You turned on the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone, and the usual watch from the home screen disappeared without a trace? This problem is familiar to many users of devices on MIUI — especially after updating the system, changing the wallpaper or installing a third-party launcher. 90% of cases are not to blame for the breakdown, but software failures or accidentally changed settings.
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. You’ll learn how to restore time without resetting your phone, why the watch can disappear after an upgrade, and what to do if standard methods don’t work. All instructions are relevant for Redmi Note 10/11/12/13, Redmi 9/10/12C and other smartphones on MIUI 12-14.
Before you start, check if the watch is only missing from the home screen or from the notification panel, if there is no time in the top curtain, the problem is deeper, and you need to diagnose system services, otherwise our methods will return the clock in 2-5 minutes.
1. Check the basic display settings
Start with the simplest: it may have been hidden through standard MIUI settings. In recent firmware versions, developers have added the option to disable widgets on the home screen, which is easy to activate accidentally.
Open Settings → Home screen. Scroll down to the "Widgets and Wallpaper" section and make sure the Show Watch (or System Widgets) switch is on. If you don't have an option, your version of MIUI uses a different method (see next section).
- 🔍 For MIUI 13/14: The path may look like settings. → Screen. → Home screen → Widgets.
- ⚙️ For older versions: look for themes → Settings of topics → Widgets.
- 📱 If the option is gray: this means that the watch is blocked by the current theme of the design (the solution is to change the theme).
Does it not help? Move to the next way, and often the problem is with the launcher settings.
2.Reset launcher settings (without data loss)
The MIUI launcher (the program responsible for displaying the main screen) can reset widgets after updates or crashes.
- Hold your finger on the empty spot on the main screen.
- Select Home Screen Settings (or Screen Settings).
- Find the option "Reset settings" or "Restore by default".
- Confirm the action – it will return the standard look of the screen without removing the applications.
Important: After reset, the watch will appear in the upper left corner. If it was elsewhere, drag it manually (clutch the widget and move it).
Make sure there are no important widgets on the screen (they will disappear)
Remember the location of frequently used applications
Check that theme sync is enabled (Settings → Themes → Sync)
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⚠️ Note: If the watch does not appear after the reset and there is no recovery option in the launcher settings, your Redmi uses a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Nova Launcher). POCO Launcher.In this case, move on to method 3.
Removal of third-party launcher (if installed)
Third-party launchers (such as Microsoft Launcher or Action Launcher) often conflict with MIUI system widgets. Even if you didn't install them knowingly, they could get on the phone along with other apps.
To check:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search bar, enter the launcher (or "launcher" in Russian).
- If there are apps in the list other than "Luncher MIUI" - delete them.
- Reboot your phone (power button → Reboot).
After the restart, the system launcher will recover and the watch should appear automatically. If not, move on to the next method.
How do I know which launcher is active?
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Watches are missing after MIUI update | Resetting launcher settings | Reset the launcher (mode 2) |
| The clock is on the second screen, but not on the main screen. | Widget error | Drag the clock manually |
| The clock disappeared after the theme change | Theme blocks system widgets | Replace the topic with a standard one |
| There is no “Show the clock” option in the settings | Third-party launcher installed | Remove the third-party launcher (mode 3) |
Recovery through Safe Mode
If the watch is missing after installing a new app or update, it may be the fault of third-party software, and Safe Mode only loads the phone with system services, which helps to identify the conflict.
How to get into Safe Mode on Redmi:
- Press the power button until the shutdown menu appears.
- Press and hold the option to turn off (or turn off power) until the request appears.
- Confirm the transition to safe mode.
After downloading, check if the watch has appeared. If so, the problem is in one of the installed applications. Delete recently added programs (especially launchers, widgets or optimizers). If the watch is still missing, the reasons are deeper (see method 5).
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Safe Mode has all third-party widgets disabled, and if the watch shows up, delete the apps one at a time, starting with the last ones installed until you find the culprit.
5. Reset all settings (last chance)
If the previous methods didn't work, you have to reset to the factory settings, which is a radical way, but it will return the clock 100% of the time. → Additionally. → Backup – otherwise you will lose photos, contacts and messages.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select Reset Settings (not to be confused with Erase All Data!).
- Enter your password (if required) and confirm.
- After restarting, reset the phone – the watch will appear on the home screen.
This method also solves problems with:
- 🔄 Hanging widgets after updating.
- 📱 The disappearance of app icons.
- ⚙️ Lack of operation of the launcher.
⚠️ Warning: If the watch disappears again after a few days, the problem is the firmware. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → Update the system or contact the service center.
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Resetting does not delete files (photos, videos, music), but erases application data, accounts, and personal settings. Always back up before the procedure!
6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)
In rare cases, the watch may not be displayed due to hardware limitations or deep system failures.
Installation of a third-party watch widget
If your system clock is not recovering, install an alternative from Google Play:
- 🕒 Chronus – customizable weather widget.
- ⏰ Digital Clock Widget – Minimalist Watch.
- 🌡️ Transparent Clock & Weather – Supported by MIUI.
After installation, add the widget to the screen: press the empty space → Widgets → choose the right one.
Verification of system file integrity
If the watch is lost after a failed update, the system files may have been damaged.
- Download the official firmware for your model.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down when turned on).
- Use the Mi Flash Tool to flash it (instructions on the official website).
Warning: Fastboot flashing deletes all data and can lock your phone if you do not do it correctly, and only use this method if you have tried everything else.