The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, but its MIUI interface doesn’t always suit users with standard solutions. One of the common questions is how to remove a watch from the lock screen that takes up extra space, distracts or simply doesn’t fit into the desired design. Unlike newer models where this option is available out of the box, the Redmi Note 8 Pro will have to use workarounds.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways, from simple settings to technical solutions with ADB and third-party applications. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, which can affect the warranty and security of the device, we will specify the risks and alternatives for each option.
Why can’t you just turn off the clock in the MIUI settings?
In the standard MIUI 10-12 firmware (relevant to the Redmi Note 8 Pro), Xiaomi developers did not provide a separate switch to hide the clock on the lock screen.
- 📱 Xiaomi strives for uniformity of the interface on all devices, limiting the customization of basic elements.
- 🔒 Security: The lock clock displays the time of the last unlock (in some modes), which can be useful for tracking unauthorized access.
- 🎨 Design solutions: in early versions MIUI The clock was considered an integral part of visual style.
But that doesn't mean that the task is impossible. Below we'll look at workarounds, including hidden settings, ADB-But first, there's a big warning.
⚠️ Note: Modifying system files or using ADB It can lead to loss of warranty, malfunction of the smartphone or even a "brick" (inoperable state). → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
Method 1: Use of an alternative launcher (without root)
The safest method is to install a third-party launcher that supports lock screen customization, such as Nova Launcher or Action Launcher, which allows you to hide the watch, but with reservations:
- ✅ It only works on some firmware (depending on version). MIUI).
- ❌ Not all launchers support lock change – additional software is often required (e.g. LockScreen Customizer).
- 🔄 After updating MIUI settings may reset.
Instructions:
- Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
- Go to Settings Nova → Lock screen (if option is available).
- Choose Hide the Watch or set up the display via widgets.
- If you don’t have an option, install LockScreen Customizer and follow its instructions.
Install Nova Launcher from the official store
Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)
Download LockScreen Customizer (if required)
Create a backup of current settings-->
This method does not require root rights or ADB, but its effectiveness depends on the firmware version. On MIUI 12.5+, it may not work due to system limitations.
Method 2: Edit system files via ADB (for advanced)
If you're ready for technical manipulation, you can turn off the watch through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires USB debugging and a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.
Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on USB Debugging.
Connect the phone to the PC and confirm access to debugging on the smartphone screen.
cmd
adb shell settings put global lock_screen_show_clock 0Reset the device.
On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 11-12, this command may not work due to protected system files, which means you need to edit systemui.apk via Magisk or decompile, which is risky.
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If the clock is not gone after the command, do not try other settings at random - better go back to the standard settings command: adb shell settings put global settings lock_screen_show_clock 1
What to do if ADB is not working?
Method 3: Install custom firmware (for experienced users)
A radical but effective way is to run an alternative version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI EU) or custom firmware like LineageOS, which often unlocks additional lock screen settings.
Pros of the method:
- 🔓 Full freedom of customization (including clocks, fonts, animations).
- 🚀 Improved performance (on some firmware).
- 🔄 Regular updates from the community.
Cons:
- ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
- 🔧 Process complexity (requires bootloader unlocking, installation) TWRP).
- 🐛 Bug risk (not all functions can work correctly).
Instructions (brief):
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (can take up to 720 hours to wait!).
- Install TWRP Recovery for Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia model).
- Sweep through custom firmware (e.g. MIUI EU or Pixel Experience).
- In the new settings, find the Lock Screen → Watch section and turn off the display.
Yeah, I'm on custom firmware.
No, I'm afraid I'll lose my guarantee.
I tried it, but I came back to the stock.
Planning for the future.-->
This method is only suitable for those who are ready for experimentation, and for most users, it is easier to get by with launchers or ADB.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make the choice easier, we have collected the key parameters of each method in the table:
| Method | Difficulty | Required. root/ADB | Risk to the system | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party launcher | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Low. | ⚠️ Partial (depending on firmware) |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ✅ Yeah (debugging by) USB) | ⚠️⚠️ Medium. | ⚠️ It doesn't always work. |
| Custom firmware | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes (unlock the loader) | ⚠️⚠️⚠️ High-pitched | ✅ Full customization |
| Editing by systemui.apk | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yeah. + Magisk) | ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ critical | ✅ It works on all the firmware. |
For most users of Redmi Note 8 Pro, the best solution will be a combination of launcher and ADB. If you are ready for risks, custom firmware will open up the maximum possibilities.
💡
On MIUI 12.5+, the easiest way to hide the watch is through third-party launchers like Nova or Action Launcher. Methods with ADB and firmware require technical skills and are fraught with loss of warranties.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you try to remove a watch, users often face typical problems.
- 🔌 "ADB Does not see the device: Check if the debugging is enabled USB, Are Xiaomi drivers installed on PCs? try another USB-cable.
- 🔄 "After the reboot, the clock returned": "This means the system settings have reset. MIUI It's characterized by "treating" altered parameters, and the solution is to use Magisk modules to capture the changes.
- 📱 "Launcher does not change lock screen": Many launchers only work with the main screen).
If neither method worked, your version of MIUI may have unique limitations, so you have to either accept the watch or consider switching to another firmware.
💡
Before experimenting with ADB or firmware, check if there are any MIUI updates for your device. Sometimes newer versions add hidden customization settings.
Alternative solutions: if nothing helps
If all methods proved useless, consider the following options:
- 🖼️ Use wallpaper with "empty" space under the clock: Create wallpaper in Photoshop or Canva with a black rectangle in the place where the watch is displayed. This visually hides it without affecting the system.
- 🔍 Turn off the date/time display in the settings: Go to Settings → Lock screen → Watch style and select a minimalist option (e.g., only numbers without background).
- 📱 Install a weather widget instead of a clock: Some widgets (like Another Widget) allow you to replace a standard clock on lock.
These methods don’t remove the watch completely, but they make it less visible, and if your goal is to maximize customization, you should consider switching to a smartphone with more flexible firmware (for example, Google Pixel or Android One devices).