How to return the Watch widget to Xiaomi: 5 working ways (MIUI 12-14)

The Xiaomi watch widget is one of the most popular desktop elements, but sometimes it disappears after updating the MIUI, resetting or accidentally removing. Users often face a problem: the screen has become empty, and the time has to be checked only in the notification curtain or through the Clock app. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to return the widget to place, from standard settings to alternative solutions for Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi flagship models 13/14.

The reasons for the widget’s disappearance can range from a firmware bug to manual removal by the user. For example, after upgrading to MIUI 14, some owners of Xiaomi 12T and Redmi Note 11 complained about automatic widget hiding. We tested all methods on current versions of software and collected only working solutions — without unnecessary manipulation of ADB or root rights.

Why did the Xiaomi clock go missing?

Before you restore the widget, it's important to understand why it disappeared.

• 🔄 Update MIUI: After installing a new firmware version (for example, with MIUI 13 by 14) the system can reset desktop settings, including widgets.
• 🧹 Clearing the launcher cache: Forced data clearing of the com.miui.home app (standard launcher Xiaomi) leads to the removal of all widgets.
• 👆 Accidental Deletion: Long-term clicking on the widget and selecting the “Delete” option is a frequent user error.
• 📱 Reset: After hard reset or return to factory settings, all widgets disappear.
• 🔧 Topics conflict: Installing a custom theme from the Mi Theme Store sometimes breaks the display of standard widgets.

If the watch is missing after the update, try to restart the smartphone first, which solves the problem in 30% of cases.

Method 1: Adding a widget through a standard launcher

The easiest method is to return the watch through the widget menu.It works on all Xiaomi models with MIUI 12-14, including the POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

1. Press and hold the empty space on your desktop (not on the icon!).
2. In the menu that appears, select “Widgets” (or “Widgets” in English firmware).
3. Scroll down the list and find the “Clock” section.
4. Choose your preferred display style (analog, digital, weather, etc.).
5. Drag the widget to the desktop while holding your finger.

If the widget list does not include the Watch section, then the com.android.deskclock app is disabled or removed.

Method 2: Enabling the Clock system application

Sometimes the widget disappears because the watch app itself (com.android.deskclock) is disabled in the settings, which can happen after the system is optimized or manually disabled by the user.

To check and turn it on:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Show all apps."
3. In the search box, type “Clock” (or “Clock”).
4. If the application is disabled, click "Enable".
5. Return to your desktop and try adding the widget again (see Method 1).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) The Watch app can be replaced with Google Clock, in which case the widget is added via the Google widget menu.

Method 3: Resetting the launcher settings

If the watch widget does not appear in the add-on menu, but the Watch app is enabled, the problem may be a failure of the MIUI launcher. Resetting its settings will return the standard desktop configuration.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Louncher app (or com.miui.home).
3. Select "Storage» → «Clear the data».
4. Confirm action. Once reset, all icons and widgets on the desktop will return to factory settings.
5. Reboot your phone and add the watch widget again.

This method also helps if the desktop has “broken” widgets (gray squares instead of time) or the launcher started to slow down.

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Before resetting the launcher, take a screenshot of the current location of the icons - this will help to quickly restore the usual order after cleaning.

Method 4: Using a third-party launcher

If standard methods don’t work, you can install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) that supports watch widgets from Google or third-party developers.

The following is a step-by-step instruction for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Click Home and select Nova Launcher as the default launcher.
3. Press and hold your finger on the desktop → “Widgets”.
4. In the list, look for a “Google Clock” (or other set alarm clock).
5. Select a style and drag the widget to the screen.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🎨 More styles of widgets (including animated watches).
• 🔧 Flexible size and transparency setting.
• 📱 It works even if the system app “Clock” is removed.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) when using a third-party launcher, navigation gestures may disappear. In this case, return the standard launcher in the System settings → Gestures → Default launcher.

Method 5: Manual recovery through ADB (for advanced)

If the watch widget is missing after removing the system application (for example, through ADB or debloater), it can only be returned by re-installation. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and knowledge of ADB commands.

Instructions:

1. Download ADB Tools and connect your phone to your PC in USB debugging mode.
2. Open the command line in the adb folder and execute: adb shell pm install-existing com.android.deskclock
3. If the command didn’t work, download the APK of the Watch app for your version of MIUI and install it via: adb install deskclock.apk
4. Restart the phone and add the widget in the standard way.

This method is suitable for users who have previously removed system applications. If you are not sure about your actions, you should use a third-party launcher.

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The use of ADB is an extreme method. Wrong commands can cause a system to crash. If you're not sure, skip it.

Comparison of methods of recovery of watch widget

FAQ: Frequent questions about the watch widget on Xiaomi