Smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO equipped with built-in app "Clock", which is one of the most functional tools in the system MIUI or a new HyperOS.
One of the frequently used functions of this application is a stopwatch, which allows you to record time with an accuracy of hundreds of fractions of a second.
However, many users have a question about how to quickly and correctly reset the timer, especially if it was started accidentally or you need to start a new countdown without stopping the current process.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the ways to control the stopwatch, including hidden gestures and settings that may not be obvious to beginners.
The interface of the standard Watch app on Xiaomi devices is designed with minimalism in mind, but some features are hidden behind additional actions.
The main stopwatch screen usually contains two large buttons: one for start/stop and the second for reset.
It is important to understand that the logic of the buttons changes depending on the current state of the timer: it is started or stopped.
If the timer is running, the second button often changes its function to a lap, allowing it to record intermediate results rather than resetting the time to zero.
To completely reset the readings to zero, you must first stop the countdown process, after which the reset button becomes active and accessible to press.
In some cases, users are faced with a situation where the reset button does not respond or the interface behaves outside the box.
This may be due to software failure of the shell. MIUI or specific Android availability settings.
It is also worth considering that the location of the controls may differ slightly on different models of smartphones, although the principle of operation remains the same for the entire Xiaomi ecosystem.
Knowing these nuances will help avoid confusion and effectively use the timer for sports training, cooking or work.
The basic algorithm of resetting the timer
The easiest and most obvious way to return the stopwatch to its original state is to perform a sequence of actions through the main application interface.
This method works on all current firmware versions, including MIUI 12, 13, 14 and the latest HyperOS.
You do not need special rights or access to the engineering menu, all actions are performed by the regular means of the system.
To start, open the Clock app on the home screen or in the Tools folder.
Go to the Stopwatch tab, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen or in the side menu, depending on the orientation of the interface.
If the timer is already running and counting, press the button with the image of the square or pause icon to stop the time.
After stopping in place of the intermediate circle button (a circle with a flag icon or a number), a reset button will appear, often denoted by a counterclockwise arrow or a cross.
Pressing this button will instantly reset the counter, returning it to the state of 00:00.00.
If you want to just start a new countdown, just press the start button again without waiting for a full reset, as the new start will automatically overwrite the previous data if they were not saved in the lap history.
However, to ensure that the current session memory is cleaned, it is better to perform an explicit reset.
This is especially true if you are taking a series of measurements and you need to be sure that the previous data will not affect the current result.
☑️ Pre-reset check
It is worth noting that in some design themes, the interface may look different, but the functional elements retain their logical consistency.
If you don’t see the reset button after stopping, try to fold and deploy the app or restart it.
In rare cases, cleaning the application cache through system settings helps, but this is extremely rare.
Working with circles and intermediate results
The lap function is one of the most useful features of the built-in stopwatch on Xiaomi.
It allows you to record the time of passing certain stages without stopping the total countdown, which is indispensable for runners, swimmers or during experiments.
Many users confuse resetting the current lap with a full timer reset, so it is important to distinguish between these actions.
When the stopwatch is started, the second button (to the right of the stop button) performs the function of fixing the circle.
When you click on it, the current time is recorded in the list below, and the counter continues to go further.
If you accidentally press this button and want to remove the last circle you have recorded, simply swipe your finger over the right-to-left row (or click on the basket/cross icon next to the time if it appears).
This action will remove the lap record from the current session history, but will not stop or reset the main timer.
To completely reset the entire history of circles and basic time, you must first stop the stopwatch.
After stopping, press the reset button – this action will clear the list of all recorded circles and return the main counter to zero.
How do you keep the results of the circles?
Circle management is also available via voice commands, as long as this feature is supported by your version of Google Assistant or XiaoAI.
You can say “Write a circle” or “Lap” to record time without touching the screen, which is handy when hands are busy or dirty.
However, it is not always possible to reset the timer with a voice, so the manual method remains the most reliable.
Features of the interface in MIUI and HyperOS
Shell MIUI and the HyperOS that replaced it make its own adjustments to the visual representation of standard Android applications.
In the latest firmware versions, Xiaomi designers have focused on large controls and minimalist typography.
The reset button is often highlighted by a color or contour so that the user can quickly find it in a stressful situation, such as at the finish of the race.
In portrait orientation mode, the buttons are horizontally located at the bottom of the screen.
In landscape mode (when the phone is rotated horizontally), the interface is rebuilt: the buttons can move to the right side of the screen, and the dial can take up a large area.
The logic of resetting does not change: first stop, then reset.
Some users note that in landscape mode, the reset button becomes less noticeable, but it retains its functional purpose.
Particular attention should be paid to the theme.
If you use third-party themes from the GetThemes store, the stopwatch design can be changed beyond recognition.
In such themes, the reset button can be hidden in the three-point menu or replaced with a swipe gesture.
If standard actions don’t work, try switching to a standard Classic or Default theme temporarily to bring back the familiar interface.
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If the buttons on the screen are located inconveniently, try to turn the smartphone in a horizontal position - the stopwatch interface adapts and the controls can become more accessible for pressing the thumb.
Also in new versions of HyperOS there was the possibility of stopwatch widgets on the desktop.
Through the widget you can run a timer, but for full management, including resetting and working with circles, you still need to switch to the full application.
Widgets are used for quick start or display of the current time, but not for deep tuning.
Use of side panel and floating window
A unique feature of Xiaomi smartphones is the “Sidebar” function, which allows you to run applications in a floating window on top of others.
This is an extremely convenient way to use a stopwatch without interrupting work in other applications, for example, when reading an article or correspondence in the messenger.
However, the management of the reset in the floating window mode has its own characteristics.
To add a stopwatch to the sidebar, open the swipe control panel from the corner of the screen and click "Edit".
Find the Watch or Stopwatch app in the list of available ones and add it to the active ones.
Now, by calling the sidebar in any app, you can start the stopwatch in a small window.
In this mode, the interface is simplified: usually only the numbers and two main buttons are displayed.
Reset in a floating window is performed by the same algorithm: stop, then reset.
If the window is too small and the buttons overlap, try resizing the floating window by pulling a corner.
This will make the controls more accessible for accurate pressing.
Important: In some older versions MIUI when the stopwatch was rolled down, the reset function could be blocked, requiring the application to be turned to a full screen.
Using a floating window is especially useful for those who are blogging or streaming from their phone.
You can keep the timer in sight, control the performance time and, if necessary, quickly reset it for the next take without switching between windows.
This increases productivity and allows you to focus on content rather than finding the right app.
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The stopwatch floating window is an ideal multitasking tool that allows you to control time and reset without leaving the current application.
Table of comparison of actions in different states
To systematize the information and avoid confusion, we suggest you to familiarize yourself with the summary table of actions.
It shows how the function of the buttons changes depending on the status of the timer.
This will help you intuitively understand the logic of the Xiaomi application.
| Timer status | Left button (Main) | Right button (Secondary) | The outcome of action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stopped (00:00.00) | Start (Green) | Inactive/Hidden | Starting the countdown |
| Running (time is coming) | Stop (Red) | Circle/Lap (Blue) | Time stop / Fixing a circle |
| Stopped (after measurement) | Start (Green) | Reset (Gray/Arrow) | Continuation or Zero |
| Standby regime | Start | Settings | Switching to the settings menu |
As you can see from the table, the reset button only appears when the timer is stopped, but there is a fixed time on the screen.
It is a protective mechanism that prevents accidental discharge during active measurement.
Understanding this logic will save you from unnecessary questions “where the reset button went”.
Solving problems: if the stopwatch is not reset
Despite the stability of the Android system and Xiaomi shells, software failures can sometimes occur.
If you click on the reset button and the time is not reset, or the button does not respond to the presses, this may indicate a temporary (freeze) interface.
In this situation, you should not panic or immediately carry your phone to the service.
First, try to close the application forcibly.
To do this, open the menu of running apps (swipe from the bottom up and hold, or menu button), find the “Clock” window and swipe it up to close.
Then run the app again – usually this returns functionality to the buttons.
If the problem is repeated constantly, the application cache may be damaged.
Cleaning the cache is performed through the settings menu:
Go to Settings → Applications → All Apps → Watch.
In the menu that opens, select Memory and click Clear Cache.
Warning: Don’t confuse this with the Clear All Data button, as the latest action will remove all your alarm clocks, timers, and world time, returning the app to factory status.
What if the reset works, but the time is going wrong?
Also, screen responsiveness problems can be caused by poor quality protective film or contamination of the display.
Wipe the screen with a soft cloth and make sure there are no cracks or “dead zones” in the button area.
In rare cases, a smartphone reboot helps, which resets all temporary system processes.