How to reset the clock on Xiaomi devices: from smartphones to Mi Band

A lost watch on a Xiaomi device is a problem faced by users of both MIUI smartphones and Mi Band or Mi Watch smartwatches. Wrong time interferes with alarm clocks, notifications and even some applications (for example, banking or instant messengers). In 80% of cases, wrong synchronization settings are to blame, but sometimes a virus or hardware failure leads to a permanent “rollback” of the date to factory values.

In this article, we will discuss all working ways to reset the clock, from basic manual reset to recovery through Mi Account and hidden engineering menus. Particular attention will be paid to devices without access to settings (for example, after a failed update) and cases when time resets itself after a few hours. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14, HyperOS, and also for Xiaomi smartwatches on Zepp OS.

Why Xiaomi’s Watches Are Losing or Losing

Before you lose time, it's important to understand why you're out of business, and most of the time, the problem is one of four things:

• 🔄 Automatic sync: disabled or incorrect due to internet problems (especially for Mi Band) 7/8, which are synchronized only through Bluetooth).
• 📱 System time failure: after update MIUI Or reset to factory settings, the device can "forget" the current date.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunctions: discharged battery RTC (Real-time) on the motherboard is a rare but critical issue for smartphones older than 3-4 years.
• 🦠 Malware: Some viruses change system time to bypass application limitations (e.g., to reset trial periods).

If the clock is only lost in one app (like WhatsApp or Tinkoff Bank), the problem is not with the system, but with the settings of the app itself, in which case reinstallation or cleaning of the cache will help, but if the time is wrong everywhere — including the lock screen and system notifications — you will have to intervene in the settings of the device.

Method 1: Manually resetting time through settings

The easiest method is to manually set the correct date and time, and it works for all Xiaomi devices except those that are completely locked (for example, after being reset via Fastboot).

Instructions for smartphones:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Date and time.
2. Turn off the Automatic Date and Time slider (if enabled).
3. Click Set a date and Set a time, then enter the current values.
4. Go back and turn on automatic synchronization (optional).

For the Mi Band or Mi Watch:

• 📱 Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app.
• 🔍 Go to the Device Profile → Settings → Date and time.
• ⚙️ Turn off Phone Sync, set the time manually, then turn on sync again.

Important: If the time is lost again after 10 to 30 minutes after manual installation, the problem lies deeper - most likely, the firmware or hardware module of the RTC is to blame.

Method 2: Reset via Mi Account (for locked devices)

If a Xiaomi smartphone is locked (for example, after too many attempts to enter a password), and the clock shows the wrong time, you can sync the data through your Mi Account.

Step-by-step:

1. On the locked screen, press Emergency Call (or SOS).
2. Enter the combination ##4636##, and this will open the engineering menu (some models may not work).
3. If the engineering menu is not available, connect the device to the PC and use it. ADB: adb shell settings put global auto_time 1 adb shell settings put global auto_time_zone 1
4. Reboot your smartphone. Once you're connected to the Internet, the time syncs automatically.

For the Mi Band smartwatch:

• 📱 Remove the device from the Mi app Fitness/Zepp Life.
• 🔄 Reset the clock (press the button for 10 seconds).
• 🔗 Connect them again through your Mi Account – time is automatically synced.

💡

If the engineering menu doesn’t open, try entering the ##2432546## code, which works on some Redmi and POCO models with Qualcomm processors.

Method 3: Zeroing through Recovery Mode (for smartphones)

If system time is lost due to a damaged firmware, a Recovery Mode reset will help.This method deletes all user data, so make a backup first (if the device is still working).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
4. After reset, go to Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the time is still lost after resetting:

• 🔧 Try to reflash the device via Fastboot (instructions for your model look at the 4PDA or XDA Developers).
• 🔋 Check the battery. RTC — If it is discharged, the clock will be reset every time it is turned off.

Method 4: Correction through ADB (for advanced users)

If manual settings don't work and you don't want to reset, you can manually set the time over Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires USB debugging enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode (7 times click on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the commands: adb shell su date -s YYYYMMDD.HHmmss # For example: date -s 20260515.143000
4. Reset the device.

For devices without root rights, use an alternative command:

adb shell settings put global auto_time 0


adb shell settings put global auto_time_zone 0




adb shell date -s YYYYMMDD.HHmmss

Warning: Incorrect use of ADB can cause system failure. If you are not sure about the commands, you should use other methods.

Method 5: Hardware reset (for Mi Band smartwatches)

The Mi Band and Mi Watch sometimes forget their time because of a firmware failure, and a hard reset will help:

For the Mi Band 5/6/7/8:

1. Unplug the bracelet from the strap.
2. Connect to the charger.
3. Press the touch button for 20-30 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
4. After the reboot, connect the bracelet to the Mi Fitness app and sync the time.

For the Mi Watch (on Zepp OS):

• 🔋 Charge the clock to 50%.
• 🔄 Go to Settings. → System system → Resetting settings.
• 📱 After reset, connect the clock to the phone - the time will automatically update.

💡

If the Mi Band watch doesn’t sync after a hardware reset, try changing your phone to connect or updating your firmware through Mi Fitness.

Table: Frequent errors and their solutions

What to do if nothing helps

If all the methods have been tried and the Xiaomi watch is still going down, there are three options left:

1. Fastboot/EDL firmware: Relevant for smartphones with a damaged system. For instructions and firmware, look for themed forums (e.g. 4PDA).
2. Battery replacement RTC: If the time is reset every time you turn off, the hardware module is to blame, and it can be replaced at a service center (cost starting at 1,500). ₽).
3. Appeal in support of Xiaomi: If the device is warranty, do not try to repair it yourself. the official service can fix the problem on the warranty card for free.

⚠️ Note: If you notice that time is only lost when you connect to a particular Wi-Fi network, the problem may be in the router. NTP (Time synchronization protocol: Try connecting to another network or using mobile Internet.

FAQ: Frequent questions about time-resetting on Xiaomi