How to change the style of the watch on the Xiaomi desktop: from standard themes to hidden settings MIUI

Want to refresh the look of a Xiaomi smartphone but don't know where to start? desktop watch style is something that catches your eye every day, but many users don't even suspect it can be completely transformed. MIUI offers a few basic time display options by default, but the real magic starts when you learn about the system's hidden capabilities, third-party widgets and even manually editing system files.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can change themes, to advanced methods using ADB and custom launchers, to make watches transparent, to add animations, to change the font, or even remove them from the screen if they interfere, and to explain why some models (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) may not work — and what to do about it.

Whether you’re using Xiaomi based on MIUI 14 or have already upgraded to HyperOS, the instructions below are relevant for most of the brand’s devices released after 2020. The main rule is that before any manipulation of system files, back up your data – this will save you from unpleasant surprises.

1. Standard MIUI settings: changing the style of watches without third-party applications

The easiest way to change the look of a watch is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which do not require super-user rights (root) and is suitable even for beginners.

Open Settings → Desktop. Depending on the firmware version, the path may be slightly different:

📱 Nana MIUI 14 and newer: Settings → Screen. → Desktop → Widgets
🔄 Nana MIUI 12/13: Settings → Desktop → Customization of widgets
⚙️ On HyperOS: Settings → Personalization → Desktop → The clock

In the "Clock" or "Time Widget" section, you'll see some pre-loaded styles.

🕒 Digital format (24-hourly 12-sentry AM/PM)
🎨 Color scheme (automatic under the theme or manual selection)
📏 Size and position (left/right upper corner, centre)
🌙 Adaptive mode (color change in the dark)

Limitation: The standard set usually has no more than 5-7 design options. If you want something more original, read on.

📊 What type of watch do you like better?

Digital minimalism

Analog clock with second hand

Text format (e.g., "nine evenings")

Animated watch

Your own version

MIUI Topics: How to Get Hundreds of Watch Design Options

If there are few built-in styles, pay attention to themes for MIUI. This is an official customization method that does not require root rights and does not violate the warranty. The themes often change not only the background of the desktop, but also the design of watches, icons, fonts.

To change the subject:

Open the "Themes" app (icon with brush).
Go to the Watch or Widgets section (in some versions it is called the Lock Screen).
Select your favorite theme and click "Apply".

Tip: Many themes offer unique animated watches with paralax effects or dynamic backgrounds, such as the "Neon Clock" theme adding neon digits, and the "Minimal OS" theme offering transparent watches with thin lines.

Where to look for quality topics:

🌍 Official theme store MIUI (annex “Themes")
📱 Xiaomi Communities 4PDA or XDA Developers
🎨 Telegram channels, like, @MIUIThemes or @XiaomiThemes

Important! Some topics may conflict with system fonts. If you can't see after you use the watch, check the font settings in Settings → Additional → Font.

💡

Before installing a theme, check reviews – some may reduce performance or contain ads.

3. Party launchers: complete freedom of customization

If you don't like the limitations of MIUI, you can install a side launcher, which is an app that completely replaces the standard desktop interface, including watch widgets.

🏆 Nova Launcher – flexible settings, support for icons and widgets
🎨 KWGT Kustom Widget Maker – creating custom watches from scratch
⚡ Lawnchair – lightweight launcher with gesture support
🔧 Action Launcher – unique widgets and adaptive watches

Example of settings via KWGT:

Install KWGT from Google Play.
Download your favorite watch template (for example, on the Play Store or DeviantArt).
Add the widget. KWGT on the desktop (long pressing) →"Widgets").
Select the downloaded template and customize it for yourself.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

🔄 Ability to change font, color, size, animation of the clock
📱 Support for dynamic wallpaper (clocks change with background)
⚙️ Gestures and hotkeys for quick access

Cons: Some launchers can slightly increase battery consumption. If you notice that the smartphone has become discharged faster, check the energy saving settings for the application.

How to return a standard watch after using a launcher?

To restore the clock. MIUI, Remove the third-party launcher or reset it. If the clock is completely lost, restart the device or reset the desktop settings to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.

4. Manual editing of system files (for advanced)

This method is suitable for those who are not afraid to dig into system files and have root access or unlocked bootloader.

The watches in MIUI are stored in files:

/system/media/theme/default/clock/ - standard styles
/data/system/theme/ – User Themes

To replace the design:

Download MT Manager or Root Explorer from Google Play.
Go to /system/media/theme/default/clock/.
Copy the original files (just in case).
Replace them with your own (names and extensions should match, usually.png or.xml).
Reset the device.

Where can I get custom watch files?

📂 Archives of the topics 4PDA (Xiaomi)
🎨 DeviantArt (Search on Request) MIUI clock mod)
🔧 Telegram chats of modifiers MIUI (for example, @MIUIMods)

⚠️ Note: If after replacing files, the smartphone stopped booting - restore the original files through TWRP Or you can go back and forth. Always back up before you edit your system folders!

5. ADB-commands: hidden settings MIUI

If you don't have root, but you want to dig into the system settings, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to change parameters that are not available in the standard interface.

What can be done through ADB:

🔄 Change the position of the clock (even in the center of the screen)
🎨 Set up transparency and shadow
⏱️ Remove or add a second hand in an analog watch

Example of commands to change the style of the watch:

adb shell settings put secure sysui_clock_style 1 # Digital Style


adb shell settings put secure sysui_clock_style 2 # Analog style




adb shell settings put secure sysui_clock_am_pm 0 # 24-hour format




adb shell settings put secure sysui_clock_color"#FF0000"# Red

The full list of available commands can be found in the MIUI documentation or in the XDA forums. To apply the changes, you may need to restart or restart the shell:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CLOSE_SYSTEM_DIALOGS


adb shell pkill -f com.android.systemui

⚠️ Note: Some commands may not work on HyperOS or custom firmware.Before experimenting, check compatibility with your version MIUI.

Problems and Solutions: Why do the clocks not change?

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the watch does not update or disappear after changes.

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
The clock does not change after choosing a theme.	Conflict with launcher or cache tem	Clear the cache of the "Themes" application in Settings → Applications
The clock's gone from the desktop.	Failure of widgets or update MIUI	Restart the device or return the standard launcher
Clock animation doesn't work	Energy-saving regime	Add the "Themes" app to battery exclusions
ADB-commands are not applied	Lack of debugging rights	Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times press)

If none of these methods worked, try:

🔄 Reset the desktop settings (Settings) → Desktop → Drop it)
📱 Update MIUI last-minute
🔧 Install custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) where there are more customization options

FAQ: Frequent questions about the watch on Xiaomi

Can I make my watch transparent without root?

Yes, but with limitations. Some of the themes in the MIUI store have translucent styles, you can also use KWGT widgets with transparency settings, and you can't have full transparency of a system clock without root.

Why did the MIUI update reset the clock settings?

This is standard behavior in major updates, so to get back to your old style, you'll have to re-use the theme or set up a launcher, Tip: Before you upgrade, take a screenshot of your current settings.

How to remove the clock from the desktop?

In the standard MIUI You can't completely delete the watch, but you can: Hide it with the Nova Launcher. Set an empty theme without the watch. Use it. ADB-Adb shell settings put secure sysui_clock_style 0 (It doesn’t work on all devices).

Does the custom watch support Always-On Display (AOD)?

No, the style of the watch on Always-On Display is customized separately. To do this: Go to Settings → Screen → Always-On Display. Select the style of the watch (usually 3-5 options). Some devices (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have animated styles for AOD. Party launchers or themes on AOD do not affect.

Can I change the font of the clock separately from the system?

In standard MIUI, no. The clock font is tied to the system font. To change it separately, you need to: Use KWGT with a custom widget. Install Magisk to change the fonts (requires root). Find a theme that changes the font globally.