How to set an alarm clock on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: instructions with pictures and life hacks

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones due to its balance of price and functionality. But even with such a time-tested device, users sometimes face simple but important questions β€” for example, how to set the alarm clock correctly. It would seem that it could be easier? However, MIUI (the branded shell of Xiaomi) has its own nuances that are worth knowing.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can set your alarm on the Redmi Note 5, from the standard Watch app to alternative solutions like Google Clock or Sleep as Android. And why your alarm might not work (spoiler: it’s not always your smartphone!) and how to set up a repeating alarm for workdays. If you want to wake up on time without too much hassle, read on.

Method 1: Standard application "Clock" in MIUI

The most obvious and reliable way is to use the built-in Watch app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones, which requires no additional downloads and is optimized for MIUI, so it works more stable than third-party counterparts.

  1. Open the Watch app (an icon with a dial on the home screen or in the app menu).
  2. Go to the Alarming Signal tab (bell icon in the bottom menu).
  3. Click the + button in the lower right corner to add a new alarm clock.
  4. Set the time with the dial or enter it manually.
  5. Set up additional parameters: πŸ”„ Repeat – Select the days of the week (for example, weekdays only). πŸ”” Sound is the melody of the signal (the default is a standard call). πŸ•’ Delay - the interval for the button "Repeat" (5 or 10 minutes). πŸ“ Label – the name of the alarm clock (for example, β€œWork” or β€œSports HallΒ»).

Ready.

Important: in MIUI 10-12 (current for Redmi Note 5), the Watch application interface may be slightly different from the newer versions. If you do not have the Alarm tab displayed, update the app via Google Play or check the display settings in the menu.

The correct time is indicated (AM/PM!)

At least one day of repetition is selected

The sound of the alarm clock is not on "No sound"

The alarm switch is switched on (slider on the right)-->

⚠️ Warning: If the alarm doesn’t work after setting up, check Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Watch and make sure the app has access to auto-start and alerts.Without these permissions, the alarm clock can go silent!

Method 2: Google Clock is an alternative for those who like minimalism

Not everyone likes the design of Xiaomi’s standard Watch app. Fortunately, the Redmi Note 5 can be used to install Google Clock, Google’s official app with a more concise interface and additional features like smoothly increasing the volume of the signal.

  1. Download Google Clock from Google Play (free of charge).
  2. Open the app and tap on the + icon in the lower right corner.
  3. Set the alarm clock time by dragging the arrows or entering numbers.
  4. Set up the parameters: πŸ”„ Repeat – select days (you can customize each day). πŸ”” Sound – there are more variations of tunes, including nature sounds. πŸ›Œ Sleep mode – Bedtime feature will help track sleep schedule. πŸ“± Vibration – you can turn off or adjust the intensity.

OK

Google Clock has one key advantage over the standard app, which syncs with your Google account, which means that if you change your smartphone (like the Redmi Note 10), all your alarms will automatically be transferred to the new device, and there’s Adaptive Brightness, which gradually increases the brightness of the screen before waking up β€” useful for those who wake up in the dark.

Standard Watch from Xiaomi|Google Clock|Sleep as Android|Another app |Do not use an alarm clock on your phone-->

FunctionStandard Watch (MIUI)Google Clock
Synchronization with the account❌ No.βœ… Yes, Google)
Sleep mode (Bedtime)❌ No.βœ… Yes.
Smooth volume increase❌ No.βœ… Yes.
Vibration adjustmentβœ… Yes.βœ… Yeah (more flexible)
Background workβœ… Stable.βœ… Stable (autostart permission required)

Method 3: Sleep as Android – an alarm clock for sleep watchers

If you don't just need to wake up on time, but also to analyze sleep quality, Sleep as Android is a great choice, and it uses smartphone sensors (accelerometer, microphone) to track sleep phases and picks up the optimal wake-up time within a given interval. Here's how to set it up on the Redmi Note 5:

  1. Install Sleep as Android from Google Play (there is a free version with restrictions).
  2. When you first start, provide all the necessary permissions (access to microphone, sensors, notifications).
  3. Click on the + icon in the bottom menu and select Smart alarm.
  4. Set a time range for waking up (e.g. 6:30 to 7:00) and the app will wake you up at the time of the light phase of sleep in this interval.
  5. Set up additional parameters: πŸ“Š Sleep Analysis – Turn on snoring and movement tracking. 🎡 Music – You can use Spotify or local tracks. 🧠 Awakening tests are mathematical problems or QR-codes to not turn off the alarm clock in a dream. β˜• Integration with smart devices – for example, turning on lights through Xiaomi Mi Home.

Put your phone next to your bed (better on your mattress) and go to bed. The app will tell you when to wake up.

Sleep as Android can significantly reduce wake-up time and improve morning well-being, but requires proper setup and regular use. On the Redmi Note 5, the app works steadily, however, it is recommended to turn off power saving modes for Sleep as Android in the battery settings for accurate sleep tracking.

How to turn off energy saving for the application?
1. Go to Settings β†’ Battery and Performance β†’ Battery Consumption Management. 2. Find Sleep as Android in the list and select Without Limits. 3. Also add the app to AutoRun in the permissions settings.

Why the alarm clock doesn’t work: 5 reasons and solutions

One of the most common problems is that the alarm clock doesn't ring at the scheduled time. On the Redmi Note 5, this is usually not due to hardware malfunctions, but to the settings of the program or system. Here are the main reasons and ways to fix them:

  • πŸ”• Sound or vibration turned off: Check if the phone is worth it in Do Not Disturb mode (Settings) β†’ Sound. β†’ Also make sure the alarm clock volume is not at zero (adjusted separately from the total volume).
  • πŸ”„ Repetition error: If the alarm clock is set for specific days (like Mondays only), it won't work on other days.
  • πŸ“΅ Energy saving regime: MIUI aggressively optimizes the background of applications. Add the Watch or alternative alarm to exceptions: β†’ Battery β†’ Choice of applications β†’ The clock β†’ No restrictions.
  • πŸ›‘ App closed manually: If you cleared the Watch from the list of recently opened apps (swipe up), the alarm may not work. Xiaomi recommends not shutting down system apps forcibly.
  • πŸ•’ Wrong time: Make sure the phone has the current time and date. Sometimes, after resetting or replacing the battery, the time is lost. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Date and time.

⚠️ Warning: If the alarm doesn’t work even after all the checks, try restarting your phone or resetting the Watch app settings (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ The clock β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data. This will remove all the stored alarm clocks, so pre-record their time!

Secret alarm clock features on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5

Few people know, but there are hidden features in Xiaomi’s alarm clock (and in alternative apps) that make waking up more comfortable.

  • πŸŒ… Smooth wake-up with backlight: Google Clock has Sunrise Alarm, which gradually increases the brightness of the screen 15 to 30 minutes before the signal. This helps wake up more naturally. To turn on: Google Clock β†’ Settings β†’ Sunrise Alarm β†’ Turn it on.
  • 🎢 Alarm clock with music from Spotify/YouTube Music: Sleep as Android allows you to adjust wake-up to your favorite tracks. β†’ Music apps. Connect to Spotify account or download tracks locally.
  • πŸ“Š Sleep statistics without a fitness bracelet: Sleep as Android can analyze sleep even without the Mi Band. Put your phone next to your pillow, and the app will record your movements, snoring, and sleep phases. In the morning, you'll get a report with recommendations.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery Savings at Night: If the alarm clock works but you want to save charge, activate Air Mode overnight, but add the Watch to exceptions: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Sleep regimen β†’ Exceptions β†’ So the phone will not waste energy on the background processes, but the alarm will work.