Why You Need Two Time on Your Smartphone and How It Works at Xiaomi
Xiaomiβs current MIUI-based smartphones allow time to be displayed in two time zones at once β a feature that is indispensable for those who travel frequently, work with foreign colleagues or just want to be aware of time in another city. Unlike the standard display of local time, dual time zone shows both values simultaneously: on the home screen, in the notification panel and even on the lock screen.
But how exactly does it work? MIUI a flexible synchronization system is implemented, where the second time can be tied to a specific city (for example, Moscow). + New York City), or to an additional time zone (e.g, UTC+3 and UTC-5). The main time remains unchanged β it is determined automatically from the data of the mobile network or GPS, The second one is manually configured, and it's important to understand that the feature is not available on all models, it depends on the version. MIUI and regional firmware.
In this article, we will discuss:
- π§ How to Enable Second Time through Xiaomi Settings (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- π What models and versions MIUI function
- βοΈ Additional settings: widgets, lock screen, notifications
- β Frequent problems and their solutions (for example, why the second time is confused)
If youβve never used a dual time zone, you can customize it in 2-3 minutes after reading it β without root rights, third-party apps or complex manipulations.
Xiaomi models support dual time zone
The dual time zone feature appeared in MIUI 12 and is retained in all subsequent versions, including MIUI 14 and HyperOS. However, its availability depends not only on the shell version, but also on:
- π± Smartphone models: flagships (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi K60) middle-class devices (POCO X5, Redmi Note 12) Supports the function without limitations. Budget models (e.g. Redmi) A2) They may have a cut-down setting.
- π Regional Firmware: Global (Global) ROM) European (EEA) The function is stable on Chinese firmware (China) ROM) You may need to manually activate through the Developer Settings.
- π Software Updates: If your Xiaomi hasn't been updated in a long time, the feature may not be available. β The phone. β Updating the system.
Below is the compatibility table for popular models (data is current for 2026):
| Xiaomi model | Support for double time | Minimum version of MIUI | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14/13/12 | β Yes. | MIUI 12.5+ | Full support including widgets |
| Redmi K60/K50 | β Yes. | MIUI 13 | The second time is displayed in the notification panel |
| POCO F5/X5 | β Yes. | MIUI 14 | Requires manual setting in "Date and time" |
| Redmi Note 12/11 | β οΈ Partially. | MIUI 13.5 | No widgets, only in the settings |
| Redmi A2/10A | β No. | β | Budget models without function |
If your model is not in the table, check for the function experimentally: go to Settings β Additional β Date and Time. If the option "Dual time zone" is missing, you can try to activate it through ADB (instruction below).
π‘
On HyperOS smartphones (such as Xiaomi 14), the dual-time feature is integrated into the Clock system widget. It can be added to the main screen with a long tap in the free space β βWidgetsβ β βClockβ.
Step-by-step: how to turn on the second time on Xiaomi
The activation of the dual time zone takes less than a minute.
- Open Settings and go to Additional β Date and Time (on some models, the path may differ: System β Date and Time).
- Activate the Double Time Zone (or Second Time) switch. If you don't have an option, update your firmware.
- Select a second time zone: ποΈ Click on the "City" field and enter the name (e.g. London or Tokyo). β° Or select the belt manually (for example, UTC-8 for Los Angeles).
- Set up the display: π± On the main screen: add the watch widget (double time will be shown under the main screen). π On the lock screen: enable the option in Settings β Lock screen β Widgets.
After activation, the second time will appear:
- π In the notification panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
- π In calendar and alarm clock (when creating an event, you can choose a time zone).
- β±οΈ In timer and stopwatch (if supported by model).
βοΈ Double-time verification
If the second time does not appear after setting up, check:
- π Autosynchronization: The same date and time settings should include the option "Date and time autodetection".
- πΆ Connection: Without the Internet or mobile, the function may not work properly.
- π§ Updates: Some models require a reboot after activation.
What if there is no βDual Time Zoneβ option?
Additional settings: widgets, lock screen, notifications
Basic double-time activation is often not enough β for a function to be really user-friendly, it needs to be integrated into everyday smartphone use.
1. The Clock widget on the home screen
By default, the widget only shows the main time. To add a second one,
- Long click on the free space on the home screen β select "Widgets".
- Find the Watch widget (usually 4Γ2 or 2Γ2).
- Drag it to the screen and select a double-time style (e.g., Analog + Digital).
Lock screen
On MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the second time can be displayed on the lock screen:
- Go to Settings β Lock screen β Widgets.
- Enable the option of "Double Time Watch".
- Set the position (left/right of the main time).
3. Notifications and Quick Settings
The second time automatically appears in the notification bar, but it can be customized:
- π Display order: swipe down twice, click on the icon βοΈ β "Edit" β Drag the clock widget to the right place.
- π Time format: In the date and time settings, select the 12- or 24-hour format for both belts.
- π Alerts: A calendar or alarm clock can tie an event to a second time zone (for example, a New York City time reminder of a meeting).
On models with Always-On Display (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the second time will be displayed on the screen off β to do this, turn on the option in Settings β Screen β Always-On Display.
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On HyperOS (the new Xiaomi shell), the double time syncs with the Mi Account account, which means that when you change your device, the settings will be saved automatically.
Problem Solving: Second time is lost, not updated or missing
Even after setting up correctly, Xiaomi users sometimes encounter bugs. Consider typical problems and solutions:
1.The second time is not updated
If the clock is βfrozenβ on one value:
- π Enable automatic synchronization in Settings β Date and time.
- πΆ Check the Internet connection: without a network, time is not synchronized.
- βοΈ Reset the time settings: Go to Settings β System system β Reset settings. Select "Date and time reset".
2.The second time is lost after the reboot
This is a common problem on Chinese firmware (China ROM).
- π₯ Install a global firmware (Global) ROM) via Mi Flash Tool.
- π οΈ Use it. ADB for forced inclusion of the function (the command is given above in the spoiler).
- π Turn off battery optimization for the Clock system app: Go to Settings β Annexes β Application management β Select "Battery" β "No restrictions".
3. No Double Time Zone option in the settings
If the function is missing, the reasons may be as follows:
- π Outdated firmware: Update MIUI last-minute.
- π Regional restrictions: some firmware for India or China is disabled. ADB: adb shell settings put global region US
- π± Budget model: Redmi A-series and older devices are not supported.
β οΈ Note: If you use custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), double time may not work properly. MIUI Or install a third-party widget from Google Play.
Alternative methods: third-party applications and ADB-team
If Xiaomi's regular funds don't suit, you can use alternative methods.
- π± Devices without double time support MIUI.
- π§ Advanced users who need additional features (e.g. multiple time zones at the same time).
Third-party annexes
Google Play has a few proven solutions:
- π Dual Clock Widget: allows you to add a widget with two (or more) time zones to the main screen. Supports customization of fonts and colors.