Smartphone personalization is not just a matter of aesthetics, itβs a way to make interaction with the device more intuitive. For many users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, switching from digital time display to classic analog arrows becomes a priority after purchase. This is especially true for those who are used to reading time by the position of the arrows without thinking about exact numbers. In the MIUI ecosystem and the new HyperOS, this process can vary depending on the firmware version and region.
There are several proven methods to change the look of the lock screen: you can use built-in system features, third-party launcher apps or specialized desktop widgets. Deep interface tuning gives you complete control over what you see when you wake up the screen. Below we will take a detailed look at each of the available methods so you can choose the most suitable for your model.
Use of built-in design themes in MIUI
The easiest and safest way to change the look of time is to use a ready-made theme. Unlike the global versions of Android, the MIUI shell has a powerful built-in store of themes where designers create complex solutions. When loading a theme, not only icons are often replaced, but also the style of the clock on the locked screen. You do not need to be a technician to use this method.
To start, open the standard Themes app, which is pre-installed on all of the brandβs smartphones. Search for βAnalog Lock Screenβ or βAnalog Watch.β The system will offer hundreds of options, from minimalistic black and white dials to complex mechanical designs with a second hand. Before installing, be sure to check the preview to make sure the style of the watch suits you.
β οΈ Note: Some free themes may contain advertisements or require a Mi Premium subscription to use. read the terms of use carefully before downloading.
After selecting the appropriate design, click Download and then Apply. The system can suggest which components of the theme you want to activate. Make sure the listing is marked with Lock Screen. If this option is not selected, the clock will remain standard, even if the theme is fully applied.
- π¨ Open the Topics app and go to the "My" section" β"Topics".
- π Use search for keywords like βAnalogβ, βClockβ or βTime".
- β Apply only those topics where the desired watch style is visible in the preview.
- π After application, it may be necessary to restart the device for correct display.
Customization of widgets Always on Display
Owners of smartphones with AMOLED-The screens have a unique ability to use the function Always on Display (AOD). This mode allows you to display information, including an analog clock, on a screen that is turned off without the risk of pixel burnout. MIUI 14 functionalities AOD It has been significantly expanded to allow users to choose different face styles.
To activate this feature, go to the settings menu and find the Always On and Lock screen section. Here you will see the mode activation switch. Once turned on, click on "Format" or "Style" to open a gallery of available dials. These often include classic arrow options that mimic a mechanical clock.
Effect of AOD on the battery
It is important to note that the range of styles available depends on the device model.The flagship Xiaomi 13 or Xiaomi 14 series often have exclusive animated dials not available on the budget models of the Redmi Note series. However, the basic static analog watch is usually available on all supported devices. You can also set the AOD schedule to only turn on at certain times of the day.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| AOD brightness | The level of pixel glow | Car or 30-40% to save money |
| Time out | Working time after touching | 10 seconds for balance |
| Schedule | Period of activity | From 08:00 to 23:00 |
| Style. | Appearance of the watch | Analog with seconds |
Application of third-party widgets on the desktop
If the system tools donβt offer the desired design, third-party widgets come to the rescue. The Google Play Store is crowded with apps that create beautiful analog watches right on the desktop or even on top of the lock screen (with certain Android security limitations), the most popular and stable solutions are widgets from Google, KWGT and Transparent Clock & Weather.
To install the widget is necessary_long_You can click on the empty desktop space and select "Widgets" from the bottom menu. In the list that opens, find the app that has the clock installed. Drag the selected widget size onto the screen. Many of these applications allow deep customization: You can change the color of the arrows, add brand logos or change the division scale.
βοΈ Checking before installing the widget
Note that widgets running on top of the lock screen require special permissions. Android strictly controls this access level, so once installed, you will have to manually allow the app to "appear on top of other applications" in the system settings. Without this, the widget will only be visible on the desktop, not on the locked screen.
- β±οΈ Download the app KWGT Kustom Widget Maker for maximum flexibility.
- π Optimize the battery settings for the widget so it doesnβt disappear.
- π Use the desktop grid 4x5 or 5x5 large-time.
- π¨ Create your own designs if the ready-made options donβt fit.
Use of the Mi Fitness app for dials
Owners of Xiaomi wearables (Mi Band, Mi Watch) often overlook that the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life) also manages some aspects of visualization on related devices, although there is no direct synchronization of the style of the phone watch and the bracelet. However, there is an indirect method: using styles that visually complement each other. Moreover, some themes in the MIUI theme store have names that coincide with the popular Mi Band dials, which allows you to create a single style ecosystem.
Special attention should be paid to smart widgets that synchronize with health data. If you install the Mi Fitness activity widget on your desktop, it can display time in analog format, showing you steps taken or pulse at the same time, which creates the effect of a single information center.
β οΈ Warning: Do not install more than three heavy live animation widgets at the same time.This can lead to a noticeable decrease in the frame rate of the interface and a quick battery discharge.
Solving Display and Reset Problems
Sometimes, after updating the firmware or installing a new theme, the analog watch may stop showing correctly. The arrows may disappear, the time may appear incorrect, or the widget may simply disappear from the screen. Most often, the problem lies in a conflict of the theme cache or an error in the system process of System UI. In such cases, you should not panic, since the problem is solved by software methods.
The first step should always be to clear the cache of the Themes and Wallpaper & Personalization app. Go to Settings β Apps β All Apps, find the app you want and select Clear Cache. If that doesn't work, try resetting the lock screen to factory settings, which will return the standard digital style, after which you can re-try the analog theme.
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If the clock is behind or running, check the "Auto-Time" setting in the "Additional settings β Date and time" section. Enabling network synchronization eliminates out-of-synchrony.
In rare cases, especially on custom firmware or global versions with a Chinese region installed, you may need to change the region in the phone settings. Some personalization features are blocked for certain geographic areas. Changing the region to China or the United States will sometimes unlock additional design options, but this may affect the operation of some system applications.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my photos on the background of an analog watch?
Why donβt analog watches work in energy saving mode?
Is it safe to use third-party apps for the lock screen?
How to return the standard watch if the topic is gone?
Does the style of the watch affect the speed of unlocking the face?
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The most stable and energy efficient way to get an analog watch on Xiaomi is to use official themes from the MIUI store, rather than third-party widgets with high resource consumption.