Xiaomi’s current MIUI or HyperOS smartphones offer a huge opportunity to customize the look. One of the most sought-after personalization elements is to install a stylish watch on the lock screen or home screen, not only aesthetically, but also functionally, allowing you to quickly know the time, date and other useful information without unlocking the device.
In this guide, we will discuss all the available ways to install a watch: you will learn how to activate the Always On Display function, how to change dials through the system application, and what hidden features of widgets exist. The right screen setting will turn your gadget into a unique accessory that reflects your personal style.
Activate the Always On Display mode
Always On Display (AOD) allows watches and notifications to be displayed on a screen that is off, taking advantage of AMOLED arrays. This is a key option for those who want to see time without touching their phone. Unlike older LCD screens, only individual pixels are lit up, minimizing energy consumption.
To turn on, go to the settings and find the Lock Screen section. You need to activate the Always On Display switch. The system will suggest you choose a schedule: constantly, by time or when you receive notifications. Choosing the right mode will help save battery power at night.
Important: Always On Display is only available on smartphones AMOLED-screens, models with IPS-This option is not supported by hardware.
In the AOD settings menu, you can choose from a preset style or download your own. Some dials support animation when lifting your phone, which makes interaction with the device more lively and enjoyable.
Effect of AOD on the battery
Selection and loading of dials through the application
The standard Wallpaper app (or Themes) on Xiaomi smartphones contains a huge library of dials, which can be found here as minimalist hand-held options, as well as complex information boards, the catalog is regularly updated and contains works from both official designers and the community.
To set a new watch, open the app and go to the Dial tab. Popular categories are often located at the top of the screen. You can sort them by novelty or popularity. After choosing a design you like, click the download button.
- 🎨 Free dials are marked with the appropriate icon and do not require payment.
- 💎 Premium designs can cost a few coins or be available by subscription.
- 📥 The downloaded themes are automatically applied to the lock screen and AOD.
If you don't have enough of a standard gallery, you can use third-party launchers, but the built-in MIUI provides better integration with notifications and proximity sensors, which ensures stable operation without unnecessary bugs.
Customization of widgets on the main screen
The main screen of your smartphone is your workspace, where watch widgets play a not only decorative but also practical role, and the HyperOS shell has greatly expanded the widgets' capabilities to make them interactive and more informative.
To add a widget, press the empty area on your desktop and select Widgets. In the menu that opens, find the Watch category. The system will offer several size options, from compact 2x2 squares to wide 4x2 rectangles. Choose the one that best fits into your composition.
Some widgets allow time to be displayed in different time zones, which is extremely useful for those who often communicate with colleagues or relatives from other countries, and the second time is set up through the editing menu of the widget itself.
⚠️ Warning: Placing too many heavy widgets on the home screen can slightly reduce the speed of the interface on older models of smartphones.
You can also change the color and style of the widget to harmonize with the wallpaper installed. The flexibility of the settings allows you to create a truly unique interface.
☑️ Checking the widget settings
Use of the "Second Space" application for watches
There's an interesting solution in the Xiaomi ecosystem called Second Space, which, although it was designed to separate personal and work information, can be used to create a separate profile with a unique set of widgets and watches, a kind of sandbox for experimentation.
Switching to the second space, you get a clean desktop, and you can set up watch widgets that may be different from the ones in the main profile, for example, in the work profile, you can have a strict clock with a timer, and in the personal one, you can have bright and animated watches.
This feature is especially useful if you want to have different sets of widgets for different use cases without having to constantly reinstall themes.Switching between spaces is quick through settings or a special shortcut.
It's worth noting that widgets in the second space work independently, which means you can configure time display in 24-hour format in one profile and 12-hour time display in another.
Comparison of methods of setting the clock
Users often have difficulty deciding which way to display time to choose, each method has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the purpose of using the smartphone. Below is a comparative table of the main options.
| Method | Battery consumption | Informativeness | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always On Display | Low (1-3%) | Minimum (time, date) | Only AMOLED |
| A widget on the desktop | Standard. | High (weather, calendar) | All models. |
| Lock screen | Minimum | Medium | All models. |
| Third-party launchers | High-pitched | Maximum | All models. |
As you can see from the table, for maximum energy savings, it is better to use built-in AOD. If you want functionality, desktop widgets will be the best solution.
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The optimal solution for most users is a combination of AOD for a quick look and a desktop widget for detailed information.
Troubleshooting and troubleshooting
Sometimes users find that the watch disappears from the screen or stops updating, often because of the aggressive MIUI energy saving system, which can kill the processes responsible for updating widgets to save charge.
To fix this, go to the battery settings and find the app that handles the watch or theme. Set up Unlimited mode. This will prevent the system from stopping the background process. Also check if Do Not Disturb or Saving Energy is on, which can turn off AOD.
⚠️ Note: If after installing a third-party theme, the clock stopped showing correctly, try resetting the theme to standard through the design settings.
In rare cases, the problem may be a crowded theme cache. Cleaning up the theme app data in the application management section helps get everything back into place. Don't be afraid to reset, your purchased themes will be saved to the cloud.
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To instantly update the time widget without rebooting your phone, temporarily change the time format in the settings (for example, from 12 to 24 hours) and return it back.