How to display the watch on the screen of the phone Xiaomi: all the ways and hidden settings

Do you want Xiaomi screen time to be displayed all the time, even in standby mode or on a locked display? Depending on the model and MIUI version (12 to 15), there are several ways available, from standard settings to hidden features. In this article, we will analyze all the options, including Always-On Display (AOD), desktop widgets, setting up the screensaver and even bypassing restrictions on budget models.

It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi smartphones support constant display of time. AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K60) function AOD, while the models with IPS-Matrices (e.g. Redmi Note 12) can only show the time when unlocked, and we’ll show you how to check your phone’s compatibility and activate the right options.

If you have a problem when your watch is lost after a MIUI update or reset, there is a solution in this article. Also, let’s look at how to adjust the display style (digital/analog), change the position on the screen, and even add a stopwatch or date. For owners of older models (Xiaomi Mi 9, Redmi Note 8), we will give alternative methods using third-party applications.

1. Method: Always-On Display (AOD) - Constant display of time

Always-On Display (AOD) — This is a feature where the screen of the smartphone shows the time, date and notifications in minimalist mode, even when the device is locked. AMOLED- or OLED-screens, as these technologies allow you to highlight individual pixels without significant battery consumption.

To activate AOD on Xiaomi:

Go to Settings → Screen → Always-On Display.
Turn on the Always-On switch.
Choose the display style: 🕒 Digital watches – classic format with time zone. ⏰ Analog Clock – Dial with Arrows. 📅 The clock + date - combined version. 🔋 The clock + Battery charge – useful for controlling the level of charge.

Set up a display schedule (for example, only at night or always).

If the menu doesn't have Always-On Display, your model doesn't support it, so move on to the next one.

📊 What kind of screen does your Xiaomi have?

AMOLED

IPS LCD

I don't know.

Other

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) function AOD It can automatically shut down when the battery is low (less than 15%). → Always-On → Allow low charge.

Xiaomi model	Support for AOD	Features
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro	✅ Yes.	Supports animations and color styles
Redmi Note 12 Pro+	✅ Yes.	Only black and white mode to save charge
POCO X5 Pro	✅ Yes.	Additional Styles with Notification Icons
Redmi Note 11	❌ No.	IPS-screen, alternatively - lock widget
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite	✅ Yes.	Restriction: only works with official firmware

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support Always-On Display, you can add a watch widget directly to the home screen, which works on all models, including budget models (Redmi 10A, POCO M5).

Instructions for adding a widget:

Press and hold your finger to the free space on the desktop.
In the menu that appears, select Widgets.
Scroll through the list to the Watch section (or Clock in English firmware).
Choose your preferred style: 🕐 Digital watches – a simple format with the ability to change size. ⏱️ The clock + Weather – a combo with temperature and forecast. 🌍 World time – displaying time in different time zones. ⏳ Stopwatch/Timer – for sports training or culinary purposes.

Drag the widget to the desktop and adjust its size.

To change the style of the widget, click on it and hold it for 2 seconds, the settings menu will appear. In some firmware (MIUI 14+), dynamic widgets are available that change color depending on the wallpaper.

Add a widget to your desktop |Select display style |Change the widget size |Check the data update-->

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 12 and below watch widgets can be reset periodically after the phone restarts. To fix this, update your firmware to the latest version or use a third-party app (such as Chronus or Digital Clock Widget).

3. Method: Set up screensaver (Daydream)

The Screen Screen Screen saver (or Daydream in the English version) allows you to display hours when the phone is connected to charging or in standby mode, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but only works when charging or in a docking station.

How to turn on the screensaver:

Open the settings → Screen → Screensaver.
Turn on the switch Show when charging.
Choose the style of the screensaver: 🕒 Watches – digital or analog format. 📷 Photo album – a clock over your photos. 🌌 Colored Waves – Animation with Time in the Corner.

Set up a start time (for example, after 30 seconds of inactivity).

This is convenient if you often leave your phone charging at night — the screen will show the time without draining the battery. AMOLED-In the case of screens, a permanent screensaver can cause pixels to burn out (burn-in effect").

💡

To reduce the risk of screen burnout, choose a screensaver with a dark background and light numbers, and also limit its time to 1-2 hours.

4. Method: The clock on the lock screen

By default, the lock screen Xiaomi displays time, but it can be adjusted: resize, add seconds or date. in some firmware (MIUI 13+) available additional styles, including animations.

How to set the clock on lock:

Go to Settings → Lock screen.
Choose the watch style.
Scroll through the available options: 🕜 Large numbers – convenient to view from afar. 🕣 Minimalist – small print with date. 🌈 Color – the numbers change color depending on the wallpaper. 🔢 With seconds - full format ChCh:MM:SS.

Showing the date

On some models (Xiaomi 12S Ultra, Redmi K40 Gaming) in the lock settings there is an additional item Double clock - it allows you to display time in two time zones at the same time.

How to return the old clock on the lock in MIUI 14?

In MIUI 14, the developers have changed the design of the watch on the lock screen. To return the classic look, install a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) and select the style of MIUI 12 in its settings. Or use the Classic Clock theme from the official theme store.

5. Method: Third-party applications for displaying time

If the standard methods are not suitable (for example, you have Xiaomi with the IPS-screenless AOD), You can install third-party apps, and they offer more features: customization of fonts, animations, weather displays, and even voice assistants (like voice-overs every hour).

Top.-5 clock-shower:

🔝 Always On AMOLED — mimic AOD On any screen, supports gestures.
⏰ Digital Clock Widget – flexible setting of sizes and colors for the widget.
🌐 Chronus – watches with weather, calendar and notifications.
🎨 Clockology – design styles with animation (paid).
🔋 Battery Clock Widget – watch with battery indicator.

Example of Always On AMOLED setup:

Download the app from Google Play.
Open it and grant permissions to Overlay over other applications.
Choose the style of the watch (e.g. Minimal Digital).
Activate the option to Show when the screen is off.
Set up brightness and timeout (recommended 5-10 seconds to save battery).

⚠️ Attention: Applications for simulation AOD on IPS-The screens consume a lot of battery, as the entire display is illuminated. To extend the autonomy, turn off the function manually or adjust the schedule (for example, only at night).

6. Method: Developer Mode and Hidden Settings

Xiaomi has hidden options that allow you to fine-tune the display of time, for example, in developer mode you can turn on a constant display of the clock in the status bar or change the time format (12/24 hours).

How to activate the developer mode and set the clock:

Go to Settings. → The phone.
Click 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer!
Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
Find options related to time: 🕒 Time format – switching between 12 and 24 hours. 🔄 Auto-update time – forced synchronization with the network. 📱 Showing the watch in status – displaying the time even in full-screen applications.

On some models (Xiaomi) 11T, POCO F4) In Developer Mode, Options Available force_show_clock, which forcibly turns on the clock on the lock screen, even if it is hidden by the theme.

💡

The developer mode allows you to fine-tune the display of time, but change some parameters (for example, force_show_clock) It can cause interface failures. Before experimenting, back up your settings.

7. Problem Solving: The watch is not displayed or reset

If the time on the Xiaomi screen is lost or is displayed incorrectly, the reasons may be as follows:

🔄 Sync failure – the phone does not update time from the network.
📱 Firmware error - after updating MIUI squash.
🔋 Battery savings – the system shuts down AOD low-charge.
🎨 Theme conflict – the theme overlays the standard clock.

How to fix it:

Update the time manually: Settings → System → Date and time → Synchronize
Reset screen settings: Settings → Screen → Reset screen settings
Turn off battery optimization for watch applications: Settings → Applications → App management → Watches → Battery → No restrictions
Remove the System UI app cache: Settings → Apps → All applications → System UI → Memory → Clear the cache

If the problem persists, try changing the theme to a standard one or resetting your phone (pre-saving data).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the watch on Xiaomi

❓ Why Xiaomi doesn’t have the Always-On Display feature?

Function AOD available only in models with AMOLED- or OLED-If you have screens. IPS-a matrix (e.g., in Redmi Note 10 or POCO M4 Pro, use widgets or third-party apps. Check the screen type in the phone specifications on the official Xiaomi website.

❓ How to make the clock on the lock show seconds?

In most MIUI firmware, the display of seconds on the lock screen is disabled by default. To enable it: Install a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher). Or use the Chronus widget with an HH:MM:SS format setting. On some models (Xiaomi 13), seconds appear if you select the Digital watch style with a date.

❓ Can you put the watch on the screen without battery consumption?

Nana AMOLED-The battery consumption is minimal in the screens, because only the pixels of the watch are illuminated. IPS-Any permanent display of the battery will land heavily on the screens. AOD Set a timer to shut down (for example, 23:00 to 7:00) Select a black background and white digits to save energy.

❓ Why After Updating MIUI The screen clock is off?

For major updates (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), theme and widget settings are reset. To return the watch: Reinstall the clock widget on your desktop. Reset the AOD settings to Settings → Screen. If the style of the watch has changed, select it again in the lock settings.

❓ How to add a clock to the call screen (during a call)?

MIUI doesn't have a built-in option to display time on the call screen. But you can use a workaround: Install the Call Screen Clock app from Google Play. Give it permission to Overlay over other apps. Set the position and size of the clock on the call screen. Note that this third-party solution may conflict with some versions of MIUI.