How to set an alarm clock on Xiaomi Mi 8: 5 ways with instructions and life hacks

Xiaomi Mi 8

all possible ways

The clock

Google Assistant

Many people mistakenly think that setting the alarm clock on the Mi 8 is limited to a pair of taps on the screen, but in fact there are nuances: background work, energy saving, synchronization with a Xiaomi account, and even hidden features like gradually increasing the volume. We tested each method on MIUI 10-14 firmware and identified pitfalls that are not written in the official instructions.

If you want to wake up on time without a crash, read on, and if the alarm doesn't work, there's a troubleshooting section at the end of the article with a diagnostic checklist.

1. Standard alarm clock through the app "Clock"

The most reliable way is to use Xiaomi’s built-in Watch app, which is pre-installed on all Mi 8 smartphones and does not require superuser rights, the main advantage being that the alarm will go off even when the screen is off or in Do Not Disturb mode (unless otherwise configured).

To add a new alarm clock:

  1. Open the Watch app (an icon with a dial on the home screen or in the app menu).
  2. Go to the Alarming Signal tab (bell icon in the bottom menu).
  3. Press the + button in the lower right corner.
  4. Set a time, choose a day of repetition (or leave once).
  5. Press Save – the alarm is activated automatically.

Important settings that are often missed:

  • 🔔 Melody of the signal: the default is the standard sound MIUI, You can select any track from your phone’s memory (including music from Spotify if it’s downloaded offline).
  • 🔄 Delay to: Set the deposition interval (default 10 minutes, but you can set 5 or 15).
  • 📴 Vibration: Turn it off if you sleep with your phone under your pillow – it will save battery power.
  • 🌙 Gradual volume increase: the function is available in MIUI 12+ It allows you to wake up smoothly, without a sharp sound.

Correct time (AM/PM) |

The right days of the week |

Signal volume set to maximum |

Phone not in "Do Not Disturb" mode (except for alarm clocks included)-->

Note that if you use a double alarm clock (for example, for yourself and your spouse), create two separate events.

2. Quick setup via notification panel

Not everyone knows that you can set an alarm clock in two taps on the Xiaomi Mi 8, right from the notification curtain, which is convenient when you urgently need to add a reminder for tomorrow without opening the Watch app.

Instructions:

  1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
  2. Find the alarm widget (if there is none, click Edit and add it manually).
  3. Slip on the widget - a quick setup window will open.
  4. Set a time, select days and save.

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ No way to choose a tune – a standard signal will be used.
  • ❌ You can't adjust the deposition or vibration.
  • ✅ But the alarm clock will be added to the main app of the Watch and will be displayed there.

💡

If the alarm clock widget has disappeared from the curtain, reboot the phone – this resets the cache of the notification panels.

3. Voice installation via Google Assistant

If you have Google Assistant set up (or Alice from Yandex), you can set the alarm with your voice. This is convenient when your hands are busy or the screen is locked. On the Mi 8, the voice assistant is stable, but there are nuances with command recognition in Russian.

Google Assistant (in English, it works more precisely):

  • 🗣️ "Google, set your alarm for 7am, and create a one-time alarm clock.
  • 🗣️ "OK, Google, wake me up at 6:30 every weekday, set up a repeat signal.
  • 🗣️ "Google, cancel the alarm for tomorrow, delete the scheduled event.

For Alice, use similar phrases, but with a mention of the name:

  • 🗣️ "Alice, set the alarm for 8:00 tomorrow"
  • 🗣️ "Alice, set the alarm for every Monday at 7:15"

Google Assistant|

Alice from Yandex |

I don't use it.|

Another (write in the comments)-->

Important: Voice alarms sync to the standard Watch app, but sometimes conflicts arise.

  1. Is Google Assistant enabled in settings (Settings → Apps → All Apps → Google)
  2. Does the Google app have access to microphones and notifications?
  3. Is the assistant in the power saving mode turned off (Settings → Battery → Energy saving mode).

4. Automation of alarm clocks via Tasker or Macrodroid

For advanced users who want to flexibly adjust alarm clocks (for example, based on weather, location or battery level), automation apps are suitable.

  • Tasker is a powerful tool with support for plugins.
  • Macrodroid is easier to learn, there is a free version.

Example of settings in Macrodroid (alarm clock only on weekdays, if the phone is charging):

  1. Install Macrodroid from Google Play.
  2. Create a new macro command (+ → Add macro).
  3. Select as the trigger: 🕒 Time. → Time range (e.g. 6:30–6:35). 🔌 Battery status → Charging's on. 📅 Day of the week → Pn-Pt.

action

  • 🔔 Audio. → Play the sound (select the melody).
  • 📳 Notifications → Show notification (reminder on the lock screen).
  • Save the macro and activate it.

Features of synchronization:

  • ✅ Alarms will be available on all devices under one account (including Mi Band, Redmi Watch and Xiaomi tablets).
  • ⚠️ If you reset your phone to factory settings, the alarm clock will only recover after re-entering your account.
  • ❌ Voice alarms are not synced (for example, those created through Google Assistant).