How to put a watch with hands on the main screen Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Why Xiaomi doesn’t have a classic default watch – and how to fix it

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones often face an unexpected problem: the MIUI shell does not offer a standard analog watch widget on the main screen. Instead of the usual arrow dial, users can only access digital options or minimalistic time indicators in the status bar. This decision is due to the desire for a “clean” design, but for many it creates discomfort – especially for those who are used to navigate the arrows.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to bring back classic watches, from built-in MIUI features to third-party apps. In this article, we’ll break down all the current methods for MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including hidden settings, Google widgets and customized utilities. Importantly, some methods require you to pre-set permissions or download additional files, so start with instructions only after you back up your data.

If you are using a model older than the Xiaomi Mi 8 (2018), note that the interface may be slightly different. For Android One devices (such as the Mi A1/A2), the universal solutions from the last section of the article will suit.

Method 1: Standard MIUI widget (hidden function)

Although there is no open-source analog watch, MIUI has a hidden widget that can be activated via the settings menu, which works on most devices with the 12.5+ shell version, but requires precise steps to be followed:

  1. Unlock the screen and make a long press in the free place of the main screen.
  2. At the bottom of the screen, tap the button Widgets (the icon with three squares).
  3. Scroll down to Systems and find the Clock item (may be called Clock in English firmware).
  4. Hold your finger on the Digital Watch widget and drag it to the home screen.
  5. Without letting go of your finger, wait for the context menu to appear (usually in 1-2 seconds) and select the Display Style.
  6. In the window that opens, scroll to the right - among them should be an analog dial (most often the last one on the list).

If this item is missing, your version of MIUI does not support the hidden widget, in which case move on to the following methods.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (POCO F3, Redmi Note 10 Pro after update to update MIUI 14 This widget may disappear. Before changing the style of the watch, make sure you have the latest version of the Watch app installed from Google Play.

Make sure there is free space for the widget on the screen.

Update the Watch app on Google Play

Check the MIUI version in settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version)

Disable energy saving mode (can block widgets)-->

Method 2: Google Watch Widget (Universal Solution)

The most reliable method for all Xiaomi models is to use a widget from Google, which is included in the standard Android application package. This widget offers several styles of analog watches and synchronizes with system time.

  • 📱 Long pressing in the free place of the main screen → Widgets.
  • 🔍 In the search bar, type in Google (or scroll through the list to the Google App section).
  • ⏰ Find the Watch widget. 4×2 or Clock (size may vary).
  • 🖱️ Drag it to the screen and select Analog style in the settings.

Advantages of this method:

  • ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI (including POCO Launcher).
  • ✅ Automatically Updated via Google Play.
  • ✅ Supports dark theme and responsive design.

Disadvantage: The widget takes up more space than standard MIUI watches and does not integrate with branded features (e.g. Super Wallpapers).

💡

If the Google widget doesn’t show up, update the Google app in the Play Market or clear its cache in the settings (Settings → Apps → Google → Storage → Clear Cache).

Method 3: Third-party applications for analog watches

If the built-in solutions don't work, you can install specialized applications from Google Play. 10 popular utilities and chose the top-3 with the best balance of functionality and safety:

AnnexFeaturesConsReference
Clock Widget150+ dial styles, weather support, minimalist designAdvertising in the free version requires location permissionDownload
Digital Clock WidgetAnalog and digital widgets, transparency setting, support Always On DisplayPaid styles (from 50)₽), rare time-renewal bugsDownload
ChronusIntegration with Google Fit, customization of each element, widgets for AODComplex interface for beginners, high battery consumptionDownload

Before installing, check out the reviews from the past month - some apps may contain hidden ads or collect data. We recommend Clock Widget for most users due to the balance of features and stability.

⚠️ Note: Applications called "Xiaomi Clock" or "MIUI Analog Clock on Google Play is often fraudulent.Install only programs with a rating above 4.5 and downloads of 1 million or more.

Analog with arrows

Digital

Minimalistic (time only)

Weather + time

Another option-->

Method 4: Customization through MIUI Themes

The MIUI shell allows you to set themes that change the design of system applications, including clocks. Some themes include analog widgets, but you need to search for them purposefully.

  1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
  2. Go to the widget section. → The clock.
  3. In the search bar, enter the analog or arrow.
  4. Select your favorite theme and click Apply.
  5. Return to the home screen and add the watch widget through a long press.

Best Analog Watch Themes (According to Xiaomi Community):

  • 🎨 Minimal Analog – a transparent dial with thin arrows.
  • 🌌 Cosmic Clock - animated background with planets.
  • 🏛️ Classic Roman – Roman numerals and wooden texture.

Please note: Many topics require a subscription to MIUI Theme Store (from 100)₽/Free options often contain watermarks or limited functionality.

How to download themes for free?
Technically, you can download it. APK-Topics files from third-party sites (for example, XDA Developers, but this violates the terms of use MIUI and can lead to: - Blocking Xiaomi account - Loss of warranty - Viruses in pirated files We recommend official sources, even if they are paid.

Method 5: Manual creation of a widget through KWGT

For advanced users who want a unique design of the watch, the KWGT Kustom Widget Maker app is suitable. It allows you to create customized widgets from scratch or use ready-made templates.

  1. Install. KWGT from Google Play (cost) ~200₽).
  2. Download the analog watch template (for example, Analog Clock Pack in the Explore section of the app).
  3. Add the KWGT widget to the home screen (size 4×2 or 4×1).
  4. Select the downloaded template and adjust the colors, arrow size and background.
  5. Save the changes and apply the widget.

Advantages of KWGT:

  • 🎨 Complete design freedom (you can even add the Xiaomi logo to the dial).
  • 🔄 Automatic time update without lag.
  • 📱 Optimized for Always On Display (on supported models).

Disadvantages: a complex interface for beginners and a paid license. However, there are free.kwgt files with ready-made watches on the network, they can be imported through the Load Preset menu.

💡

KWGT is the only way to get a completely unique watch that doesn’t replicate the standard MIUI or Google styles.

Problem Solving: The clock doesn’t update or disappear

If the analog clock does not work properly after installation, check the following points:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The clock doesn't tell the time.The widget is not synchronized with the systemRestart your phone or reinstall the widget
Gunmen twitchingConflict with the energy-saving regimeAdd the watch app to exceptions (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization)
The watch disappeared after the updateResetting MIUI settingsRe-add the widget to the screen
Wrong time zoneNTP synchronization failureEnable automatic timing in Settings → Additional → Date and time

For devices with Always On Display (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K50 Ultra), analog watches may not be displayed off. This is a hardware limitation - AOD supports only digital formats.

⚠️ Warning: If after installing a third-party watch app, your phone starts to warm or discharge quickly, check it for viruses via Google Play Protect (Settings) → Google → Some “optimized” widgets contain hidden cryptocurrency mining.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the clock on Xiaomi

Can I put a watch with hands on the lock screen?
On most Xiaomi devices, the lock screen only supports digital watches, except for models with Always On Display (Xiaomi). 12T Pro, 13 Ultra), but there are only branded styles available. MIUI. This restriction can only be circumvented through KWGT with the right to root, which cancels the guarantee.
Why do the hands on the clock move in jerks?
This is a typical problem with activated power saving mode. Add the watch app to the exceptions (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps), and also disable the Adaptive Brightness feature for the widget. If the problem persists, try another app (e.g., Clock Widget instead of Chronus).
How to make your watch transparent?
The standard MIUI and Google widgets don't support transparency, you need KWGT or the Transparent Clock & Weather app, and you have Opacity in the settings of these utilities, which allows you to fit your watch to the wallpaper, and the optimal value is 70-80% so that the hands remain readable.
Can we change the color of the arrows?
The standard MIUI widget doesn't. Google has 3-4 color previews available. Use KWGT or Chronus (in the paid version) to customize your entire widget. Chronus can even give you a gradient for arrows or add a neon effect.
The clock goes off after it's rebooted. How do you fix it?
This is because the widget doesn't save state. Solutions: Set the widget fixed in the launcher settings (Settings → Home Screen → Secure widgets). Use Nova Launcher instead of the standard one - it saves the widget settings better. Check if the time settings are resetting as a whole (Settings → System → Date and Time → Autodetermination).