How to change the color of the watch on the lock screen Xiaomi: all ways and life hacks

Xiaomi's lock screen is not just a barrier to your smartphone, it's a real business card of the device. This is where you display the time, date, notifications and other important data. But what if the standard white or gray color of the watch is boring and you want something brighter or contrasting? Fortunately, MIUI offers several ways to customize — from built-in tools to hidden features that not all users know about.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of changing the color of the watch on the lock screen for Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones. POCO, labourer MIUI 12, 13 and 14. You will learn how to use standard settings, themes, and hidden tricks for models with Always-On Display (AOD). We will pay special attention to the nuances for new devices 2023-2026 years where the interface may be different from the usual.

Important: some methods require unlocking the bootloader or installing third-party applications. We will mark these cases separately so that you can choose the most secure and convenient option for yourself. If you are a beginner, start with the first sections that describe the official methods without risk to the system.

1. Standard MIUI settings: change the color of the watch without third-party tools

Starting with the simplest and safest way to do this is to use MIUI built-in tools, which is suitable for most Xiaomi devices based on MIUI 12-14, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and newer models, the main advantage is that you do not need to download anything or risk the stability of the system.

To change the color of the watch through standard settings, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon on the home screen).
• 🎨 Go to the Lock Screen section (in some versions) MIUI This item may be called Blocking and Password. → Locking style).
• 🔍 Find the option Color watch or Setting up watch (on new devices can be hidden under the button Additional).
• 🎨 Choose one of the colors offered or use a palette to create your own shade.

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F4 Xiaomi 12T) The option to change the color of the watch can be blocked if the Always-On Display mode is enabled. AOD In the screen settings, then try again.

If your MIUI version doesn't have a direct color change option, don't worry. Your model may support an alternative way by customizing the themes, which will be discussed in the next section.

2.Use of themes: how to change the color of the watch through MIUI Themes

One of the most flexible ways to customize the lock screen is to install custom themes from the official MIUI Themes store. Many themes not only change wallpaper and icons, but also offer unique styles for the watch, including custom colors, fonts and even animations.

Here's how it works:

1. 🛒 Open the Themes app (brush icon on the home screen).
2. 🔍 In the search box, type in a request such as “color lock clock” or “custom lock clock».
3. 👀 Look at the available topics. Pay attention to the screenshots, which usually show you what the clock will look like on the lock screen.
4. 📥 Download your favorite theme and apply it, and then the color of the watch will change automatically.

💡 Useful tip: Some topics may conflict with system fonts. If the clock becomes unreadable after applying the theme, return the standard font in the Screen settings → font.

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI Some themes may be reset. To avoid this, back up your current theme in the Themes app settings before updating.

3. Always-On Display (AOD): Features of the watch color setting

Xiaomi devices with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60 Pro, POCO F5 Pro supports the Always-On Display function (AOD), It's a time-based system that displays time and notifications even when it's off.

Here’s how to change the color of your watch in AOD mode:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Screen. → Always-On Display.
• 🎨 Choose the style of the watch (usually available) 3-5 variant).
• 🔄 In some styles, you can tap the palette to change the color.
• 💡 If there is no option, try to turn it off first. AOD, Change the color of the watch in the standard settings, and then turn it back on AOD.

On devices with MIUI 14 and later in AOD mode, the option “Color Temperature” is available, which automatically adjusts the hue of the watch to lighting. This can overlap manual color settings.

🔋 Important: Regime AOD If you notice that the battery is going down faster, try reducing the display time or turning off the function overnight.

4. Hidden MIUI settings: how to unlock additional colors

Few people know, but MIUI has hidden options that allow you to unlock an extended palette of colors for the watch on the lock screen, which does not work on all devices, but it is worth a try - especially if the standard settings do not suit you.

Instructions for activating hidden options:

1. 📱 Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. 🔧 In the menu that appears, select Testing. → Lock screen settings.
3. 🎨 Find Advanced Clock Colors (or similar in English).
4. 🔓 Activate the switch and restart the device.

After that, an extended palette should appear in the standard lock screen settings. If this method does not work, try an alternative method through ADB (described below).

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Before entering the engineering codes, check whether hidden menus are allowed in your country, and some firmware for the European Region (EEA) may block these commands.

5. Advanced Methods: ADB and Third Party Applications

If standard methods fail, you can use advanced tools like the ADB command line or specialized applications, which require caution but allow you to access unique settings.

Method 1: Change color through ADB

This will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to press to unlock the developer mode, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB plug-in.

Next, execute the commands:

adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_clock_color FF0000

Where FF0000 is the hex code of the color (in this case red), replace it with the hue you want (for example, 00FF00 for green).

Method 2: Applications for customization

Some apps from Google Play allow you to change the color of the watch without ADB.

• 🎨 Lock Screen Customizer – supports most Xiaomi devices.
• 🔧 Hex Installer – requires root rights but gives maximum freedom.
• 🖌️ KLWP Live Wallpaper – allows you to create fully custom lock screens.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications, disable system optimization for them (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Special access → Battery optimization, otherwise the settings may be reset.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change the color of the watch on the lock screen, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, check if your device has regional restrictions, such as some European firmware (MIUI EEA) that blocks customization features, and then flashing to a global or Chinese version of MIUI will help.

7. Color Choosing Tips: What to Consider

Choosing the color of a watch is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also of usability, and here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• 🌓 Contrast with wallpaper: If you have dark wallpaper, choose the light colors of the watch (white, blue, pink), and vice versa.
• 🔋 Energy consumption: On AMOLED-Black does not consume energy, and bright shades (red, green) can increase battery consumption.
• 👁️ Readability: Avoid too pale shades (gray, pastel yellow) – they are not visible in bright lighting.
• 🎨 Style: For minimalist design, monochrome colors are suitable, for creative - gradients or neon shades.

💡 LAIFHACK: MIUI 14, we have Adaptive Color, which automatically adjusts the shade of the watch to the wallpaper. To activate it, go to Settings. → Screen. → Colors of the system and switch on the appropriate switch.

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On Always-On Display (AOD) devices, bright watch colors (red, blue) can reduce battery life by 5-10%. For maximum battery savings, choose low saturation shades or use black and white mode.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions