How to Move the Watch on the Xiaomi Lock Screen: All Ways for MIUI

Xiaomi's lock screen is the first thing you see when you turn on your smartphone, and the location of your watch can have a significant impact on usability. Some people prefer a classic centered location, some want to make room for widgets, and some want to hide time away from prying eyes. Unfortunately, standard MIUI settings do not always allow you to flexibly adjust the position of the watch — but there are workarounds.

In this article, we’ll break down 5 working ways to move your watch on the lock screen, including hidden shell features, third-party apps, and even manual editing of system files (for advanced users). All methods have been tested on the latest versions of MIUI 14 and are compatible with most models, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. If you’re tired of the standard time location or want to optimize the screen for your needs, read on.

Why can't you just drag your watch with your finger?

Many Xiaomi users try to shift the clock on the lock screen in the same way that widgets on the home screen do with a long tap and drag. However, this does not work for one simple reason: MIUI treats the watch as part of the system interface, not as a separate element. Unlike the Samsung One UI or Oppo ColorOS, where the time position can be changed in the theme settings, MIUI does not have this option by default.

This is due to Xiaomi’s design philosophy: the shell strives for minimalism and uniformity, sacrificing customization flexibility.

• 🔄 Changing the style of the watch - some topics MIUI Offer alternative screen lock layouts.
• 📱 Third-party launchers – applications like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher can redefine system elements.
• 🛠️ Manual editing – for experienced users with root access or through ADB.
• 🔧 Hidden settings – little-known codes and combinations to unlock additional options.

Before you start changing the location of the watch, make sure that your device has disabled the “Data Protection” function in the developer settings (if it is enabled, some methods may not work). MIUI — in old assemblies (below) MIUI 12.5) some of the methods will not be available.

Method 1: Using MIUI themes (the safest method)

The easiest and most formal way to change the position of a watch is to install an alternative theme from the MIUI Themes store. Some themes offer not only a new design, but also a shifted time arrangement, such as themes with a central clock, a clock at the bottom of the screen, or even a vertical display.

How to do this:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the Lock Screen section.
3. Scroll through the list of topics and pay attention to the preview – look for options with a non-standard clock arrangement.
4. Click Apply and check the result.

If there is no appropriate topic, try searching by keywords:

• 🕒 Center Clock - Clock in the Center.
• 🕓 Bottom Clock - The Clock Down.
• 🕔 Minimal lockscreen – Minimal lockscreen.

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Some themes require a premium subscription, but they can be downloaded for free through third-party sites (such as MIUI Themes Editor).

The disadvantage of this method is that the choice is limited, and not all themes are correctly displayed on new Xiaomi models. If after applying the theme, the clock is lost or overlaid on other elements, return the standard theme in the settings.

Method 2: Configure via hidden menu (for MIUI 12.5 and later)

In MIUI 12.5 and higher, there is a hidden menu that allows you to manually adjust the lock screen layout, which does not require root permissions, but does not work on all devices.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information.
4. Scroll down and find the Lock screen settings (could be called Lockscreen Customization).
5. Activate the switch Allow editing of the layout.

After that:

1. Return to the lock screen.
2. Make a double touch on the clock area.
3. A grid will appear where you can drag the watch to any place on the screen.

Attention! This method can work in an unstable way: sometimes, after a reboot, the watch returns to its standard place, and on some devices (POCO F5, Redmi K60), the hidden menu is missing due to manufacturer restrictions.

Method 3: Applications for customization (without root)

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party applications, which don't change system files, but instead put their own layer on top of the lock screen.

Instructions for Always On Edge (the most versatile solution):

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and grant permission to Overlay over other applications.
3. Go to the Lock Screen section.
4. Activate the Custom Clock Position option.
5. Drag the clock to the right place for screen preview.
6. Save the changes and check the result.

Important: Some applications (e.g, KLCK) Requires to disable the standard lock screen MIUI through ADB-command: adb shell pm hide com.android.keyguard.This can lead to fingerprint and Face Unlock issues!

Method 4: Editing system files (for advanced users)

If you're willing to take risks, you can manually edit the files that make up the lock screen, which requires root access or an unlocked bootloader, and backup. We'll look at two options:

Option A: Through the file lockscreen_layout.xml

This file contains the coordinates of the lock screen elements, so you can change it.

1. Install Root Explorer or Solid Explorer with root access.
2. Go to /system/media/theme/default/.
3. Find the file. lockscreen_layout.xml And copy it to reserve.
4. Open the file in a text editor (e.g. QuickEdit).
5. Find the lines with the parameters clock_x and clock_y (clock-coordinates).
6. Change the values (for example, clock_y="800" move the clock down).
7. Save the file and restart the device.

Option B: Through ADB (without root but with debugging)

If root is missing, you can try changing your settings via ADB. Connect your phone to your PC and do:

adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_clock_position 1


adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_clock_x 500




adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_clock_y 1000

Where 500 and 1000 are X and Y coordinates, respectively. Experiment with values to find the optimal position.

Create a backup copy through TWRP|Install Magisk to manage root|Check firmware compatibility|Disable automatic updates MIUI-->

⚠️ Attention! Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot) or reset. If the phone does not turn on after the changes, try resetting through Recovery Mode (press Power). + Volume Up when switched on).

Method 5: Alternative launchers with lock screen support

Some launchers, such as Nova Launcher or Action Launcher, allow you to customize not only the main screen, but also the lock screen.

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Set it as the default launcher in the phone settings.
3. In the launcher settings, look for the Lock Screen or Advanced section.
4. Activate the Custom Lock Screen option.
5. Choose a model with the desired location of the clock.

The advantage of this method is that it doesn't require root, but changes are instantaneous.

• 🔋 The launchers consume an additional battery.
• 🔒 Certain functions MIUI (For example, Face Unlock can work in an unstable way.
• 📱 Nana POCO Redmi with custom firmware launchers can conflict with system applications.

If after installing the launcher, the clock on the lock screen has disappeared, try:

1. Disable and re-enable the customization option.
2. Clear the launcher cache in the application settings.
3. Reset the device.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When changing the location of the clock on the lock screen Xiaomi users often encounter typical errors.

If none of these methods worked, check:

• 📵 Updates MIUI — In new versions, additional configuration options may appear.
• 🔄 Resetting theme settings – sometimes helps to put the clock back in place and start over.
• 📱 Model of the device – on some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi Mi) A3 with pure Android methods for MIUI not working.

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On Android One devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi A2, Mi A3), it is not possible to set up your watch via MIUI – use third-party launchers or apps like Always On Edge.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions