Introduction: Why does the smartphone confuse time?
Have you noticed that your Xiaomi Redmi time is reset several hours ago, and after the reboot the device shows yesterday's date? This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones of the brand - from the budget Redmi 9A to the flagship Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Most often, time failures are not associated with hardware malfunctions, but with software settings or features of the MIUI operating system.
In this article, we’ll look at 7 main reasons why a smartphone can “lose” the right time, from common sync errors to hidden firmware bugs. You’ll learn how to diagnose a problem, what settings to check first, and what to do if time gets lost even after resetting to factory settings. And for the most difficult cases, we’ve prepared instructions for manually configuring time servers and fixing system files.
Important: If your Redmi not only resets time, but also reboots or shuts down on its own, the problem may be deeper - in which case we recommend checking the battery and motherboard first.
1. Disabled automatic time synchronization
The most common cause of failure is the deactivated function of automatic synchronization with servers NTP (Network Time Protocol). By default, MIUI should update the time over the Internet, but after system updates or resets, this parameter can be lost.
To check and enable synchronization:
- Go to Settings → Additional settings → Date and time.
- Activate the switches: 🔄 Automatic date and time 🌍 Automatic time zone
Turn them off for 10 seconds and turn them on again.
If you still get lost after this, the problem may be in the wrong time zone, try to manually select your region on the list (for example, “Moscow” instead of “Automatically”) and restart your smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (The Automatic Time Zone option may not work smoothly, in which case it is better to manually install the belt.
2. Problems with connection to NTP-server
Even if synchronization is enabled, the smartphone may not receive data from time servers due to:
- 🔌 Lockdowns NTP-port-provider;
- 📡 Unstable Internet connection (especially when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile network);
- 🛡️ Works VPN Antivirus that filters system requests.
To check the connection to NTP:
- Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Three points (⋮) → Show system-based.
- Find the service com.android.server.telecom (responsible for synchronization) and clear its cache.
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If you use VPN, Try to temporarily turn it off and check if the time is updated. VPN-Services (e.g., ProtonVPN) are blocked NTP-security requests».
For advanced users: you can manually specify alternatives NTP-server ADB Or apps like ClockSync. Xiaomi's standard servers:
ntp1.aliyun.com
ntp2.aliyun.com
time1.cloud.tencent.comIf they are not available, try Google servers: time.google.com.
3. Failures after MIUI update or firmware
After major MIUI updates (e.g., 12.5 to 13 or 14), 30% of Redmi users experience time crashes due to system file conflict, which is because the new firmware may not properly port date/time settings from the older version.
How to fix it:
- 🔄 Reset network settings in Settings → Connections and sharing → Resetting the network.
- 📱 Clear the cache of the Settings app (path: Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
- 🔧 Perform a “soft reset” (no data loss): pinch Volume up + 10 seconds power.
What if the reset didn't help?
If the problem has occurred after the MIUI beta, a rollback to stable firmware usually resolves the issue. Check available updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
4. Discharged or defective battery
Few people know, but the battery directly affects the operation of system time. If the battery is discharged to 0% or its controller is not working correctly, the smartphone can reset time when:
- 🔋 Deep discharge (below) 3.2V);
- ⚡ Abrupt power outage (for example, when removing the battery on older Redmi models) 4X/5A);
- 🔄 Battery overheating or bloating.
How to diagnose:
- Check the battery status via ##4636## (Battery Information menu) and if your battery is below 70%, you need to replace it.
- Connect your smartphone to a charger and watch the time, and if it stops going off, it's a power problem.
⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with a non-removable battery (such as the Note 10 Pro), the bloated battery can press the motherboard, causing malfunctions. RTC-The chip (time-sensitive) requires an urgent replacement!
5. Conflict with applications or viruses
Some applications (especially those that require superuser rights or run in the background) may interfere with system time.
- 🕒 Applications for changing time (Fake) GPS, ClockWork);
- 🛡️ Antivirus with the function of "protection of system settings" (Avast, 360 Security);
- 🎮 Cheats for games that replace system time to bypass restrictions.
How to find the culprit:
- Launch your smartphone in safe mode (click Power → Click Power Off) If time doesn’t go down, the problem is with third-party software.
- Check the list of applications with ADB or root rights in Settings → Special features → Access rights.
Remove newly installed applications | Check superuser rights | Run virus scanning (Malwarebytes) | Disable optimizers and cache cleaners-->
If you use Magisk or other rooting tools, check for modules associated with system time (e.g., FakeGApps or Riru). MIUI frequently causes failures.
Hardware malfunctions: RTC-chip-board
If all software methods have been tried, but time is still lost, the problem may be in the hardware:
| Malfunction | Signs. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Damaged. RTC-chip (Real-Time Clock) | Time is lost even when the phone is turned off, resetting to factory settings does not help | Replacement of a chip or motherboard |
| Oxidation of battery contacts | Time is lost when the phone vibrates or tilts | Cleaning contacts with alcohol or replacing the battery |
| Short circuit on board | The phone overheats, time "jumps" chaotically | Diagnostics at the service center |
It is difficult to diagnose hardware problems on your own, but there are a couple of tests:
- 🔧 Stability test: Leave your phone off for 12 hours. If you're off the clock, it's your fault. RTC-chip.
- 🔋 Test with a different battery: if possible, try temporarily installing a known working battery.
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If the smartphone fell or got wet, the probability of hardware malfunction increases 3 times, in this case, repair in the service center is inevitable.
7. Features of work in the mode of energy saving
Ultra Battery Saver mode, or Energy Saving in MIUI, can block background time synchronization to reduce battery consumption, leading to the smartphone not knowing how long it has been since it left mode.
How to set up:
- Open Settings → Battery and performance → Energy saving mode.
- Enable the option to Allow Background Sync (if available).
- Add the Clock app to the list of energy saving exceptions.
Also check the automatic optimization settings in Settings → Battery → Settings → Optimizing application launches. Sometimes the system mistakenly limits the system processes responsible for time.