How to set the time on Xiaomi watch: instructions for all models

Xiaomi smartwatches are not just accessories, but full-fledged assistants in everyday life. They depend on the accuracy of time on alarm clocks, reminders, activity trackers and even synchronization with other devices. However, many users face the problem: the watch shows the wrong time, does not update it automatically or is lost after resetting. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to adjust time on smart watches and fitness bracelets Xiaomi β€” from automatic synchronization to manual adjustment.

It is important to understand that the process may differ depending on the model: Mi Band 3/4/5/6/7, Xiaomi Watch S1/S2, Redmi Watch 2/3 or Amazfit (which are also released under the Xiaomi brand).We will look at universal methods, as well as point out the features for specific devices. If your watch suddenly stopped updating the time, do not rush to carry them into service: in 90% of cases, the problem is solved in 5 minutes.

Why does Xiaomi watch show the wrong time?

Before we get to the setup, we need to understand the reasons for the failure, and here are the most common scenarios that can cause the clock to display time incorrectly:

  • πŸ”„ No sync with phone – the watch is not connected to Mi Fitness or Zepp app (for Amazfit models).
  • πŸ“Ά Internet problems – the phone does not have access to the network, so it cannot transmit the current time.
  • βš™οΈ Incorrect time zone settings – the wrong region is installed in the phone or watch.
  • πŸ”‹ Failure after firmware updates - sometimes after the update, system parameters are lost.
  • πŸ•’ Manual time setting without auto-updating – if you manually set the time but didn’t activate automatic synchronization.

If your Xiaomi watch is hours or minutes behind, check if it’s connected to your phone via Bluetooth. Often, the problem is solved by simply reconnecting. It’s also worth making sure the phone has automatic date and time settings enabled (more on this in the next section).

πŸ“Š What is the Xiaomi watch model you have?
Mi Band 5/6/7
Xiaomi Watch S1/S2
Redmi Watch 2/3
Amazfit GTR/GTS
Another model

Method 1: Automatic time synchronization through the application

The easiest and most reliable way is to let the watch automatically take time from your smartphone.

  1. Make sure your phone has automatic date and time settings enabled: On Android: Settings β†’ System β†’ Date and Time β†’ Auto-Date and Time (Enable). On iPhone: Settings β†’ Basic β†’ Date and Time β†’ Automatically (Enable).

Mi Fitness

Mi Band

Zepp

Amazfit/Xiaomi Watch

Connect your watch to your phone via Bluetooth (if it’s not already connected).

Time settings

Synchronization

Automatic time synchronization

After that, the clock should update the time for 1-2 minutes. If this does not happen, try manually start sync: to do this, find the Sync or Update button in the application.

Bluetooth on phone enabled | Watch charged at least 20% | Phone enabled automatic timing | Mi Fitness/Zepp app updated to latest version-->

⚠️ Note: If you are using Mi Band 3/4, after updating the firmware may require resetting settings (click the touch button on the 10 This often solves the problem of wrong timing.

Method 2: Manual time setting on Xiaomi watch

If automatic synchronization doesn’t work or you want to set the time manually (for example, to save battery power), do the following:

For the Mi Band 5/6/7 and Xiaomi Watch S1/S2:

  1. Swipe your finger down the watch screen to open the notification bar.
  2. Find the icon. βš™οΈ Settings and tapping on it.
  3. Select System or Date and Time.
  4. Turn off the autosynchronization option (if enabled).
  5. Manually set the time zone, date and time.
  6. Save the changes.

For Redmi Watch 2/3 and Amazfit:

  1. Press the screen for 2-3 seconds to open the menu.
  2. Select Settings β†’ System β†’ Date and time.
  3. Turn off the phone sync.
  4. Set the settings manually and confirm the changes.

If the clock still doesn't sync to the time after resetting, try connecting it to another phone, which will help determine if the problem is in the watch or in your smartphone. In rare cases, the phone's Bluetooth module is to blame - try turning it off and turning it back on.

⚠️ Note: Some Mi Band models require re-assignment to Xiaomi account after reset. Without this, time synchronization will not work.

How to change the time format (12/24 hours) on Xiaomi watches?

Many users prefer the 24-hour format, but by default, Xiaomi can have a 12-hour (AM/PM) watch to change the format:

For the Mi Band 5/6/7 and Xiaomi Watch:

  1. Open the menu on the clock (swipe up or down).
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Display (or Screen).
  3. Find the option Time format.
  4. Choose 24 hours or 12 hours.

For Amazfit:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ System β†’ Time format.
  2. Choose the right option.

If your model does not have this option in the menu, try changing the format on your phone:

  1. On Android: Settings β†’ System β†’ Date and time β†’ Use the 24-hour format.
  2. On iOS: Settings β†’ Basic β†’ Date and time β†’ 24-hour format.

Then sync your watch to your phone – the format should update automatically.

What to do if the time format does not change?
If the phone still shows AM/PM after the changes, try: 1. Disable and turn on the time synchronization in the application again. 2. Reset the clock (on most models, press the button for 10-15 seconds). 3. Update the firmware through Mi Fitness/Zepp. If nothing helps, reset the clock settings to factory.

Additional tips for working with time on Xiaomi watches

Here are some life hacks that will help you avoid time problems in the future:

  • ⏳ Regularly update the firmware – the manufacturer often fixes bugs associated with synchronization.
  • πŸ“² Use the original app – third-party watch management software may conflict with time settings.
  • 🌍 Check your time zone when traveling – if you’re flying to another country, update the region on your phone, then sync your clocks.
  • πŸ”„ Reconnect the clock once a month – this helps to avoid the accumulation of synchronization errors.

If you often find that Xiaomi watches β€œforget” the time after discharge, try to keep them charged by 30% or more. Some models with deep discharge are confused system settings, including date and time.

πŸ’‘

Automatic time synchronization is the most reliable way, but if it doesn’t work, you can always set the time manually or reset the settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting the time on Xiaomi watches

Why does my Xiaomi watch show time 3 hours behind?
Most likely, the phone or the clock has the wrong time zone. Check the settings on the smartphone (Settings) β†’ Date and time) and update the region. Also make sure that in the Mi app Fitness/Zepp automatic synchronization enabled.
Can I set my time to Mi Band 3 without my phone?
No, Mi Band 3 doesn't support manual time settings on the device itself. All changes are made through the Mi Fitness app. If the phone isn't available, the only way is to wait for automatic sync the next time you connect.
Xiaomi Watch S2 is knocking down time after the update.
This is a well-known problem with some firmware. Try: Reset the clock to factory settings; turn off automatic sync and set the time manually; wait for the next software update (usually bugs are fixed in new versions); if nothing helps, contact Xiaomi for support.
How to synchronize time on Xiaomi watch with iPhone?
The process is no different from Android: Make sure your iPhone has automatic timing enabled (Settings β†’ Basic β†’ Date and Time). Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp app. Connect your watch via Bluetooth. In your device settings, activate Time Sync. If sync doesn't work, try reinstalling the app.
Can you set the time on Xiaomi’s GPS watch?
No, Xiaomi’s smartwatches (except for some Amazfit models with GPS) don’t automatically adjust time over satellites; they only receive data from a connected smartphone or manually.