How to set the time on the Xiaomi smartphone: from synchronization to manual adjustment

Time on Xiaomi’s smartphone is not just a number on the screen, but the basis for a variety of functions: from alarm clocks and reminders to synchronization with cloud services and the correct operation of messengers. Incorrectly configured time can lead to schedule failures, errors in call logs or even problems with connecting to some services.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can adjust your time on Xiaomi devices (including the Redmi, POCO, and Black Shark models): from basic network synchronization to manually adjusting for the specifics of MIUI firmware. You’ll learn how to fix common errors, why time can get lost after a system update, and what to do if your smartphone refuses to sync with NTP servers. And for those who like accuracy, we’ve prepared a table with the addresses of time servers for different regions.

Why it’s important to set the right time on Xiaomi

At first glance, time inaccuracies seem like a trifle, but they can trigger a chain reaction of problems:

• 📅 Calendar and reminder failures: Events may be displayed on the wrong day or hour, and repetitive tasks may be duplicated.
• 🔄 Sync problems: Wrong timing interferes with Google Account, Mi Cloud, and other cloud services.
• 📞 Call log errors: Incoming and outgoing calls can be displayed with an incorrect date, making it difficult to find the right contact.
• 🔒 Blocking some features: Some banking applications and services with two-factor authentication require precise time to generate codes.

In addition, incorrect time zone settings can lead to the smartphone automatically switching to summer/winter at the wrong time (for example, in countries where seasonal relocation is already in effect), this is especially true for users who often cross borders or use the device in roaming.

⚠️ Note: If you notice that time on Xiaomi is lost after each reboot or disconnection from the network, this may indicate a hardware problem with the module. RTC (Real-Time Clock, which requires a diagnosis at a service center.

Method 1: Automatic time synchronization over the network

The easiest and most recommended way is to use automatic synchronization with NTP servers (Network Time Protocol), which guarantees accuracy up to milliseconds and does not require manual intervention.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Additional settings → Date and time.
3. Activate switches: Autodetermine date and time (uses network data) Autodetermine time zone (determines belt by location)

If the options are already on, but the time is still incorrect, turn them off, restart the smartphone and turn them on again.

Xiaomi uses Google servers by default for synchronization (time.google.com), but in some regions (such as Russia or China) it may be necessary to specify an alternative server, which we will discuss in the next section.

Are the date/time switches and time zones activated?

Is the smartphone rebooted after the changes?

Is the Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network) checked?

Is firmware updated? MIUI last-minute?-->

Method 2: Manual indication of the time server (for power users)

If automatic synchronization is unstable (for example, due to the blocking of time.google.com in your country), you can manually specify an alternative NTP server.

1. Install ClockSync from Google Play (free version will do).
2. Open the application and go to Settings → Time Servers.
3. Choose one of the servers offered or add your own (see the table below).
4. Click Sync and wait for the time update.

If time continues to get lost after manual settings, check if your carrier or VPN is blocking access to NTP servers. To do this, temporarily disable the VPN and try syncing over a mobile network (not Wi-Fi).

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If you travel frequently, bookmark the browser page pool.ntp.org/zone/@ – here you can find relevant servers for any country.

Method 3: Manually adjusting time and date

If automatic synchronization is not available for some reason (for example, on a device without a computer). SIM-maps or in aircraft mode, you can set the time manually:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Date and time.
2. Turn off the switches Autodetermining Date and Time Zone Autodetermining.
3. Click on the Set a date and select the current date in the calendar.
4. Click on the Set time field and set the exact hours and minutes.
5. Select a Time Zone from the list (e.g. Moscow, GMT+3).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) after manually setting the time, a notice may appear "Time is not synced" and may be ignored, but some applications (e.g. Google Pay) may not work properly.

Automatic Network Synchronization | Manual Setup |Use third-party apps |I don't pay attention-->

Problem Solving: Time is confused or out of sync

If time on your Xiaomi is not stable, the reasons may be:

1. Google services malfunction

Often the problem lies in the Google Play services that are responsible for syncing.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Play Services and select Warehouse → Clear Cache.
3. Reboot your smartphone.

2. Incorrect time zone settings

Sometimes MIUI misidentifies the time zone, especially if you're on the edge of two zones.

1. Turn off time zone autodetermination.
2. Manually select the nearest city from the list (for example, instead of "Automatically" specify "Moscow, GMT+3").
3. Turn on the automatic definition back.

3. Conflict with battery saving apps

Apps like Security (Xiaomi’s built-in antivirus) or Greenify can block background sync activity, and add Google Play Services and Settings to the battery optimisation exception list.

4.Outdated MIUI firmware

Older versions of MIUI (below 12.5) had time-synchronization bugs.

Settings → About the phone → System update

Features of setting the time on different models Xiaomi

While most Xiaomi smartphones run on MIUI, some models (especially those from the POCO or Black Shark lineups) may have features like:

• 📱 POCO F3/F4/F5: In these models, the "Date and Time" section can be directly in the main Settings menu, without attaching to "Additional Settings".
• 🎮 Black Shark 4/5: Because of the game firmware. JOYUI There may be no automatic time zone option, so use manual settings.
• 🤖 Redmi 9A/10A: Budget models sometimes lack support for alternative servers. NTP. If time.google.com is blocked, you will have to use it. VPN.

For Android One devices (e.g. Mi A2/A3), the time setting is done via the standard Android menu, without the Xiaomi branded add-ons. Here the path will be: Settings → System → Date and Time.

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On models with pure Android (for example, Xiaomi Mi A-series) there are no proprietary MIUI bugs with time zones, but there are no additional options like choosing an NTP server.

Additional Tips for Accurate Synchronization

If you want your Xiaomi time to be perfectly accurate, take advantage of these tips:

• ⚡ Turn off the power saving modes for Google Play Services, which will prevent background sync from being suspended.
• 🌍 Use it. GPS To accurately define time zones, enable geolocation in your settings if you travel frequently.
• 🔄 Check your settings periodically after updates MIUI — sometimes they're dropped.
• 🛠️ For root users: install a Magisk module called NTP Sync Fix, which forcibly synchronizes time with each screen turn on.

If you frequently work with servers or need millisecond accuracy (for example, for trading on an exchange), consider using an external time source through a network of sources. OTG-adapter GPS-such devices (e.g. Garmin) GLO 2) can provide time with nanosecond accuracy.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up time on Xiaomi