Why Xiaomi is running out of time and how to fix it
Misrepresenting the time on Xiaomi is a problem that many users face, and it can happen after a MIUI update, reset, or even for no apparent reason, and in most cases, the timing settings are to blame, but sometimes the culprit is a malfunction of the GPS module or a firmware error.
In this article, we will look at all possible ways to adjust time, from automatic synchronization over the network to manual adjustment, and also tell you what to do if the watch on Redmi, POCO or Mi constantly strays or lags.
Important: If you have a smartphone with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the setup process may be different, in which case, check the alternatives section.
Automatic time synchronization through the network
The easiest and most reliable way is to let your smartphone receive time data from Google’s operator or servers, a method that works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11.
To enable automatic synchronization:
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to Additional Settings → Date and time.
- Activate the switches: 🔄 Autodetermining Date and Time (using network data) 🌍 Time zone autodetermination (important for travel)
If the time is not updated after these options are enabled, try manually selecting a time zone (turn off automatic determination and select your region from the list).
💡
If after the flight time on Xiaomi is not updated automatically, restart the smartphone – it often helps to reset the cache of network settings.
Manual time and date setting
When automatic synchronization does not work (for example, in the absence of the Internet or problems with the Internet). SIM-You can set the time manually, and this is a good way to do it in all versions. MIUI, including MIUI 14 and HyperOS.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Additional settings → Date and time.
- Turn off the options Autodetermining Date/Time and Autodetermining Time Zone.
- Click on the Set a date and Set a time to enter values manually.
- For time zone, select your city from the drop-down list (e.g. Moscow, GMT+3).
Why does the update have time?
If the problem persists, try rolling back to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot or wait for the next patch (usually patches come out within 1-2 weeks of mass complaints).
Time sync via Google (for GMS devices)
Xiaomi smartphones with Google services (such as POCO F5 or Redmi K60) can use an alternative method of synchronization through a Google account, which is useful if the mobile operator transmits incorrect data.
How to set up:
- Make sure that your smartphone has a Google account added and synced.
- Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
- Enable sync for Date and Time (if you don’t have that option, update Google Play Services to Google Play).
- Return to Settings → Date and time and enable automatic determination.
This method is especially relevant for travelers, as Google uses more accurate time servers than some local operators.
Automatically over the network | Manual | Through a Google account | Never configured |Another way-->
Solving the problems with the watches on Xiaomi smart watches (Mi Band, Watch)
If you have not only a smartphone, but also a smart watch Xiaomi Mi Band 7, Watch 2 Pro or another model, the time on them can be synchronized separately, often users are faced with the fact that the watch on the bracelet and phone do not match.
How to sync:
- Make sure that your smartphone is automatically time synchronized (see section above).
- Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app (depending on the watch model).
- Go to the device profile → Device settings → Date and time.
- Turn on the option of synchronization with the phone.
| Model clock | Annex required | Features of synchronization |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 7/8 | Mi Fitness | It is synchronized only when connected to the phone. |
| Xiaomi Watch S3 | Zepp Life | Supports independent time setting |
| POCO Watch | Mi Fitness | Can be lost with a weak Bluetooth signal |
⚠️ Note: If the time on Xiaomi watch is lost even after synchronization, check the firmware version of the bracelet. To update, open the Mi Fitness app, go to the device profile and click the Software Update.
Alternative methods: ADB and engineering menu
For power users who don’t have any of the standard methods, there are two advanced solutions: ADB commands and an engineering menu, which require caution, as improper actions can lead to malfunctioning of the smartphone.
Method 1: Resetting time through ADB
adb shell settings put global auto_time 1
adb shell settings put global auto_time_zone 1These commands are forced to automatically synchronize time and time zone, and you need to:
- Install ADB on your computer.
- Enable USB Debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode).
- Connect the phone to the PC and execute commands in the terminal.
Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced ones only!)
Enter the dialer code in the phone number:
##4636##Go to Phone Information and check Network Time if it doesn't display correctly, it could indicate a problem with the Radio Interface Layer (RIL).
💡
Use ADB and engineering menus only if standard methods have not worked.Incorrect changes can lead to loss of communication or other system failures.