The lock screen and Always-On Display (AOD) feature in Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones are not just a way to know the time, but also a personalization element of the device. Many users find that standard MIUI settings do not always allow you to easily change the color of the watch: somewhere the option is hidden in the depths of the menu, and somewhere it is not at all in the basic firmware. This article will help you understand how to change the color of the clock on the lock screen and in AOD mode for all models of the Redmi Note series – from old versions to the latest flagships.
We will look at how official methods are through the settings MIUI, and hidden opportunities (including ADB-We'll focus on the typical issues: why color doesn't save after a reboot, how to return a standard watch if experiments went wrong, and what to do if the right option is missing from your firmware version. For convenience, we have divided the instructions by version. MIUI Redmi Note generations so you can quickly find a solution for your device.
1. Official MIUI settings: where to look for the color of the watch
In most modern versions of the MIUI (starting with the 12th), the color change option is built into the standard settings, but its location may vary depending on the Redmi Note model.
- Open the Settings → Lock screen.
- Select the watch style or AOD settings (depending on version).
- Tapping on the current watch style (e.g., Digital or Analog).
- In the menu that opens, find the Color or Palitra tab – here you can choose from predefined shades.
⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 8/9/10 s MIUI 12.5 And below, the color option can be hidden behind the "Additional" button in the watch style settings. If it's not, then your firmware doesn't support this out of the box feature (see the solution in the section below). 3).
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If there is no color tab in the Watch Style menu, try changing the style itself first (for example, from Digital to Minimalist) – sometimes this will unlock hidden options.
MIUI 14 (Redmi Note 11/12) has a simplified interface, where the color of the watch is now changed right into a style preview — tap the watch in the demo window and a palette will appear. And there are dynamic colors that adjust to the lock screen wallpaper.
2. Always-On Display (AOD): Separate Color Settings
Always-On Display is available on the Redmi Note with AMOLED-Displays (starting with the Redmi Note 10 Pro) Here the color of the watch is set separately from the main lock screen:
- 🔹 Go to Settings. → Lock screen → Always-On Display.
- 🔹 Choose the style of the watch (usually available) 3-5 variant).
- 🔹 In some firmware next to the style there is an icon "Palitra" - tap on it to choose a color.
- 🔹 If there is no palette, the color is tied to the style (for example, the style of "Neon" will always be green).
🔴 Important limitation: On the Redmi Note 10S Note 11 Pro with MIUI 13-colour clocks AOD It's hard-to-date, it's not editable, and you can only get around it through custom themes (section 4).
Why are there few AOD watch styles?
| Redmi Note model | Support for AOD | Customizable clock color | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro/10S | Yes. | Partly (depending on style) | The color changes only in the styles of "Digital" and "Minimalist" |
| Redmi Note 11/11 Pro | Yes. | Yeah (full palette) | MIUI 13.5+ adds dynamic colors |
| Redmi Note 8/9 (LCD) | No. | Only on the lock screen. | AOD is not available due to screen type |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Yes. | Yes + animations | Support for 120 Hz in AOD |
3. Hidden settings: how to unlock additional colors
If your firmware does not have the option of changing the color of the watch, it can be activated through hidden settings. MIUI or ADB-This method works for most Redmi Note devices with MIUI 12-14, but it requires caution.
Method 1: Activation through the Engineering Menu
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
- Go to the phone information section → MIUI settings.
- Find the option. force_allow_clock_color and turn it on.
- Reboot the device - in the settings of the clock will appear palette.
⚠️ Note: On some firmware, this parameter may reset after updating the system. It is also not recommended to change other settings in the engineering menu without understanding their purpose - this can lead to unstable operation of the smartphone.
Method 2: ADB-unlocker
If the engineering menu didn’t help, use ADB (requires a computer and enabled USB debugging):
adb shell settings put global force_allow_clock_color 1
adb shell settings put secure sysui_clock_style_customization_enabled 1After you execute the commands, restart your phone. If the color of the watch doesn't appear, check if your model supports this feature (see below for a list of compatible devices).
Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times)
Install Xiaomi drivers on PC
Download Platform Tools from Google
Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trusted device-->
Castomy themes: unlimited possibilities
The most flexible way to change the color of a watch is to use third-party themes from MIUI Themes, which is suitable for all Redmi Note models, including those that do not have official settings.
- 🎨 Install Themes app (if not, download from Google Play).
- 🔍 In the search, enter the search “custom clock color” or "AOD color".
- 📥 Choose your favorite topic (pay attention to ratings and reviews).
- 🔧 Apply the theme – the color of the watch will change automatically.
💡 Tip: For the Redmi Note 10/11 We recommend themes from developers @MiuiDesign and @ThemesFactory — They're optimized for AMOLED-If the watch becomes unreadable after applying the theme (for example, black on dark wallpaper), return the standard style in the lock screen settings.
⚠️ Attention: Some topics may conflict with system fonts or animations. If the phone starts to brake after applying the theme, reset the theme settings to Settings → Topics → Restore the standard.
Black (classic)
White (contrast)
Blue (calm)
Red (bright)
Dynamic (under the wallpaper)
Other-->
5. Problem Solving: The watch doesn't change color
If you follow the instructions but the color of the watch remains the same, check out these points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Color resets after rebooting | Firmware restriction | Update. MIUI or use ADB-teams (section 3) |
| No color option in the settings | An outdated version of MIUI | Update the system or install a custom theme |
| Color changes but does not appear in AOD | Limitation AMOLED-display | Choose a color-enabled watch style (e.g., Digital) |
| The clock has become invisible. | Color blends with wallpaper | Change the wallpaper or return the standard style |
On the Redmi Note 8 and Note 9 models with MIUI 11 and below, it is impossible to change the color of the watch through the settings - this is a hardware restriction. The only way out is to use themes or switch to custom firmware (for example, the Pixel Experience).
If neither method worked, check if you have Power Saving or Dark Theme mode, which can block some visual settings, and it’s also worth clearing the Settings app cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Clear Cache).
Alternative methods: applications and widgets
If you don’t like the standard MIUI watch, consider third-party solutions:
- 📱 Launcher apps: Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher allow you to install watch widgets on the lock screen (rights required) ADB).
- ⏰ Watch widgets: KWGT or UCCW — You can create watches of any color and style, but they will only be displayed on the home screen.
- 🔧 Magisk modules: For advanced users, there are modules like "AOD Customizer, which gives you full control of Always-On Display.
⚠️ Note: Applications for lock screen customization (e.g. Always On) AMOLED) It may be in conflict with the system clock. MIUI Check the reviews for your Redmi Note before installing.
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Third-party watch apps offer more freedom, but require additional permissions and can reduce device autonomy. For most users, the best solution is built-in MIUI settings or custom themes.
7. Method comparison: what to choose for your model
Depending on the Redmi Note and MIUI version, some ways to change the color of the watch will be more effective than others.
- 📱 Redmi Note 12/11 (MIUI 14): Use standard settings or dynamic colors. ADB required.
- 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro (MIUI 12.5-13): Try custom themes or ADB-commands to unlock hidden options.
- 📱 Redmi Note 9/8 (MIUI 11-12): Custom themes or third-party widgets only (built-in settings do not support color change).
- 📱 Redmi Note 7 and older: Update your firmware or use alternative launchers.
If you are not sure about your model, check it in Settings → About Phone → Model. To determine the exact version of MIUI, use the combination ##4636## → Software Information.
🔹 Begin with custom themes is the safest and most reversible way. Advanced users can be recommended ADB Magisk modules, but they require technical knowledge.