Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the desire to personalize their device, and the most noticeable interface element is the lock screen.This is where the user sees the time, date and notifications immediately after waking up the gadget. The default watch widget may seem boring or not informative enough, especially if you are used to a certain display format.
Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS offer a lot of customization options, so you can change not only the numbers, but also the location, the font, and add additional elements like a calendar or step counter, which allows you to turn the black screen into a unique tool that reflects your style.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to replace the watch widget.We will look at the standard system tools, third-party applications and even advanced methods for those who want to gain full control of every pixel on the display of their Xiaomi.
Personalization capabilities in MIUI and HyperOS
The first thing to do is to look at the built-in features of the operating system, as they are the most stable and do not require additional software. In recent firmware versions, Xiaomi has implemented a feature called Wallpaper with a carousel or Wallpaper Carousel, which automatically changes background images and, importantly for us, watch styles.
To activate this feature, you need to go to the Settings menu, then select the Lock Screen and find the Wallpaper Carousel option there. By enabling this mode, you will have access to a huge database of themes where each slide can have its own unique dial design.
However, if you prefer a static image but want to change the style of the time, the Themes app will help you. Go to the theme store, type in the search bar "Always On Display" or "Lock Screen" and choose the design you like. The application of the theme often changes not only icons, but also the time widget on the locked screen.
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Not all themes change just the clock. Take a good look at the theme store previews: if the screenshot only changes the style of the time and the icons remain standard, then the theme is light and will not affect the rest of the interface.
Importantly, HyperOS has the ability to more flexibly configure widgets on the lock screen without using whole themes, and can now edit an existing layout by adding or removing elements, including large digital or analog watches.
Use of the “Always Screen On” app
The Always On Display (AOD) feature, which allows you to display information, including hours, even when the screen is formally off, is not only beautiful, but also functional, as it allows you to know the time with one glance without touching your smartphone.
To set up, go to Settings → Lock screen → Always on screen. Here you will see the function activity switch and style gallery. The system offers a variety of options, from minimalist numbers to complex graphic compositions with animation.
Some AOD styles respond to user actions, such as when a watch is notified, it can change color or pulsate slightly, which makes the interface lively and interactive, but it's worth remembering that the constant operation of the screen increases battery consumption.
Impact on the battery
If standard options aren’t enough, the same menu often has an Online Resources button or a plus icon that will send you to the add-on store, where you can download exclusive designs created specifically for your Xiaomi model.
Third-party applications for screen customization
When the system is scarce, apps from the Google Play Store come to the rescue, and there are many programs that completely replace the standard lock screen, offering unlimited options for customizing the look of the watch.
One of the most popular solutions is Hi Locker or KLCK Kustom Lock Screen Maker. These tools allow you to create time widgets from scratch: you can choose any font, color, add a second hand, date, weather and even a quote of the day.
The process of installing these applications usually requires special permissions. After downloading, you will need to give the program access to the display on top of other windows and permission to work in the background. Without this, the new lock screen will not activate.
- 🎨 KLCK — Professional tool for creating any designs from scratch, takes time to master.
- ⏱️ Hi Locker – lots of ready-made themes and easy setup, suitable for beginners.
- 🔒 Lock Screen & Security – Emphasis on security with installation capability PIN-system-code.
- 🌊 Widgetsmith for Android – allows you to bring complex time widgets to the main screen, simulating a lock.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party lock screens may conflict with system security features such as a fingerprint scanner or face unlock.
It’s also worth considering that third-party lock launchers can consume more CPU resources than Xiaomi’s native solution, which can lead to micro-latency when unlocking the device, which is especially noticeable on budget smartphone models.
Setting up the time format and regional standards
Often, users simply want to change the format of the display of time, for example, to switch from a 12-hour format to a 24-hour format or vice versa. It does not require installing themes or applications, just change the system settings of the region and time.
The change in the time format is made through the Settings menu → Additional → Date and time. This is the 24-hour format switch. When activated, the clock on the lock screen will automatically reset to show the time from 00:00 to 23:59.
In addition, the location of the date and time is affected by the region you select. If you set the region "USA", the format of the date will change by month/day/year, which may be unusual. To return to the usual view (day.month-year), choose the region "Russia" or "Germany".
☑️ Checking the time settings
In some themes, the design of numbers depends on the system font. If you changed the font throughout the interface through the Themes app, the numbers on the lock screen can change their shape, becoming more rounded or angular.
Comparison of methods of changing hours
To make it easier for you to choose the right way to personalize, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method depending on your needs and smartphone model.
| Method | Difficulty | Impact on the battery | Flexibility of setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wallpaper carousel | Low. | Average. | Low (ready options) |
| Themes from the store | Low. | Low. | Medium (depending on the topic) |
| Always On Display | Low. | High. | Medium (style choice) |
| Third-party annexes | Tall. | Medium/High | Maximum |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the best option is to use built-in themes and wallpaper carousels, which provide a balance between beauty and performance of the device without requiring deep technical knowledge.
Third-party applications should be considered only if the regular functionality of MIUI you are categorically not satisfied. Remember that the more complex the visual effects, the faster your Xiaomi battery drains.
Solving and eliminating errors
Sometimes, after you install a new theme or update the system, the clock on the lock screen may disappear, appear incorrectly, or stop changing color, a common problem that is often solved with simple actions.
The first step is always to reboot the device, so it's clears the cache of the system and it's forced to update all the widgets, and if that doesn't work, try resetting the theme to the standard one, and then apply the one you want again.
⚠️ Note: If you use a third-party blocking app and it stopped working after the Android update, check the permissions in the Special Features menu.
Another reason may be the power saving mode on, in which the system restricts background activity, which may cause the time widget to not update or disappear. Add the theme or blocker app to the power saving mode exceptions.
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Resetting the lock screen settings to the original state often solves problems with the “following” widgets after updating the firmware.
In rare cases, the problem lies in the theme file itself. If the theme is downloaded from an unverified source, it may be corrupted. Use only the official Xiaomi theme store or proven high-ranking resources.