Why do users want to remove the watch from the lock screen – and can it be done safely?
The lock screen on Xiaomi Redmi 8 displays the time, date and notifications by default - this is part of the brand interface MIUI. However, not everyone likes this design: some find it overloaded, some get in the way of large numbers on the wallpaper, and some just want a minimalist look. Unlike flagship models (for example, Xiaomi 13), where the settings are flexible, on the budget Redmi 8 there is no option to hide the watch through the standard menu.
It is important to understand that complete removal of the watch without consequences is not possible on all versions of MIUI. On Redmi 8 with MIUI 10-12 firmware (Android 9-10), the watch is soldered into system files, and their concealment requires intervention in the developer's settings or using ADB. On newer versions (for example, MIUI 14 after the update), alternative methods appear through themes. We will consider all current methods - from the simplest to technically complex - and also tell about the risks of each.
Before you start, check the version of MIUI on your device: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. This will help you choose the right way. Also note that some methods may reset after you update the system.
It's wallpaper.|Too big/bright|I want a minimalist design.|Experiment with settings|Another option-->
Method 1: Use MIUI themes (without root and ADB)
The safest and most reversible method is to apply a clockless theme to the lock screen. MIUI has a built-in shop for themes where some designs hide time or replace it with minimalist elements. This works on all versions of Redmi 8, but requires an Internet connection.
How to do this:
- 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
- 🔍 In the search bar, enter the query: no clock, minimal lockscreen or clean lock.
- 🎨 Select your favorite theme (pay attention to the screenshots of the lock screen in the description).
- 📥 Click Apply and confirm the download.
If there is no suitable topic, try an alternative path:
- Go to Settings → Lock screen → Additional settings.
- Choose a Watch Style and try the Hide option (if available) or a minimalist design.
⚠️ Attention: Some topics from the store MIUI They may contain ads or collect data. Before you install, read reviews and theme ratings. If the theme is slowing down after you use it, return the standard theme to your settings.
Make a backup copy of the wallpaper|Check the stability of the Internet connection|Read the reviews on the topic|Close background applications to speed up loading-->
Method 2: Turn off the clock through the developer settings (MIUI 11 and later)
Starting with MIUI 11 (Android 10), Redmi 8 has the ability to partially adjust the lock screen through developer mode, which does not remove the watch completely, but allows you to reduce its size or shift it into a corner, suitable for those who do not want to risk the stability of the system.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will receive a notification "You became a developer").
Settings → Additional settings → For developers
Lock screen → Scale of hours
Clock position
Minimum.
Hide.
If you don't have an option, your version of MIUI doesn't support this feature, so try the following method.
| MIUI version | Is the "Scale of Hours" option available? | Alternative parameter |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10 (Android 9) | ❌ No. | Only through themes or ADB |
| MIUI 11-12 (Android 10) | ✅ Yes (in 80% firmware) | The position of the clock in the developer settings |
| MIUI 12.5+ (Android 11) | ✅ Yes. | Additional Clock Color available |
| MIUI 14 (Android 12) | ✅ Yes. | Complete Hiding Through Settings → Lock screen → Style |
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If the watch has disappeared after the developer’s settings change, but artifacts have appeared (e.g., empty space on the screen), try rebooting the phone.
Method 3: Remove the clocks via ADB (for power users)
If previous methods have failed, you can disable the system display of the watch using Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method requires a computer and basic command-line knowledge, but does not need root rights. On Redmi 8 with MIUI 10-12, the team is stable, but can reset after a firmware update.
Step-by-step:
- Install. ADB-Drivers on PC and enable Debugging by USB on the phone: Settings → Additional settings → For developers → Debugging by USB
- Connect Redmi 8 to your computer and confirm your trust.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (should display the serial number of your device).
- Execute the command to turn off the clock: adb shell settings put global hide_lockscreen_clock 1
- Reboot the phone.
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The launcher side is the only way to fully customize the lock screen without root rights, but they change the entire system interface, not just the clock.
Risks and Possible Problems in Removing the Watch
Any interference with the Xiaomi Redmi 8 system settings can have unexpected consequences, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The clock disappeared, but there was empty space. | The system reserves space for the watch widget | Install theme with a different design or use ADB to reset settings |
| The phone has stopped blocking. | Conflict with security settings after ADB | Return standard settings with adb shell settings put global hide_lockscreen_clock 0 |
| Graphic artifacts appeared | Damage to the system interface cache | Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management → System interface |
| The clock is back after the update. | Resetting user settings when updating | Repeat the procedure or roll back to the previous version of MIUI |
If after manipulations the phone began to work unstable (for example, spontaneously reboots or does not respond to touch), reset the settings to the factory:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select Reset all settings (does not delete files, but returns system settings to default settings).
What do you do if nothing helps?
If none of the methods described have worked, two radical options remain:
- Unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will give you full control of the interface, but will deprive you of official updates and may void the warranty. 🔓 To unlock the bootloader, you need a Mi Account account with a linked phone number. 📥 Only download the firmware from verified sources (for example, XDA Developers).
Contacting the service center
Xiaomi
Before you resort to extreme measures, check if new settings have appeared in the latest MIUI updates. Xiaomi periodically adds flexibility to customization - perhaps your firmware already has a hidden option.
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Before installing custom firmware, make a full backup of data through Settings → Additional settings → Backup and Reset. This will save your photos, contacts and messages even when completely reset.