How to Change Time on Xiaomi Phone: 5 Ways and Problem Solving

Synchronizing time on Xiaomi smartphones is a seemingly simple task, but many users face unexpected difficulties. Date errors can lead to messaging, missed alarm clocks or problems with Google services. This topic is especially relevant for those who often move between time zones or encounter the β€œeternal January 1” bug after resetting.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change time – from automatic synchronization through the network to manual adjustments taking into account the specifics of firmware. MIUI You will learn how to fix common errors (such as when time is reset after rebooting), what settings affect the accuracy of watches, and why sometimes you can be a part of the clock. NTP-We'll look at the features for dual-SIM models and HyperOS-based devices.

Why Xiaomi is running out of time: 4 main reasons

Before you change your settings, it’s important to understand why your Redmi, POCO, or Mi watch is not showing the right time, and 80% of the time, one of four factors is the problem.

  • 🌍 Wrong time zone: Even if time is synchronized automatically, failure can occur due to manual belt selection (e.g. Moskva instead of the time zone). Europe/Moscow).
  • πŸ“‘ Problems with NTP-Xiaomi defaults to ntp.aliyun.com servers, which are sometimes blocked by providers.
  • πŸ”„ Conflict after the update: transition to the new version MIUI HyperOS can reset the time settings.
  • πŸ“± Hardware restrictions: on budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) lack of module GPS, This makes automatic synchronization difficult.

If your phone is 3-5 minutes late, it’s not always the software that’s to blame. Cheap smartphone models (especially those on MediaTek Helio G processors) save energy by artificially slowing down the system clock, and only manually adjusting or turning off the power saving mode for time service will help.

πŸ“Š How often do you have time lost on Xiaomi?
Never had a problem.
1-2 times a month
After each update
Always getting lost.

The most reliable method is to use the built-in NTP (Network Time Protocol) server sync feature, which is available on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the MIUI version:

  1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to the section Additional settings β†’ Date and time.
  3. Activate the switches: πŸ”„ Autodetermining Date and Time (using network data) 🌐 Time zone autodetermination (by GPS mobile)

Wait 10-15 seconds – the phone should sync with the server.

If the time has not been updated after these actions, try to manually choose another one. NTP-server:

  • πŸ”§ In the same menu, click Select time zone and specify your city (for example, Europe/Moscow instead of Moscow).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot your phone – it will reset the time service cache.

β˜‘οΈ Checking automatic synchronization

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5. POCO X3) Automatic timing option may conflict with Energy Saving mode. Turn off optimization for the Watch app in battery settings.

Method 2: Manually adjusting time (if the automation is not working)

If network sync is not available (for example, there is no internet) or NTP servers are blocked, manually adjust the time:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Additional settings β†’ Date and time.
  2. Turn off the switches Autodetermining Date and Time Zone Autodetermining.
  3. Click Set a date and select the current date in the calendar.
  4. Click Set time and enter current time (use 24-hour format).
  5. Save the changes with the Ready button.

For accuracy, check the reference time on time.is or Google (request for "exact time"). Note: when manually set up, the time may be lost after rebooting or retrieving. SIM-map.

Xiaomi modelFeatures of setting the timeTypical problems
Redmi Note 10/11Supports dual-SIM: time zone can be lost when changing the main SIMTime is reset when switching between cards of different operators
POCO F3/F4Uses servers ntp.aliyun.com and ntp.tencent.comSlowing hours by 2-3 minutes due to energy saving
Mi 11 UltraAutomatic synchronization via GPS and mobile networkConflict with fitness apps (e.g. Mi Fitness)
Redmi 9A/9CNo GPS module – the belt is determined only by mobile networkError "Impossible to synchronize time" with weak signal

πŸ’‘

If you keep running out of time after manually setting up, try calibrating the battery: completely drain the phone, then charge it to 100% without interruption, which will help stabilize system services.

Method 3: Shift NTP-servers (for experienced users)

If Xiaomi’s standard servers (np.aliyun.com) don’t work, they can be replaced with alternative servers, which require developer access to:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version.

Settings β†’ Additional settings β†’ For developers

Choice NTP-server

Network Time Server

0.ru.pool.ntp.org


1.europe.pool.ntp.org




time.google.com

Save the changes and restart the phone.

On the firmware MIUI 14+ HyperOS and the option of choice NTP-The server may be hidden. In this case, use the ADB-team:

adb shell settings put global ntp_server time.google.com

⚠️ Note: Some providers (for example, MTS or Beeline) block external NTP-If you don't sync after a shift, try connecting through VPN.

Method 4: Time Correction through ADB (for Advanced)

If the settings interface is not available (for example, after a failed update), the time can be adjusted through the ADB (This method requires a computer and USB-cable:

  1. Install Platform Tools from Google.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and activate USB Debugging in the developer settings.
  3. Open the command prompt (cmd) and type: adb shell su date -s YYYYMMDD.HHMMSS Replace YYYYMMDD.HHMMSS at the current date and time (e.g. 20260515.143000 for May 15, 2026, 14:30).
  4. Reboot the device with the reboot command.

To change the time zone, use the command:

adb shell setprop persist.sys.timezone Europe/Moscow
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Make sure you have Xiaomi drivers installed (download from the official website). USB-cable (original) or port on PC. Enable the option "Allow debugging by PC" in the developer settings USB (safe-haven)".

Method 5: Reset network settings (if time is lost due to operator)

Sometimes time errors are related to the settings of the mobile operator, for example, Tele2 or Yota can transmit incorrect time zone data, in which case the reset of network parameters will help:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Select Network Settings Reset (or APN Reset).
  3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.
  4. After turning on, wait for registration in the network (the antenna icon in the status bar).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up time on Xiaomi

Can I change the format of the time display (12/24 hours)?
Yes, go to Settings β†’ Additional Settings β†’ Date and Time β†’ Time format. Choose 24-hour or 12-hour (AM/PM). On some firmware, this option is hidden - use the MIUI Hidden Settings app.
Why is the MIUI update showing January 1, 1970?
This is a well-known bug associated with RTC data reset. Solution: Connect your phone to charge. Manually set the correct date. Reboot the device. If the problem recurs, reset to factory settings (with data saved via Mi Cloud).
How to sync time on Xiaomi Watch with your phone?
Xiaomi smartwatches (such as Mi Band 7 or Watch) S3) They sync the time automatically when they connect to the phone: πŸ”„ Reconnect the clock in the Mi Fitness app. πŸ“± Update the firmware of the watch through Settings β†’ About the clock β†’ Update of the PO.
Can I change the time if I am wrong?
Yes, if you manually set the wrong time, just activate autosynchronization back in the settings, the system automatically pulls the correct data from the server, and if autosynchronization is disabled, you have to re-enter the time.
Why two? SIM-mapping?
This happens if SIM-The maps of different operators are transmitting conflicting time zone data: πŸ“± Turn off automatic belt determination. 🌍 Manually select the desired belt (for example, Europe/Moscow). πŸ”§ In the settings SIM-Specify priority network for synchronization.