Changing the style of the watch on the lock screen Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: the full guide

Why change the style of the watch on the lock?

The lock screen of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is the first thing you see when you activate a smartphone. Standard watches with numbers Roboto or Mi Sans can quickly get bored, especially if you are used to personalization. But not everyone knows that even on stock MIUI firmware there are hidden opportunities for changing their appearance - from changing the font to completely customizing through themes.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from basic settings in the phone menu to advanced methods using third-party launchers and Magisk modules. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for the Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo), since this model has limitations associated with the version of MIUI and the hardware features of the IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080×2340.

Importantly, if you upgraded to MIUI 13/14 from older versions, some menu items could swap places.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest method is to use built-in personalization options, which are available on all versions of MIUI starting with the 11th. Here's how it works on the Redmi Note 8:

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Slip on the item "Clock Style" (in some firmware it is called "Clock on the lock screen").
3. Choose one of the suggested styles: 🕒 Classic – standard digital format with thin lines. 🕓 Analog - round clock with hands (may be displayed incorrectly on the AMOLED-screens, but on the Redmi Note 8 with IPS No problem). 📅 Date. + time - combined version with the day of the week. 🎨 Color – dynamic clock that changes shade depending on the wallpaper.

Note that Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12.5 and below may not have Color Style option due to performance limitations of the Snapdragon 665 processor.

⚠️ Note: If after changing the style of the watch is completely lost, check the settings → Font size. Sometimes the large text overlays the dial.

Method 2: Use themes from the Mi Theme Store

The Mi Theme Store offers thousands of free and paid themes, many of which are changing the design of the watch on the lock screen.

1. Open the Theme app (icon with brush).
2. In the search bar enter the requests: 🔍 Lockscreen Clock - for English-language themes. 🔍 Locking hours or dial - for Russian-speaking. 🔍 AMOLED clock – dark clock themes (although the Redmi Note 8 has a screen) IPS, They'll do too).

Apply

Tip: Read reviews before applying the theme. Some users complain that after installing themes, the unlock animation disappears from third-party developers or artifacts appear when displaying time.

Method 3: Customization through Always On Display (AOD)

Thought Redmi Note 8 Does not support Always On Display at the hardware level (because of the IPS-screen MIUI 13/14 So we have a software emulation of this function, and it allows you to customize the display of the watch even when the screen is off".

How to turn on and configure:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Always On Display.
2. Activate the switch Show at lockdown.
3. Choose the style of the watch from the suggested ones (usually 3-5 options).
4. Set up a display schedule or leave Always (consider battery consumption!).

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher and Nova Lockscreen from Google Play.
2. Launch Nova Settings → Lockscreen.
3. Select Custom Clock and set up: Font (you can download your.ttf file). Color and transparency. Size and alignment. Time format (12/24 hours).

Save the changes and install Nova as the default launcher.

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Before installing a third-party launcher, back up your current MIUI settings through Settings → Additional → Backup. This will help you quickly return to the standard interface if something goes wrong.

Method 5: Rooting and Magisk modules (for advanced)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, root access will open up unlimited customization options. On the Redmi Note 8, you'll need to:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (waiting 7-15 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox)
3. Switch Magisk to get root.
4. Installation of customization modules: 🔧 Lockscreen Customizer – Changes fonts, colors, adds seconds. 🎨 MiuiClock – replaces the system clock with analog or digital with animation. 📱 Xposed Framework + GravityBox module – for deep customization (requires Android) 9-10).

Warning: Not all modules are compatible with MIUI 13/14. Check the reviews on the Redmi Note 8 (ginkgo) theme on the XDA Developers forum before installing.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Snapdragon 665 and MIUI 12.5+ Some Magisk modules can cause bootloop. Always backup through the logo. TWRP before experimentation!

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Rooting will void Xiaomi’s warranty and may cause system instability, and only use this method if you are confident in your actions and prepared for the consequences.

Method 6: Changing the clock through ADB-teams (without root)

Little-known fact: some clock settings on the lock screen can be changed via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) without obtaining root rights.This method works on the Redmi Note 8 with any version of MIUI, but requires a connection to a PC.

What can be customized:

• 🔢 Change the format of the time (12/24 hour).
• 🎨 Change the color of the watch (limited palette).
• 📏 Adjust size and position.

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to version, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and execute the command to ADB: adb shell settings put global lock_screen_clock_style 2 where 2 — ID style (try the meanings from the 0 before 5).
3. To change color: adb shell settings put global lock_screen_clock_color "#FF0000" (substitute #FF0000 fittingly HEX-colour).
4. Reset the device.

List of available styles (ID) for Redmi Note 8:

Frequent problems and their solutions

When changing the style of the watch on the Redmi Note 8, users encounter typical errors.

• ❌ Watch is missing after changing the theme: Check if the theme conflicts with the version MIUI. Try resetting the lock screen settings through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Theme → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• ❌ The color of the watch does not change: on some firmware MIUI 12.5 color fixed. Try setting the theme with the right color or use ADB-method.
• ❌ Analog clock displays incorrectly: It's a bug MIUI for devices IPS-Try a different style or roll back to an older version of the firmware.
• ❌ After updating MIUI Settings are reset: Xiaomi often resets customization when major updates.Save your favorite theme in My Themes before updating.

If none of these methods worked, you may have a Device Policy Controller policy activated on your device (e.g., via Microsoft Intune or enterprise MDM), in which case the changes are blocked at the system level.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions