Color time on Xiaomi: 5 working ways to MIUI 14 and 15

The standard Xiaomi watch is displayed in a monochrome format -- black on a light background or white on a dark one. But what if you want to highlight the time in a bright color, fit it under the wallpaper, or just add personality, MIUI hides several ways to do this – from simple themes to deep system settings.

Many users do not even realize that the color of the watch can be changed without root rights or complex manipulation. MIUI 14 and MIUI 15, including little-known tricks with ADB, Customization through themes and even manual editing of system files (for advanced ones), and also to find out why on some models Redmi and other models of the system. POCO Colored clocks are unstable – and how to fix it.

Spoiler: the most reliable way is a combination of custom theme and hidden parameters MIUI, But there are more radical options for those who are willing to dig into the settings. lockscreen_clock_style β€” prepare for discovery.

Before you start, check the version of your shell: go to Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI. Ways to do this MIUI 12 and older may not work on new firmware – we will focus on the latest solutions for 2026.

1.The way for beginners: color watches through themes MIUI

The safest and most reversible method is to use built-in or downloaded themes. Xiaomi allows you to change not only the wallpaper, but also the style of display of time, with some themes supporting dynamic adjustment to the colors of the wallpaper (thanks to Monet Engine).

Here's how it works:

  1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
  2. Go to the Watch or Lock screen tab.
  3. Select a theme marked β€œColor Watch” or β€œDynamic Clock” (for example, "AOD Colorful or Neon Digital").
  4. Apply the theme and check the result on the lock screen.

⚠️

Note: Some themes change the color of the watch only on Always-On Display (AOD), Not on the main lock screen, but to see the effect, activate it. AOD In Settings β†’ Screen. β†’ Always-on Display.

If there are few built-in options, download additional themes from the official store. MIUI Themes:

  • πŸ” Search for keywords: "color clock", "rainbow time", "gradient hours".
  • 🎨 Pay attention to ratings and reviews – some topics may conflict with firmware.
  • πŸ“₯ To download themes from third-party sources (e.g. Xiaomi) EU) You will need to disable signature verification in the theme settings.
πŸ“Š What color of watch do you like better?
Red/pink
Blue/blue
Green/salad
Gradient (multiple colors)
Black and white (classic)

2. Hidden settings MIUI: colour-shift

If the themes don't work, you can manually change the system settings, which works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO s MIUI 13+, It requires activation of the developer mode.

Instructions:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
  2. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers and enable USB debugging.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command: adb shell settings put secure. lockscreen_clock_style 1 Note: values 1, 2 and 3 Responsible for different display styles (digital/analog clocks).
  4. Change the color: adb shell settings put secure lockscreen_clock_color"#FF0000" Where #FF0000 β€” Replace the color hex code with the color code (e.g. red, #00FF00 green-colored).

⚠️

Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) This command is reset after the reboot. To record changes, use the task in Automation. MIUI) with trigger When loading the device.

If ADB Seems complicated, try Activity Launcher app (available on Google Play):

  • πŸ“± Open the app and find com.android.settings.
  • πŸ”§ Select Lockscreen Settings β†’ Clock Style.
  • 🎨 In some firmware, additional color settings are available here.

Install ADB PC-only|Enable debugging on USB|Connect the phone to the PC|Check the connection with the team `adb devices`|Download backup copy of settings-->

3. Monet Engine: dynamic adjustment under wallpaper

Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi has integrated Monet Engine, a dynamic design system that automatically matches the colors of the interface to the wallpaper:

  • πŸ“± You have an official global firmware installed (Monet can be disabled on custom assemblies).
  • 🎨 Wallpaper has bright accent colors (pastel tones ignored).
  • βš™οΈ Theme settings include the option Adaptive Colors.

How to activate:

  1. Set wallpaper with a clear color accent (for example, gradient or abstraction).
  2. Go to Settings. β†’ Registration β†’ Colors and select Adaptive.
  3. Restart your phone – the locking clock should change color in 5-10 minutes.

πŸ” Problem: On some devices (for example, POCO F5) Monet works only for system icons, but does not affect the clock. ADB:

adb shell cmd overlay enable-xml com.android.theme.color.darkgreen

darkgreen

purple

pink

teal

List of supported colors in Monet Engine
Black, green, ocean, purple, space, sunset, teal. Not all colors work on all devices β€” test it experimentally.

4. Magisk Castomic Fonts and Modules

For advanced users willing to take risks, there are radical methods:

  • πŸ“² Magisk modules: for example, "Lockscreen Clock Customizer" or "MIUI Clock Mod. They allow you to change the font, color, size and even animation of the watch.
  • πŸ”€ Replacement of system fonts: through Magisk or TWRP You can install custom font with color symbols (for example, "Digital-7" gradientally).
  • 🎭 Xposed modules: for older versions MIUI It is a good idea to use Xposed Edge or GravityBox".

⚠️

Attention: Installing Magisk modules or changing system files can result in a bootloop ( looped boot).Before experiments: Create a backup through TWRP or MIUI Check the compatibility of the module with your model and version MIUI. Use only verified sources (e.g, XDA Developers or Telegram channels MIUI Modding).

Example of module installation:

  1. Download the.zip file with the module (for example, "MIUI_Clock_Color_Mod").
  2. Open Magisk Manager β†’ Modules β†’ Install from storage.
  3. Select the downloaded file and wait for the installation.
  4. Reboot the phone.

After setting the settings, the color of the watch usually appears in: β†’ Lock screen β†’ Additional parameters.

πŸ’‘

If after installing the module, the clock has disappeared completely, try resetting the lock screen settings in Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Systemic β†’ Lock screen β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data.

5 Problems and Solutions: Why Doesn't It Work?

Even after all the manipulations, the color of the watch may not change.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Color resets after rebootingMIUI resets user settings ADBUse Automation to automatically apply commands at start
The clock remains black and white.Theme or firmware blocks changesTry another topic or update it. MIUI
The color changes, but not the one you need.Conflict with Monet EngineTurn off adaptive colors in the design settings
No color settings are availableAn outdated version MIUI (<13)Update your firmware or use Magisk modules
The clock is missing completely.Failure after installation of the moduleRemove the module via Magisk or reset the lock settings

πŸ“Œ Features for specific models:

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi 13/14 Series: Supports Monet Engine out of the box, but may require manual activation via ADB.
  • πŸ“± Redmi Note 11/12: Colored watches work only with custom themes (native settings are not available).
  • πŸ“± POCO F4/F5: Requires optimisation offline MIUI In the developer settings (Deactivate restrictions) MIUI).

πŸ’‘

If none of these methods worked, check if you have regional firmware installed (for example, for India or China), and some features are blocked in localized builds.

Alternative solutions: widgets and third-party applications

If system methods don't work, look for third-party tools that don't change the clock on the lock screen, but allow you to add color widgets to the home screen or to Always-On Display.

Top.-3 applications:

  • 🌈 KWGT Kustom Widget: Create custom watches with any design and color. Requires editorial skills.
  • ⏰ Another Widget: Ready-made color time widgets with gradient settings.
  • 🎨 UCCW: Utility for deep customization, including animated watches.

How to set up KWGT:

  1. Install KWGT and KWGT Pro Key (to unlock all features).
  2. Download a preset with a colored watch (for example, on the Play Store or DeviantArt).
  3. Add the widget to the main screen and select the downloaded preset.
  4. Edit the colors in the editor KWGT (double-tape).

⚠️

Warning: Widgets on the home screen do not replace the clock on the lock screen. AOD You can use the β€œAlways On Edge” app that simulates a color display.

7.Safety and Risks: What Can Be Broken?

Most of the methods in this article are safe, but some of the actions (especially with the help of the sci-fi) are safe. ADB And Magisk carries risks. Here's what can go wrong and how to avoid it:

Potential problems:

  • πŸ”„ Bootloop (Current Boot) after changing system files.
  • πŸ”’ Locking the screen when Magisk modules fail.
  • πŸ“΅ Loss of functionality (e.g., the fingerprint or Face Unlock will stop working).
  • πŸ”‹ Increased battery consumption when using animation widgets.

How to minimize the risks:

  • πŸ”„ Always do a backup through TWRP or MIUI Backup before changes.
  • πŸ“‹ Check the compatibility of modules with your model in the forums (XDA, 4PDA).
  • πŸ”§ Use it. ADB Only with official commands (from this article or Xiaomi documentation).
  • πŸ”‹ Turn off unnecessary widgets and animations if you notice battery drain.

If the phone has stopped loading:

  1. Press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
  2. Select Wipe Data (settings reset) or restore the backup.
  3. If it doesn’t work, try using Fastboot (instructions on Xiaomi Flash Tool).

πŸ’‘

On devices with a locked bootloader (most official firmware), you can't change system files without Magisk. Don't try to get around this protection - the risk of "bricking" the phone is too high.

FAQ: Frequent questions about color watches on Xiaomi

❓ Can you make a color watch without root rights?
There are three ways to do it without root: use themes. MIUI with colored watches (section 1 of article). ADB-Color change commands (Section 2) Activate Monet Engine (Section 3) Root is only needed to install Magisk modules (Section 4).
❓ Why After Updating MIUI The clock has become black and white again?
The update resets user settings. To return color: Repeat ADB-In the commands in section 2, or set an automatic rule in Automation (trigger - After updating the system). If you use a custom theme, check its compatibility with the new version. MIUI.
❓ Does this method work for POCO X3/X4/X5?
Nana POCO X3 (MIUI 12) Colored watches are only available through themes or Magisk. POCO X4/X5 (MIUI 13/14) All methods work except for the Monet Engine (must be manually enabled via the ADB). πŸ” Note: On POCO s MIUI for POCO (special firmware) some settings may not be available. Try switching to standard global firmware.
❓ How to return a standard watch if something goes wrong?
Ways of rollback: For ADB-Changes: Adb shell settings delete secure lockscreen_clock_color For themes: return the standard theme in the Themes app. For Magisk: delete the module in Magisk Manager. In a pinch: reset the lock screen settings in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Lock screen β†’ Clear the data.
❓ Can I make animated or gradient clocks?
Yes, but with limitations: 🎨 Search for topics marked β€œAnimated Clock” or β€œGradient". πŸ“± Through KWGT: Create a custom widget with animation (design skills will be required). πŸ”§ Modules like Lockscreen Clock Customizer support gradients. ⚠️ Animated watches severely drain the battery (especially on the AMOLED-Use them only when charging.