The display of the watch on the screen of Xiaomi smartphone is a basic feature that sometimes disappears after updates or resets. Depending on the version of MIUI (Android shell for Xiaomi devices) and the phone model, the ways to return time to the screen may differ. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from standard settings to hidden functions for advanced users.
The problem of not having a clock on a lock screen or desktop is often related to system widget errors, disabled resolutions or design theme conflicts. For example, after installing a custom theme from the Theme, the watch can “hide” under the graphics layer. We will look at solutions for all versions of MIUI – from MIUI 12 to the latest MIUI 15 (based on Android 14).
1. Standard method: lock screen settings
The easiest method is to check the time display settings in the lock screen menu, which works on 90% of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 11 and later.
Open Settings → Lock screen and find the "Lock screen style" section, where you can select one of the preset templates, most of which include a watch. If the option is not available, then your device uses a simplified version of MIUI for weak processors (for example, on Redmi 9A or POCO C31) - move to the next method.
- 📱 For MIUI 13-15: Slip on the cog icon in the upper right corner of the lock screen → Choose a style with a watch (for example, "Digital" or "Analogue").
- ⚙️ For MIUI 12 and below: Go to Settings → Lock screen → Additional settings → Watch and turn on slider.
- 🔄 If not: Try changing the topic to a standard one (see Topics). → My subjects. → Standard).
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A3 With pure Android, the path will be different: Settings → Security and lock screen → Lock screen settings → Clock and weather.
2. The clock widget on the desktop
If the watch is missing from the home screen, rather than the lock screen, the problem is solved by adding a widget. In MIUI, the watch widgets are built into the system app Watch (com.android.deskclock).
Instructions:
- Press and hold your finger on the free space of the desktop.
- In the bottom menu, select "Widgets".
- Scroll the list to the Watch block (icon with dial).
- Select a size (4×1, 4×2, or 2×2) and drag the widget to the screen.
If the widget doesn't appear in the list, the Watch app is disabled. Enable it in Settings → Apps → Application Management → Watch.
The "Clock" widget is available in the list|The "Clock" app is not disabled in the settings|There is a free space on the desktop (minimum) 4×1)|Phone is not in power saving mode (widgets may not be updated)-->
3.Reset launcher settings (if the clock has disappeared after the upgrade)
After major MIUI updates (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), the system launcher (com.miui.home) can reset the widget settings, causing the clock, weather, and other elements to disappear.
To put it back in place:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Louncher (or com.miui.home) and tap it.
- Select "Storage" → "Clean Data" (Do not "Clean Cache"!).
- Confirm action. The phone will reboot and the launcher settings will reset to factory.
⚠️ Warning: This method will remove all your widgets, desktop folders and icon order. Pre-take screenshots of app locations to quickly restore them.
MIUI 12 or lower |MIUI 13|MIUI 14|MIUI 15 (Android 14) |I don't know-->
Manual Enablement via ADB (for Advanced Users)
If the watch is not displayed due to a system failure, it can be forced to turn on via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or USB debugging enabled.
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
- Connect the phone to the PC, open the command line and type:
adb shell settings put global lock_screen_show_clock 1
adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_clock_style 0The first command includes the clock on the lock screen, the second sets the digital style (replace 0 by 1 for analog watches).
| ADB Team Team | Action. | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lock_screen_show_clock 1 | Turns on the clock on the lock screen | The value of 0 turns off |
| lock_screen_clock_style 0 | Digital time format | 1 - Analog clock |
| status_bar_clock 1 | Clock in the status bar | It doesn't work on all models. |
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
5. Problems with themes and design
A common culprit for the disappearance of watches is custom themes from the Themes store. Some themes overlap the system clock with their design or remove it altogether. For example, themes with animation or minimalist design often hide the time.
How to check:
- 🎨 Go to Settings. → Themes and select a standard theme ("Default" or "Select theme "MIUI").
- 🔍 If the watch appears, it's a problem in the theme. Try another one or edit the one you're currently using in the Theme Editor (not available on all devices).
- 🛠️ For the theme "Super Wallpaper" watches can blend in with the background. Change the color of the text in the wallpaper settings.
On some devices (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi Note 11 Pro+), theme can block the change in the style of the watch, in which case only resetting themes to standard ones will help.
💡
If you change themes frequently, back up your lock screen settings, using the Mi Mover app (built into MIUI) or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (root rights required).
6. Hidden settings for specific models
Some Xiaomi devices have unique time display features, such as:
- 📅 Series POCO F: B Settings → Lock screen → There is also the option "Show seconds" (only available on the POCO F3/F4/F5).
For devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO X5 Pro) is available Always-On Display, which shows the time even when the display is off. → Display. → Always-On Display. Note that this feature drains the battery on the 5-10% faster.
💡
On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 or Xiao) POCO F5) Always-On Display uses minimal energy thanks to Pixel Shift technology that prevents pixels from burning out.
7.If nothing worked: reset to factory settings
In the extreme case, when the watch does not appear in either way, you will be resetting to factory settings. This will delete all data from the device, so pre-backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup or Mi Cloud.
How to reset:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select "Erase all data."
- Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
- After the reboot, set the phone as new. The watch should appear automatically.
⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (e.g. Xiaomi for the Chinese market), a reset may result in a requirement to enter a Mi Account. Make sure to remember the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the phone.