The lock screen on Xiaomi smartphones displays the default time — it is part of the corporate identity of MIUI and HyperOS. However, not all users like that the watch takes up space on Always On Display (AOD) or interfere with wallpaper. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to remove the clock from the lock screen on any model — from the Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
It's important to understand that the manufacturer doesn't provide a direct option to hide the clock in the settings, so you'll have to use workarounds, from standard features to third-party utilities. We tested each method on current firmware versions (MIUI 14.0.5 and HyperOS 1.0) and pointed out which ones work without root rights and which require additional manipulation. If you're willing to sacrifice a couple of minutes to set up, read on.
Why can’t you just turn off the clock?
Unlike Samsung or Google Pixel, where the user can flexibly configure lock screen elements, Xiaomi limits customization.
- 🔒 Brand policy: Watches are part of corporate design MIUI/HyperOS, Removing them is contrary to the visual concept.
- 📱 Technical limitations: On budget models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M5) system fonts are rigidly sewn into firmware.
- 🛡️ Security: In some regions (e.g. China), displaying lock time is required by law.
But you can get around the constraints, and then you can go from the simple to the complex.
Method 1: Use Always On Display (AOD) with an empty style
The most secure method that works on most models AMOLED-screen (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60, POCO F5 Pro and newer. Include: AOD, choose a style without a watch.
- Go to Settings → Screen → Always On Display
- Activate the slider "Always on Display".
- In the "Style" section, select the "Wallpaper Only" or "Minimalism" option (the names may vary depending on the model).
- Turn off the “Show Time” option if available.
⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11) even wallpaper-only watches may remain.In this case, try method 2.
Check what you got. AMOLED-screen LCD fails)
Battery charge > 20%
Turn off the power saving mode
Update the firmware to the latest version-->
Method 2: Configure wallpaper with “deception” of the system
If your smartphone doesn't support AOD, or if your watch is still displayed, you can mask it with wallpaper.
- Download wallpaper with a dark background and a light spot in the place where the watch is located (for example, [this template](https://example.com/xiaomi-wallpaper-hide-clock)).
- Set wallpaper through Settings → Wallpaper → My wallpaper.
- Enable the option “Wash Wallpaper on the Lock screen” (if available).
This method visually hides the watch, but does not physically remove it. LCD-screens (Redmi) 9A, POCO M4 Pro, where AOD idle.
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Use wallpaper with a gradient - they better mask the clock when changing the brightness of the screen.
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (without root)
For advanced users willing to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), this method removes the watch entirely but requires a PC connection.
Instructions:
- Turn on "Debugging by" USB» In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global lock_screen_show_clock 0
- Reset the device.
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (e.g. HyperOS 1.0 for Xiaomi 14), this command may reset after the update.There is also a risk of losing warranty if you have not previously enabled debugging.
| Model | Support ADB-team | Reboot required |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| POCO F5 | ⚠️ Partially (the clock is returned after locking) | ✅ Yes. |
| Redmi 10C | ❌ No (team lockdown) | — |
Method 4: Using third-party launchers
Some alternative launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) allow you to adjust the lock screen, but to fully control the clock will require:
- 📥 Install a launcher with Lock Screen Customization support (e.g. XLauncher).
- 🔧 Grant permissions to “Overlay on top of other applications” and “Manage blocking».
- 🎨 In the launcher settings, turn off the display of time.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party launchers can slow unlocking by fingerprint or face. on Xiaomi with HyperOS, some launchers are unstable.
Which launchers work with Xiaomi?
Method 5: Edit system files (root only)
The most radical method is to remove the clock at the system file level, which is only suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights.
Procedure:
- Install Root Explorer or Mixplorer with superuser rights.
- Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI/MiuiSystemUI.apk/res/layout/
- Find the files. keyguard_clock.xml and keyguard_clock_view.xml.
- Rename them in keyguard_clock.xml.bak (backup!).
- Reset the device.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop (cyclical reboot). TWRP.
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If the phone stopped turning on after editing system files, restore the original files via TWRP or reflash the device.
Frequent problems and solutions
Even after successful removal of the watch, users face common errors.
- ⏳ The clock is returned after the reboot: This means that the changes were not applied at the system level. ADB-Repeat the command and add the flag. --user 0: adb shell settings put global lock_screen_show_clock 0 --user 0
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption: If you use the method of AOD, Check the screen settings → Always On Display → Energy saving regime.
- 🔒 Face Unlock doesn't work: Third-party launchers may conflict with biometrics.Back the standard launcher or upgrade the firmware.
If none of these things worked, maybe your model has hardware limitations, like the Redmi 9T, which is a lime, and the watch is hard-wired into the boot section.