Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 smartphone often aim to personalize the look and feel of their device as much as possible, starting from the very first screen they see when they wake up.The standard MIUI interface offers basic design options, but many users want to know how to change the color of the watch on the lock screen so that it matches perfectly with the chosen wallpaper or just pleases the eye.
Unfortunately, in standard settings, there is no one universal “Color of Time” button that works for all topics at once, the color of the numbers depends on the set theme, the chosen font style or the active “Always On Display” mode, understanding this relationship is the key to successful customization.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways you can change the dial, learn how to safely experiment with themes from the MIUI Themes store, how to use third-party applications to create unique widgets, and what hidden system features can help achieve the desired result without obtaining root rights.
Dependence of the color of the time on the theme of MIUI design
The main interface interface management tool in the MIUI shell is the Themes app, which answers the question of why one device has white time and the other has black or color time. Each theme has its own set of graphic resources, including lock screen images and fonts.
When you install a new theme, it completely replaces the system files that are responsible for time rendering, designers then determine in advance whether the color of the numbers will be static or dynamically changing depending on the background of the wallpaper, this is done to ensure that information is readable under all lighting conditions.
You don't have to be a programmer to change a color, you just have to pick up a theme where the designer has already implemented the style you want, and there are thousands of options available in the catalog, from minimalistic black digits to bright neon gradients.
⚠️ Note: When installing third-party themes from unofficial sources or with a modified file structure, the system launcher may not work smoothly. Always check the theme rating and download number before installing.
It is important to note that some interface elements may remain standard if the theme does not support full lock screen customization, in which case the system uses default color values that may not match the overall design style.
💡
Before installing a new theme, be sure to take a screenshot of the current configuration or remember the name of the old theme so that in case of failure, you can quickly return to the original state.
The process of finding the right design can take time, but the result is worth it, and you can find themes where the color of the watch changes even depending on the time of day or the level of battery charge.
Instructions for installing themes with a custom dial
To start working with the visual design, you need to go to the standard Themes app, which is preinstalled on the Redmi Note 7. This is the central hub for managing the entire appearance of the smartphone.
At the top of the screen, you'll see the search bar, and that's where you type in keywords that will help you filter out topics by what you want, and try using English queries, because the database is global.
☑️ Algorithm for Finding the Perfect Theme
Once you've found your favorite option, click the download button, the system downloads the data packet and suggests you apply the theme, and the screen may blink as you use it, which is normal for the system to change the graphical shells.
If the color of the watch hasn’t changed as you would like after applying the theme, don’t rush to delete the file. Sometimes you need to adjust the theme itself or reboot the device to correctly display all the elements.
| Type of search query | Expected output | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Neon Clock | Bright, glowing numbers. | Tall. |
| Minimalist | Thin lines, often white or black | Medium |
| Analog | The watch, the color depends on the subject. | Tall. |
| Gradient | Figures with colour transfusions | Medium |
Using the right keywords makes the search process much faster.Don’t just go through the first three results, scroll through a few pages to find a truly unique solution for your Redmi Note 7.
Use Always On Display to Change Time Style
The Always On Display feature allows you to display time and notifications even when the smartphone screen is formally off. AMOLED-screen this function is implemented software and offers several display styles.
While classic AOD typically features white or gray characters to save energy, newer versions of MIUI have added additional styles, some of which allow you to change the color of numbers or add color accents around time.
To access the settings, go to Settings → Lock screen. Here you will find the option “Always On Display”. When you click on it, you will see a list of available styles. Choose one that offers a color option other than the standard.
Effect of AOD on the battery
It is worth considering that on models with LCD-screens (although the Redmi Note 7 is equipped with screens) AMOLED, The cheaper Redmi series models are IPS) function AOD It can be simulated, but it will look different and consume more power. In the case of the Note 7, you get a full-fledged pixel work.
Experiment with the function schedule, so you can set it up so that the colored clock only appears during the day and then changes to the dull monochrome at night so that you don't interfere with sleep.
Fantasy settings and their impact on display
Many users are unaware that the font used in the system also affects the perception of time. Although the font itself rarely changes color, some specialized fonts from the theme store may contain built-in color profiles or effects.
In the Topics app, switch to the Fonts tab, and there are hundreds of options, some of which are handwritten, some of which are neon-styled, and not only does the type of menu change when you use it, but often the type of numbers on the lock screen.
But if you want to change the color, not the shape, you need fonts marked "Color" or "Special" that work in conjunction with certain topics, and without a suitable theme, color font can appear as normal black.
The installation process is simple: select a font, click Download and then Apply. The system will alert you that the device will be rebooted to apply changes. This is the standard procedure for deep integration of new font files.
⚠️ Warning: Some heavy, high-detail fonts may have a slight impact on the speed of menu or call interface opening on weak-optimization devices, although this is rarely a problem for the Redmi Note 7.
Combining theme and font can create a unique effect, such as the theme setting the background and overall style, and the font adds the necessary contrast or color accent to the numbers.
Application of third-party widgets
If standard MIUI features don't suit you, apps from the Google Play Store come to the rescue, and there are many programs that create their own lock screen on top of the system, offering limitless customization options.
Popular apps like Lock Screen & Notifications or Hi Locker let you choose any color for your watch, change the font, add a stopwatch or date in any corner of the screen, and you get full control of every pixel.
- 🎨 Hi Locker: Offers a huge number of themes and the ability to manually adjust the color of the time through the palette RGB.
- ⏰ Lock Screen & Notifications: Allows you to create your own time widgets with any glowing effects.
- 🔒 AcDisplay: Minimalist approach with a focus on notifications, but with the ability to customize the color of the watch.
Installing such applications requires permissions to display on top of other windows and access notifications, which is necessary in order for the widget to be able to overlap the standard lock screen Xiaomi.
The main disadvantage of using third-party blockers is increased battery consumption, since the system has to keep the additional application active in the background, and there may be conflicts with the system unlock gestures.
Technical limitations and working with widgets on the desktop
It's important to distinguish between a lock screen and a desktop screen. If your goal is to change the color of a watch on a desktop, it's still easier. Desktop widgets are often independent elements.
Press and hold your finger on the clock widget on your desktop. If the widget supports settings, an edit button (usually a pencil or gear icon) will appear. The widget settings menu often includes a style (digital/analog) and color selection.
In some versions of MIUI, the color of the widget on the desktop automatically adjusts to the dominant color of the wallpaper installed. By changing the wallpaper to brighter or darker, you can automatically get a different color of numbers.
If the standard widget doesn’t allow you to change color, just remove it and add another. The widget menu (called by a long tap over an empty space on the screen) has several watch options from various vendors, including Google and Xiaomi.
It is critical to understand that the Lock Screen and the Home Screen are two different Android components that are customizable independently.