Why do you need a lock screen and why do you need a lock screen?
Xiaomi’s lock screen is not just a protection against random clicks, but also a source of important information. Time and date play a key role here: they allow you to quickly navigate without unlocking the device. However, many users face the problem when the watch suddenly disappears after updating MIUI, resetting settings or installing third-party themes. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to return the widget to the locked screen, including hidden settings and workarounds for different versions of the firmware.
Xiaomi's peculiarity is that the manufacturer regularly changes the layout of options on the menu. MIUI 12, may not work on MIUI 14.We tested the instructions on the Redmi Note 12 Pro models.+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO F5 — All of these are valid for 2026. If your device is running on an older firmware version, use this. FAQ-block at the end of the article to clarify the details.
Method 1: Standard settings with Themes (works on 90% of devices)
The most reliable method is to use the built-in MIUI customization tools, which are suitable for most models, including Redmi and POCO, but may vary depending on the version of the shell.
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
- Go to the Lock Screen section (in some versions – Locked Screen).
- Select the Widget tab or additionally.
- Find the Watch option (may be called Time/Date) and activate the slider.
- Click Apply or Save.
If the option is grey and inactive, then your device has a theme that blocks editing widgets. In this case, go to My Themes → Standard and apply it, then repeat the steps.
Make sure the device has the latest version of the Themes app installed |
Check if the power saving mode is activated (it can block widgets)|
Turn it off. VPN — function MIUI They do not work in a changed region.|
Reboot your smartphone if the watch doesn’t appear right away.-->
Method 2: Manually add via “lock screen settings”
On devices with MIUI 13/14, an alternative way to access widget settings has emerged, which is especially useful if the Themes app doesn't open or gives an error.
- Open Settings → Display → Lock screen.
- Slip the lock screen style (or additional settings).
- Choose Add a widget or Edit a layout.
- In the list of available items, find the Watch/Date and drag it to the screen.
- Set the size and position, then save the changes.
An important nuance: on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T), this partition may be hidden. To unlock it, you need to temporarily disable the password / pattern lock in the security settings.
What to do if the “lock screen style” section is missing?
Method 3: Use of third-party launchers (for advanced users)
If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party solutions, applications like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher that allow you to customize the lock screen, including adding time widgets, but this method has limitations:
- ⚠️ Requires permission to change system settings (may not work on all devices).
- 🔄 The widget will only be displayed when using a third-party launcher as the main one.
- 📱 Does not work on devices with MIUI for Android Go (such as Redmi) A1).
Instructions for Nova Launcher:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Set it as the default launcher (Settings → Applications → Default).
- In Nova settings, select Lock Screen → Widgets.
- Add a watch widget (like Chronus or Another Widget).
💡
Before installing a third-party launcher, back up your current screen settings through Settings → Additional → Backup. This will help you quickly return the original view if something goes wrong.
Solving problems: The clock disappears after an update or reset
One of the most common complaints of Xiaomi users is the disappearance of the watch after updating MIUI or resetting to factory settings.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Watch disappears after MIUI update | Reset widget settings in the new firmware version | Return through Themes → Lock screen (see Method 1) |
| The time widget is not saved. | Conflict with the established topic of design | Apply the standard theme, then repeat the setting |
| The clock is displayed, but no date | Limiting the current lock screen style | Select a different style in Settings → Display → Lock screen |
| The widget flashes or disappears when unlocked | MiuiSystemUI malfunction | Clear the application cache Settings → Applications → Application Management → System → MiuiSystemUI |
Critical information for POCO users: on devices in this line (such as the POCO X5 Pro), the lock screen clock may conflict with the Always-on Display function. If the widget disappears when AOD is activated, turn it off in Settings → Display → Always-on Display and restart the smartphone.
MIUI 12|
MIUI 13|
MIUI 14|
Other (specify in the comments)-->
Additional customization: changing the style and position of the clock
If you don't have enough standard time display, MIUI offers fine-tuning tools. The options available depend on the device model and firmware version, but in most cases you can:
- 🎨 Change the font of the clock through the themes → Fonts (not working on all devices).
- 📏 Move the widget to the left/right corner or center (available in Lock Screen Settings) → layout).
- 🌓 Customize the color to the theme of the design (automatically or manually).
- ⏱️ Add a stopwatch or timer (requires installation of Google Watch widget).
For devices with AMOLED-The screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) available option Always-on Display, which allows you to display the watch even when the state is off. → Display. → Always-on Display → Note that this feature drains the battery faster (approximately 5–8% per night).
💡
On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the style of the watch is tied to the system theme. To change it, first change the theme in the Themes app, then go back to the lock screen settings.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When setting the clock on the lock screen, users often make common errors that lead to failures or loss of functionality.
⚠️ Note: Do not install time widgets from unverified sources (APK-In the files. MIUI There is a restriction on third-party modules for the lock screen, and installing them can lead to a bootloope (cyclical reboot of the device.
Mistake 1: Using third-party themes with incompatible widgets. Many of the themes from the Mi Theme Store are optimized for specific models and versions of MIUI. If the watch disappears after applying the theme, return the standard style.
Error 2: Change system fonts without backup. Some users install custom fonts through ADB or Magisk modules, which can break the time display. Before such manipulations, create a backup in Settings → Additional → Backup.
Mistake 3: Ignoring security updates. Xiaomi regularly releases patches that fix bugs with widgets. If the clock disappears after a reboot, check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.