How to change the time on Xiaomi watches: 5 ways + solving errors

Xiaomi smartwatches are not only a stylish accessory, but also an accurate tool for tracking time, activity and notifications. However, sometimes users face a problem: the watch shows the wrong time, does not sync with the phone or gets lost after an update. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the time on Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch, Redmi Watch and other devices, from manual settings to solving system failures.

It’s important to understand that the algorithm depends on the type of watch (fitness bracelet or smart watch), the firmware version and even regional settings. We’ve compiled the current instructions for 2026, given the latest updates to the Mi Fitness app (formerly Mi Fit) and Zepp Life. If your watch is a few hours behind or shows time from a different time zone, here’s the solution.

1. Automatic time synchronization through the application

The easiest and most recommended way is to synchronize time with your phone. By default, Xiaomi’s smartwatch gets time, date and time zone data from the smartphone it’s connected to. Here’s how it works:

• 📱 Make sure that the phone has Automatic Date and Time enabled (in system settings).
• 🔗 Connect your watch to your phone via Bluetooth (if it’s not already paired).
• 🔄 Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app and wait for sync (usually takes a lot of time). 10-30 seconds).
• ⏱️ Check the time on the clock – it should be updated automatically.

If the synchronization is not happening, try:

1. Reset the clock (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Update the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app to the latest version.
3. Disable and reconnect the clock in Bluetooth settings.

2. manual time setting (if automatic synchronization does not work)

If the watch is not synced with the phone or you want to set the time manually (for example, for another country), you can do this through the device menu.

For fitness bracelets Mi Band 5/6/7/8:

1. Swipe your finger up or down on the bracelet screen to open the menu.
2. Find the Settings section (the gear icon) and select it.
3. Scroll to the time and date item → Manually install.
4. Please specify the current time, date and time zone (if available).

For the Xiaomi Watch S2/S3 or Redmi Watch 3:

1. Click on the physical button or swipe down the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Tap the Settings icon (cog).
3. Select the System → Date and time.
4. Turn off the Auto Update option and set the time manually.

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If there is no manual setup option in the watch menu, then your model only supports automatic synchronization. Try updating your firmware through the Mi Fitness app.

Why Xiaomi Watches Are Showing Wrong Time: 7 Reasons and Solutions

If the clock time is stray or lagging, the problem can be both set-up and hardware failures, and let's look at the most common causes and ways to fix them:

You should pay special attention to the time zone, and if you're traveling or using a VPN on your phone, the clock might sync to the wrong region, to fix this:

1. Turn off the VPN on your phone (if enabled).
2. In the settings of the smartphone, set the correct time zone.
3. In the Mi Fitness app, update the data (pull the screen down).

4. Update firmware to correct time errors

If none of these things worked, the problem could be with the outdated firmware, the manufacturer is releasing updates that fix time-synchronization bugs on a regular basis.

Charge the clock to 50% or more|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network|Close the background apps on your phone|Do not turn off Bluetooth during the upgrade-->

1. Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app.
2. Go to the device profile (click on the icon of the clock at the top of the screen).
3. Select the firmware update (if available).
4. Download and install the latest version.

After the firmware update, all the clock settings will be reset to factory settings. Time and date will be synchronized again with the phone. If the update is suspended, do not disconnect the clock from the phone - wait for the process to complete (may take up to 10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the update process, otherwise the clock may stop turning on.If the update lasts more than 15 minutes, restart the clock and try again.

5. Resetting settings to factory (extreme case)

If the clock persists in showing the wrong time and other methods fail, it will completely reset, returning the device to its original state, but removing all stored data (steps, training, notifications).

How to reset your settings to Mi Band:

1. Open the Settings menu on the bracelet.
2. Scroll to Reset or Restore factory settings.
3. Confirm the action (usually hold the 5 seconds button).

How to reset your settings on Xiaomi Watch:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset.
2. Select Delete all data.
3. Enter. PIN-code (if installed) and confirm.

After discharge:

• 🔄 Synchronize the clock with the phone again.
• 🔋 Charge the device to 100% (sometimes a discharged battery interferes with correct synchronization).
• 📲 Update the firmware through Mi Fitness.

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Resetting is a last resort, and before you do that, try all the other ways, because after you reset, you have to adjust the clock from scratch.

6. Features of setting the time for different models

Not all Xiaomi watches are set up the same way. Let’s look at the key differences for popular models:

Mi Band 7/8 and Mi Smart Band 6:

These fitness bracelets don't support manual time settings -- just sync with your phone.

• 📶 Stability of Bluetooth connection.
• 🔄 Mi Fitness version (must be at least 5.6.0).
• 🌍 Time zone correctness on the phone.

Xiaomi Watch S2/S3:

Smartwatches support automatic and manual settings. If time is lost after updating, try:

• 🔄 Disable and enable Auto Update Time in the clock settings.
• 📱 Reconnect your phone to your phone via Zepp Life.
• 🔋 Check battery power (at a level below 10%, failures may occur).

Redmi Watch 3/4:

This watch often faces the problem of incorrect AM/PM display.

1. On the phone, set a 24-hour format.
2. In the clock settings, turn off Auto Sync and set the time manually.
3. Update the firmware through Mi Fitness.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes when setting the time on Xiaomi watches. Here's what you can't do, and how to do it right:

⚠️ Warning: Do not set time manually if the watch is connected to the phone via Mi Fitness. This can cause a sync conflict and the time will be lost even more often.

• ❌ Error: Changing time zones on the clock without updating them on the phone. ✅ Solution: First set up the right belt on your smartphone, then sync your clock.
• ❌ Error: Interrupt firmware updates if the process is too long. ✅ Solution: Wait until completion (up to 15 minutes) or reset the clock if it freezes.
• ❌ Mistake: Used VPN on the phone, which knocks down regional settings. ✅ Solution: Turn it off VPN before synchronization or set the time zone manually.

Another common problem is that the clock is showing a time from the past (e.g. 2023), and this is due to a failure in the memory of the device.

1. Reset the clock to factory settings.
2. Update the firmware through Mi Fitness.
3. If the problem persists, contact the service center (possible memory defect).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)