How to change the "Clock" screensaver on Android: 5 proven methods

The clock screensaver on the lock screen or in Android standby mode is not only a functional element, but also part of the visual style of your smartphone. Many users want to personalize it to their taste: replace the standard dial with an analog one, add weather widgets, change the color scheme, or completely remove the clock from the screen. However, not everyone knows that customization options depend on the version Android, the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS) and even the device model.

In this article we will look at all the current ways to change the clock screensaver - from standard settings to using ADB commands and third-party applications. You'll learn how to get around manufacturer restrictions, which shells support flexible customization, and where you'll have to resort to workarounds. We will pay special attention to hidden settings in firmware Samsung i Xiaomi, where changing the screensaver is often blocked by default.

1. Standard Android settings: what can be changed without root

On pure Android (for example, on devices Google Pixel or Nokia) or in shells with minimal restrictions (OxygenOS, Stock Android), some of the screensaver parameters are available through the settings menu. Here's what you can do without installing additional apps:

• 🕒 Change clock style: analog or digital format, color, size.
• 🎨 Customize the background: select wallpaper for the lock screen separately from the main screen.
• 🔄 Add widgets: weather, notifications, media player (not available on all devices).
• ⚙️ Hide clock: completely remove the time display (on some firmwares).

To open these settings, go to:

Settings → Display → Lock screen → Clock style

Limitations: On devices Samsung (One UI) and Xiaomi (MIUI) many options are hidden. For example, in MIUI 14 you can only change the color of the clock, and in One UI 5.1 you can choose from 3-4 predefined styles. Additional methods will be required for deep customization.

2. Using third-party launchers for customization

If the standard settings are not satisfactory, you can install an alternative launcher that supports changing the screensaver. The most popular solutions:

• 📱 Nova Launcher: allows you to change icons, fonts and widgets on the lock screen (premium version required).
• 🎭 Action Launcher: supports clock customization through integration with KWGT.
• ⚡ Smart Launcher 6: offers unique screensaver styles with animation.

How configure:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play.
2. Set it as the default launcher in the Android settings (Settings → Applications → Default launcher).
3. In the launcher settings, find the section Lock screen or Widgets.
4. Select a clock style from those offered or download a custom pack.

⚠️ Attention: Not all launchers completely replace the system screensaver On some devices (especially Huawei And Meizu) they can work on top of the standard interface, which will lead to display conflicts.

Make a backup copy of your current settings|

Check the compatibility of the launcher with your version of Android|

Disable battery optimization for the launcher|

Reboot the device after installation-->

3. Applications for deep customization of the screensaver

There are specialized applications for advanced settings of the clock and lock screen. They allow you to:

• 🖌️ Create own clock styles from scratch (colors, fonts, animation).
• 🌄 Add dynamic wallpaper linked to the time of day.
• 📊 Integrate widgets (weather, steps, notifications).

Top 3 applications:

App	Functions	Compatibility	Limitations
KWGT Kustom Widget Maker	Creation of custom clocks, animation, integration with Tasker	Android 5.0+	Complicated interface for beginners
Always On AMOLED	Clock screensaver for AMOLED screens, battery saving	Android 7.0+, AMOLED display	Does not work on LCD screens
Clockology	Ready clock styles, Always On Display support	Android 8.0+	Paid styles in the premium version

Instructions for KWGT:

1. Install KWGT and KWGT Pro Key (to unlock all functions).
2. Download your favorite clock pack (for example, Minimal & Elegant KWGT).
3. Add a widget KWGT to the lock screen (if supported by the launcher).
4. Customize the display through the editor KWGT.

How to bypass MIUI restrictions for KWGT?

On Xiaomi by default it is impossible to add widgets to the lock screen. Solution:

1. Install Nova Launcher and make it the main one.

2. In settings Nova enable option Show widgets on the lock screen.

3. Use the plugin KWGT Lockscreen (requires an unlocked bootloader).

4. Changing the screensaver via ADB (without root)

If your device does not support customization through settings or applications, you can use ADB commands. This method works on most modern smartphones (including Samsung i Xiaomi), but requires connection to a computer.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB Tools (download from the site Android Developers).
• 📱 Enabled debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number (7 taps) → Developer settings → USB debugging).
• 🔌 Cable USB-Type C (preferably original).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect your phone to the PC and confirm permission to debug.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   Should appear serial number of your device.

4. Use commands to change the screen saver (example for Samsung One UI):

   adb shell settings put global aod_mode 1 # Enable Always On Display
   adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_clock_style 3 # Change clock style (values 0-5)

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect ADB commands can lead to interface failures. Before experiments, create a backup copy of the settings via adb backup.

5. Rooting and custom firmware: maximum freedom

If you are ready to take radical measures, unlocking the bootloader and installation custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will open full control over the screensaver Advantages:

• 🔧 Complete replacement of the system clock with any one. custom.
• 🎛️ Customizing animation, transparency, arrangement of elements.
• 🚫 Removing manufacturer restrictions (for example, Samsung Knox or MIUI Optimizations).

Risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (on most devices).
• 🔋 Possible problems with the battery or stability.
• 🔒 The need to manually update the firmware.

How to do it:

1. Unlock the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock (instructions differ for each brand).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Flash Magisk to obtain root access.
4. Install the module Lockscreen Customizer via Magisk Manager.

📌 Important: The rooting process is individual for each model. For example, on Samsung after unlocking it is triggered Knox, which blocks Samsung Pay i Secure Folder.

6. Bypassing restrictions on specific brands

Manufacturers often block changes to the screensaver at the firmware level. Here's how to get around these restrictions for popular brands:

Samsung (One UI)

On devices Samsung the screensaver is hardwired to Always On Display (AOD). To change it:

• 📱 Use the application Good Lock (official from Samsung):

  Galaxy Store → Good Lock → LockStar

• 🔧 Via ADB (see section 4) with the command:

  adb shell cmd overlay enable com.samsung.android.lockscreen.clock

Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS)

B MIUI change of the screensaver is blocked at the level systems. Solutions:

• 🎭 Install KWGT + Nova Launcher (see section 3).
• 🛠️ Disable optimization MIUI via ADB:

  adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

Google Pixel

On Pixel with pure Android there is more freedom:

• ⚙️ Use Settings → Display → Clock style.
• 🖼️ Set Always On AMOLED for additional styles.

⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei (EMUI) and Oppo (ColorOS) most methods do not work without root access. Only custom firmware will help here.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the change. screensavers

Is it possible to change the screensaver on Android without root?

Yes, but the possibilities are limited. On pure Android or in shells like OxygenOS you can select the clock style in the settings. data-i="216">ADB commands or third-party applications are required ( Samsung And Xiaomi ADB commands or third party applications will be required (KWGT, Good Lock). Complete replacement of the screensaver without root is impossible.

Why did the screensaver reset after updating Android?

Updating the system often resets the lock screen settings. This is due to changes in the file structure in /system/overlay. To return the custom screensaver, repeat the setup via ADB or the application. If you were using root, you may need to reinstall the modules Magisk.

How to remove the clock from the lock screen completely?

On most devices, this cannot be done without root.

• Google Pixel: Settings → Display → Lock screen → Clock → Off
• OnePlus (OxygenOS): use OxygenOS Customization APP.

On Samsung and Xiaomi the clock cannot be removed without modifying system files.

Which screensaver applications are not require root?

List of tested applications without root:

• Always On AMOLED — for AMOLED screens.
• Clockology — ready-made styles with AOD support.
• KWGT — for creating custom widgets (a compatible launcher is required).

Please note: on some devices (Huawei, Meizu) these applications may not work correctly.

Is it possible to return the standard screensaver after changes?

Yes. Methods:

• For ADB: do this. command adb shell settings delete global aod_mode.
• For KWGT: remove the widget from the lock screen.
• For custom firmware: reflash the original one overlay via TWRP.

If the screensaver “broke” after experiments, reset the settings lock screen in the menu Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset lock screen settings.