How to change the color and style of the watch on the lock screen Xiaomi

UI personalization is the first thing smartphone owners do after buying. The lock screen is the hallmark of the device, and the standard look is often wanted to be replaced with something more unique. Xiaomi gadget owners have a wide range of options for changing the appearance of system widgets, including displaying time.

The color change procedure depends on the version of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system, as well as the design theme you set. Some methods only change the shade of the numbers, while others allow you to completely redraw the interface. It is important to understand what tools are available in your particular model, whether it is a Redmi Note or a flagship Xiaomi.

In this article, we will take a look at all the options available for setting up, learn how to use the built-in system features, where to look for hidden settings in the Themes app, and how to securely set third-party dials for maximum effect.

Use of built-in personalization functions

The easiest and safest way to change the look of time is to use the standard shell settings, and in the latest versions of MIUI and the new HyperOS, developers have taken some of the design features into a separate menu, and you just need to unlock your phone and go to Settings.

Next, you need to find the look section, the path may vary depending on the regional firmware, usually it's Wallpaper and personalization, or Always on screen and lock, where the user can choose preset styles that change not only the color, but also the font of the displayed time.

⚠️ Warning: Changing system fonts or installing themes from unverified sources may cause text to be displayed incorrectly in other menus.

If you want to change only the color of the numbers without changing the wallpaper, look for the option “Clock style” or “Time format”. The system will offer several options where the color automatically adjusts to the dominant color of the background picture or is selected by the user manually from the palette.

Setup through the “Themes” app

The main customization tool in the Xiaomi ecosystem is the Themes app, which is where the most design options are concentrated. To find the right style, open the app and go to the Profile section, and then select Themes.

In the search bar, type in a query like “Digital Clock” or “Analog Watch,” and the search results will show topics that dramatically change the lock screen. When choosing a topic, look at the preview: it shows exactly what time looks like.

Once you have installed the theme, the changes will take effect immediately, and if the new style doesn’t suit you, you can return to the standard look in the same app in the My Pages → Topics section by selecting the Classic or Default theme.

Always on Display (AOD)

For devices with AMOLED-The Always On Display feature is available on screens, which displays time and notifications on the screen off. The color and style of the watch here are set separately from the main lock screen. → Lock screen and find the Always on screen.

Inside the AOD menu, you'll find a style gallery, many of which allow you to edit the color of the dial. Click on the edit icon (usually a pencil or slider) next to your chosen style, and you can choose one of the colors you want to choose from or choose your own shade.

Keep in mind that AOD is running at a constant cost, and to save energy, it is recommended to set the function schedule or activate the “Raise to Power” mode, which is especially true for Redmi models with less capacious batteries.

Working with third-party applications and widgets

If standard functionality isn't enough, Google Play apps come to the rescue, programs like Lock Screen & Notifications or desktop widgets allow you to create a unique design of your watch, but these solutions work on top of the system and can consume more resources.

Installing a third-party launcher or locking app requires special permissions, you’ll need to give access to the display over other windows and prevent the battery from optimizing for stable operation, and without these settings, the system will constantly “kill” the widget process.

Pay special attention to compatibility. Some widgets may conflict with MIUI unlock gestures, which will make the phone no longer responsive to swipes. Be sure to read feedback from other users of your smartphone model before installing.

Compatibility table of MIUI functions and versions

Color and style settings may vary depending on the software version, and below is a table to help you determine the options available for your system.

As you can see from the table, owners of new HyperOS devices get the most flexible customization tools, and users of global firmware versions (Global ROM) may need to change the region in settings (Settings → Additional settings → Region) to “India” or “China” to unlock the full theme catalog.

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Changing the region in your smartphone settings is the easiest way to access a full catalog of themes and personalization features without flashing the device.

Removal and resetting of settings

Sometimes, after installing a new theme, the watch may disappear or display incorrectly (for example, white on a white background). In such cases, cleaning the the theme app cache helps. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Themes and click Clean.

If the problem persists, check if the Simplified Interface or Older People Mode mode is activated, and in this mode many personalization functions are blocked by the system forcefully.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove the System Application "Themes" through ADB This can cause a cyclical reboot of the device or the lock screen to fail completely.

As a last resort, if the lock screen has stopped responding to touch, try a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds, which will return the system to the last stable configuration state.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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To create the perfect design, try to first choose wallpaper, and already under their color scheme choose the style and color of the watch. This will provide a harmonious look of the lock screen.