How to return the clock to the desktop Xiaomi Redmi 9: all working methods

The clock on your Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a common problem that users face after updating MIUI, resetting or accidentally removing the widget. Unlike newer models, where the watch widget is integrated into the system launcher, on the Redmi 9 (and other Xiaomi 2020-2021 budget devices), its restoration requires a special approach.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to return the watch to the screen, from basic settings to hidden MIUI 12/13/14 functions. It is important to understand that on Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot), the watch widget can behave differently than on the flagships of the Mi or POCO series. We have taken into account all the nuances of the firmware and will offer solutions even for cases where standard methods do not work.

Why did the clock from the desktop disappear?

Before you restore the widget, it is worthwhile to understand the reasons for its disappearance. On Xiaomi Redmi 9, this is usually due to:

  • 🔄 Update MIUI — After installing a new firmware version (for example, with MIUI 12.5 on MIUI (13) system widgets may be discarded.
  • 🧹 Clearing the launcher cache – when you delete the data of the com.miui.home application, all desktop settings are reset.
  • 📱 Change Launcher – If you’ve installed third-party shells (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher), the clock’s system widget may become unavailable.
  • ⚙️ Manual removal – accidentally dragging the widget into the cart or turning off in the settings.
  • 🛠️ System failure is rare, but it happens that after rebooting or discharging the battery to 0% widgets disappear.

There's also a feature on Redmi 9: if you're using Lite Mode, the watch widgets can be disabled by default, activated in special features settings and simplifies the interface by hiding some of the elements.

⚠️ Warning: If the watch is missing after resetting to factory settings, first check if the device is in Kids Mode.

Method 1: Recovery through desktop settings

The easiest method is to return the watch through standard launcher options, which works 80% of the time on Redmi 9 unless the widget has been removed at the system level.

Instructions:

  1. Press and hold the empty space on your desktop (not on the icon!).
  2. In the menu that appears, select "Widgets" (or Widgets if the interface is in English).
  3. Scroll down and find the Clock section, which on Redmi 9 can be called Analog Watch or Digital Watch.
  4. Press the widget and drag it to a free space on the screen.
  5. If the widget doesn’t appear in the list, try rebooting your phone – sometimes it helps to bring back hidden items.

If there are no clocks in the list of widgets, it means that they have been disabled at the system level, in which case move to Method 2.

Make sure there is free space on the screen | Check if the "Light version" mode is activated |Reboot your phone if the widget isn't displayed | Try changing the theme (sometimes it resets widgets)

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Method 2: Resetting the settings of the MIUI launcher

If the watch widget disappeared after cleaning the cache or updating, a launcher reset will help, and this method will not delete your data, but will return the standard location of icons and widgets.

How to drop the launcher:

  1. Open Settings → Applications (Apps).
  2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) Select "Show all apps" (Show all apps).
  3. Find the list "Launcher" or com.miui.home.
  4. Select Storage → Clear Data.
  5. Confirm the action. The phone will reboot, and the desktop will return to the factory settings along with the clock.

⚠️ Attention: After the launcher is reset, the location of the icons and folders will be reset.We recommend that you take a screenshot of the current desktop before the procedure to quickly restore order.

If this method didn’t work, the cause could be damage to the system files, in which case, try installing the clock through a third-party launcher.

Standard. MIUI|Nova Launcher|Apex Launcher|Other|I don't know what it is.-->

Method 3: Set the clock through a third-party launcher

If the clock's system widget doesn't recover, you can use alternative launchers that offer more customization options. Redmi 9 works well:

  • 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports watch widgets from Google and third-party developers.
  • 🔧 Apex Launcher – a lightweight launcher with flexible widget settings.
  • 🎨 Microsoft Launcher – Integrates with Windows and offers its own watch.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

  1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
  2. After installation, click Home and select Nova as the default launcher.
  3. Press and hold the blank space on the screen → “Widgets”.
  4. In the list, look for Google’s Clock or install an additional widget (like Chronus or Digital Clock Widget).
  5. Drag the widget onto the screen and adjust its size/style.

The advantage of this method is that you can choose any design of watches, from minimalistic digital to animated analog, but note that third-party widgets can drain the battery faster than system ones.

How to return a standard MIUI launcher after Nova?
To return to Xiaomi’s native launcher, open Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher and select com.miui.home. After that, all widgets, including the watch, will return to their original state (unless they were removed at the system level).

Method 4: Recovery through Date and Time Settings

Sometimes the clock disappears because of a time synchronization failure. On Redmi 9, this is especially true if you:

  • ⏱️ Use manual time setting (no automatic synchronization).
  • 🌍 You change time zones often.
  • 🔄 Updated firmware with the transition to a new version MIUI.

How to restore the clock through time settings:

  1. Open Settings → “Additional settings” → “Date & time”.
  2. Make sure that options are included: ✅ "Automatic Date and Time (Automatic Date and Time) ✅ "Automatic time zone (Automatic time zone)

If the options are disabled, turn them on and restart the phone.

After the reboot, check if the watch widget appears in the list of available watches.

If the clock never came, try to manually update the time:

  1. Turn off automatic synchronization.
  2. Click "Set time" and enter the current time manually.
  3. Go back to the desktop and check the widgets.

To avoid problems:

  1. Always back up your desktop before resetting your launcher (you can use Nova Launcher or Swift Backup).
  2. Do not install widgets from unverified sources – they may contain malicious code.
  3. Before updating MIUI, check the reviews on forums (such as 4PDA) – some firmware breaks widgets.

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If after all the manipulations, the watch never appeared, try changing the theme to Settings → Theme. Sometimes widgets are tied to a particular theme and disappear when it changes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I return the watch without resetting the settings?
Yes, in most cases, you just need to add a widget manually (Method 1) or reset a launcher (Method 2). Reset to factory settings is only required if the widget is removed at the system level.
Why did the MIUI update change the clock?
Xiaomi often changes the design of system widgets in newer versions of firmware. If you don't like the new style, install a third-party widget (like Chronus) or roll back to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot.
The clock comes, but it doesn't update the time. What do we do?
This is due to a sync failure: Check the date and time settings (Method 4) or install a Google Clock widget, and clearing the cache of the com.android.deskclock app will also help.
Can I transfer the clock to the lock screen?
On Redmi 9, the default watch is only displayed on the desktop. To add it to the lock screen, use apps like Always On. AMOLED (works even LCD-screens) or Lock Screen Widgets.
After the launcher was dropped, all the icons were gone.
If you haven’t backed up, you’ll have to manually restore the location of your icons. In the future, use Nova Launcher with Backup/Restore or Swift Backup to automatically save your settings.