How to set an alarm clock on the phone Xiaomi: 5 ways + life hacks

The alarm clock on Xiaomi is not just a morning wake-up feature, but a powerful scheduling tool. Unlike mechanical alarm clocks, the digital counterparts on Redmi, POCO or Mi allow you to create repeating signals, use tunes from Spotify, adjust the volume gradually, and even sync with your smartwatch. But many users still face problems: the alarm clock does not work when the screen is off, the signal is too quiet, the application suddenly resets after the MIUI update.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways to set an alarm clock on any Xiaomi model (including the new Redmi Note 13 and Xiaomi 14), talk about the hidden features of the standard Watch app, and explain how to get around typical bugs.

1. Standard method: Appendix "Clock"

The basic method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the MIUI version. The standard Watch app (icon with dial) is already pre-installed and does not require a download from Google Play.

  1. Open the Watch β†’ app β†’ go to the Alarm tab (bell icon at the bottom of the screen).
  2. Press + in the lower right corner to add a new alarm clock.
  3. Set the time using the dial or enter manually in the format ChCh:MM.
  4. Set up additional settings (repeat, melody, vibration) and save.

Importantly, if you have Xiaomi with HyperOS (new 2026 models), the interface of the Watch app may be slightly different β€” instead of tabs at the bottom, there will be a side menu.

The correct time (AM/PM) is indicated.

Repeat days (if necessary)

The melody is different from the standard (so as not to sleep).

Vibration is activated (for reliability)

Do not disturb mode is disabled for signal time-->

The standard app allows you to create an unlimited number of alarm clocks, but there is a caveat: if you set too many signals (for example, if you set too many alarms, 10+), The system can start to miss them β€” 3-5 alarm-box.

2. Quick setup via widget

Do you want to open the app every time? Add the alarm widget to the home screen, which will save you time and allow you to turn on/off the signals in one tap.

Instructions:

  1. Click and hold the empty space on the home screen β†’ select Widgets.
  2. Find the Watch widget (usually in the Tools section).
  3. Choose a size of 4Γ—2 (showing the time and alarm button) or 2Γ—1 (compact).
  4. Drag the widget onto the screen and set it up: you can choose which alarm clock will be displayed by default.

The advantage of the widget is that it shows the remaining time to the signal and allows you to quickly turn off the alarm directly from the main screen without unlocking your phone. This is especially convenient if you wake up at night and want to check how much time is left before waking up.

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If the widget doesn't update automatically, restart the phone or delete/add it again. Sometimes cleaning the app's cache helps.

3.Voice Assistant: "OK Google" and Xiao AI

Xiaomi's current smartphones support voice alarms, which are convenient when your hands are busy or you're already in bed.

Method 1: Through Google Assistant

Activate voice search (long pressing the Home button or say OK Google) and say:

  • πŸ•– Set your alarm for 7:00 a.m.
  • πŸ”„ Repeated alarm clock at 6:30 on weekdays
  • 🎡 8:00 Alarm Time with the Melody "Morning Mood"

Method 2: Through Xiao AI (for China/Global Firmware)

If you have Xiao AI installed (voice assistant from Xiaomi), use commands in Chinese or English:

  • πŸ•°οΈ Set an alarm for 7 AM tomorrow
  • πŸ“… Repeat alarm at 6:30 AM on weekdays

⚠️ Warning: Voice alarms may not work if:

⚠️ The phone is in Do Not Disturb or Energy Saving mode. ⚠️ Access to the microphone is disabled Google/Xiao AI privacy settings. ⚠️ Smartphone connected to VPN β€” Some voice commands are blocked.

Automation: Geolocation or Event Alarm

Do you want your alarm to work when you arrive at work or when you leave your sleep (according to the Mi Band)? Automation (a part of the standard MIUI set) or third-party tools like MacroDroid will do this.

Example of settings through automation:

  1. Open the settings β†’ Additional β†’ Automation.
  2. Create a new task with the Geolocation trigger (select the job address).
  3. Add the Setting an alarm and select a time (for example, 10 minutes after arrival).
  4. Save the rule and activate it.

For synchronization with Mi Band:

  • πŸ“± Install the Mi Fitness app and connect it to your smartphone.
  • πŸ›Œ In the bracelet settings, turn on the option Smart alarm (waking up in the phase of light sleep).
  • ⏰ Set up a time range (e.g. 6:30-7:00) and the bracelet will wake you up at the optimum moment.
How to check if the geolocation alarm is working?
Open Settings β†’ Permissions β†’ Autostart and make sure the Automation app is on autostart. Then check geolocation in Settings β†’ Privacy β†’ Permissions β†’ Geodata. If the alarm doesn’t work, add the app to the list with no restrictions on battery settings.

5 Problems and Solutions: Why the alarm clock doesn't work

Even a properly tuned alarm clock can set off. TOP-5 Why the signal is not working and how to fix it:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The alarm clock doesn't ring.Phone in mode Do not disturbAdd the Watch app to exceptions: Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Do not disturb β†’ Exceptions
The signal's too quiet.The Loudness of the Alarm Signal is Linked to Media SoundUntie to Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Loudness of the alarm clock (slider separately)
The alarm clock is reset after resettingCache cleared for the Watch appDon't manually clean the app data! Use Optimization in battery settings
The repeating alarm clock does not work.Miscalculation failure of MIUIUpdate Calendar app via Google Play or reset its settings
The alarm clock does not ring when the screen is off.Background Limitation for the Watch AppAllow auto-start and work in the background: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Applications selection

A critical nuance for Xiaomi owners with MIUI 14+: in new firmware versions, alarm clocks may not work if the Battery settings β†’ Power Saving option is selected in Performance Mode. Switch to Balanced or Performance!

Standard annex "Clock"

Voice Assistant (Google/Xiao AI)

Widget on the main screen

Automation by geolocation

Another option-->

Alternative Alarming-Scale Applications

If the standard solution does not suit you, try third-party applications with advanced features:

  • 🎢 Sleep as Android – a smart alarm clock with sleep analysis (integration with Mi Band, a captcha for waking up, sleep statistics).
  • β˜€οΈ Alarmy – An alarm clock for hard-wakes (requires scanning) QR-code or solve a mathematical problem to disable the signal).
  • πŸŒ™ Good Morning Alarm Clock – Gradual volume increase and imitation of dawn (useful for biorhythms).
  • πŸ“Š Timely – beautiful design and cloud synchronization of alarm clocks between devices.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party alarm clocks:

⚠️ Close them through the Home button, not through the Swipe up (otherwise they may close completely). ⚠️ Give permissions to Autostart and Run in the background, otherwise the alarm will turn off along with battery optimization.

If you’re choosing between a standard app and an alternative, consider that third-party alarms consume more battery (due to constant running in the background), but offer more options for personalization.

7.Secret chips: The alarm clock on the phone turned off

Few people know, but Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 10 and Mi 11) support a hardware alarm - it works even if the phone is completely off! - It works thanks to a separate Real-Time Clock (RTC) chip that consumes minimal power.

How to set up:

  1. Set the alarm through the standard Watch app.
  2. Turn off your phone (not reboot, but shut down!).
  3. At the appointed time, the device will automatically turn on and ring.

Limitations:

  • ❌ It only works with one alarm clock (last set).
  • ❌ Does not support repeated signals.
  • ❌ The melody will be standard (you can’t choose your own).

This feature is especially useful if you have completely discharged your phone and are afraid of sleeping. Just plug in the charger, set the alarm, turn off the device - and sleep well!

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The hardware alarm clock works even at 0% battery charge if the phone is connected to charging, and it's the only way you're guaranteed to wake up if your smartphone runs out.

8.Frequent questions about alarm clocks on Xiaomi

Can you set an alarm clock on Xiaomi without sound, only with vibration?
Yes, the alarm settings in the Watch app have a vibration-only option, you can also combine sound and vibration, and on some models (e.g., the POCO F5), vibration works even if the phone is lying down with the screen, using a linear vibrator motor.
Why does Xiaomi’s alarm clock work 1 hour earlier/later?
This is due to automatic switching to winter/summer time. Check the date and time settings: Go to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Date and time. Turn off the option Automatically (network) and set the time zone manually. Reboot your phone. If the problem persists, reset the network settings: Settings: β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings.
How to make the alarm on Xiaomi ring louder?
In MIUI, the default alarm volume is tied to media sound. To increase it separately: When the alarm goes off, press Volume Up, a separate alarm slider will appear. Or go to Settings β†’ Loudness β†’ Alarm Loudness and set a maximum value. If the sound is still quiet, check if the speaker is covered with a cover or film.
Can I set an alarm on Xiaomi through a Smart Home?
Yes, if you have a Xiaomi Smart Home device (like a Mi AI Speaker or a Yeelight lamp). To do this: Open the Mi Home app. Create a script with a time trigger. Add the action Play the sound on the speaker or Turn on the lights. This alarm will go off even if the phone is dead or off.
How to transfer alarm clocks from the old Xiaomi to the new?
There are two ways: Through Mi Account: Log in under one account on both phones, and alarms sync automatically (if you have the option to Sync Data in Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account enabled). Through backup: On your old phone: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Local Backup β†’ Select Watch. Move the backup file to your new phone. Restore data via Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Restore and Reset.