Why Xiaomi Watches Are Lost and How to Fix It
Have you noticed that your Xiaomi lock screen or desktop suddenly disappears? This is a common problem that users face after upgrading MIUI to new versions (especially MIUI 14 or HyperOS), resetting or accidentally changing settings. 80% of the time is due to theme settings or system bugs, but sometimes the cause is a disabled widget or launcher failure.
In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to bring your watch back to the screen, from basic settings to hidden MIUI features. Importantly, the algorithm of actions may differ depending on the firmware version and smartphone model (for example, on the Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 13T, the paths to settings are slightly different). If you use custom firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS, some methods may not work – we’ll mention this too.
Before you start, check two things: 1 Make sure your smartphone has the current version of MIUI installed (go to Settings → About → Phone → MIUI Version). If an update is available, install it: new builds often fix time-based bugs. 2) Reboot your device. In 30% of cases, the clock returns after a normal reboot, especially if the problem is caused by a temporary failure of the com.android.systemui system process.
Method 1: Enabling the clock through the theme settings
The most common reason for the clock to disappear is a theme settings crash or accidental disabling of the MIUI time display, a method that works on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, including HyperOS.
Step instructions:
1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to My profile section (the person icon in the lower right corner).
3. Slip on the Lock screen settings (or Lock screen in older versions).
4. Find the Watch option on the lock screen and activate it.
If the item is not on the menu, try an alternative path: Settings → Lock screen → Additional settings → Hours.
In some firmware (e.g., on POCO F5), the option is hidden behind Lock Screen Style – select any style where the clock is displayed by default (e.g., Classic).
Themes app is open.
Switch to "Settings of the lock screen"
The option "Clock on the lock screen" is activated
Change the style of the lock screen-->
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the path to settings may be different. If you don't find a item, try searching through the Settings search box for lock hours".
Method 2: Adding a clock widget to the desktop
If the watch is missing from the desktop (rather than the lock screen), the problem lies in the launcher settings. MIUI uses the POCO Launcher or MIUI Launcher launcher by default, where the time widget can be turned off after updates.
How to get it back:
1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop.
2. In the bottom menu, select Widgets.
3. Find the Watch widget (usually in the Tools or Systems section).
4. Drag it to the desktop and adjust the size (e.g., 4×2 for large display).
If the widget is not listed:
Make sure the Watch system application is not disabled (check Settings → Applications → Application Management → Watch).
- Try resetting the launcher settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Your Launcher] → Storage → Clear the data. After that, all the icons on the desktop will be reset to a standard view!
| Xiaomi model | Type of launcher | Does the widget support the clock? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | MIUI Launcher | Yes (standard and analog) |
| POCO X5 Pro | POCO Launcher | Yes (digital only) |
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | MIUI Launcher | Yes (with Always-on support) |
| Redmi 10A | MIUI Launcher Lite | No (only through third-party launchers) |
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If the watch widget doesn't update the time, check the sync settings in Settings → Additional → Date and Time → Autodetermination. Disable and turn it back on.
Method 3: Resetting launcher settings and system applications
If previous methods failed, the problem could be in the cache of system applications or launcher settings, which helps in 60% of cases when the watch disappears after updating or installing a custom theme.
Step-by-step:
1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2.Look for the Launcher app (or MIUI Launcher/POCO Launcher).
3. Click Warehouse → Clear cache and Clear data.
4. Reboot the smartphone.
For a complete system reset (if the clock is missing after the update):
1. Go to Settings → About the phone.
2.Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
3. Go back to Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Find the option Reset MIUI settings and confirm the action.
Warning:
What if the reset didn't help?
Method 4: Always-on Display (AOD)
On Xiaomi flagship models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K60) the watch may disappear due to the disabled Always-on Display mode, in which case the time is displayed only when the screen is turned on or in AOD mode.
How to turn on the AOD:
1. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Always-on Display.
2. Activate the Always-on Display slider.
3. Select the display style (e.g. Digital Watch or Analog Watch).
4. Set up a schedule or leave the Always mode.
If the Always-on Display option is not available:
Make sure your model supports AOD (list: Xiaomi 12/13/14 series, Redmi K50/K60, POCO F4/F5 GT).
Check if the battery saving mode is turned off (in Settings → Battery → Battery Mode, select Balanced).
Update the firmware – in older versions of MIUI 12 AOD may not be available even on supported devices.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) permanent use AOD It can reduce battery life by 5 to 10 percent. If the battery goes down too fast, set a timetable for the battery to run out of power. AOD (for example, only at night).
Method 5: Manual editing of system files (for advanced ones)
If all previous methods failed, the problem could lie in corrupted system files that display time, which requires root rights or ADB, and is only suitable for advanced users.
Instructions via ADB:
1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and activate Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 taps → For developers → Debugging over USB).
2. Open the command line on the PC and type:
adb shell settings put global lock_screen_show_clock 13. Reset the device.
For devices with HyperOS, an additional command may be required:
adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_clock_style 00 is digital, 1 is analog.
If you have root, check the file /system/cust/prop/local.prop for the following lines:
ro.miui.has_real_blur=1If it is not available, add it manually and save the file (write rights are required to /system).
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Editing system files can cause your smartphone to run in an unstable way. Before you change, back up via TWRP or MIUI Backup!
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make common mistakes when trying to return a watch to the Xiaomi screen, and here are the most common ones and ways to avoid them:
- 🔄 Ignoring updates: Do not update the firmware, although the new version fixes the clock bug. Always check Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🎨 Install incompatible themes: Download themes from third-party sources that conflict with system settings. Use only official themes from the Topics App.
- 🔧 Reset without backup: Reset settings without saving data. Always backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
- ⚡ Disable system applications: Deactivate the Watch or Launcher application through settings. This can cause the time widget to disappear.
Another common problem is third-party launcher conflict, and if you're using a Nova Launcher, an Apex Launcher, or other alternatives, try temporarily returning a standard MIUI launcher and check if the watch is out.
1. Go to Settings → Applications → By default.
2. Select the default launcher and install the MIUI Launcher.