How to set the time on Xiaomi devices: from smartphone to smart watch

Why it’s important to set the right time on Xiaomi

Incorrect date and time on Xiaomi devices can lead to app crashes, notification synchronization problems, and even security errors. For example, the wrong time prevents the update of applications through Google Play, blocks access to banking services and disrupts the work of the company. MIUI-functions such as "Sleep Mode" or "Screen Time".

Especially critical is the precise timing of smart devices such as Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch, where synchronization failures lead to misrepresentation of steps, sleep and training. Even on Mi TVs, the wrong time knocks down the airtime schedule and broadcast recording. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to adjust time, from automatic synchronization to manual adjustment through the engineering menu.

Method 1: Automatic synchronization through the network

The easiest and most recommended method is to enable automatic synchronization with NTP servers (Network Time Protocol), which guarantees accuracy up to milliseconds and works on all Xiaomi devices running MIUI or HyperOS.

To activate the function:

📱 Open the Settings. → Additionally. → Date and time
🔄 Switch the slider "Date and time Autodetermination" to the position "On.
🌍 Make sure your country is selected in the time zone (e.g. Moscow, GMT+3)
🔄 Activate the "Time Zone Auto-Detection" option (if available)

After that, the device will check the exact time every 24 hours over the Internet, if the sync does not work, check the connection to the network (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet) and try to restart the device.

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On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12), the automatic sync option may be hidden in the Settings menu → System → Advanced Settings → Date and time.

Method 2: Manually adjust date and time

If automatic sync is disabled or unavailable (for example, on devices without a sync) SIM-You can set the time manually, and this is a method that works for smartphones, tablets, even Mi TVs. TV.

Instructions for MIUI/HyperOS:

Go to Settings → Additional → Date and time
Turn off the "Date and Time Auto-Detection" option
Click on the “Set Date” field and select the current date in the calendar.
Select the time and use the dial to set the exact hours and minutes.
Save the changes with the "Ready" or "OK" button.

For the Mi Band 7/8 or Xiaomi Watch S3 smartwatch, manual adjustment is only available through the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for new models). In the app, go to the device profile → Settings → Date and time and turn off automatic sync.

Is Airplane Mode off?

Is there any access to the network (even if you don’t use automatic synchronization)?

Is the time zone chosen correctly?

Does the 12/24 hour format match your preferences?

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If standard methods do not work (for example, after resetting settings or firmware), you can use the engineering menu, which requires caution, since incorrect actions can disrupt the device.

Instructions for smartphones:

Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636###
In the menu that appears, select Phone Information
Scroll down to the "Set Time" block and click on it
Enter the date and time in the format YYYYMMDD.HHMMSS (for example, 20260515.143000 for May 15, 2026, 14:30:00)
Confirm the changes and restart the device

For Mi TVs, the engineering menu opens via the remote: Menu → Settings → Device → About the device → Click 5 times on “Version of the Software”.

In the menu that appears, find the “Time Settings” section and enter the settings manually.

What to do if the engineering menu does not open?

On some models (e.g. POCO F5), code #4636## can be blocked. Alternatively, use the MTK Engineering Mode app (available in the Play Market). Once installed, open the MTK Settings → Telephony → Network Info section and find the time synchronization option.

Method 4: Sync through your Mi Account

Xiaomi devices are tied to a Mi Account, which can automatically synchronize time between gadgets.This is useful if you have multiple devices (like a smartphone + smartwatch + TV) and you want everyone to have the same time.

How to turn on synchronization:

📱 On a smartphone: Settings → Xiaomi account → Synchronization of data → Enable the option "Date and time"
⌚ On a smartwatch: in the Mi Fitness app, go to the device profile → Settings → Synchronization with the phone
📺 On Mi. TV: Settings → Accounts and security → Xiaomi Account → Synchronization

If you sync your watch or TV with Mi Account, check the firmware version of the device. Some models (such as the Mi Band 6 with firmware below 1.0.6.14) have a bug that causes the watch to lag 1-2 minutes every day, and the solution is to update the firmware through the official app.

Method 5: Correction of synchronization errors

Sometimes, time on Xiaomi devices gets lost or doesn’t update despite the automatic sync enabled, and let’s look at typical problems and their solutions.

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
Time strays after reboot	Failure of the RTC module (real-time clock)	Update the firmware or reset the settings
The Mi Band clock is in a hurry/lagging	Time zones in the clock and smartphone	Synchronize time zone in the Mi Fitness app
Mi TV time is not updated	There is no connection to NTP-server	Check your network settings or specify an alternative. NTP-server (e.g. pool.ntp.org)
After the MIUI update, time dropped	Failure in the configuration file /system/etc/timezone	Set the time manually or reset via Fastboot

If none of the methods worked, try resetting your settings to factory settings. Before doing so, be sure to back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup.

Smartphone (Redmi, POCO, Mi)

Smart watches (Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch)

TV (Mi TV, Redmi TV)

Tablet (Mi Pad)

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Additional Tips for Accurate Synchronization

To avoid time issues on Xiaomi devices, follow these guidelines:

🔄 Regularly update the firmware in new versions MIUI HyperOS and Time Synchronization Errors.
📶 Use a stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi is preferable to a mobile network) for automatic synchronization.
⏳ If you travel frequently, turn on the “Time Zone Auto-Detection” option to avoid manual adjustments.
🔋 On smart watches, monitor the level of charge - with a discharge below 10%, time can be lost.

For owners. POCO-Smartphones: Some models (for example, POCO X6 Pro) has a separate option "Double clock" that allows you to display time in two time zones at the same time. → Screen. → Double watches.

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On devices with a MediaTek chip (e.g., Redmi) 12C) Automatic time synchronization may not work smoothly due to the hardware platform, in which case manual adjustment or alternatives are recommended. NTP-server.

Frequent questions about setting up time on Xiaomi

❓ Why is the Mi Band different from the phone by 1-2 minutes?

This is a well-known problem with old smartwatch firmware: Update your firmware through Mi Fitness or Zepp Life, and if you don't get any updates, try linking your watch to another smartphone and syncing it back.

❓ Can the format of time be changed (12/24 o'clock on Mi TV?

Yes, go to Settings → Preferences → Time format and select the option you want. On some models (e.g. Mi TV Q2), this option is hidden in the Settings menu → System → Regional settings.

❓ How to Slow Down Time on Xiaomi After a Failed Update?

If the MIUI update has lost time and is not configured, reset via Fastboot: Connect your phone to your PC and launch Fastboot. Enter the command: fastboot erase timezone Reboot the device and set the time again. This method is suitable for advanced users.

❓ Why not? POCO F5 time-off?

This may be due to the discharge of the RTC capacitor (responsible for saving time when power is turned off), the solution is to take the device to a service center to replace the chip or use the phone without completely turning off (reboot only).

❓ How to add a watch widget to the main screen MIUI?

Press and hold the empty space on the home screen → select “Widgets” → find the “Clock” widget and drag it to the screen. In the widget settings, you can choose the display format (analog/digital clock, with or without a date).

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If you fly to other countries frequently, install the ClockSync app from the Play Market. NTP-servers for accurate time synchronization in roaming.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader and custom firmware (such as LineageOS), automatic time synchronization may not work. In this case, use manual settings or install Network Time Fix module via Magisk.