Why change the style of the watch to Xiaomi?
The dial on Xiaomi’s lock screen and desktop is not just a time indicator, but part of the device’s visual style. The standard MIUI watch can seem boring, especially if you’re used to customization. Fortunately, the manufacturer offers several ways to change its appearance, from classic analog to dynamic animation styles.
In this article, we will explore all available methods, from basic settings in the theme menu to hidden features for advanced users, you will learn how to activate hidden watch styles, return the classic look from old versions. MIUI, What are the restrictions on different Xiaomi, Redmi and other models? POCO. We will pay special attention to the problems faced by the owners of devices on the MIUI 14 after updates.
If you want your smartphone to look unique, let’s get started!
Method 1: Standard style change through “Theme settings”
The easiest way to change the clock is to use the built-in theme menu.This method works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, including the Redmi Note 11, POCO X5 and the flagship Xiaomi 13.
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
- Go to the tab My (bottom of the screen).
- Slip on the lock screen section.
- Select the item "Style of watches".
- Scroll through the list of available options and click on the one you like.
- Confirm the changes with the Apply button.
This menu is available:
- 🕒 Analog clock (classical dial with hands).
- 📱 Digital (time in format) HH:MM, date-date).
- 🎨 Dark/light options (automatic adjustment under wallpaper).
- ✨ Animated (dynamic effects when unlocked, not available on all models).
Note that on some devices (e.g. Redmi 10A), style choices may be limited to 2-3 options, due to hardware limitations and firmware versions.
Update the Themes app on Google Play
Make sure time synchronization is enabled in the settings
Reboot your smartphone if new styles don’t show up
Check if a third-party theme has been installed that blocks changes.-->
Method 2: Using third-party themes from the MIUI store
If you don't have many built-in styles, you can install custom themes from the official store, and many of them change not only the wallpaper and icons, but also the design of the watch.
- Open the Topics app → the Online tab.
- In the search bar, type in a query, such as a minimalist watch or a neon digital watch.
- Select your favorite theme and click Apply.
- After applying the theme, go back to Settings → Lock screen → Watch style to select a new option.
Popular themes with unique watches:
- 🌌 Cosmic Clock – animated watch with the effect of the starry sky.
- 📟 Retro Digital - style for the old electronic watch of the 80s.
- ⚡ Neon Glow – Lighting numbers on a dark background.
- 🎵 Music Clock – a watch with visualization of sound waves (requires) MIUI 13+).
Important: some themes can be paid for distribution (costs from 50 to 300 rubles), also note that after resetting settings or updating the firmware custom watches can reset to standard.
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If the hours have not changed after installing the theme, try manually updating the "Themes" application data: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
Method 3: Hidden watch styles through ADB (for advanced)
On devices with MIUI 14 and some models POCO Some of the watch styles are hidden from the user. ADB-Android Debug Bridge, which requires you to connect your smartphone to your PC and enable the developer mode.
Here's how it works:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC, install ADB-tools and execute the command:
adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_clock_style [number style]Available values [number style]:
| Style number | Description | Supported versions of MIUI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Standard analogue (by default) | 12–14 |
| 2 | Digital with a date | 12–14 |
| 3 | Minimalistic (only hours without seconds) | 13+ |
| 4 | Animated (with effect when unlocked) | 14 (on flagships only) |
| 5 | The hidden style of Double Clock (time + weather) | 13–14 |
Note: on devices with MIUI 14 for the European Region (EEA), the command may not work due to firmware limitations, in which case only manual editing of system files (requires root rights) will help.
How to get back an old MIUI 11 watch?
Method 4: Changing the clocks via Xiaomi EU ROM or custom firmware
If you use informal firmware (such as Xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience), the customization capabilities of the watch are expanded.
- 🔄 Dynamic wallpaper with integrated clock (time is displayed directly against the background).
- 🎛️ Manual setting of font and color of numbers.
- 📲 Watch widgets on the desktop (for example, through the KWGT).
- 🔒 Turn off the clock on the lock screen (to completely hide the time).
To install Xiaomi.eu:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool.
- Download the firmware from the site xiaomi.eu.
- Fly through TWRP or Fastboot.
Warning: Unofficial firmware may cause a loss of warranty and problems with Google Pay/Banking Apps due to the lack of Widevine L1 certification.
Analog (with arrows)
Digital (minimalistic)
Animated (with effects)
Hidden/castom
I don't care.-->
Problems and mistakes when changing the style of the watch
Even with the right actions, the style of the watch may not change.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Styles not applicable | Themes app cache is damaged | Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Themes → Storage |
| The clock is reset after rebooting | Conflict with an established topic | Remove the custom theme and apply the standard |
| No "Style of Watches" in the settings | Outdated version of MIUI (below 12) | Update the firmware through Settings → Software Update |
| Animated clocks are not working | Animation optimization disabled | Include in For Developers → Windows Animation (1x) |
A special situation: on some devices (for example, Redmi 9C) after upgrading to MIUI 14, the ability to change the style of the watch is lost, this is due to the optimization of firmware for weak processors, in which case only a rollback to MIUI 13 or installing custom firmware will help.
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If none of these methods worked, check to see if you have a third-party screen locking app (such as Norton App Lock or CM Locker) that often override the clock’s system settings.
Additional settings: color, position, widgets
In addition to the style in MIUI can be configured:
- 🎨 Watch color: In some themes, a color palette is available. To activate it, hold your finger on the clock in lock screen editing mode.
- 📍 Position: Move the clock up/down by holding it in the Settings menu → Lock screen → layout.
- ⏱️ Time format: 12/24 Changes the hour settings → Additionally. → Date and time.
- 📱 Desktop widgets: Use them KWGT or UCCW custom-watch.
For owners of Xiaomi with Always-On Display (AOD) are available additional options:
- Go to Settings → Display → Always-On Display.
- Choose a watch style specifically for AOD (often different from the main one).
- Set up a display schedule or activation by lift.
Attention: on devices with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) display the clock in a constant manner AOD This can increase battery consumption by 5 to 10 percent.
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To keep the clock on the lock screen from conflicting with wallpaper, select a theme with a transparent background for the dial. For example, in the style settings, look for options marked "Transparent Background".