How to change the clock on the lock screen Xiaomi: 5 ways with MIUI settings and third-party applications

Why Xiaomi’s Standard Watches Are Not Good for Users – and What to Do About It

Xiaomi's lock screen is the first thing you see when you turn on your smartphone, and if a standard MIUI-style watch seems boring or uninformative, it can be replaced, but not everyone knows that customization options depend on the firmware version, the device model, and even regional settings.

In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to change the clock on the lock screen, from hidden MIUI 14/15 features to third-party apps that bypass system limitations, and why some models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5) may not work, and what to do in such cases.

Important: If you're using a corporate smartphone with security policies or a device with a locked bootloader, some methods may not be available.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings – what can be changed without root

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added limited customization options to the lock screen. There are few, but they are – and do not require the installation of additional applications.

To open these settings:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select the watch style (some models may call it the time format).
3. Scroll through the list of available styles – they are usually 3-5 pieces (depending on the version of MIUI).

Among the options available:

• 🕒 Classic – Standard digital format with seconds.
• 📱 Minimalist: only hours and minutes without seconds.
• 🌓 Adaptive – changes color depending on the time of day (dark/light).
• 🎨 Color – an accent color watch (not available on all devices).

If you don't have Watch Style on your menu, your Xiaomi model doesn't support this feature at the software level, so move on to the following ways.

Method 2: Watch widgets via “Additional Settings” (not working on all models)

On some devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO X5), the Widgets section is hidden in the lock screen menu, which allows you to add alternative watches, but with reservations:

⚠️ Attention: Widgets on the lock screen MIUI Often conflict with security features (such as Smart Lock or Face Unlock) If the widget stops working after installing the widget, remove it.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Lock screen → Widgets.
2. Select the Add widget and select the Watch (if there is one).
3. Adjust the display: time format, color, position on the screen.

If there is no Widget partition, then your firmware does not support it, in which case only installing a third-party launcher (more on this below) will help.

The widgets are in the lock screen settings

The device is running on MIUI 12 or later.

Security policies disabled (if it is a corporate phone)

Data backup in case of failure-->

Method 3: Third-party launchers with support for lock customization

If the standard methods didn't work, you can go a workaround by installing an alternative launcher that allows you to change the clock on the lock screen.

The most reliable option is Nova Launcher with the KWGT Kustom Widget Maker plugin. It allows you to create a fully customizable watch and install it on the lock screen. Minus: for full operation you will need a premium version (about 300-500 rubles).

How to set up:

1. Install Nova Launcher and KWGT from Google Play.
2. In KWGT, download a free watch template (e.g. Minimal Clock or Digital Neon).
3. In Nova settings, select Lock Screen → Widgets → Add KWGT.
4. Place the widget and adjust its size/position.

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If notifications are missing after installing the launcher, check permissions in Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Autorun. Add the launcher to exceptions.

Method 4: Apps for replacing watches (without root but with limitations)

If launchers seem too complex, you can use specialized applications, which don't change the system clock, but layer on top of it. Minus: this can slightly increase battery consumption.

Top.-3 apps:

• 🕐 Always On Edge – adds an animated clock to the edge of the screen (works even when the display is off on the screen) AMOLED-model).
• 🎨 Clock Widget – over 100 watch styles, supports transparency and animation.
• 🔄 Lock Screen Clock – simulates the system clock, but with advanced settings (color, font, position).

How to determine:

1. Download one of the apps from Google Play.
2. Start it and select the style of the watch.
3. Turn on the option to Show on the lock screen (may be called Overlay Mode).
4. Set up transparency so that the system clock does not conflict with the new ones.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Always On Edge) require permission to Overlay on top of other apps. Without it, the widget won't appear. → Special facilities → Overlay and add the app to the list.

Method 5: Rooting and Deep Customization (for Advanced)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, getting root rights will give you full control of the clock on the lock screen.

• 🔧 Change the font, size and color of the system clock.
• 📱 Set an animated clock (e.g., with neon or gradient effect).
• 🔄 Remove the standard watch and replace it with your own.

This will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader (instructions for Xiaomi: official documentation).
2. Install Magisk for root rights management.
3. Use Xposed or LSposed modules to modify system files.

The most popular modules for watches:

• MiuiClock – changes the style of the watch on the lock screen and in the status bar.
• Lockscreen Customizer – complete customization of lock (including hours, date, notifications).

⚠️ Attention: Rooting voids the warranty and can lead to the blocking of banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.

Why Xiaomi Can't Change its Watches and What to Do

Not all Xiaomi devices are able to change the clock standard methods, here are the main reasons and solutions:

On devices with a MediaTek processor (such as the Redmi 10C or POCO M5), some customization methods may not work due to manufacturer limitations, in which case you only need to use third-party launchers or accept standard watches.

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If your device doesn't support clock change, check the MIUI version and regional firmware first, often with a simple system update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the watch on the lock screen Xiaomi