Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones offer users a huge amount of customization, allowing them to turn a standard interface into a personalized space. One of the most noticeable and frequently modified details is the watch widget, which can be located both on the desktop and on the lock screen. Many users, moving from other platforms or simply wanting to refresh the appearance of the gadget, are faced with the question of how to change the style of the dial or move it to the desired area of the screen.
The replacement procedure depends on whether you use a classic MIUI or a new HyperOS, and whether you are talking about a smartphone or a smart bracelet Mi Band. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to modify the display of time, including hidden settings and third-party applications. Deep interface customization allows not only to improve the aesthetics, but also to improve the functionality of the device, bringing to the foreground the necessary information.
Before we start making changes, it’s worth noting that some features may only be available in certain regions or firmware versions. However, the basic principles remain the same for the entire ecosystem of the Chinese manufacturer. We’ll look at both the standard features of the system and the capabilities provided by the Theme app, which is the central element of the visual design of Xiaomi devices.
Changing the style of the clock on the desktop
The easiest way to change the look of time is to work with widgets on the home screen. Unlike many other systems, the MIUI and HyperOS shell allows you to replace the standard watch widget with alternative options offered by the theme store.
Once the action menu appears, select Change or tap the settings icon if it appears directly on the widget.The system will offer you a gallery of accessible styles that can range from minimalistic digital indications to complex analog second-hand mechanisms.Style selection is instant, and you can see the result immediately on your screen.
If standard options are not enough, you can search the theme store. If you query “Clock” or “Clock”, you will find thousands of options created by both Xiaomi and independent designers. Note that some themes can change not only the clock, but also other system elements, so before installing it, you should check the preview.
So if you notice an accelerated discharge after installing a complex animated widget, it makes sense to go back to the standard option or opt for a static design.
Setting up the widget on the lock screen
The lock screen is the first thing a user sees when they pick up their phone. The setting of the watch here has its own peculiarities and often depends on the chosen theme. New versions of the HyperOS shell have a Portrait or Live Wallpaper mode that allows you to flexibly adjust the position and style of time, overcoming standard restrictions.
To access settings, go to Settings → Lock screen. Here you can find the option “Clock Format” or “Clock Style” if your current theme supports this feature. In some cases, you need to install a specific theme from the directory specializing in lock screen customization to unlock additional options.
There's also the ability to use widgets on the lock screen that are located under or around the clock, which can be steps, weather or notifications. The layout of the elements on this screen is strictly regulated by security, so you can't move the clock arbitrarily to any corner of the screen without third-party launchers.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party applications to deeply modify the lock screen may lead to unstable system operation or conflicts with the Always On Display function.
Why not all themes change the clock on the lock screen?
Using the “Themes” application for customization
The central hub for changing the look and feel is the Theme app, and that's where all the options for replacing icons, wallpapers and, of course, watch widgets are concentrated. Use the search bar at the top of the app to find the right design.
It is recommended to use keywords in English, since the theme base is global. Query like “Analog Clock”, “Digital Widget” or “Minimalist Time” will give more relevant results. Once you select a theme, you can apply it fully or click “Configure” to select only the System component or Lock screen.
There's also a Widgets section inside the app, where you can find individual time modules that don't require you to install the whole theme, which is convenient if you're comfortable with the current icon design, but you only want to update the clock, and the installation process takes a few seconds and doesn't require you to restart the device.
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Before installing a new theme, save a screenshot of the current widget configuration to quickly return everything as it was when necessary using the My Pages feature in the Themes app.
Customization of Always on Display (AOD)
Always On Display allows you to see the time and notifications even when the smartphone screen is turned off. The AOD watch widget is set up separately from the main screen. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Always On Display and lock screen.
Here you will find a gallery of styles adapted for OLED-You can choose from classic watches, vertical formats, or even animated images. Some Xiaomi models allow you to create your own personalized images. AOD, Using photos from the gallery, where time will be automatically inscribed into the free space.
Consider that using complex animated AOD styles significantly increases battery consumption. To balance aesthetics and autonomy, you can adjust the function’s schedule to activate only during the day or at certain hours.
The table below compares the main types of watch widgets and their impact on the system:
| Type of widget | Battery consumption | Difficulty setting up | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systemic digital | Minimum | Low. | All models. |
| System analogue | Low. | Low. | All models. |
| Third-party (from Tham) | Medium. | Medium | Depends on the MIUI version. |
| AOD (Animated) | High-pitched | Low. | OLED screens only |
Setting up the watch on smart bracelets Mi Band
If your question was about wearables, the process of changing the dial to Mi Band or Xiaomi Smart Band is through the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life). Connect the bracelet to your smartphone and go to the device profile.
From the device menu, select "Bracelet Display" or "Dials." Here is a catalog of available designs. You can choose the free option from the "Recommended" list or download new ones from the store by clicking "More." The sync process takes about a minute.
For advanced users, it is possible to create their own dials through the official Watch Face Maker program on the PC, which allows you to display any information on the wristband screen, including the second hour, the lunar calendar or specific health data.
☑️ Check before changing the dial
⚠️ Note: When installing a custom dial on the bracelet, make sure that the image resolution matches the model of your device, otherwise the picture may stretch or crop.
Problems and solutions
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the watch widget disappears, stops updating or is displayed incorrectly. Most often this is due to Xiaomi's aggressive energy saving system, which "kills" the background processes of the widget. To fix this, go to the battery settings and find the "Clock" or "Themes" app, setting the background activity restriction in the "No restrictions" mode.
Another common problem is to desynchronize time after travel or time zone change. Make sure that the Settings menu → Additional → Date and Time activates the option “Use Network Time” to ensure accuracy regardless of manual settings.
If the widget is completely gone from the desktop, try adding it again through the widget menu (swipe right or long pressing on empty space). In rare cases, cleaning the cache of the Themes application through the application management menu helps.
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Most of the problems with the watch widget are solved by checking autostart permissions and turning off energy savings for the system interface components.