Changing the dial is the first step to personalizing your wearable, turning the standard interface into a unique tool that reflects your style. Xiaomi’s modern smartwatch offers a huge variety of screen design options, from strict analog models to vivid animated images. Many users buy the device without realizing that the basic set is only a small part of the available features.
The process of downloading a new design can seem confusing due to the presence of several companion applications and different versions of firmware. However, by understanding the logic of the WearOS ecosystem and proprietary HyperOS systems, you can control the appearance of the gadget in seconds. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods, including hidden functions and third-party solutions.
The challenge is to pair the smartphone and the watch properly, because the phone is the storage and editor of the dial files. You don't need a lot of technical knowledge, but the attention to the application versions will be critical. Let's start with the software.
Software preparation and interface
Before you start searching and downloading screensavers, you need to make sure your mobile device is ready to sync. The foundation for managing the clock is a special companion application that acts as a bridge between the smartphone operating system and the watch firmware. Without a properly working connection, no installation is possible.
Different Xiaomi and Amazfit watch models use different apps, and this often causes confusion among newcomers.If you have an older model or device under the Amazfit brand, you will need the Zepp Life app (formerly known as Mi Fit). New flagship models like the Watch S1, S3, or Xiaomi Watch series most often require the Mi Fitness app (also known as Xiaomi Wear).
⚠️ Warning: Make sure that geolocation is enabled in your Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, as Android requires this permission to search. BLE-devices, which include smart watches.
The initial setup process is as follows:
- 📲 Download the official app from Google Play or App Store, avoiding third-party stores.
- 🔑 Register for a Mi Account or log in through an existing profile.
- 🔗 Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and start searching for the device in the app.
- ✅ Confirm the pairing code, which will appear simultaneously on the screen of the smartphone and the watch.
After successful pairing, the app will automatically prompt you to update the watch firmware to the current version. Software updates are a critical step, since older versions of firmware may not support new dial formats or have bugs in the theme store.
Official store dials in the application
The easiest and safest way to change the look of a device is to use an integrated directory in a companion app. Xiaomi has created a vast library of thousands of design options, categorized by category, and you can find both free solutions and premium designs.
To get into the catalog, you need to open the application on your smartphone, go to the profile of your device and find the section “Dials” or “Store”. The store interface is constantly updated, adding seasonal collections and themed sets. Download occurs through the Internet connection of the smartphone, after which the file is transmitted to the clock over Bluetooth.
Depending on the watch model, the available features may differ:
- 🎨 Static images – classic clock with the ability to select background from the gallery.
- 🎬 Animated dials – live wallpaper that responds to wrist movements or time of day.
- 📊 Functional dials – display detailed statistics of steps, pulse, weather and calendar.
- 👤 Photo dials - allow you to install any photo from the phone gallery on the clock screen.
The installation process takes between 30 seconds and 2 minutes, depending on the complexity of the graphics and the speed of the Bluetooth connection. During data transfer, it is not recommended to move the clock away from the phone or open heavy applications so as not to interrupt the flow of data. If the download is suspended, try restarting both devices.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Use of third-party applications and mods
The official directory, though extensive, does not always satisfy the needs of advanced users. For those who want to access exclusive designs or features not available in a standard store, there are third-party solutions. These applications often aggregate content from different sources or allow you to create your own dials from scratch.
One of the most popular tools is the Notify for Mi Band app, a powerful combine that allows you not only to change dials, but also to deeply customize notifications, vibrations and sensor behavior. In the Dials section of this app, you can find the Store tab where enthusiasts post their work.
Also worth mentioning is the AmazFaces app (formerly Amazfit Watch Faces), which specializes in AMOLED watches and supports a huge number of models.
- 🔍 Search dials by specific parameters, for example, “second hand” or “in step».
- 📥 Download.bin or.wfz files directly to your device.
- 🛠 Edit existing dials by changing fonts and colors.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, you give them access to health and activity data. Only use proven programs with a good reputation in the app stores.
Installing through third-party apps often requires manual synchronization. Once you select a dial in a third-party app, it may ask you to go to the official Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app for final installation. This is a normal security procedure, due to the Android architecture.
Security of Third Party Applications
Creating a personal dial from a photo
One of the most popular features is the ability to set your own photo as a background, which can be a picture of your favorite pet, a landscape from a vacation or a photo of a family. The Photo Dial feature is built into most modern Xiaomi models and does not require the installation of additional software.
To do this, open a companion app, go to the dial section and find the category "My" or "Photos." The app will suggest you choose an image from the gallery of your smartphone. It is important to consider the proportions of the screen: vertical photos will be cropped, and horizontal ones may have black fields.
Recommended parameters for ideal display:
| Model clock | Screen resolution | Recommended format | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 8 / 9 | 192 x 490 pixels | Vertical (9:16) | The extended screen requires vertical framing |
| Xiaomi Watch S1 | 454 x 454 pixels | Square (1:1) | Round screen, corners can be cut |
| Xiaomi Watch 2 | 466 x 466 pixels | Square (1:1) | AMOLED support, deep black color |
| Redmi Watch 4 | 336 x 384 pixels | Vertical (4:5) | Large rectangular screen |
Once you select a photo, the app will suggest you adjust the time display style, you can change the font, color of the numbers and their position on the screen, and some versions of the software allow you to add widgets, such as date or battery level, directly on top of the photo.
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For round screens, use a photo with the central location of the object so that important details are not cut off by the edges of the case.
Installation problems and their solution
Despite the simplicity of the process, users often face technical difficulties, the most common problem is that the dial is not installed or the process is suspended during the transfer stage, which can be caused by an unstable Bluetooth connection, low battery power or overcrowded memory of the watch.
If you notice that the clock is slow or new dials are not saved, try clearing the app cache on your smartphone. Go to Settings → Apps → Mi Fitness (or Zepp Life) → Storage → Clear the cache. This action will not delete your data, but can correct sync errors.
List of common mistakes and decisions:
- ❌ Transmission error: Usually occurs when a bad signal is present. Go closer to the phone and make sure nothing is screening the signal.
- ❌ Insufficient memory: Remove a few unused dials through the app to make room.
- ❌ Incompatibility: Some dials are designed for specific models and won’t fit on others due to different screen resolution.
In rare cases, it may be necessary to completely reset the clock to factory settings. Use this measure only if other methods have not worked. To reset, go to the watch menu, find Settings → System → Reset or use the corresponding feature in the app on your phone.
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90% of dial installation problems are solved by restarting both devices and re-pairing.
Optimization of autonomy through the choice of dial
The choice of screensaver affects not only aesthetics, but also the life of the device from a single charge. The screen is the most energy-intensive element of a smart watch, and complex graphics can significantly speed up battery life. Understanding this principle will help you extend the life of the gadget.
Animated dials (GIF-format and those that constantly display the second hand, require frequent updates of the screen and processor. If you want maximum autonomy, it is better to choose a static black background with a minimum number of widgets. AMOLED-The screens mean that the pixels are turned off and do not consume energy.
Factors affecting battery consumption:
- ⚡ Screen type: AMOLED against LCD (AMOLED more economical on a black background).
- 🔄 Update frequency: Secondary dials are updated every second, consuming charge.
- 📡 Background processes: Some complex dials may be more prone to sensor use.
Use the Wrist Raising feature with caution, even if the dial is static, often turning on the screen by moving your hand consumes the battery, set the schedule for this function or turn it off overnight.
⚠️ Attention: Installing high-resolution dials on older watch models can lead to a noticeable decrease in interface performance and twitching animations.
Experiment with different styles to find a balance between beauty and functionality, and remember that you can change the dials every day, creating different moods for sports, work or evening out.