Redmi smartphones are famous for their functionality, but the standard MIUI interface does not always satisfy users' needs for personality, especially in the lock screen, where time display is the central element of the visual experience of the device. Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi 8 model often wonder whether it is possible to change the usual look of the dial or the font of the display of the watch without installing third-party launchers.
Fortunately, the MIUI shell provides a lot of customization for the system, so you can not just resize the numbers, but you can also completely redesign the design, add weather widgets, or switch to analog format, and these changes don't require superuser rights or complex code manipulation.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways to transform the interface in detail, we will look at the standard theme customization tools, work with system fonts and features of the Always On Display function. Follow the instructions to make your Redmi 8 truly unique.
Using the Themes app to change the style of the watch
The easiest and safest way to change the look of the lock screen is to use the built-in Themes app. This system solution from Xiaomi allows you to download ready-made design packages that include new wallpaper, icons and, most importantly, a stylized watch. When you install a new theme, the system will automatically prompt you to apply changes to the lock screen.
To get started, open the Themes app on the home screen or in the Tools folder. At the bottom of the interface, go to the Profile tab, then select the Topics section. Here you can search for queries like “Digital Clock,” “Minimalist,” or “Analog” to find the appropriate design. After selecting the theme, click the download button and then Apply.
It is important to note that not all themes change only the clock; often they replace the entire visual style of the system. If you are interested solely in the dial, pay attention to the preview of the lock screen in the description of the topic before download. Some author's themes may contain animated elements that bring the screen to life when the device wakes up.
- 🎨 Open the Topics app and go to the search section.
- 🔍 Enter keywords to find a specific watch style.
- 📥 Download your favorite theme and press the application button.
- 🔒 Check the lock screen to make sure the display is correct.
⚠️ Note: When installing themes from third-party sources or unofficial stores, there is a risk of downloading malicious software. Use only the proven Themes app within the system MIUI.
Set up time fonts through the font store
If you're happy with the layout of the elements on the screen, but don't like the numerical font itself, you can replace the system font. MIUI supports downloading and installing new font sets that affect the display of text throughout the system, including the clock on the lock screen, which allows you to achieve a unique visual effect without changing the wallpaper.
To change the font, go to the Settings menu, then select Screen and find the Font section. This will open a font store where both free and paid options are available. Once you have selected the appropriate style, click Download, and after the process is complete, Apply. The device may require rebooting to display the changes correctly.
Note that some complex calligraphic fonts can impair time readability, especially in bright sunlight. Readability is a key factor when choosing a font for system elements. Experiment with different options, but always check if you can see time well in different light conditions.
💡
Before you install the new font, take a screenshot of the current lock screen, which will allow you to quickly compare options and see if the watch has become better.
The font store often offers promotions to download premium sets for free, and it is recommended to periodically check the Popular or New items section, as designers regularly release updates optimized specifically for high-pixel density screens such as the Redmi 8.
Always on Display and its configuration
Xiaomi Redmi 8 model is equipped with a type matrix IPS, which, unlike AMOLED-It does not support the classic Always On Display mode with burning pixels without the risk of burnout. MIUI This is a software emulation of this function, which allows you to display hours and notifications on the screen off within 10 seconds of touching or when you receive a notification.
To activate this function, go to Settings → Always on screen and lock. You need to activate the switch Always on screen. In the same menu, you can choose the display style of the watch: large-digit options, analog dials and options with an image. The function consumes battery power, so you should adjust the schedule of its operation.
In the style settings menu, you can choose from one of the proposed designs or download your own. The system allows you to adjust the function's running time, for example, turning on only from 8:00 to 23:00. This helps save energy at night when you don't need to look at the lock screen.
| Setup parameter | Description of function | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of work | Constantly, on schedule or by touch | High/Mediternary/Low |
| Clock style | Choosing the visual design of the dial | It doesn't. |
| Background image | Installation of your picture for AOD | Minimum |
| Schedule | Automatic on and off | Average (savings at night) |
Touch mode is the most energy efficient, and the screen only lights up when you pick up the phone, showing the time and date. IPS-screens that preserve aesthetics and autonomy.
Change of time format: 12 or 24 hours
A common reason to find ways to change clocks is to switch from a 12-hour format to a 24-hour format or vice versa. This is a system setting that does not require the installation of themes or fonts. Changing this setting instantly updates the display of time throughout the system, including the lock screen, status bar and widgets.
To change the format, open your device settings. Search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top) type the word "format" or manually navigate through the path Additional → Date and time. In the menu that opens, find the switch. 24-It's a clock format. Activating it will change the time mapping from AM/PM in the usual European format.
☑️ Checking the time settings
Note that in some regions, the default format may be 12-hour. If the lock screen time has not changed after the change of settings, try restarting the device. Also make sure that the Date and Time section activates network sync so that the clock runs accurately.
⚠️ Warning: When changing time zone in date and time settings, the time on the lock screen will change globally. Be careful when traveling so as not to disrupt the alarm clock schedule.
Some themes may ignore the system settings of the time format if the theme writer has rigidly set his display style, in which case only changing the theme to a standard or another that supports system settings will help.
Display problems and their solution
Redmi 8 users may experience a situation where the clock on the lock screen is blocked by a bang (cut under the camera) or displayed incorrectly after the system update. MIUI or fixed topic.
The first step to solve the problem is to reset the theme settings to the standard. Go to the Themes → Profile → Themes and select the Classic or Default theme. If the problem persists, check for system updates in the Settings menu → About the phone. Developers often release patches that fix visual interface errors.
In rare cases, incorrect display can be caused by damage to the theme cache. Cleaning the theme app data can help. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Find Themes, select Clear → Clear Cache. This will not delete your downloaded themes, but will reset temporary files.