The top notification bar (status bar) on Xiaomi smartphones displays time, charge level, network signal and other icons. For some users, the constant presence of a clock on the left or center of the screen becomes an annoying factor - especially if you are used to a "clean" interface or use alternative time widgets. Unfortunately, in the standard MIUI settings there is no direct option to turn off the clock, but there are several workarounds.
In this article, weβll look at 5 proven methods to remove the watch from the status bar on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO β from simple settings to using ADB and third-party modules. All methods are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 and newer versions, but some may require unlocking the bootloader or root rights. Before you start, make sure you have a backup of data β changing system files always carries risks.
If you're looking for a way to hide your watch only on the lock screen, this is a separate setup that we'll also consider, and for those who want to drastically change the look of the status bar, there's an option with custom themes or patches installed via Magisk.
1. Method: Hiding the clock through MIUI settings (without root)
The safest, but also the most limited method is to use built-in MIUI options. Unfortunately, most firmware versions do not have a direct tick to βhide the watchβ, but you can try to bypass this through the display settings.
This method is suitable for devices on MIUI 14+ (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 and later). On older versions (MIUI 12/13), the option may be missing or unstable.
- π± Open the Settings. β Screen.
- π Scroll down and select Status String (or Notification Panel in some firmware).
- π Find the option to display the clock or time format.
- β If you have a switch, turn it off. If you don't, try changing the format to 24-clockwork/12-Time-bound (sometimes this resets the display).
β οΈ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi 10 or POCO X3) This item may not be available, so move on to the next one.
If the option is hidden, but you are sure it should be, try resetting the screen settings to the standard:
- Go to Settings β System β Resetting settings.
- Select Reset screen settings (not a full reset!).
- After the reboot, check for the option again.
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If you have MIUI Global, try switching to regional firmware (EEA or China) β sometimes they have more customization options.
2. Method: Use of ADB (without root but with debugging)
If the settings do not have the necessary option, you can try to turn off the clock through ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method does not require root rights, but requires debugging. USB installation ADB-computer-driver.
The advantage of the method is that it is reversible and does not harm the system if you follow the instructions. MIUI settings may reset.
Enable Developer Mode (7 taps by build number in Settings β About phone)
Activate USB Debugging in Settings β Additional β For Developers
Install ADB Tools on PC
Connect your phone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device-->
Now run the following commands in the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux):
adb shell settings put global status_bar_clock 0If the team doesnβt work, try an alternative:
adb shell settings put secure status_bar_clock 0Once you type in any command, restart the phone. The clock should disappear. To get it back, replace the 0 with the 1 in the command.
β οΈ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 with) MIUI 13) this command may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case root or Magisk module will be required.
Method 3: Installation of MIUI Tweaks (Magisk required)
If you have root rights and you have Magisk installed, the most reliable way to hide your watch is to use MIUI Tweaks, a tool that extends the MIUI customization capabilities, including status bar management.
The module is compatible with most MIUI 12-14 devices and supports both global and Chinese firmware.
- π Bootloader unlocked.
- π οΈ Installed by Magisk (version 24)+).
- π± Backup of data (in case of failure).
Installation instructions:
- Download the latest release of MIUI Tweaks (.zip file).
- Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
- Click Install from Storage and select the downloaded file.
- Reboot the phone.
After installation:
- Open the MIUI Tweaks app (appears in the menu).
- Go to the Status Bar section (Stage bar).
- Find the Hide Clock option and activate it.
- Apply the changes and restart the device.
| Xiaomi model | Support for MIUI Tweaks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | β Yes. | It works on MIUI 14, possible bugs with animations |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | β Yes. | Requires to disable MIUI Optimization in Magisk |
| POCO F4/F5 | β Yes. | Better to use the module version for HyperOS |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | β οΈ Partially. | MIUI 13 may not be able to hide the clock |
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MIUI Tweaks is the most flexible way, but it requires root. If you don't have Magisk, consider alternatives like ADB or third-party launchers.
Method 4: Third-party launchers (without root)
If you don't want to mess around with the system settings, you can simply hide the status bar with an alternative launcher, which doesn't physically remove the watch, but makes it invisible in everyday use.
The best launchers for this task:
- π¨ Nova Launcher β allows you to hide the status bar in gesture settings (Settings) β Gestures and controls β Hide the notification panel).
- πΌοΈ Lawnchair β supports immersive mode (full screen without top panel).
- π Hyperion Launcher β has a built-in option to hide the clock in the status bar (does not work on all devices).
How to set up in Nova Launcher:
- Install a launcher from Google Play.
- Set it as the default launcher.
- Go to Settings Nova β Gestures and Controls β Hiding the notification panel.
- Turn on the option to Hide the notification bar and select the apps where it will work.
β οΈ Warning: In immersive mode, quick settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) are lost. To return the panel, swipe from top to bottom with two fingers.
If you only need to hide your watch in specific applications (such as games or watching videos), use Full Screen Mode in the MIUI settings:
Settings β Applications β Full-screen mode β Select the application β Enable βHide the status barβ5. Method: Editing system files (for experienced)
For users with root rights and experience with system files, there is a radical method - manual editing framework-res.apk or SystemUI.apk. This method is risky, but it gives 100% result.
Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to a device blink (unloadability). Create a full backup via TWRP before starting.
Instructions (for MIUI 12/13/14):
- Install Root Explorer or Mixplorer with superuser rights.
- Go to /system/priv-app/SystemUI/SystemUI.apk.
- Copy the file to your computer and open it in APK Editor (or decompile via apktool).
- Find the file. res/values/bools.xml and change the line: <bool name="config_show_clock">false</bool>
- Collect the APK back, sign and replace the original file (remember to save the resolutions 644 or 755).
- Reboot the phone.
Alternative path (for MIUI 14+):
- π Open up. /system/system_ext/overlay/.
- π Find a file with a name that contains a statusbar or clock.
- π Edit it by deleting or commenting on the lines responsible for displaying time.
What if the phone doesnβt start after editing SystemUI.apk?
6. Method: Hiding the clock on the lock screen
If your goal is to remove the watch from the lock screen only, not from the top panel, then MIUI has a separate setup for this. This method does not require root or ADB and works on all devices.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings β Lock screen.
- Select the Lock screen style.
- Scroll down and find the option to Show the clock (or Time Format).
- Turn off the switch or select Hide option.
On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11), the option may be called Clock Settings and may be located in the Additional Lock screen settings section.
If you don't have an option, try:
- π Change the theme to standard (Settings) β Theme β My subject. β Standard).
- π± Set a third-party theme from MIUI Theme Store, where the clock is hidden by default (for example, themes with minimalist design).
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To return the watch to the lock screen, simply turn it back on in the settings or change the theme.
Frequent problems and solutions
When trying to remove a watch from the status bar, users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The clock is gone but returned after the reboot | ADB-The team did not survive in the settings | Repeat the command and add --user 0 at the end. |
| MIUI Tweaks is not working | Conflict with other Magisk modules | Disable MIUI Optimization Disabler in Magisk |
| After editing SystemUI.apk Wi-Fi disappeared | File signature damaged. | Restore the original file from the backup |
| The launcher doesn't hide the status bar | There is no support for immersive regime | Try Lawnchair or Rootless Launcher |
If neither of these methods worked, your version of MIUI may have some very limited options, so there are two options:
- Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where the status bar settings are more flexible.
- Wait for the MIUI update β in new versions (for example, HyperOS) additional customization options may appear.