Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the desire to personalize the look of their device, and the Xiaomi Redmi 4X is no exception. Despite the fact that this model was released a few years ago, it is still popular due to its reliability and affordable price. One of the easiest and most effective ways to refresh the perception of the gadget is to change the style of displaying time on the lock screen and desktop.
The default MIUI interface provides a lot of customization options, but standard settings may seem limited to beginners. Many users are looking for a way to simply change the color of numbers without knowing that Android does this by replacing entire themes or widgets. Understanding the shell architecture will help you avoid unnecessary actions and quickly achieve the desired result.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for changing the color of the watch, from built-in theme functions to installing third-party widgets. You will learn how to work with the store, how to use third-party launchers and what hidden opportunities exist for owners of Redmi 4X. Deep interface customization allows you to make the device unique, reflecting your personal style.
Standard methods of changing style through the theme store
The most obvious and safest way to change the look of a watch is to use the built-in Themes app. In the MIUI shell, it's the central hub for managing the visual design, and you can find thousands of free and paid designs that completely change icons, wallpaper and, importantly for us, the style of the watch on the lock screen and in the notification curtain.
To get started, you need to run the Themes app on your desktop, and you can type in keywords like "clock," "time," or "digital" to find the right options, and then you can select the theme you like, and then you can use it either completely or selectively, and it's selectively that you can leave the wallpaper and icons the same, and only change the style of the watch.
⚠️ Note: When installing themes from unverified sources outside the official theme store, there is a risk of disrupting the stability of the system MIUI or the appearance of banner ads.
It's worth noting that not all themes support color change independently of other elements. Some designs are rigidly tied to a specific background. So, before installing, carefully study the preview on the lock screen. If the color of the watch in the theme does not suit you, it can not be changed separately within the same theme without using additional tools.
- 🎨 Open the Topics app and go to the Wallpaper or Lock section».
- 🔍 Use search filters to find styles with the right dial color.
- 📥 Click Download and then Apply to activate the new style.
Use of widgets for the desktop
If your goal is to change the color of the watch directly on the desktop rather than on the lock screen, widgets will be the best solution. Unlike the system lock clock, the desktop widgets in the Xiaomi Redmi 4X have much more flexibility in setting up. The standard set of MIUI widgets already contains several variants of watches with different designs.
To add a widget, you need to go to the desktop editing mode. To do this, you need to make a long tap (press) on the free area of the screen or pinch the screen with two fingers. The Widget button will appear in the bottom menu. In the list that opens, you should find the Clock category and choose the appropriate option. Most standard widgets allow you to change the color of the numbers and background after placing.
Once you put the widget on the screen, you often have an additional settings menu, where you can choose the type of display (analog or digital), the time format (12 or 24 hours), and of course the color. Some advanced widgets even allow you to adjust the transparency of the background, which makes their integration into any design almost invisible.
⚠️ Warning: Installing a large number of heavy live animation widgets can significantly increase battery consumption on older devices such as Redmi 4X.
If standard options aren't enough, you can always turn to Google Play Market. There are many apps that specialize exclusively in watch widgets. They offer features that are not available in stock firmware, such as color syncing with wallpaper or displaying additional information, such as a pedometer or currency rate.
- 🖱️ Make a long press on an empty desktop space.
- ⏰ Select the widgets item in the lower interface menu.
- 🎨 Find the “Clock” section and drag the selected widget to the screen.
Setup through third-party launchers
For users who want to have full control over the look and feel of their Xiaomi Redmi 4X, the ideal solution is to install a third-party launcher. Launcher is a program that replaces the standard desktop and app menu. Popular options like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Go Launcher provide limitless customization options.
Once you install the launcher from Google Play and assign it to the default, you will have access to advanced settings. Unlike the standard shell, you can change the color of the system clock font if the launcher has a built-in time widget, or install any third-party widgets without restrictions. Some launchers even allow you to create your own design profiles.
However, it is worth considering that replacing the launcher changes the logic of the device. The usual gestures of MIUI may disappear or the appearance of the notification curtain may change. Therefore, before installing it, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the reviews and functionality of a particular launcher. For Redmi 4X, with its modest by modern standards, it is better to choose light versions of launchers so as not to slow down the smartphone.
☑️ Check before installing the launcher
An important advantage of third-party launchers is the ability to fine-tune the desktop grid and icon size, which allows you to harmoniously fit a watch of any size and color into the overall composition. You can make the watch huge and bright or, conversely, minimalistic and invisible.
Advanced Customization: Substratum and Root Rights
For experienced users who are not afraid of complex manipulations, there is a method of changing the system colors through the Substratum theme engine. This tool requires obtaining superuser rights (Root) and unlocking the bootloader.
The process of obtaining Root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 4X involves unlocking the bootloader through the official MIUI website, installing a custom recavator (TWRP) and firmware for the Magisk backbone file. This is a complex process that can void the warranty (if it is still relevant) and lead to the device “bricking” if errors occur.
⚠️ Warning: Getting Root Rights and Modifying System Files Can Lead to Unsettlements--Implementing banking applications and breaching the security of personal data.
Substratum allows you to use overlays, which are special packages that replace the resources of the system. You can find a theme that changes the color of the watch in the status bar to black, white or any other, contrasting with your background. It is the only way to change the color of the little watch in the top row, which is shown constantly.
If you do, make sure to back up your data before you start. If you fail, you can only restore your system through your computer and Fastboot mode. For most users who just want to change color, this method is redundant, but it remains the only option for deep system integration.
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the service MIUI Unlock Tool.
- 🛠️ Install a custom Recovery TWRP via Fastboot.
- 📲 Get Root Rights by Installing Magisk Package Through Recavers.
Comparison of methods of personalization of the interface
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparative table of methods, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages depending on what kind of result you want to get and how much time you are willing to spend.
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Flexibility of setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI Theme Store | Low. | Tall. | Medium |
| Desktop widgets | Low. | Tall. | Tall. |
| Third-party launchers | Medium | Tall. | Very high. |
| Root and Substratum | Very high. | Low. | Maximum |
Why doesn’t the color change in some subjects?
As you can see from the table, for the average user, the optimal balance between simplicity and result is the use of widgets or official themes. The method with Root rights should be considered only by enthusiasts who understand the risks and need specific changes that are not available in other ways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you change the color of a watch in a status bar without a Root license?
Why did the watch turn black on a black background?
Is it safe to download themes from third-party sources?
How do I return all the settings if something goes wrong?
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If you change themes frequently, create a separate desktop folder for the shortcuts of frequently used themes and widgets so you don’t search for them every time you go to the menu.
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The best way for most Redmi 4X users is to use desktop widgets, as it is safe, does not require superuser rights, and gives a great visual result.
To sum up, changing the color of the watch on the Xiaomi Redmi 4X is a creative process that can take anywhere from a couple of minutes to a few hours, depending on the method you choose. Start with simple solutions like the theme store, and gradually move on to more complex ones if the standard functionality no longer meets your needs.