Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets automatically synchronize time with the connected smartphone, but sometimes manual adjustment is required - after reset, when changing the time zone or if the gadget is "lagging behind." In this article, we will discuss all the ways to adjust time on Mi Band devices (from 3 to 8 generations), Xiaomi Watch, Watch S1/S2 and other models.
It's important to understand that the configuration algorithm depends on the device's firmware and the version of the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life application. For example, in Mi Band 7 and later, it is synchronized only through the application, and in older models (Mi Band 3/4) it was possible to adjust it directly on the screen of the gadget, we have compiled the current instructions for 2026 with the latest software updates.
Why does Xiaomi watch show the wrong time?
Before we set the time, we'll look at the causes of the failure, and most of the time, the problem is not the clock itself, but the factors that go along with it.
- π± Lack of sync with your smartphone: if Bluetooth is disabled or the Mi Fitness app hasnβt been updated for a long time, the watch can βhangβ on old data.
- β° Time zone failure: when flying or manually changing the belt on the phone, the gadget does not always have time to update the data.
- π Older versions of the software (especially on Mi Band 5 and earlier) had bugs with automatic synchronization.
- π Low battery power: at levels below 10%, the watch may misrepresent the time or date.
Less commonly, the problem is hardware malfunctions, such as after a fall or moisture, which require a diagnosis at a service center, but 90 percent of the time is retrieved by software, which we'll describe below.
Method 1: Automatic synchronization through the application
The simplest and most recommended method is synchronization through the official app, and the algorithm is the same for all models, but the names of menu items may vary slightly.
- Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for new models) on your smartphone.
- Make sure the watch is connected to your phone via Bluetooth (the connection icon should be green).
- Go to the profile of the device (slip on its image on the main screen).
- Find the Device Settings section β Date and time (in some versions - Additional) β Synchronization of time).
- Activate Auto Sync or press Sync Now.
If the time has not been updated after these actions, try:
- π Reset the clock (press the button 10 seconds before vibration).
- π± Reinstall the Mi Fitness app on your phone.
- π Disable and reconnect the device in Bluetooth settings of the smartphone.
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If you have a Xiaomi Watch S2 or Watch 2 Pro, check your phoneβs system settings for time zone settings, which are sensitive to time zone differences between your smartphone and your watch.
Method 2: Manually adjusting time on the watch screen
Some models (such as the Mi Band 3/4 or Amazfit Bip) allow you to change the time directly on the device.
- Swipe up the clock screen to open the menu.
- Find the Settings (cog icon) and select it.
- Scroll down to the Date and Time (or Time) section.
- Turn off the autosynchronization option if it is active.
- Manually set the current time, date and time zone.
- Save the changes and turn on autosynchronization back.
On the Mi Band 5/6/7/8 and Xiaomi Watch, manual time settings through the device screen are not available β only through the app. This restriction is introduced by the manufacturer to prevent data from being out of sync.
βοΈ Preparation for manual time setting
Method 3: Resetting and re-synchronization
If the time on Xiaomi watches is knocked down regularly, a complete reset of the device to the factory settings will help. This method is also relevant after buying a used gadget or if the watch was previously tied to another smartphone.
Instructions for discharge:
- On the phone, open Mi Fitness and go to the device profile.
- Choose to untie the device (or remove it).
- On the watch, reset: For Mi Band: press the touch button 20 seconds before the Xiaomi logo appears. For Xiaomi Watch: go to Settings β System β Reset.
Reconnect the clock to the app and wait for automatic time synchronization.
After the reset, all data (steps, pulse, notifications) will be deleted. If you care about statistics, pre-export it to Profile β Data Export.
What if, after resetting, time is lost again?
Features of setting time on popular models
Each line of Xiaomi smartwatches has synchronization nuances, and the table below shows the key differences for the most common gadgets:
| Model | Autosynchronization | Manual setting | Frequent problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 3/4 | Yes (via Mi Fit) | Yes (on screen) | Failure after firmware update |
| Mi Band 5/6/7/8 | Yes (via Mi Fitness) | No. | Low-charge getting stuck |
| Xiaomi Watch S1/S2 | Yes (via Zepp Life) | No. | Time zone misalignment |
| Redmi Watch 2/3 | Yes (via Mi Fitness) | Partially (date only) | Failure after Bluetooth shutdown |
| Amazfit GTR/GTS | Yes (via Zepp) | Yes (on screen) | Mistakes in changing summer/winter time |
Important for owners of Xiaomi Watch S2: this model uses its own firmware based on Wear OS, so for proper time synchronization, you need to enable the option βAutomatic date and timeβ in the settings of the watch (Settings β System β Date and time).
Problem Solving: The clock shows the wrong time
If after all the manipulations, the time on Xiaomi watches is still lost, use these tips:
β οΈ Note: On devices with firmware below version 1.0.7.14 (check Settings) β About the device) there is a possible bug with "locking" time at 00:00. Solution - update the software through the application.
- π Connection problem: If the clock doesn't sync, try connecting it to another smartphone (like a friend or relative). If the time is updated, there's a problem with your phone (possibly locking Bluetooth in power saving mode).
- β³ Hanging after the update: After installing the new firmware, restart the clock (press the button for 10-15 seconds) and wait for the sync to re-sync.
- π Wrong time zone: On the phone go to Settings β System system β Date and time and disable Automatic Time Zone. Manually select your region and save the changes.
If none of the methods worked, contact Xiaomi via the official website or chat in the Mi Fitness app.
- Watch model and firmware version.
- Smartphone model and OS version (Android/iOS).
- Description of the problem (when it started, after what actions).
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For devices running Wear OS (Xiaomi Watch S2, Watch 2 Pro), check your Google account settings: Time is synced through Google services, not directly with your smartphone.
How to check the accuracy of the watch after setting up?
To make sure that the time on Xiaomi watches is displayed correctly, follow the following steps:
- Compare the clock readings with the reference time (for example, on the site time.is).
- Check sync with your phone: Change the time on your smartphone manually (e.g., set 5 minutes ahead); wait for automatic sync (usually takes 1-2 minutes); return the correct time on your phone and check if the watch has updated.
Make sure notifications arrive on time (such as alarms or reminders).
If the clock is lagging or running more than 30 seconds a day, this may indicate a hardware malfunction of the quartz generator.