How to change time on Xiaomi: all ways and solutions to problems

Time on Xiaomi smartphones plays a key role not only for displaying current data, but also for the correct operation of system functions: from alarm clocks to synchronization with cloud services. However, users often face situations when the clock on the device begins to β€œlie” – hurry, lag or even show the wrong time zone. MIUI before the wrong regional settings.

In this article, we will look at all possible ways to change the time on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from basic settings through menus to solving complex cases when standard methods do not work, focusing on the nuances for different firmware versions (MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS), and also consider how to avoid typical errors when manually adjusting.

Why Xiaomi is losing time: the main reasons

Before you start setting up, it’s important to understand why your Xiaomi time might not work properly.

  • πŸ”„ Automatic sync is disabled – the device does not receive time data from the operator’s networks or Google servers.
  • 🌍 Wrong time zone – especially relevant when moving or using VPN.
  • πŸ”‹ Resetting after the update – some versions MIUI Resetting regional parameters.
  • πŸ“‘ Network problems – weak mobile internet or Wi-Fi signal interferes with synchronization.
  • πŸ› οΈ Manual change without saving - the user made edits, but they were not applied due to a failure.

If your device is showing a time that is hours or minutes apart, check first if automatic sync is on, and 80 percent of the time, this is how it's solved, but there are more complex scenarios, like when time is lost after each reset, and we'll talk about that in the appropriate section.

πŸ“Š How often do you have time lost on Xiaomi?
Never had a problem.
Sometimes (once a month)
Frequently (once a week)
After each update
Another option

Method 1: Automatic time synchronization through a network

The simplest and most recommended method is to enable automatic timing.

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to the Additional Settings section (the MIUI 14 and HyperOS path may differ: Settings β†’ System β†’ Date and time).
  3. Activate the switches: πŸ”„ Autodetermining date and time 🌍 Time zone autodetermination

If the options are already on, turn them off, restart the device, and then turn them on again.

Once activated, the device must automatically pull up current data from Google’s servers or your mobile operator. Usually, the process takes no more than 10 seconds. If the time is not updated, try manually selecting a time zone (for this in the next section).

Autodetermining of date and time is included|Time zone autodetermination enabled|The device is connected to the Internet|Reboot completed after changes-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro after updating to MIUI 13 automatic timing option can "fly" when changing SIM-In this case, you need to reconfigure the map.

Method 2: Manually adjust date and time

If automatic synchronization is not working or you need to set a specific time (for example, to test applications), use manual mode:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Additional settings β†’ Date and time.
  2. Turn off the options Autodetermining Date and Time Zone and Autodetermining.
  3. Click on the Set a date and select the desired date in the calendar.
  4. Click on the Set time field and set hours and minutes using the dial.
  5. To select a time zone, tap the Time Zone and find your region (e.g. Moscow, GMT+3).

Important: When manually set up, time on Xiaomi will not automatically update when crossing time zones or switching to winter/summer time, which is only suitable for temporary solutions or specific tasks.

ParameterAutomatic mode.Manual mode
Synchronization with serversβœ… Yes.❌ No.
Update on flightsβœ… Yes.❌ No.
precisionβœ… High (mistake margin) <1 sack)⚠️ Depends on the user.
Energy consumption⚠️ Minimum (sync once a day)βœ… No expense.

Method 3: Synchronize time through the engineering menu (for advanced)

If standard methods don't work, you can try resetting your time settings through the engineering menu, which is suitable for advanced users and requires caution:

  1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
  2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
  3. Scroll down to the Set Time block.
  4. Click on the option and confirm the reset time.
  5. Update the firmware: Check for updates in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update.

If the problem persists, you may need to flash the device through Fastboot or contact a service center.On Xiaomi models older than 2018 (such as the Redmi 5 Plus or Mi A1), frequent time failures may indicate hardware wear on the RTC chip.

πŸ’‘

Before resetting your network settings, record or photograph your carrier’s APN settings – they may be required to restore mobile internet.

Features of setting time on Xiaomi with HyperOS

The new HyperOS firmware, which replaced MIUI, has made changes to the time settings interface.

  • πŸ“ The way to settings: now settings β†’ System system β†’ Date and time (previously in "Additional settings").
  • 🌐 Use local time is replaced by Sync with the network.
  • ⚑ HyperOS adds support for accurate time GPS (It is important for devices with Dual Frequency module GNSS).

For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), it is recommended that:

  1. Enable Network Sync and GPS Sync (if available).
  2. Turn off battery saving for the Google Play Services app, as it is responsible for time synchronization.
  3. When manually configured, use the 24-hour format to avoid conflicts with system services.

HyperOS also includes Automatic Daylight/Winter Time Transition, which was previously absent from MIUI. Make sure it’s enabled if you live in a seasonally changing region.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When setting time on Xiaomi, users often make common mistakes that lead to new problems, and here are the most common ones:

  • ❌ Use of the VPN Automatic synchronization – servers can determine time by location VPN, Not in your real world.
  • ❌ Manual setting time without turning off automatic mode - settings will conflict.
  • ❌ Ignoring firmware updates in new versions MIUI/HyperOS Synchronization bugs are often corrected.
  • ❌ Resetting settings through Recovery without backup – this can lead to the loss of not only time, but also other data.

To avoid problems:

  1. Always check your time zone after manually setting up – even if the time is right, a belt mismatch can cause calendar glitches or reminders.
  2. In the case of two SIM-Set the time separately for each operator (in the menu) SIM-maps and mobile networks).
  3. If time is lost after the Internet is turned off, turn on the operator network only option in the synchronization settings.

πŸ’‘

Before traveling abroad, turn off automatic time zone determination and manually set it – this will prevent conflicts when roaming.

Why is my Xiaomi time lagging 2-3 minutes each day?
This is a typical problem for devices with a discharged CMOS battery (on models older than 2019) or an incorrect operation of the RTC module. Try: Enable synchronization through Settings β†’ System β†’ Date and time. Update the firmware to the latest version. If nothing helps, contact the service center for hardware diagnostics.
How to change the format of time from 12 hours to 24 hours?
Go to Settings β†’ Additional Settings β†’ Date and Time β†’ Time Format and select 24-hour. On HyperOS, the path may differ: Settings β†’ System β†’ Language and Type β†’ Additional β†’ Time Format.
Can I set a time on Xiaomi without an internet connection?
Yes, but only manually. Turn off the automatic synchronization options in the time settings and set the date/time manually. Note that without the Internet, you have to adjust your time zones yourself.
Why did the factory reset time go astray on January 1, 2016?
This is the standard Android reset behavior, which is to reset the time to zero. After you reboot, turn on automatic sync and the time will be updated. If that doesn't happen, check the Internet connection and Google Play Services app rights.
How to sync time on Xiaomi Watch with your phone?
To synchronize time on a Xiaomi Watch or Mi Band smartwatch: Make sure your phone is automatically time syncing enabled. Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app. Go to your device profile and click Sync. If the clock is not updated, reconnect it to your phone via Bluetooth.