How to change the date and time on the phone Xiaomi: all the ways

Why it’s important to set the right date and time for Xiaomi

Correct date and time settings on Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphones POCO It's not just the current time that's in the status bar, it's the function that's in the status bar. SSL-certificates in the browser, synchronization with cloud services, correct display of notifications in messengers and even the functioning of some banking applications. For example, if the date on the phone is a few days old, SberBank Online or Tinkoff can block access with a message about an β€œoutdated certificate".

The manufacturer has provided two main ways of setting up: automatic synchronization via the operator’s network or the Internet and manual input. However, on devices with MIUI 12-14, the algorithm may differ from the older versions (MIUI 10-11), and on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) additional options are available for developers. In this article, we will analyze all current methods, including solving typical errors like β€œtime is not updated” or β€œdate is lost after a reboot”.

Method 1: Automatic Date and Time setting

The simplest and most recommended method is to use automatic synchronization, in which case the phone receives data from the network operator (MTS, Beeline, Tele2) or through Google servers (if the Internet is turned on), which is suitable for most users, since it eliminates manual errors and takes into account the transition to winter/summer time.

To enable automatic synchronization:

  • πŸ“± Open the Settings app (cog icon on the home screen).
  • βš™οΈ Go to the Additional Settings section β†’ Date and time.
  • πŸ”„ Activate switches: Autodetermining date and time (uses network data) Time zone autodetermination (important for travel)
  • 🌐 If you use Wi-Fi, make sure that the option to Use network data is enabled (some firmware calls Internet Sync).

β˜‘οΈ Checking automatic synchronization

Done: 0 / 4

On devices with MIUI 14 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5) can be an additional setting Precise time via GPS. It should be enabled if you often move between countries – this will accelerate the update of the time zone.

⚠️ Warning: If you still get a time delay after you activate the automatic mode, check the developer mode settings. USB Or Falsifying the location blocks the sync. Turn them off in Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (7 times tap the version to open the developer menu).

Method 2: Manually set date and time

If automatic sync doesn’t work (for example, if you don’t have a network) or you need to temporarily change the date (for testing apps), use manual mode.Please note: some applications (for example, Google Pay or Yandex.Money) can block payments if the date on the phone is very different from the real one.

Instructions for manual adjustment:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Additional settings β†’ Date and time.
  2. Turn off the switches Autodetermining Date and Time Zone Autodetermining.
  3. Slip on the field Set a date and select the desired day, month, year in the calendar.
  4. Press Set the time and use the dial or keyboard to enter the exact hours and minutes.
  5. For a time zone, select your region from the list (e.g. Moscow, GMT+3).
How to change the format of the display of time?
In MIUI, you can choose 12-hour (AM/PM) or 24-hour format. Go to Settings β†’ Additional settings β†’ Date and time β†’ Time format and select the desired option. Changes apply immediately, but some widgets may require a reboot.

On some models (e.g. Redmi 10C or POCO M5), a Time Out of Sync notification may appear after manual settings. This can be ignored, but if accuracy is required (e.g. for tracking sleep in Mi Band), it is better to return the automatic mode.

ParameterAutomatic mode.Manual mode
precisionHigh (synchronization every minute)Depends on the user.
Transition to winter/summer timeAutomatic.Requires manual adjustment
Work of banking applicationsNo restrictions.Possible blocking with a big difference
Energy consumptionMinimum (update over the network)No expense.

Features of the configuration on different versions of MIUI

Date and time menu interfaces may vary depending on the firmware version. For example, in MIUI 12 and later, the section is moved to Additional Settings, and in MIUI 11 and older, it was directly in the main Settings menu. Also, on some devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi A3 with pure Android), the path will be different: Settings β†’ System β†’ Date and time.

Below is a comparison table for popular versions:

  • πŸ“± MIUI 14 (2023–2026): Settings β†’ Additional settings β†’ Date and time. Added the option Exact time in GPS.
  • πŸ“± MIUI 12–13 (2020–2022): The path is similar, but without GPS-Synchronization: In some regions, the option to Use Network Data is available.
  • πŸ“± MIUI 10–11 (2018–2019): Date and time is in the main Settings menu. There is no separation between date and time autodetermination – one switch.
  • πŸ“± Android One (Mi A1/A2/A3): Settings β†’ System system β†’ Date and time. interface as on pure Android.
πŸ“Š What version? MIUI you use?
MIUI 14
MIUI 12/13
MIUI 10/11
Android One (Mi A Series)
I don't know.

On devices with HyperOS (new firmware for Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70), the path remained the same, but the option of Sync with Mi Account was added. If it is enabled, the date and time will be synchronized with Xiaomi servers, not just with the operator’s network.

Problem Solving: Time is lost or not updated

If the date and time on your Xiaomi is lost after a reboot or is not automatically updated, the reasons may be:

  1. The RTC (Real-Time Clock) module, which is responsible for counting time, often occurs after a phone drops or the battery is discharged to 0%.
  2. Conflict with applications that have superuser rights (e.g. Tasker or Greenify)
  3. Incorrect energy saving settings that block background synchronization.
  4. Problems with SIM-card (if synchronization is used over the operator's network).

For diagnosis and correction:

  • πŸ”§ Reset network settings: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings.
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware: go to Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
  • πŸ› οΈ Clear the Settings app cache: Go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management. Find the Settings app (cog icon) tap Clear cache and Stop.
  • πŸ“‘ Check the work. GPS: turn on geolocation and wait for the coordinates to be determined (this can help with time zone failure).

If the problem recurs, it is possible that the wizard has improperly connected the battery plume to the motherboard.

How to sync time with Mi Band or smartwatch?
Smart bracelets Mi Band 5/6/7 Xiaomi Watch syncs time with the phone automatically when connected via Mi Fitness or Zepp Life: πŸ”„ Reconnect the device in the application. πŸ“± Make sure that the phone is automatically synchronized date and time. πŸ”‹ Check the bracelet charge (at low battery level, synchronization may not work). πŸ“² Update the bracelet firmware through the official app if the time difference is more than 5 For minutes, the bracelet may not record sleep or exercise data.
Can I change the date without accessing the settings (for example, if my phone is locked)?
If the phone is locked with a pattern lock or PIN-But there are workarounds: Recovery mode: Turn off the phone. Press the power button. + Volume up to enter Recovery. select Wipe & Reset β†’ Wipe All Data (this will reset all settings, including date!) ADB (Included debugging is required USB before locking: adb shell date -s YYYYMMDD.HHmmss For example, for installation 15 may 2026 year-end, 14:30: adb shell date -s 20260515.143000 ⚠️ These methods can lead to data loss. To unlock your phone without reset, contact the service center.
Why is the time displayed incorrectly in some apps, even though the phone is correct?
This is because the app uses its own time server or caches data. For example: Telegram and WhatsApp show the time of sending messages over the server, not over the phone. Instagram and TikTok can display local time with a delay of up to 1 minute. Bank applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) block access if the difference with the server exceeds 5 minutes. Solution: check the sync settings in the application itself or clear its cache (Settings β†’ Apps β†’ [name] β†’ Clear cache).
How to set up automatic transition to winter/summer time?
In MIUI, winter/summer time transition is processed automatically if: Time zone Autodetermination is enabled. Time zone is set correctly (e.g. Moscow, GMT+3). Phone is connected to mobile network or Wi-Fi (to receive updates from Google servers). If the transition does not occur: Update time zone data manually: disable and turn on Autodetermination again. Check if Google Play services are disabled (they are responsible for updating time zones).