How to turn on the alarm clock on the Xiaomi smartphone: all ways and life hacks

Waking up the alarm clock on a Xiaomi smartphone seems like a simple task — until you encounter the non-obvious settings of MIUI or features of a particular model. Unlike the “naked” Android, Xiaomi firmware offers advanced features: repeating alarms, adaptive volume, integration with Google Assistant and even alarms by location. But where to find these options? Why does the alarm not work in “Do Not Disturb” mode? And how to adjust the vibration so that it wakes up, but does not scare?

In this article, we have 4 proven ways to set an alarm on Redmi, POCO or Mi, including hidden MIUI 14/15 chips. Let's take a look at the standard Watch app, Google Clock, voice commands and even automation through Automation in Settings. And also the feature compatibility table for different models and answers to frequent questions about why the alarm clock doesn't work.

Method 1: Standard application "Clock" in MIUI

The basic method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, from the budget Redmi 10A to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. The Watch app is preinstalled and does not require a download from the Play Market.

  1. Open the Clock app (an icon with a dial on the home screen or in the app menu).
  2. Go to the Alarming Signal tab (bell icon in the bottom menu).
  3. Press + in the lower right corner to create a new alarm clock.
  4. Set the time with the dial or enter manually.
  5. Set up additional settings (repeat, melody, vibration) and save.

An important nuance: in MIUI 14/15, the default alarms do not work if the phone is turned off or discharged to 0%. To avoid this, activate the option to Wake up when the screen is off in the alarm settings (not available on all models).

☑️ Setting the alarm clock in MIUI

Done: 0 / 6

If you have a POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12, check out the Smart Alarm (available in some regions) function, which analyzes sleep phases through built-in sensors and determines the optimal time to wake up at a given interval (for example, ±15 minutes) to turn it on:

  1. Open the alarm. → press three points (⋮) top-corner.
  2. Select the alarm clock settings → Smart alarm clock.
  3. Activate the switch and set the interval.

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If the alarm doesn’t work, check if it’s added to the Do Not Disturb mode exception list. Go to Settings → Notifications → Do Not Disturb → Exceptions and add the Watch app.

Method 2: Google Clock is an alternative for Xiaomi owners

The Google Clock app (or Google’s “Hours”) is often installed by default on Xiaomi smartphones with Google services.

  • 🔄 Synchronize alarm clocks between devices via Google account.
  • 🎵 More variations of tunes, including nature sounds.
  • 📊 Sleep statistics (using the function "Sleep Tracking»).
  • 🗣️ Voice control via Google Assistant.

To set an alarm through Google Clock:

  1. Open the app (if not, download it from the Play Market).
  2. Go to the Alarm tab.
  3. Press + and set the time.
  4. Set up the repetition, sound and vibration. Pay attention to the option Gradual Volume Up, which will help you wake up without any stress.

A critical difference from the standard MIUI app: Google Clock can work even when the phone is turned off (if supported by hardware), but you need to turn on the “Alarm clock with power off” option in the application settings.

FunctionStandard Watch (MIUI)Google Clock
Synchronization with the account❌ No.✅ Yes, Google)
Smart alarm clock (by sleep phases)✅ Yes, on some models)✅ Yes (via Sleep Tracking")
Working with the phone off❌ No (except for individual models)⚠️ Depends on the model.
Voice control❌ No.✅ Yes (via Assistant)
Customizable tunes✅ Yes, limited choice)✅ Yes (including downloading your own)
📊 What alarm clock app do you use?
Standard MIUI Watches
Google Clock
Other (specify in the comments)
I don't use an alarm clock on my phone.

Method 3: Voice activation of the alarm clock

If you prefer to control your phone by voice, the alarm on Xiaomi can be set through Google Assistant or Alice (for Russian firmware).

  • 🗣️ For Google Assistant: Okay Google, set the alarm for 7:30 OK Google, wake me up tomorrow at 6am OK Google, set a repeat alarm for 8:00 on weekdays
  • 🗣️ Alice, set the alarm for tomorrow at 7:00 Alice, wake me up in 20 minutes

Important: for voice commands to work, the phone must be unlocked (not in sleep mode), and the microphone must not be silenced.

  1. Is Google Assistant enabled (Settings → Google → Assistant settings)
  2. Is permission given to use the microphone (Settings → Applications → Permissions → Microphone)
  3. Is voice input disabled in battery saving mode?
How to change the voice of the alarm clock assistant?
In Google Assistant, you can select a different voice in the settings: open the Assistant application → your profile → Settings → Assistant → Voice Assistant. For Alice, the voice changes in her settings on Yandex servers.

On the POCO X5 Pro and the new Redmi models, voice commands work even when the screen is locked, as long as the OK Google option is enabled at any time (Settings → Google → Voice Settings → Voice Match).

Method 4: Automation of alarm clocks through “Automation” in MIUI

For advanced users: MIUI 12 and later has a built-in Automation tool that allows you to create alarm clocks with additional conditions.

  • 🔊 Automatically turn on music from Spotify when alarm is triggered.
  • ☕ Starting the coffee maker (if connected to the Mi Home).
  • 📱 Send notifications to the Mi Band smartwatch.

How to set it up:

  1. Go to Settings → Automation (on some models, the path: Settings → Additional → Automation).
  2. Click Create → Select an alarm clock as a trigger.
  3. Set time and days for repetition.
  4. Add actions (e.g. Play music or Send notifications).
  5. Keep the rule.

Example of automation for a smooth awakening:

Trigger: Alarm clock at 7:00 on weekdays


Action:




1. set the volume to 30% (so as not to be frightened)




2. Play the playlist "Morning Motivation" on Spotify




3. Turn on Xiaomi smart lamp at 50% brightness




4.In 10 minutes, increase the volume to 100%

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Alarm clock automation is only available on smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, and on older versions (MIUI 11 and below), this feature is replaced by Quick Commands, but with limited features.

Why Xiaomi’s alarm clock doesn’t work: 7 reasons and solutions

Even a properly tuned alarm clock may not work, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

  1. Do Not Disturb Mode: Check if the Watch app has been added to exceptions. Way: Settings → Notifications → Do Not Disturb → Exceptions → Alarm clocks.
  2. Battery Optimization: MIUI aggressively closes the background processes. Add Watch to the list of protected applications: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Watches → Do Not Optimize.
  3. Low battery charge: On most models, the alarm won't work if the charge is below 5%.Plug the phone to charge before bedtime.
  4. System time failure: If time on your phone is lost, sync it automatically: Settings → Additional → Date and time → Autodetermination.
  5. Conflict with other applications: Some battery-saving software (such as Greenify) can block alarm clocks.
  6. Hardware constraints: On the Redmi 9A and other budget models, the alarm won't work if the phone is off.
  7. Firmware error: If the problem recurs after the MIUI update, try resetting the Clock app settings: Settings → Apps → App management → Watch → Storage → Clear data.

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To check if the alarm is working, set it 1-2 minutes ahead and wait for it to go off. If there is no sound, but the screen is lighting up, the problem is in the volume settings or the speaker.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 11 Lite), the alarm will not work if the phone is connected to charging via a phone. USB-No data hub. Use the original cable or wireless charging.

Hidden Alarm Chips on Xiaomi

MIUI offers a few non-obvious features that many are unaware of:

  • 🔕 Location alarm: You can set the wake up when you approach a certain point (for example, work.
  • 🎶 Musical alarm clocks: Instead of standard tunes, you can use tracks from Mi Music or Spotify. → Music.
  • 📱 Alarm clock on smartwatches: If you have a Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch, the alarm can be synced with them through the Mi Fitness app.
  • 🌙 Adaptive backlight: On Xiaomi 13 and newer, the screen gradually brightens 30 minutes before the alarm clock, simulating the dawn.

For models with AMOLED-screens (e.g., screens, POCO F4 GT) You can use Always-on Display to display the time before the alarm clock:

  1. Go to Settings → Screen → Always-on Display.
  2. Choose a style with an alarm clock.
  3. Activate the option to Show before the alarm goes off.

FAQ: Frequent questions about alarm clocks on Xiaomi

Can I set an alarm on a Xiaomi phone that is turned off?
On most models, no. Exception: some flagships (e.g., Xiaomi 12S Ultra) support this feature via Google Clock, if the Alarm clock option is turned on when the power is off, however, for this the phone must be connected to charging.
How to make the alarm alarm work in the “Do not disturb” mode?
Add the Watch app to exceptions: Go to Settings → Notifications → Don’t Disturb. Select Exceptions → Alarms. Make sure the switch is active. For Google Clock, also check the settings in the app itself: Settings → Alarms → Skip Do Not Disturb.
Why is the alarm clock silently playing, even though the volume is at its maximum?
In MIUI, the alarm clock volume is set separately from the media and the calls. To change it: When the alarm goes off, press the volume button. The slider appears, set the desired level. Or set the Settings → Sound → The alarm clock volume in advance. Also check if the Quiet alarm is on in the Clock settings.
How to change alarm clocks when changing Xiaomi phone?
If you've used Google Clock, alarm clocks automatically sync to your Google account when you sign in on a new device. For the standard MIUI app: Back up via Settings → About Phone → Backup. Restore data on your new smartphone by selecting an alarm clock backup. Alternatively, export alarm clocks manually through apps like Alarm Clock Xtreme (supports import/export settings).
Can I set an alarm clock for a particular song?
Yes, but the methods depend on the application: In Google Clock: when you create an alarm clock, select Sound → Music and specify a track from the phone's memory. In the standard MIUI Watch, the option is only available for tunes from Mi Music. To add your song: Place the file in the Ringtones or Alarms folder on the internal storage. When you select the alarm clock sound, it will appear in the list.