Set up the clock on the lock screen Xiaomi: all the ways and hidden functions

Xiaomi’s lock screen is not just a security barrier, but a full-fledged information hub, where the watch plays a key role. Its location, style and functionality determine the convenience of daily use of a smartphone. However, many users of Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi flagship models face a problem: standard MIUI settings do not always allow you to flexibly adjust the display of time to your needs.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to customize the clock on the lock screen, including the official settings. MIUI, Hidden shell features and third-party solutions for advanced users, you'll learn how to change position, style, color and even the format of displaying time - from standard to standard. 12/24 We'll focus on the odd typefaces. AMOLED-The screens where the settings are always-on display (AOD) add additional opportunities.

MIUI Settings: What Can Be Changed Without Root

The basic functionality of MIUI allows you to configure only a part of the clock settings on the lock screen. These options are available in the Settings β†’ Lock screen and depend on the firmware version and smartphone model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, there are more options available than on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5.

To open the main settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Lock screen.
  2. Select the item "Style of watches" (on some models - Appearance).
  3. Scroll through the list of available styles – their number varies from 3 to 10 depending on the version of MIUI.

Among the available options are usually:

  • πŸ•’ Time format: 12-clockwork (AM/PM) or 24-clockwork.
  • 🎨 Color scheme: automatic (under wallpaper) or manual color selection.
  • πŸ“ Font size: small, medium, large (not on all models).
  • πŸ“… Date Display: Turn on/off the date under the clock.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with Always-On Display (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T pro POCO F5 Pro) settings for the clock AOD The main lock screen may vary, and changes in one mode may not always apply to the other!

If you need to move your watch to another corner of the screen, standard MIUI settings don't allow that, and this will require additional manipulations, which we'll talk about in the next sections.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Xiaomi 13/14 Series
Redmi Note 10/11/12
POCO F/X series
Xiaomi Mi 10/11
Another model

Hidden MIUI features: how to activate advanced settings

MIUI hides some of the customization capabilities behind the developers with the settings or the engineering menu codes, which don't require root rights, but they do require caution, because the wrong changes can lead to interface failures.

To open the hidden settings of the watch, follow the following steps:

Enable Developer Mode (7 times click on MIUI Version in Settings β†’ About Phone)

Backup settings in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup

Battery charge of at least 50%

Turn off automatic updates MIUI-->

Then use one of the methods:

Method 1: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

Open the phone application and enter the combination:

##4636##

In the menu that appears, select Phone Information and scroll down to Settings. UI. There may be options to change the position of the clock (for example, lockscreen_clock_position), But their availability depends on the model.

Method 2: ADB-teams (without root)

If the engineering menu didn’t work, connect your smartphone to your PC and use ADB. For example, to move your watch to the top left corner, do:

adb shell settings put global lockscreen_clock_position 0

Permissible values for lockscreen_clock_position:

  • 0 - upper left corner
  • 1 - center (by default)
  • 2 - top right corner
  • 3 - lower left corner (not on all models)

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB-If the watch is gone completely, reset the settings with the command: adb shell settings delete global settings lockscreen_clock_position

What to do if ADB is not working?
If the command does not apply, check: 1. Is USB debugging enabled in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Developer 2. Are the latest Xiaomi drivers installed on the PC (download from the official website) 3. Is debugging allowed for your computer in the dialog box on the phone

Always-On Display (AOD): Features of the clock

Xiaomi smartphones with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F4 GT) It supports Always-On Display, where the clock is displayed continuously. AOD They overlap with the main lock screen, but have unique options.

To set the clock in AOD mode:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Always-On Display.
  2. Turn on the function if it is disabled.
  3. Choose the style of the watch – there are often more options available than on the main lock screen.
  4. On some models, you can activate Dynamic AOD, where the clock will change position depending on the wallpaper.

Features of AOD on different models:

ModelSupport for AODAdditional options
Xiaomi 13/14 ProYes.Animated watches, color customization, notification display
Redmi K60 ProYes.Power Saving Mode (black and white AOD), font selection
POCO F5Yes (setting through Settings β†’ Display)Displaying battery power next to the clock
Redmi Note 12No (only backlighting at notifications)β€”

On smartphones with MIUI 14 and later in AOD mode, you can activate the stopwatch display, which is not available on the main lock screen. To do this, hold your finger on the clock in AOD mode and select a style with seconds.

Third-party launchers and themes: alternative ways of customization

If you don’t like the standard MIUI settings, you can use third-party launchers or themes, a method that doesn’t require root rights and is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models.

The most popular solutions:

  • 🎭 Topics MIUI: In the official theme store (Themes) β†’ Lock screens) have styles with non-standard clock layouts, such as the Minimal Clock theme, which takes time to the bottom corner.
  • πŸ“± Launchers: Applications like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher allow you to customize widgets on the lock screen (you need to unlock the bootloader on some models).
  • βš™οΈ Xposed modules: For advanced root-right users, the Lockscreen Customizer module is suitable, which gives full control over the location of elements.

How to install a theme with a non-standard watch:

  1. Open the Themes app (icon in the form of a brush).
  2. Go to the Lock Screen section.
  3. In the search bar, enter the clock position or move clock.
  4. Choose a theme you like and apply it. Some themes require additional fonts to be downloaded.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party themes, the watch may conflict with system notifications. 12S Ultra some themes overlap the battery indicator. Before using, check the reviews of other users!

πŸ’‘

If the watch has disappeared completely after installing the theme, return the standard style to Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Watch style β†’ By default.

Root access: complete freedom of customization

For those willing to take drastic measures, unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights opens up unlimited possibilities to change the lock screen, a method that is suitable for experienced users, as it carries the risk of loss of warranty and system failures.

With root access, you can:

  • πŸ“ Move the clock anywhere on the screen (including the bottom panel).
  • 🎨 Change font, color and animation through system files.
  • ⏱️ Add seconds, milliseconds or custom text next to time.
  • πŸ”„ Hide the clock completely or replace it with a weather widget.

Instructions for changing the position of the clock through root:

  1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
  2. Go to /system/media/theme/default/.
  3. Find the file. lockscreen_clock_layout.xml (The name may vary depending on the version. MIUI).
  4. Open the file in the text editor and change the parameters gravity (position) and margin (paces: <TextView android:layout_gravity="top|left" android:layout_marginLeft="20dp" android:layout_marginTop="50dp" />
  5. Save the changes, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the smartphone.

For models with MIUI 13/14, the path to files may be different, and you can find relevant data on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums in the topics dedicated to your model.

πŸ’‘

Changing system files without a backup can lead to a "bootloop" (locked boot).Always create a backup through TWRP before editing!

Problem Solving: The clock doesn't display or gets knocked off

When you change your settings, you often encounter bugs: the clock disappears, it resets to its standard position, or it doesn't show up correctly. Let's look at typical problems and their solutions.

Problem 1: The watch has disappeared after the MIUI update

This is a common mistake when switching to a new firmware version, to get back the watch:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the MIUI (or Launcher) system interface.
  3. Press Warehouse. β†’ Clear the data.
  4. Reboot your smartphone.

Problem 2: The clock is reset to the standard position

If you've used ADB-commands or themes, but after the reboot the settings reset, the reason may be:

  • πŸ”„ Automatic update of themes (turn off in Settings) β†’ Topics β†’ Settings β†’ Auto-update).
  • πŸ“΅ Resetting settings MIUI (Check if the option to Restore default settings is activated in Settings β†’ Additionally).
  • πŸ› οΈ Battery Optimizer Conflict (Add Themes to Exceptions in Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery).

Problem 3: The clock is displayed on top of notifications

On some models (for example, Redmi K50 Gaming) the watch can override the text of notifications.

  • Reduce the size of the clock font in the settings.
  • Move the watch to another corner via ADB or theme.
  • Turn off the notifications display on the lock screen in Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Lock screen.

πŸ’‘

If after the changes, the lock screen began to slow down, clear the cache of the system launcher: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Launcher β†’ Cash β†’ Clear.

Comparison of methods: what way to choose

Depending on your Xiaomi model and your technical skills, the appropriate customization method will vary, and below is a comparison table with the pros and cons of each approach.

MethodPlusesConsSkills required
Standard settings of MIUISafe and does not require additional actionLimited Opportunities (Style only, not position)Initial.
ADB-teamFast, runs without root, flexible settingsIt may reset after the update, not on all models.Average (knowledge of command line)
MIUI themesMany options, just installCan conflict with the system, limited customizationInitial.
Root + editing system filesFull freedom (any position, style, animation)Risk of β€œbricking”, loss of guaranteeAdvanced.
Always-On DisplayUnique styles, energy efficiency (on AMOLED)Not available on all models, limited customizationInitial.

For most users, the best solution will be a combination of standard settings. MIUI If you want the exact position of the clock (for example, in the lower left corner), try it. ADB-Root access should only be considered if you are prepared for potential risks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up a watch on Xiaomi

Can I move the clock to the bottom of the lock screen without root?
On most Xiaomi models, the standard settings do not allow this. ADB-command (if your model supports the parameter) lockscreen_clock_position=3). Set a theme from the store MIUI, where the watch is initially located at the bottom (for example, the theme "Clock Bottom"). Activate Always-On Display and select a style with a lower time location (not available on all devices). If nothing helps, all that remains is unlocking the bootloader and manual editing of system files.
Why did the MIUI update reset the clock settings?
Large updates (e.g. with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) It resets the custom lock screen settings, and it's related to: Changes in the structure of the system files that display time, cleaning the theme cache and launcher during the upgrade, conflict between old and new parameters. lockscreen_clock_*. To avoid losing settings, before updating: Take a screenshot of the current settings of the watch. Save the theme you are using to Your Features in the Themes App. Export the settings ADB (If you use commands, use adb pull /data/data/com.android.settings/shared_prefs/com.android.settings_preferences.xml.
How to return the standard watch if it disappeared after the experiments?
If the clock is missing after the theme is installed, ADB-commands or edit system files, follow the following steps: Reset the subject: Go to Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Clock style β†’ Default. Clear the cache: For those: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Topics β†’ Kesh. β†’ Clean. For launcher: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Launcher β†’ Kesh. β†’ Clean it up. Reset the settings. ADB (If you use commands: adb shell settings delete global lockscreen_clock_position Restore System Files (for root users): Download the original file lockscreen_clock_layout.xml for your model from the forum 4PDA If nothing helps, reset the lock screen settings via Settings. β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Reset the lock screen settings (not available on all models).
Can the watch be made transparent or can it be changed?
In standard settings MIUI There is no option to change the transparency of the watch. However, there are workarounds: Themes with transparent elements: In the store, look for transparent clock or glass effect keywords. For example, the theme "Crystal Lockscreen" offers translucent watches. Always-On Display: On some models (for example, Xiaomi). 13 Pro) in mode AOD You can reduce the brightness of the watch, which visually creates a transparency effect. + File editing: In the file lockscreen_clock_layout.xml You can also add the Android:alpha parameter.="0.5" (where 0.5 β€” level of transparency 0 before 1). Please note that the LCD-screens (e.g. Redmi Note) 11) The effect of transparency will be less noticeable than on the AMOLED (for example, Xiaomi 12S).
How do you add seconds or milliseconds to your clock on the lock screen?
The display of seconds or milliseconds on the lock screen is not provided in the standard settings. MIUI, There are several ways to always-on display: MIUI 14 newer AOD You can activate seconds. To do that, keep your finger on the clock in mode. AOD And you can choose a style with a second hand. Seconds themes: In the store, you can look for styles marked with seconds. For example, the theme "Digital Clock Pro" displays time to the right second. + Modification of system files: Open the file /system/media/theme/default/lockscreen_clock_layout.xml. Find a string with a time format (usually android:text)="@string/lockscreen_clock_format"). Replace it with Android:text="%s:%s:%s” (for hours: minute:second). Third-party widget: Apps like Clock Widget or Digital Clock Widget allow you to add a second widget to the lock screen (you need to unlock the bootloader on some models). On models with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO F4 GT), the stopwatch can be displayed by default in AOD mode.