How to put a clock on the desktop Xiaomi: instructions for MIUI 12-14

The Xiaomi home screen watch widget is not only a convenient way to keep track of the time, but also a personalization element of the smartphone. Many users face the problem: after updating MIUI or resetting the settings, the watch disappears from the desktop, and the standard ways to add them do not work. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of installing watches on the screens of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi (including models with MIUI 14 and HyperOS), and solve typical errors – from the lack of widgets on the menu to problems with time synchronization.

The feature of modern firmware versions is hidden widget settings that are not always obvious. For example, in MIUI 14 the algorithm for adding watches is different from MIUI 12, and on some devices (for example, POCO F5) the widget is disabled by default, we tested all methods on current models from 2023 to 2026 and collected working solutions, including circumventing restrictions for users with root rights.

If you want to not only return the watch, but also customize it, there's a section on customization: changing the size, the style of the dial, the color, and even adding a second hand. And for those who have encountered the "watches don't update" bug, we've prepared a separate instruction for resetting the time settings.

📊 What version? MIUI you have installed?
MIUI 12
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
HyperOS
I don't know.

1. Standard method: Add widgets through the menu

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI widget menu, which works on most devices, but there are nuances for different versions of the firmware.

To add a clock to your desktop:

  1. Touch and hold your finger on the empty seat of the main screen.
  2. At the bottom of the screen will appear panel – select the item Widgets (icon with squares).
  3. Scroll down to the Watch section (or Clock on English firmware).
  4. Press the icon of the watch and drag it to the desktop.

If the watch section is not on the list, it could mean:

  • 🔄 The widget is disabled in the system settings (relevant to POCO and some Redmis).
  • 📱 An outdated version MIUI — Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
  • 🛠️ Launcher Failure – Try resetting it (instruction below).

On MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the algorithm has changed a little: instead of a long list of widgets, only the recommended ones are now displayed. To see all the options available, click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner of the widget menu and select All widgets.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check the free space on the desktop (minimum 1 cell 2×2)

Make sure the launcher is not frozen in the developer settings

Reboot your smartphone if the widgets don’t show up-->

2. Alternative method: through launcher settings

If the standard method does not work, the watch widget can be activated through hidden launcher settings, which is suitable for devices where widgets are blocked by the manufacturer (for example, on some POCO models for the European market).

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Find the MIUI (or POCO Launcher) launcher in the list and tap it.
  3. Select Storage → Clear data (this will reset your desktop settings, but won’t delete applications).
  4. Reboot your smartphone and try adding the clock again through the widget menu.

If the widget never appeared after reset, try turning it on manually through Settings → Desktop → Widget settings. On some firmware, this item is hidden – to see it, you need to:

  1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in the phone settings).
  2. Return to Additional Settings → For developers and enable Show Hidden Settings.
What if the launcher reset didn’t help?
If cleaning the launcher data didn’t return the watch widget, the problem could be in the system files.In this case, it will help: 1. Installing an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) with support for widgets. 2. Manually copying the com.android.deskclock file from another firmware (requires root rights). 3. Recoil on the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot (risky, only for experienced users).

3. Use of third-party watch widgets

If the built-in watch is not available or not suitable for the design, you can install a side widget from Google Play.

  • ⏰ Clock Widget is a minimalist watch with font and color settings.
  • 🌈 UCCW (Ultimate Custom Clock Widget) is an advanced customization with script support.
  • 📱 Chronus is a weather, calendar and notification widget.
  • ⚙️ KWGT Kustom Widget Maker is a unique watch from scratch.

How to install a third-party widget:

  1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
  2. Hold your finger on the desktop → Widgets.
  3. Find the widget of the installed application (for example, Chronus 4×2) in the list.
  4. Drag it to the screen and set it up according to the instructions in the app.

Advantages of third-party widgets:

  • 🎨 More styles, from retro dials to futuristic animations.
  • 🔧 Flexible settings – size, transparency, date, weather display.
  • 🔄 Automatic change of theme depending on the time of day.

⚠️ Warning: Some widgets (e.g., KWGT) require a premium version to unlock all features. Check reviews before installing - some applications may contain ads or collect data.

4. Customization of the appearance of the watch

The built-in MIUI watch widget supports basic customization, to change its appearance:

  1. Add a widget to your desktop (as described in the first section).
  2. Slip by the clock and the settings menu will open.
  3. Select one of the suggested styles: 🕒 Analog - classic dial with arrows. 🕔 Digital - time in the format ChCh:MM or ChCh:MM:SS. 📅 With date - display of the day of the week and the number.

Colour

On models with AMOLED- screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60) it is recommended to choose dark widget themes - this reduces battery consumption.

For advanced settings (change font, add a second hand) you will need:

  • 🛠️ Root access and edit system files (/system/app/DeskClock/DeskClock.apk).
  • 📲 ADB- commands to unlock hidden options (example command below).
adb shell settings put global widget_clock_style 2

This command includes an alternative watch style (does not work on all firmware).

ParameterMeaningDescription
widget_clock_style0Standard digital format
widget_clock_style1Analog clock with hands
widget_clock_style2Digital watch with seconds
widget_clock_color#FFFFFFFFColor of text (HEX format)

💡

If after changing the style of the watch disappeared from the screen, restart the smartphone or update the widget, dragging it again.

5. Solving problems with displaying the clock

A frequent complaint of users is that the watch does not update or shows the wrong time.

Problem 1: The time on the widget does not match the system time.

  • 🔄 Check the time settings in Settings → Additional → Date and time.
  • 🌍 Make sure that Auto-Date and Time Detection is enabled and the correct Time Zone is selected.
  • 📶 If time is lost after rebooting, turn off Auto Sync and set the time manually.

Problem 2: The watch disappeared after the MIUI update.

  • 📥 Remove the widget from the screen and add it again.
  • 🔧 Reset the launcher settings (instructions in the second section).
  • 🛠️ If the problem persists, roll back to the previous firmware version via Fastboot.

Problem 3: The watch widget does not respond to pressing.

  • 🔋 Reboot your smartphone, it will reset the launcher's cache.
  • 🗑️ Clear the Cache of the Watch App in Settings → Apps.
  • 📦 Remove updates for the Watch app (if available).

⚠️ Warning: On some firmware (e.g., MIUI EU), the watch widget may conflict with battery optimization. To fix this, add the Watch app to the list with No Power Setting Restrictions.

6. Hidden functions of watch widgets in MIUI

Few people know, but the built-in MIUI watch widget has hidden features that are not documented.

1. Quick access to alarm clocks

Slap the watch widget, and the Watch app will open with the Alarms tab, and you can quickly add or turn off your alarm without looking for an icon on the menu.

2. Display of seconds

On most devices, the second hand (or seconds in digital format) is disabled by default.

  1. Add the widget to the screen.
  2. Slap it on and hold it for 3 seconds.
  3. In the menu that appears, select Show seconds (if you don't have the option, use the ADB- command from the 4 section).

3. Synchronization with world time

The widget can show time in different time zones:

  1. Open the app "World Clock" →.
  2. Add the right city.
  3. Return to the desktop, tap the widget and select Show World Time.

4. Animation when changing time

On MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the widget supports smooth animations as minutes change.

  1. Activate the developer mode (7 taps according to the MIUI version).
  2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
  3. Find the widget animation option and turn it on.

💡

Hidden widget features often depend on the MIUI version. If the option doesn't show, check firmware updates or use the ADB- commands to force it to turn on.

7.A clock on a locked screen

In addition to the desktop widgets, MIUI can configure the time display on the lock screen, which is convenient if you often check the time without unlocking your smartphone.

How to set up:

  1. Go to Settings → Lock screen.
  2. Choose the watch style.
  3. Scroll through the available options and tap on the one you like.
  4. Press the Color or Font to change the look.

Additional options:

  • 🔒 Show date - turn on lock screen settings.
  • 🌙 Night mode – the clock will automatically dim in the dark.
  • 📱 Double tap for sleep – Tap the clock twice to turn off the screen (configures to Settings → Additional → Gestures).

If the clock on the lock screen is not updated, check:

  • 🔄 Whether Autosynchronization time is enabled.
  • 🔋 Is the Watch app optimized in the battery settings?
  • 🛠️ Is there any conflict with established topics (try resetting the topic to standard).

FAQ: Frequent questions

Why did the MIUI update lose the desktop clock?
This is a well-known bug in MIUI 13-14 that resets the launcher settings. Solutions: Remove the widget and add it again. Clear the launcher data to Settings → Applications. Reverse to the previous firmware version if the problem is critical.
Can the size of the watch widgets be changed?
Yes, but the methods depend on the firmware: On MIUI 12-13: press the widget → select Change the size. On MIUI 14/HyperOS: use third-party launchers (e.g., Nova Launcher). With root rights: edit the widget_size.xml file in /system/priv-app/.
How to return the clock to the desktop after resetting the settings?
Once reset to the factory settings, the widgets disappear. To return the watch: Add the widget again through the widget menu. If the widget is not listed, update the firmware or install an alternative launcher. Check if the Watch app is disabled in Settings → Apps.
Why does the clock on the widget not show seconds?
By default, the second hand (or seconds in digital format) is turned off to save resources. To enable: On some firmware: tap on the widget → Settings → Show seconds. On MIUI 14: use ADB- command: adb shell settings put global widget_clock_show_seconds 1
Can I add a clock to my second desk?
Yes, the watch widget can be placed on any screen. To do this: Flick right/left to go to the desired desktop. Hold your finger in the free space → Widgets → drag the watch. If the screen does not allow you to add a widget, check the launcher settings (possibly a limit on the number of screens).