Xiaomi Redmiβs MIUI lock screen offers a minimalist design where the watch is centered. However, not everyone likes its fixed location β especially when weather widgets or notifications overlap time or look unaesthetic. Unfortunately, there is no slider in standard MIUI settings to move the watch, but that doesnβt mean itβs impossible.
In this article, weβll look at 5 proven ways to shift the clock left/right or up/down, from hidden shell features to manually editing system files via ADB. Importantly, some methods require an unlocked bootloader or root rights, but weβll start with the simplest solutions available even to beginners. If youβre using the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 or newer models on MIUI 14, the instructions will stay relevant with minor menu differences.
Why the clock on the lock screen can not be moved by standard means
Xiaomiβs MIUI shell has historically limited lock screen customization for the sake of security and uniformity, and here are the key reasons why the move option is not available:
- π Security Policy: Shifting system elements can be used to mask malicious widgets (e.g., fake password input fields).
- π¨ Design limitations: Xiaomi adheres to the principle of βminimalism by defaultβ, where the watch is always centered for better readability.
- π± Hardware fragmentation: On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) Clock shift can lead to uneven wear of the matrix (burn-in).
- π Updates MIUI: In versions. MIUI 12-14 developers removed even hidden customization settings available in earlier firmware.
However, it is possible to circumvent these limitations. MIUI 13 For the Redmi Note 11 The Pro is an undocumented parameter. lockscreen_clock_position, which can be changed through ADB And on root-righted devices, you can edit files. framework-res.apk β But this is for experienced users.
β οΈ Warning: Changing system files without a backup can lead to a cyclic bootloop. On devices with a locked bootloader (Redmi out of the box), most methods will not work.
Method 1: Using MIUI themes (the safest method)
The easiest way to move a watch is to install a custom theme from the official Xiaomi Themes store. Many themes redefine the position of the watch by adding indentations or shifting it into a corner. Here's how to do this:
- Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
- In the search bar, enter the query: the clock on the left, lockscreen clock move or minimal lock.
- Select a theme marked "Lockscreen custom" (e.g., "Minimal Left Clock" or "Edge Clock").
- Click Apply and confirm the change.
Advantages of the method:
- π Does not require rooting or ADB.
- π¨ Retained after updates MIUI.
- β‘ Instant result (without rebooting).
Disadvantages:
- π Not all of the themes support Redmi. HD+-permission (e.g. Redmi) 9A).
- π° Part of the topics paid (price from 50 to 300 rubles).
- π When changing the theme, the clock can return to its place.
Make sure the theme supports your Redmi model.
Read the reviews about job stability
Check the screenshots β the clock should be clearly shifted
Save a backup of your current theme (Settings β Additional β Backup)
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If there is no suitable theme, move on to the next method β it will require a little more effort, but will give full control over the position of the watch.
Method 2: Editing settings via ADB (without root)
For users who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), There's a way to change the position of the clock through hidden system parameters. MIUI 12-14 and does not require superuser rights, but requires a computer and USB-cable.
Step 1: Preparation
- Enable USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version (click 7 times) Settings β Additional β For Developers β Debugging on USB
- Download ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux and unpack the archive.
- Connect Redmi to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
Step 2: Execution of commands
Open the command prompt (or Terminal) in the ADB folder and type:
adb shell settings put secure lockscreen_clock_position 1Where 1 is the position code:
- 0 - Clock in the center (standard)
- 1 - clock on the left
- 2 clock on the right
- 3 - clock at the top (rarely maintained)
Step 3: Reboot
After completing the command, restart the device:
adb rebootThe watch should move in the chosen direction. If there is no change, your version of MIUI does not support this setting, try the following method.
β οΈ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) This parameter is ignored by the system, and then only editing files through root will help.
I use standard MIUI themes.
I prefer. ADB-team
Ready to get rooted in full
I'm happy with the current look.
Another option
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Method 3: Manual editing of system files (root required)
If previous methods have failed and you already have root rights, you can manually edit the files that control the position of the clock, which is suitable for advanced users and requires caution.
Step 1: Install a file manager with root access
Download Root Explorer or Mixplorer (with superuser mode enabled) from 4PDA or XDA Developers.
Step 2: Search and edit the file
Follow the path:
/system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI/MiuiSystemUI.apk/res/layout/Find the file. keyguard_clock.xml (or miui_keyguard_clock.xml Open it in the text editor and find the lines:
<RelativeLayout
android:layout_centerHorizontal="true"
android:layout_marginTop="100dp">Change the parameters:
- For shift to the left: add android:layout_alignParentLeft="true" and delete layout_centerHorizontal.
- For up/down shift: edit layout_marginTop (for example, 50dp upshift).
Step 3: Save and restart
Save the file, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r--) and restart the device. If the lock screen doesn't load, restore the original file from the backup.
| Parameter | Value for left shift | Value for right-hand bias |
|---|---|---|
| layout_centerHorizontal | Delete | Delete |
| layout_alignParentLeft | true | false |
| layout_alignParentRight | false | true |
| layout_marginLeft | 20dp (indention) | β |
β οΈ Attention: On devices with dynamic wallpapers (Super Wallpapers) editing keyguard_clock.xml This can cause the watch to disappear completely, in which case, return the original file and use the method of using the original file. ADB.
Method 4: Applications for customization (alternative root)
If you donβt want to get root, ADB-The commands didn't work, you can use third-party apps, they don't change the system files, they put their own layer with the clock over the lock screen, and there are some conflicts with gestures or notifications.
Top.-3 clock-shifter:
- π§ Always On Edge β allows you to place the clock in any corner of the screen, supports AOD (Always on Display. Plus, it works on MIUI 14 without root. Minus: the paid version costs ~200 rubles.
Instructions for Always On Edge:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Open the settings and select Position β Custom.
- Drag the clock to the right place for screen preview.
- Activate the Override Lockscreen option.
Important: Some applications require overlay permission (Settings β Applications β Special Access β Overlay) without this, the watch will not appear on top of the standard interface.
π‘
If the watch from the app flicker or disappear, try turning off the energy saving for it in the battery settings (Settings β Battery β Application Selection).
Method 5: Custom firmware (for advanced users)
If youβre willing to take drastic measures, installing custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Evolution X) will give you full control of the lock screen.
- π Move your clock with your finger (like a widget).
- π¨ Change font, colour and size.
- π§ Add seconds, date or weather to one line.
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7 days).
- Install TWRP Recovery for your Redmi model (see instructions in XDA).
- Download firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience for Redmi Note 10 Pro) and install it via TWRP.
- After download, go to Settings β Lock Screen β Watch Style and adjust position.
Warnings:
- β οΈ The warranty on the device is cancelled.
- π Certain functions MIUI (The game turbo may be gone.
- π± Risk of "brick" (brick) in case of installation error.
What if the sensor doesnβt work after the firmware?
Frequent problems and their solutions
When changing the position of the watch, Xiaomi Redmi users encounter typical errors.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The clock didn't move after ADB-team | Unsupported version of MIUI | Try another method or pullback on MIUI 12 |
| The lock screen does not load | Editing error keyguard_clock.xml | Restore the file from the backup via TWRP |
| The watch from the app is missing | Conflict with energy conservation | Add an app to battery exclusions |
| Shift resets after update | MIUI re-records settings | Turn off auto updates or use Magisk for fix |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π± Compatibility of your Redmi model with the selected method (e.g. Redmi) 9T supportive ADB-offset MIUI 13).
- π Firmware updates (sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions).
- π οΈ Correct access rights (e.g, ADB You must have permission to write in settings).
π‘
On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13 (like the Redmi Note 12), most methods without root do not work due to tightening security policies, in which case you either have to accept the standard look or switch to custom firmware.