Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face a desire to personalize the device beyond simply changing the wallpaper. One of the most sought-after changes is moving the time widget on the lock screen. The standard MIUI shell or the new HyperOS by default offer a fixed dial location, which is not always convenient or aesthetic for a particular user.
Unfortunately, the basic settings of the system do not have the "drag the clock anywhere" function, as some desktop widgets do. System constraints dictate their rules: the position of the watch is rigidly tied to the chosen display style. However, this does not mean that it is impossible to change the situation. There are several proven methods that allow you to achieve the desired result without obtaining root rights.
In this article, we will take a look at all the customization options available, how to use embedded themes, why the system font is important, and what third-party applications can help with this task, and we will also look at the nuances of Always On Display and answer frequently asked questions.
Using the built-in Themes app to change style
The easiest and safest way to change the location of a watch is to install a new theme. MIUI's shell has a deeply integrated theme store where thousands of designers create unique interface styles. When applying a theme, not only the background changes, but the screen (lock screen) changes, including the position, size and font of the watch.
To start, open the standard Themes app on your device. In the search box, type in queries like “Large clock,” “Minimalist,” or “Analog clock.” Pay attention to the preview: usually, screenshots show where the watch is located. After selecting the right option, click “Download” and then “Apply.”
- 🎨 Open the Topics app and go to the Profiles or Lock Screen section».
- 🔍 Use search filters to find styles with the right dial location.
- 📥 Download your favorite topic and apply it, confirming the action.
- 🔄 If the result is not satisfied, go back to the themes menu and select “Delete theme” or apply the standard one.
It's important to understand that the theme's application affects not only the lock screen, but also the application icons, notification sounds, and system colors. If you only like the location of the clock and the rest of the theme interface is not suitable, you can only use the lock component.
The effect of system font on time display
Many users are unaware that in the Xiaomi ecosystem, the size and font type of the system directly affect the look of the clock on the lock screen. By changing the font settings, you can visually shift the accent or change the dimensions of the dial, which sometimes allows you to “move” it in the desired area or make it more compact.
To access these settings, go to the Settings menu, then select the Screen section and find Text Size and Font. Size sliders are available here. Reducing font size can make the watch smaller and more compact, freeing up space for other elements or simply changing the visual composition.
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Use third-party fonts from the theme store. Some custom fonts have a unique character structure, which can cause the watch to display differently than on the standard Mi Sans font.
It's also worth experimenting with boldness. Some versions of HyperOS have a bolding setting. Thinner lines can visually push the clock away from the edges of the screen, giving the illusion of a different location. However, remember that too small a font can impair the readability of time in bright light.
Always on Display (AOD) for permanent display
If your goal is to see when the screen is off, it's always on display, AOD It has its own, more flexible positioning settings. OLED-Xiaomi smartphone screens this function works most efficiently, consuming minimal energy.
To activate, follow the Settings path → Lock screen → Always On Display and lock screen. Here you will find the function activation switch. Once enabled, you will be able to choose a style. Unlike conventional themes, AOD styles often allow you to manually change the position of elements.
| Setup parameter | Description of the effect of the clock | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Display style | Changes the shape of the dial (vertical, horizontal, analog) | All models with AMOLED |
| Location. | It allows you to shift the clock up/down or left/right | Depends on the style chosen |
| Schedule | Determines when AOD is active (always, in time, in events) | All models. |
| Brightness | Regulates the saturation of pixel glow | All models. |
In some advanced AOD styles, there's a smart move feature available that automatically and smoothly shifts the watch image every few minutes to prevent the matrix from burning out. If you notice the watch floating away, this is the standard behavior of the system, designed to extend the life of the display.
Why does AOD not work on some models?
Application of third-party blocking applications
When built-in tools aren't enough, Google Play apps come to the rescue. They completely replace Xiaomi's standard lock screen with their own interface, giving you complete freedom of action. You can move your watch anywhere, change its color, transparency, and even add weather or calendar widgets nearby.
One popular solution is Hi Locker or KLCK Kustom Lock Screen Maker. Once installed, you will need to give it extended permissions, including the right to “display over other windows” and access to device administration. Without these rights, the application will not be able to take control of the lock screen.
- ⚙️ Download the blocker app from the Play Store (for example, KLCK).
- 🔐 Provide all the permissions requested in the Android system menu.
- 🎨 Choose or create a layout where the clock is arranged as you want.
- ✅ Activate the application as the main lock screen in its settings.
⚠️ Attention: Using third-party blockers can increase battery consumption. Since the application is constantly running in the background and monitors the status of sensors, the autonomy of the smartphone can be reduced by a small amount of time. 5-10% day-to-day.
In addition, third-party blockers can conflict with system security features such as fingerprint or face unlock.In some cases, unlocking can be delayed or require double tapping.Be sure to check the compatibility reviews with your Xiaomi model before installing.
Editing themes through Theme Editor for PC
For advanced users who want to get the perfect result without installing “heavy” applications-blockers, there is a method of editing the theme files. Using the official utility MIUI Theme Editor for PC, you can unpack the file of any theme, change the coordinates of the widget clock in the markup file and reassemble the theme.
This method requires a Windows computer. You need to download the theme with the desired style (.mtz file), open it in the editor, find the layer with the clock (usually designated as clock or time), and change the coordinates of X and Y. After compilation, the file is installed on the phone through the Select Theme from the Device menu.
The approximate coordinate structure in the description.xml file:The main advantage of this method is that you get a native interface with altered geometry that doesn't consume batteries. But it's a complicated path that requires attention: a syntax error. XML-The file may cause the theme to fail to install or the phone to go to bootloop (cyclic reboot), although in modern versions MIUI Protection against such errors is enhanced.
☑️ Checking before editing topics
Solutions to system problems and constraints
Users often face unforeseen challenges in customization, and Android and MIUI have security mechanisms that can prevent change, such as when a third-party blocker reboots the device and the standard screen returns.
To avoid this, you need to lock the application in memory. Open the menu of running applications, find your blocker, click on the lock or select the option “Secure”. Also, in the battery settings (Settings → Applications → All Applications → Your Blocker → Battery), select “No Limits” mode.
⚠️ Note: When installing themes from unverified sources (not from the official Themes store), there is a risk of downloading malicious code. Always check the author's rating of the topic and the number of downloads before installing the.mtz file.
Another problem may be the incorrect display of fonts after the system update. If after the Android or MIUI update the clock "got" or became unreadable, try resetting the theme to the standard, and then apply the desired theme again, this will clear the cache of the lock interface.
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The most stable and safe way to transfer the watch is to use official themes from the MIUI store, as they are tested for compatibility with the system version.