How to remove the clock from the lock screen on Xiaomi Redmi 7: all ways

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but its MIUI firmware doesn’t always suit users with standard design. One of the frequent complaints is that the unmovable clock on the lock screen takes up too much space or is simply annoying with its design. Unlike flagship models, where the setting is flexible, in Redmi 7 this option is often hidden or absent from the menu.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove watches from locking, from standard settings to hidden MIUI parameters and ADB commands. We will also explain why the watch can return after the system update and how to prevent it. Instructions are checked on Redmi 7 with MIUI 10-12 firmware (including global and Chinese versions).

Before you start, consider that some methods require developer rights or PC connection. If you are a beginner, start with the simplest method (section 2) and then move on to complex manipulations.

1.Why is the clock on the lock screen not removed by standard means?

In Xiaomi Redmi 7 (as in other budget models of the series), the manufacturer has limited the possibility of customizing the lock screen.

• 📱 Version MIUI: firmware MIUI 12 The option to hide the clock is often absent from the menu "Themes" or "Screen settings".
• 🌍 Regional firmware: in Chinese versions (CN) More freedom for settings than in global settings (Global or Global). EEA).
• 🔒 Xiaomi policy: the brand deliberately blocks some features to encourage the purchase of more expensive models (for example, Redmi Note or other models). POCO).
• 🛠️ Security Updates: After Updates MIUI Some of the hidden settings may be reset.

In addition, the lock watch is closely linked to the system services com.android.systemui and com.miui.home. their complete shutdown without root rights is impossible, but you can hide the display or replace it with a minimalist look.

⚠️ Note: If you use banking applications or corporate mail, disable system services through ADB They may cause errors in their work. Check compatibility before experimenting!

2. Method 1: Hiding the clock through theme settings (without root)

The safest method is to use built-in MIUI themes that support minimalist lock design, which works on all firmware versions but requires an internet connection.

Steps:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the Lock Screen section (the tab at the bottom of the screen).
3. In the search bar, enter the query: "no watch" or "minimal lock".
4. Select a theme with a minimalist design (e.g., "Pure Black" or "Simple Lock").
5. Click Apply and confirm the changes.

If there is no appropriate topic, try downloading it from third-party sources (e.g. miuier.com), but be careful – unofficial topics may contain ads or malicious code.

Make sure the theme is compatible with MIUI 10/11/12|

Check out other users' reviews |

Backup your current theme (Settings → Themes → My themes → Save)|

After application, restart the phone

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This method does not remove the watch completely, but instead replaces it with almost invisible elements (for example, gray text on a black background).

3. Method 2: Disconnection through the developer settings

MIUI has hidden parameters that allow you to control the display of system elements, and you need to activate the developer mode to activate them.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times in a row on the MIUI version (the notification “You became a developer” will appear).
3. Return to the main Settings menu and open a new section for Additional Settings → For Developers.
4. Find the option “Debug by USB” and activate it.
5. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Now you can use ADB to hide your watch. Install Google's Platform Tools and follow the command:

adb shell settings put global lock_screen_clock_hidden 1

After the phone is restarted, the watch should disappear. To get it back, use:

adb shell settings put global lock_screen_clock_hidden 0

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi 7 firmware (especially Chinese ones), this command may not work due to Xiaomi restrictions.

Method 3: Editing system files (root required)

If previous methods have failed, the most radical way is manual editing of system files, which requires root rights and data backup, as careless actions can lead to a bootloop.

Procedure:

1. Install Magisk or another root rights manager.
2. Download a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
3. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI/.
4. Find the file MiuiSystemUI.apk and make a copy of it (in case of an error).
5. Open the file in the text editor (for example, APK Editor) and find a line: <bool name="lock_screen_clock_enabled">true</bool> Replace true with false.
6. Save the changes, install the edited APK and reboot the phone.

This method is 100% effective, but it's risky. If you don't load after a change, restore the original MiuiSystemUI.apk via TWRP.

5. Alternative solutions: launcher replacement and third-party applications

If you don’t want to go through system files, you can go a workaround:

• 📱 Third-party launchers: Some shells (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) allow you to configure the lock screen through plugins. Install "Lockscreen Customizer" from Google Play.
• 🔄 Firmware replacement: Custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience offer flexible locking configuration, but require unlocking the bootloader.
• 🖼️ “Cloak” wallpaper: Choose wallpapers that visually hide the clock (for example, a dark gradient in the time display area).

The downside of these methods is that they don't physically remove the watch, they just mask it, and third-party launchers can increase battery consumption by 5 to 10 percent.

6.Why does the clock return after the MIUI update?

Once the firmware is updated via OTA, all changes to system files (including the clocks disabled) are reset, which is because Xiaomi overwrites key components of /system when installing updates, to avoid the clock returning:

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📥 Install updates manually, pre-creating a backup through ADB backup TWRP.
• 🔧 Repeat the concealment procedure after each update (through the ADB editing APK).

If you use custom recovery (such as TWRP), you can create a script that will automatically apply the settings after the update.

1. Create a post-install.sh file in the /sdcard/ folder.
2. Add the command: settings put global lock_screen_clock_hidden 1
3. Install the update via TWRP by selecting Install Image → Post-Install Script.

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If you update your firmware frequently, save it. ADB-A command to hide a clock in a notebook on a PC or in a cloud service (such as Google Keep) so you can quickly apply it after each update.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to remove the watch, Redmi 7 users face typical problems:

• 🚫 Team team. ADB Not working: make sure that the debugging is USB It's enabled and Xiaomi drivers are installed on your PC. Try reconnecting your phone or using a different cable.
• 🔄 The clock returns after the reboot: this means that the setting was not saved to the system registry. ADB and add the flag --user 0: adb shell settings put global lock_screen_clock_hidden 1 --user 0
• 📵 Phone not visible in ADB: Check that the developer settings activated the option "Debugging by" USB (security parameters)" and the File Transfer mode is selected when connected.

If neither method worked, your firmware may have unique limitations, and there are two options left:

1. Install custom firmware (such as Havoc-OS or ArrowOS).
2. Accept the clock or use an alternative launcher.

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On the Redmi 7 with MIUI 12.5+ firmware, the ADB team for hiding the watch may not work due to Xiaomi’s tightening security policy, in which case only editing system files or replacing the firmware will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions