Modern Xiaomi smartphones allow you to turn the lock screen from a utilitarian element into a personalized storefront. Users often wonder how to change the look of the watch, because time is the most noticeable element of the Always On Display interface or standard lock. The flexibility of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS offers many customization options, from a banal change in the time format to completely replacing the dial with an animated widget.
Changing the look of time indicators doesn’t require superuser rights or complex programming. Know where the settings are hidden in the system menu or how to use third-party apps correctly. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the ways to transform the interface in detail to make your Xiaomi smartphone look unique.
It is worth considering that the available options may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system and the model of the device. For example, on the flagships of the Xiaomi 14 series, the functionality may be wider than on the budget models of Redmi.
System settings for time and font format
The easiest way to make changes is to use the built-in tools of the system. The basic setting allows you to change not only the numbers, but also the font that is displayed throughout the system, including the lock screen. → Lock screen where the main switches are located.
Changing the system font is a powerful tool that instantly changes the experience of the interface. There are thousands of free fonts available in the MIUI theme store that apply to the entire phone. Once you install a new font, the numbers on the lock screen will automatically adopt a new style, which often looks more spectacular than simply changing the widget.
You can also change the format of the display time from this section 12-sentry 24-This affects how Android interprets and outputs the current time of day. For some users, it is critical to see time in a format. HH:MM indicatorless AM/PM.
💡
If standard fonts seem boring, try installing a serif font or handwriting style – this will give the lock screen a premium look, even on low-cost models.
Importantly, some system changes may require a device to restart for proper use across all services.If you don’t see any changes on the locked screen after changing the font, try restarting your smartphone.
Using the "Themes" application to change dials
The main tool for deep customization in the Xiaomi ecosystem is the Themes app. This is where a huge library of custom and official designs is stored, which completely replace the standard look of the watch. Navigating the app may seem confusing, but the key to success lies in the right search.
To find the right style, open the app and go to the Profile → Topics tab. In the search bar, use keywords in English, such as "Lock screen", "Clock" or "Time." The system will offer hundreds of options where the watch is the central element of the design.
- 🎨 Animated clock: Numbers can move, crumble or change color depending on the time of day.
- 📅 Informative widgets: Displaying the date, day of the week, and even the phase of the moon along with time.
- 🖼️ Minimalism: Simple, barely noticeable numbers for fans of clean style without unnecessary details.
Once you've selected a theme, you don't have to use it completely. Modern versions of the shell often offer a selection of components when you install the theme, you can only use the lock screen, leaving the icons and wallpaper the same, and this allows you to combine elements of different designs to create a unique interface.
Always on Display (AOD)
Owners of smartphones with AMOLED-The unique ability of the screens to use the Always On Display feature is that it allows you to display time and notifications on the screen off, consuming a minimum amount of power. AOD It is made through the Settings menu → Lock screen → Always On Display.
In this section, you can choose one of the preset styles or download your own. AOD The main reason is that the clock here can be represented in the form of silhouettes, neon signs or even short ones. GIF-It creates the effect of a live device that is always ready to interact.
⚠️ Warning: Always on Display can increase battery consumption 5-10% daily, depending on the brightness and type of dial selected, it is recommended to adjust the schedule of inclusion, for example, only with the lighting of the dial. 8:00 before 23:00.
To save charge, you can set the automatic shutdown function when the phone is in your pocket or bag. The proximity sensor will determine that the device is removed and activate the display. There is also a "Raise to turn on" feature that activates the watch as the smartphone moves.
Advanced customization through widgets and applications
If standard MIUI functionality is not enough, third-party apps from the Google Play Store come to the rescue. Programs like Lock Screen & Notifications or NIAGARA Launcher (with lock function) allow you to insert widgets on the lock screen that the system does not support by default.
These gates can display not only the time, but also the weather, the exchange rate, the steps or the quotes of the day, but installing third-party lock launchers requires careful adjustment of permissions so that the system does not “kill” the process in the background.
| Annex | Type of customization | Impact on the battery | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI Themes | Complete style change | Low. | Low. |
| Lock Screen Widgets | Addition of widgets | Average. | Medium |
| Kustom (KLCK) | Creating from scratch | Depends on the project. | Tall. |
| Always On AMOLED | Emulation of AOD | High. | Medium |
The special thing to note is the Kustom app, which is a designer that allows you to create a watch of any shape, color, or size, and you can draw your own dial, add logos, change the transparency and position of each element, and then you can install the finished design as a wallpaper or through a widget on the home screen, simulating a lock screen.
How to avoid third-party application conflicts?
Solving Time Display Problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the clock on the lock screen disappears, displays incorrectly or does not change style after applying the theme. Often the reason lies in a conflict of the theme cache or an error in the system process miui-home.
The first step should always be to clear the cache of the Themes and Wallpaper app. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the right one and select Clear Cache. Don't confuse it with Clear Data, as this will reset all the downloaded themes.
- 🔄 Reboot: A banal but effective method of restarting all system services.
- 📱 Checking for updates: Make sure the version is MIUI/HyperOS It is important because interface bugs are often patched.
- 🚫 Disabling Optimization: In rare cases, disabling battery optimization for application themes helps.
If the problem persists after resetting the theme settings, the system font file may be damaged, in which case it is recommended to return the standard font through the Topics app in Profile → Fonts → Standard. This action will return the system files to their original state.