The modern smartphone is not only a means of communication, but also the main source of information about the current time. For users of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices, the MIUI or HyperOS interface offers flexible options for personalizing the display of watches. However, it often happens that after a system update or reset, the usual widget disappears or the format of time ceases to suit the owner.
The absence of a dial on a locked screen can be uncomfortable, causing you to unlock the device every time to find out what time it is. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways to bring time to the screen, adjust its appearance and solve common problems with the disappearance of widgets. You will learn to change styles, add seconds and even set third-party dials for maximum convenience.
It’s worth noting that the layout of interface elements may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system. We’ll look at the current algorithms for most models released in recent years. Properly configuring the lock screen is the first step to personalizing your gadget.
Basic time and date setting in the system
Before you start changing the look of the watch, you need to make sure that the system settings are correct. If the device is set incorrect time or selected an incorrect time zone, the widgets will display incorrect information. To correct this situation, go to the Settings menu → Additional settings → Date and time.
It is recommended to activate automatic synchronization, which ensures that your device receives accurate time from a network operator or over the Internet. Enabling this option eliminates the need for manual translation of arrows when switching to summer or winter time, as well as when traveling.
- 🕒 Autosetting: Use the “Use Network Time” switch for instant synchronization.
- 🌍 Time zone: make sure that the right region is chosen to offset the relative UTC faithful.
- 📅 Date format: in the same menu you can choose the order of display of the day, month and year.
⚠️ Note: If you turn off automatic sync, some applications (such as instant messengers or bank clients) may not work properly due to time out-of-synchronization with the server.
Once you've checked the system parameters, you can go to the visual part, and it's the accuracy of the system time that determines the alarm clock and the task scheduler, and don't ignore this stage if you notice the widgets' strange behavior.
Setting the style of the clock on the lock screen
The MIUI and HyperOS interface allows you to change not only the numbers, but also the font, color and location of elements on the locked screen. You do not need to install third-party programs. Go to Settings → Lock Screen (or Always On Screen and Lock Screen).
In the menu that opens, you'll find "Clock style" or "Clock shape," and clicking on it will offer a few preset design options, and you can choose a minimalist digital style, a classic analog dial, or large bold fonts for a better view.
Some smartphone models support AOD (Always On Display) function. If your screen supports this technology, you can adjust the display of time even when the phone is in sleep mode, which saves time and adds premium to the device.
- 🎨 Selection of theme: in the theme store you can download special designs that change the look of the watch radically.
- 🔋 Power consumption: bright and complex widgets can consume battery life faster.
- 👆 Interactivity: Some styles allow you to interact with the widget without unlocking.
⚠️ Note: When using Always On Display on AMOLED-screens are recommended to enable the “Schedule” or “When lifting” mode to avoid the risk of pixel burnout when a static image is displayed.
Changing style is an easy way to refresh the device's perception: experiment with different fonts to find a balance between aesthetics and readability.
Adding the clock widget to the desktop
If you don’t have enough time on the locked screen, or you want to see it immediately after unlocking, you need to add a widget to the home screen. To do this, swipe on the desktop or pinch the screen with two fingers to go into editing mode.
From the bottom menu, select "Widgets" (or "Add"). From the list that opens, find the "Clock" category. The system will offer a variety of options, from simple digital indicators to complex compositions with weather and calendar. Choose the right one and drag it to a vacant place.
☑️ Widget check
Once you have placed the widget, you can often edit it. Press and hold the widget, then select "Widget Settings" (if available). Here you can change the city to display second time, turn on seconds, or change the color of the numbers according to the desktop wallpaper.
If you have a high-density screen, you may have to remove the unnecessary shortcuts to your application, and using widgets properly makes the interface more informative and user-friendly.
Using the “Themes” application for customization
The standard feature set is sometimes limited. Themes app store, pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones, offers thousands of design options, including unique lock screens, the most powerful tool for anyone looking to stand out.
Open the Themes app and go to Lock Screen, where you can find animated watches, retro-style widgets, futuristic interfaces, and even game themes, most of which are free and downloadable in a single click.
Security of third-party themes
Once you install a new theme, the lock screen will change completely, so you'll get not just new numbers, but a new interaction logic, for example, some themes require you to use your finger to follow a specific path to unlock the time.
- 📥 Download: Themes weigh a little and load quickly even over a mobile network.
- 🔄 Update: The theme author can add new features or fix bugs regularly.
- 🗑️ Remove: You can return to standard design at any time through the theme settings.
Using third-party themes is a great way to personalize a device without deep technical knowledge, but keep an eye out for the theme when you install it.
Solving the Problems of Time Disappearance
Users often experience a situation where time on the lock screen is simply lost. The screen is on, but there are no numbers. This is a common MIUI shell bug that is usually solved by restarting the interface process or checking the power saving settings.
The first thing to do is check whether Do Not Disturb or Sleep Mode is turned on, which can hide notifications and widgets. It is also worth looking at the battery settings: if the system application “Hours” or “Screen Lock” is limited background activity, the widget may not be updated.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Time is gone after the update | Failure of the theme cache | Change the topic to standard and back |
| The clock doesn't burn on a black background | Feature AMOLED (black = off) | Choose a theme with a colored background or frame |
| Time is not displayed correctly | Synchronization disabled | Enable "Autodate and time" in the settings |
| The widget disappeared from the desktop | The launcher error | Clear the cache of the Security app or launcher |
If simple methods don’t work, try clearing the cache of the Themes and Wallpaper and Carousel app. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps, find what you need and click Clear → Clear Cache. This won’t delete your data, but will reset temporary files that may have caused the conflict.
💡
In 90% of cases, the problem with time loss is solved by switching the theme of the lock screen to the standard and back, which restarts the system rendering process.
Secret functions and additional features
Few people know that there are hidden features in Xiaomi’s time settings, such as some firmware versions that allow you to turn on the second display right on the lock screen, which turns the phone into a full-fledged desktop clock.
To activate this feature, you often need to go to Settings → Lock Screen → Watch Style and select a specific style (usually second or third on the list) that supports second hand or numbers. In standard digital mode, seconds may not be displayed for the sake of space saving.
💡
Try using the Double Clock widget to display the time of two cities at the same time, an indispensable feature for those who often communicate with relatives or partners in other time zones.
It is also possible to display time in the status bar (in bangs or camera notch) even when the screen is unlocked, if a particular theme is selected. This is achieved through deep theme settings in the Themes app → Profile → Theme settings → Time in the status bar.
By experimenting with these settings, you can achieve the perfect balance between functionality and appearance. Don't be afraid to change your settings, because the system makes it easy to return to the original state at any time.