Watch widget on Xiaomi: how to add, configure and fix errors

The watch widget on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a design element, but a functional tool that shows the time, date and even weather in one place. Despite its apparent simplicity, many users face difficulties when adding it: the menu does not open, the widget disappears after the reboot, the style is displayed incorrectly. In this article, we will discuss all ways to install the watch widget on any Xiaomi models – from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14, and also tell you how to avoid typical mistakes.

The MIUI and the new HyperOS feature that the interface can vary depending on the firmware version and region. For example, on the European versions of the MIUI, the 14 widget is hidden in the "Additional" submenuum, and on the global ones it is available immediately. We took into account all the nuances and prepared a universal guide that will suit even the outdated models on MIUI 12. If you want to add a widget, but also customize it to your style, here you will find solutions for this.

Why the watch widget may not show up on Xiaomi

Before you go into installation, it is important to understand why the watch widget sometimes "disappears" or is not added.

  • 🔄 An outdated version MIUI/HyperOS: firmware 2021 Some widgets may be disabled by default.
  • 📱 No Xiaomi Launcher: If you use a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Apex), widgets MIUI may not work.
  • 🔧 Performance Limits: In Battery Settings, the widget can be locked to save energy.
  • 🌍 Regional restrictions: on some firmware for India or China, the watch widget is replaced by local counterparts.

If you're facing one of these problems, don't worry, because in the next sections, we'll tell you how to get around them. MIUI There is a way to include the widget through Settings → Annexes → Application management → System applications → Weather (Yes, the weather is responsible for the time display!).

📊 What kind of launcher are you using on Xiaomi?
Standard MIUI/HyperOS
Nova Launcher
Apex Launcher
Other
I don't know.

Method 1: Adding a widget through a standard menu

This is the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with current firmware versions.

  1. Click and hold the empty space on the home screen (not on the icon!).
  2. At the bottom of the screen will appear menu – select “Widgets” (or Widgets in English firmware).
  3. Scroll down to the Clock section (can be called Clock or Time & Weather).
  4. Choose your favorite widget style (e.g. Analog watch, Digital with date, or Weather + time).
  5. Click on the widget and drag it to a free space on the home screen.

If you don’t have a Watch section in your widget list, try updating the Weather app via Google Play or the App Store (for Chinese firmware, getApps).

Update the firmware to the latest version

Check the free space on the main screen

Make sure you use the standard MIUI launcher

Reboot your smartphone (if the widget is not displayed)

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Method 2: Alternative method through weather settings

On some devices (especially the Xiaomi Mi 10, Redmi Note 9 and older models), the watch widget is integrated into the Weather app.

  1. Open the Weather app (the sun and cloud icon).
  2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
  3. Find the Weather Widget or Display section on the home screen.
  4. Activate the Switch Show the clock in the widget.
  5. Return to the home screen and add the Weather widget, and now it will display the clock.

This method is particularly useful for MIUI 12 users, where the watch widget is often hidden inside the weather widget. If the watch doesn't appear after activation, try clearing the Weather app's cache:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Weather → Storage → Clean up the cache
What to do if the weather widget is not updated?
If you add a weather widget with the clock, the data is not updated (for example, the time or temperature has got stuck), follow the following steps: 1. Check the Internet connection (the widget requires network access to synchronize time). 2. Open the Weather app, wait for the data update and return to the home screen. 3. If the problem persists, reinstall the updates for the Weather app through the app store. 4. Reset the app settings (Settings → Apps → Weather → Resets).

Method 3: Using third-party watch widgets

If standard Xiaomi widgets do not suit you (for example, you want an animated watch or custom design), you can install third-party solutions.-3 tested applications:

AnnexFeaturesCompatibilityReference
ChronusCustomized dials, weather, calendar eventsMIUI 12+, HyperOSGoogle Play
Transparent ClockTransparent design, widgets for the lock screenAll versions of AndroidGoogle Play
UCCWCreating unique widgets from scratch (for advanced users)Requires Root for some functionsGoogle Play

To add a third-party widget:

  1. Install the application from the table above.
  2. Click and hold the free space on the main screen → Widgets.
  3. Find the widget of the installed application (for example, Chronus 4x2) in the list.
  4. Drag it to the screen and adjust the look through the app menu.

⚠️ Note: Some third-party widgets may conflict with Xiaomi's battery optimization. After installation, add the app to exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Find your widget. → Turn off optimization.

Customization of the appearance of the watch widget

The standard watch widget on Xiaomi supports basic customization. Here's what you can change:

  • 🎨 Dial style: analog, digital, minimalist.
  • 🌈 Color scheme: automatic (under the theme of the system) or manual (choice from the palette).
  • 📏 Size: 2×2, 4×1 or 4×2 (model).
  • 🌍 Time format: 12-hour or 24-hour.
  • 📅 Additional information: date, day of the week, weather.

To change the settings:

  1. Slip on the watch widget on the main screen.
  2. In the window that opens, select Settings (cog in the corner).
  3. Select the desired parameters and click Save.

On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70) the watch widget supports dynamic wallpaper: if you use live MIUI wallpaper, the dial will adjust to their color gamut automatically.

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If the watch widget is blurred, try resizing the home screen grid. To do this, click and hold the empty space → Screen Settings → Grid Size → Choose 5×6 or 4×5 for better display.

Solving the problems with the watch widget

Even after successful addition of the watch widget may not work properly. Consider typical problems and their solutions:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Widget doesn't update timeTime synchronization disabledInclude in Settings → System → Date and time → Autodetermination
The widget disappears after the rebootBackground restriction for the Weather appAdd "Weather" to battery exclusions (see the "Attention" block above)
The clock is not fully displayed.Conflict with wallpaper or themeChange the wallpaper to standard or reduce the size of the widget
No way to change styleAn outdated version of MIUIUpdate the firmware or use a third-party widget

If the watch widget is not added at all, try resetting the launcher settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear data

After that, the launcher will restart and the widgets will be available again.Warning: this operation will reset the location of the icons on the home screen!

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Before resetting the launcher, take a screenshot of the current location of the icons – this will save time for setting up after cleaning the data.

Watch widget on lock screen

Many users want to see the watch not only on the home screen, but also on the lock screen. In MIUI and HyperOS, this is set up separately:

  1. Go to Settings → Lock screen.
  2. Select the Lock screen style.
  3. Scroll down to the Watch section and tap on it.
  4. Choose one of the suggested styles (e.g. Digital, Analog, or Minimalist).
  5. Press Apply.

On Xiaomi AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K60 Pro) Animated watch styles are available, which save battery power by using dark pixels to activate them:

Settings → Lock screen → Additional settings → Animated clock

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware for China (CN ROM) The "Clock" section of the lock screen can be blocked, and to unlock it, you need to change the firmware region or install a global version. MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the watch widget on Xiaomi

Can I add a watch widget to Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS)?
On most custom firmware, the standard Xiaomi watch widget doesn't work, as it's tied to MIUI system applications (Weather, Theme Store). Solution: Install a third-party widget (e.g. Chronus or Another Widget). Use a widget-enabled launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher). If you want a MIUI watch, try migrating the system APK (MiuiClock.apk and MiuiWeather.apk) from the official firmware.
Why does the clock widget show the wrong time?
This problem is usually associated with time synchronization settings. Check: Is automatic synchronization enabled: Settings → System → Date and Time → Autodetermining Date and Time. Select the correct time zone (sometimes confused after a firmware update). Is there a conflict with ad blocking applications (such as AdGuard), which can block synchronization servers. If time is lost only in the widget and the status bar is displayed correctly, reinstall updates for the Weath app.
How to make the watch widget transparent?
The standard MIUI widget doesn’t support transparency, but there are workarounds: Use third-party widgets like Transparent Clock & Weather (there are background transparency settings). Set the theme with transparent elements from the Mi Theme Store (not all models). HyperOS allows you to turn on Transparent widgets in Settings → Screen → Additional settings.
The watch widget disappeared after the MIUI update.
Firmware updates sometimes reset widgets. Try: Add the widget again through the widget menu (see Method 1). Clear the launcher cache: Settings → Applications → Launcher → Clear the cache. If the widget is permanently missing, roll back to the previous firmware version or wait for the patch (usually the fixes come out within 1-2 weeks of the major update).
Can I add a watch widget to the second screen?
Yes, the watch widget can be placed on any of the main screens (including the second, third, etc.) for this: Swipe left/right to go to the desired screen. Press and hold the empty space → Widgets. Choose the watch widget and drag it to the vacant space. If the widget is not dragged to the second screen, check if the "Simple Screen" mode is enabled in the launcher settings.