How to set an alarm clock on Xiaomi: all the ways and hidden functions

The alarm clock on Xiaomi’s smartphone is not just a wake-up tool, but a whole ecosystem of features that can adapt to your daily routine. Unlike classic mechanical alarm clocks, it offers repetitive signals, smooth volume increase, integration with smart devices, and even sleep analysis. However, many users still face difficulties in setting up the first setup or are unaware of the hidden possibilities.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to set an alarm clock on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from the standard Watch app to alternative solutions like Google Clock or Sleep as Android. We will focus on common errors (for example, why the alarm doesn’t work in power saving mode) and life hacks for advanced users. If you want to not just wake up on time, but do it comfortably, read on.

Method 1: Standard application "Clock" on MIUI

The basic Watch app is preinstalled on all Xiaomi smartphones and offers a minimalist yet functional interface, its main advantage is deep integration with the system: the alarm clock will work even when the screen is turned off or in Do Not Disturb mode (unless configured otherwise).

To set the alarm:

  1. Open the “Clock” app** (icon with dial).
  2. Go to the tab "Alarm clock"** (the bell icon in the lower menu).
  3. Press the +** in the lower right corner.
  4. Set the time with the dial or enter manually.
  5. Set up a repetition (once, by day of the week or custom schedule).
  6. Choose the signal melody from the suggested ones or add your own through Other sounds.
  7. Activate the option “Smooth Volume Up”** to make the wake up softer.
  8. Save the alarm with the “Done” button.

Important: MIUI 14+ The function “Smart alarm clock” appeared**, which analyzes the phases of sleep through built-in sensors and selects the optimal time to wake up in a given interval (for example, ±15 minutes. To turn it on, go to the alarm settings. → Smart awakening.

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If the alarm doesn’t work, check the permissions of the Watch app in Settings → Apps → Permissions Management → Autostart. Autostart is a common cause of the problem.

Method 2: Google Clock is an alternative for users of Google services

Google Clock (or Google’s “Hours”) is a popular alternative to Xiaomi’s standard solution, offering a more modern design, sync with a Google account, and additional features like Sleep Mode with analytics.

Install an alarm clock in Google Clock:

  • 📱 Download the app from Google Play (unless it is preinstalled).
  • 🔔 Open Google Clock and go to the “Alarm clock” tab»**.
  • ➕ Press «+»** and set the time.
  • 🔄 Set up a repetition by selecting the days of the week or creating a custom schedule (e.g., Monday-Wednesday-Friday»).
  • 🎵 Select a tune from the Google library or download your own.
  • 🛌 Turn on the “Sleep Mode” option** to monitor rest quality (access to microphone for snoring analysis is required).

The advantage of Google Clock is cross-platform: alarm clocks sync between Android devices and can even be controlled through Google Assistant voice, for example, the phrase “OK, Google, set the alarm for 7:30” will work on Xiaomi, if the application is installed.

📊 What alarm clock app do you use?
Standard Xiaomi Watches
Google Clock
Sleep as Android
Other
I don't use an alarm clock on my phone.

Method 3: Advanced features – smart alarm clocks and Mi Band integration

If you use a Mi Band fitness bracelet or Xiaomi smartwatch, the alarm can be set to work on both devices at the same time, especially if the phone is lying far from the bed and the bracelet vibrates on the hand.

For synchronization:

  1. Make sure that the phone has Mi Fitness (or Zepp Life for new models) installed.
  2. Connect the Mi Band to your phone via Bluetooth.
  3. Open the Watch app** on Xiaomi and set up an alarm clock.
  4. In the alarm settings, activate the option “Sync with Mi Band”** (or similar depending on the version of MIUI).
  5. The bracelet will be notified of a new alarm clock - confirm it.

Also in the Mi Band there is a function "Smart alarm"**, which wakes you up in the REM phase (if you sleep with a bracelet).

  1. Open Mi Fitness → Device Profile → Alarm clock.
  2. Create an alarm and turn on the “Smart Awakening” option.
  3. Set an interval (e.g. 7:00-7:30) during which the bracelet will select the optimal time.
How does a smart awakening work?
The algorithm analyzes the movements of the arm during sleep (the accelerometer in the bracelet) and determines the REM sleep phase - waking up at this point is easier.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after setting the alarm clock correctly, Xiaomi may not work, and consider the most common causes and ways to eliminate them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The alarm clock doesn't ring.Auto-start for the Clock app is disabledGo to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Watches → Autostart and turn on
The signal's too quiet.Activated mode Do not disturb or limit volumeCheck Settings → Sound → Don’t Disturb → Exceptions and Add “Alarm clocks”
The alarm clock is triggered with a delayEnergy saving mode limits background activityTurn off battery optimization for the “Clock” in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization
The alarm clock's not working.Failure in repetition settingsRemove the alarm clock and recreate it, making sure the days of the week are correctly chosen.
The alarm clock is triggered at the wrong time.Unsynchronized time or time zoneCheck Settings → Additional → Date and Time → Autodetermination

A critical feature of MIUI is that if you use the "Second Space" (dual desktop) function, alarm clocks from one space won't be displayed in another. Make sure you set the alarm in the space where you plan to use it.

Make sure your phone is at least 30% charged | Check that Do Not Disturb mode does not block alarms | Turn off power saving mode overnight | Put your phone at arm's length-->

Hidden settings and life hacks

Few people know, but Xiaomi’s alarm clock has hidden features that can make waking up more comfortable.

  • 🎶 Castomic melodies: You can use any song from your phone's memory. When you create an alarm clock, select Other Sounds. → Add the file and indicate the path to MP3-file.
  • 🔕 Vibration. + sound: in the alarm settings, turn on the option “Vibration”** to duplicate the signal with a tactile response (it is useful if the phone is lying on a soft surface).
  • 🌙 Dark theme for the alarm clock: if you are blinded by the screen when you turn off the alarm clock, activate the dark mode in Settings → Screen. → Dark subject.
  • 🔄 Quick Shutdown: Twice press the screen during the beep to turn off the alarm without unlocking (does not work on all models).
  • 📊 Sleep statistics: If you have a Mi Band, wake data is automatically stored in Mi Fitness and you can analyze how the alarm clock affects your sleep.

Another lifehack for those who often sleep "sleeping": set up several alarm clocks at intervals of 5-10 minutes.

  • 7:00 – the first signal (quiet, with a smooth increase).
  • 7:05 – Second signal (louder, vibrating)
  • 7:10 – the third signal (maximum volume + flashing flashing flashing flashlight).

This approach helps to wake up without a sharp stress for the body.

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On Xiaomi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 13/14 The alarm can be set so that the screen flashes color when the signal is given. To do this, in the alarm settings, turn on the option "Screen lighting».

Alternative applications for alarm clocks

If standard solutions do not suit you, consider third-party applications with advanced functionality:

AnnexFeaturesCons
Sleep as AndroidSleep analysis, smart awakening, integration with Wear OS and Mi Band, wake-up tasks (e.g., solve an example)Paid version for full functionality, complex interface
AlarmyExtreme alarm clocks (only after scanning) QR-code or shaking of the phone, sleep statisticsAggressive notifications in the free version
TimelyBeautiful design, cloud synchronization, smooth awakening with the selection of music by genreNot updated since 2018, there may be bugs on new Android
AlarmyyMinimalist interface, support for tasks (e.g., drinking water after waking up), without advertisingLimited selection of tunes

If you choose Sleep as Android, look for Mi Band integration:

  1. Install the app and connect it to Mi Fitness via Settings → Devices → Mi Band.
  2. Activate the Smart Awakening option** and adjust the sensor sensitivity.
  3. In Mi Fitness, allow Sleep as Android to access sleep data.

Important: Some alternative alarm clocks (such as Alarmy) may conflict with MIUI system optimizations. If the app doesn't work, add it to the battery and autostart exceptions manually.

Alarm clock for specific Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi models have unique features in the operation of the alarm clock.

  • 📱 Xiaomi 13/14 Series: Supports Adaptive Awakening** - The alarm clock takes into account your sleep schedule for the last weeks and adjusts the signal time. → Adaptive functions.

For owners of Xiaomi Pad (tablets), there is a separate nuance: if the device is connected to the keyboard in DeX mode, the alarm may not work.

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On Xiaomi Black Shark (gaming smartphones), the alarm by default uses the game sound profile. To make the signal louder, turn off the Game Space mode for the night.

FAQ: Frequent questions about alarm clocks on Xiaomi

Can I set an alarm on a Xiaomi phone that is turned off?
No, the alarm only works when the phone is on, but you can use the Mi Band, which has its own alarm clock that goes off even if the phone is off, and set the alarm in the Mi Fitness app to do that.
Why does the alarm go off but the screen doesn’t turn on?
This is a known problem on some models with MIUI 13/14. Solution: Go to Settings → Screen → Lock and Protection → Additional. Turn off the option “Hide notifications on the lock screen”**. Check that in Settings → Battery → Optimization of the battery for the “Clock” application is selected “No restrictions”**.
How to make the alarm ring even if the phone is silent?
In MIUI, alarms ignore silent mode by default, but if it doesn't work: Open Clock** and go to alarm settings. Make sure the silent mode option is on. Check Settings → Sound → Don't Disturb → Exceptions and add alarm clocks.
Can I export/import alarm clocks when changing my phone?
The standard Watch app** doesn't support exports, but there are workarounds: Use Google Clock - it syncs alarm clocks to your Google account. Sleep as Android has a backup feature to Settings → Backup. Manually record the alarm clock time and transfer to a new phone.
Why does the alarm clock on the Mi Band vibrate and not on the phone?
This is because of a synchronization conflict. Solution: Open Mi Fitness and uninstall the alarm on the bracelet. Create a new alarm directly in the Watch app on your phone. Enable sync with Mi Band in the alarm settings. If the problem persists, reconnect the wristband to your phone.