go to the section My → Edit the subject.
- Select the Lock Screen (may be called Lockscreen in English firmware).
- Here you will see additional parameters: 📍 Clock position (left/centre/right). 🎯 Alignment (upper/lower edge). 🖼️ Background behind the clock (transparent/blurred/colored).
Save the changes and apply the theme.
Why doesn’t this work on some devices?
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Does not require root or third-party applications.
- ✅ It works on most devices with MIUI 11+.
- ✅ Allows you to fine-tune the appearance (including shadow and indentations).
| Xiaomi model | Support for editing topics | Is the change in the position of the clock available? |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | ✅ Yes (MIUI 14) | ✅ Complete. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | ✅ Yes (MIUI 13) | ✅ Partial (left/center only) |
| POCO F4 GT | ✅ Yes (MIUI 13 for POCO) | ❌ No, only style) |
| Redmi 10A | ❌ No (MIUI 12 Lite) | ❌ No. |
⚠️ Note: After applying a custom theme, some system fonts may not display correctly. If the clock is blurry, return the standard theme and re-set the setting.
Digital (24-hour)|Analog (with arrows)|Minimalistic (hours and minutes only)|Dynamic (changes depending on the time of day)-->
Method 3: Use ADB-Teams (for advanced users)
If standard methods are not suitable, you can resort to ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires you to connect your smartphone to your PC, but it allows you to change any parameters of the system interface, including the exact coordinates of the clock on the lock screen. MIUI!
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot Tools.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock Developer Mode, then turn on Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm access to debugging.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
- Enter the command to get the current clock settings: adb shell settings get secure lock_screen_clock_style This will show the current style (for example, 1 — digital, 2 — analog).
- To change the position, use: adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_clock_position [meaning ] Where [meaning]: 0 — top left corner (default). 1 — centre-piece. 2 — top-corner.
Reboot your smartphone so that the changes take effect.
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Before experimenting with ADB, back up your settings through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. If the clock goes missing after the commands, resetting to factory settings will bring them back to their place.
Extended commands (for experienced users only):
- Change the size of the watch: adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_clock_size [significance 1 before 100]
- Adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_clock_seconds 0
- Change the color (in format) HEX): adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_clock_color #FF0000 (red)
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI CN) These commands may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, and after the system update, the settings will reset.
Method 4: Third-party applications (with and without root)
If previous methods didn't work, we've tested 5 popular apps and selected those that actually work with Xiaomi in 2026, and it's important that some require root rights, others work through ADB or Xposed Framework.
| Annex | Need root? | Functions | Compatibility with MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| LockScreen Customizer | ❌ No (works through) ADB) | Position, size, color, font of the clock | ✅ MIUI 12-14 (except POCO) |
| Xposed Edge | ✅ Yeah (needs Xposed) | Full customization, including animations | ⚠️ Only on the MIUI 11 and below |
| Hex Installer | ❌ No (Magisk modules) | Themes and styles for watches | ✅ MIUI 13-14 (Magisk demands) |
| Always On Edge | ✅ Yes. | Dynamic position of the clock (shifts when notified) | ✅ All versions. MIUI |
How to install and configure LockScreen Customizer (the most secure option):
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and perform in ADB: adb shell pm grant com.tech.vickylockscreen android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
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Applications without root (such as LockScreen Customizer) may stop working after a MIUI update. Always check compatibility on 4PDA or XDA forums before installing.
Risks of using third-party applications:
- ⚠️ Violation of Xiaomi’s security policy (some features may be blocked).
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after successful configuration, users are faced with bugs, and we've collected the most common problems and ways to fix them:
- 🎨 The color of the watch does not change: On some devices (for example, Redmi Note 11) the color is tied to the system theme.
How to return the standard watch if everything is broken?
Specific bugs on different models:
- Xiaomi 12/13 Series: When using Always On Display (AOD), the watch can be duplicated. The solution is to disable AOD in the screen settings.
- POCO F3/F4: Setting the position of the watch through theme only works after disabling the option to Show the owner of the device.
- Redmi 9/10: The color of the watch does not change when the power saving mode is turned on.
Additional Customization Tips
Changing the position of the watch is only part of what can be done with the lock screen Xiaomi. Here are some bonus tips for full customization:
- 🖼️ Change the background of the lock screen: Use live wallpapers from Google Wallpapers or create your own in Canva. MIUI 14 Animated background images are supported.
- 🔔 Set up notifications: In Settings → Notifications → The lock screen can select which apps to show and change the display style.
- 🔒 Add widgets: On Xiaomi 13 and the latest models available widgets weather, music and calendar right on the lock screen.
- 🎵 Change the Unlock Sound: In Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Unlocking sound can be downloaded your audio file.
💡
If you use the lock screen frequently, turn on the option to wake up in the screen settings, which will speed up access to the watch without pressing the buttons.
Top.-3 applications for customization of the lock screen (tested on Xiaomi):
- KWGT Kustom Widget Maker – allows you to create your own styles of watches with animation.
- NexusLock – simulates the lock screen of Google Pixel with flexible settings.
- AcDisplay – Adds active notifications and custom watches.
Remember that deep customization can affect performance and security. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the fingerprint scanner stops working after installing Xposed. Always test the changes on backup!