Many users who have just bought a new smartphone or updated the operating system are faced with an unusual time display. Instead of the usual numbers from 1 to 12 with the designation AM and PM, the screen shows strict values from 00 to 23. This is the so-called 24-hour formatwhich is activated by default in most regions of the post-Soviet space to avoid confusion.
However, if you are used to the classic division of the day into two halves or if you frequently travel to countries that use the Anglo-American numeral system, this setting may cause discomfort. Fortunately, Android provides flexible tools for personalizing the interface, allowing you to return the view of the clock display that is convenient for you in just a few touches of the screen.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for different versions of the operating system and shells from manufacturers. You will learn where to look for the necessary switches and what to do if the standard path does not work due to the peculiarities of a particular firmware.
Searching for settings in the standard Android menu
The easiest way to change the time format is to use the standard settings application, which is available on any device. The interface may differ slightly depending on the system version, but the logic remains the same. You need to open the section responsible for the general parameters of the device or the system.
In “clean” Android (versions 10, 11, 12 and later) the path to the treasured button usually looks like this. First, go to the main settings menu, then find the Systemitem. Inside this section, you should select a category Date and time. This is where all the parameters related to the calendar and clock are concentrated.
Pay attention to the switch with the name 24-hour format. If it is active (the slider is blue or green, or shifted to the right), then your device displays the time around the clock. To change this, simply click on the switch to deactivate it. The system will instantly apply the changes, and the clock in the status bar will switch to a 12-hour cycle.
⚠️ Attention: In some custom firmware, the name of the item may differ. Look for sections with the names "Advanced", "Language and Input" or simply "General Settings" if the required item is not in the "System" section.
If you do not find the switch right away, try using the built-in settings search. There is often a magnifying glass or input bar at the top of the settings screen. Type the word “format” or “time” there, and the system itself will offer to go to the desired menu, bypassing long searches in sections.
Use the search in settings (magnifying glass icon) to instantly find the "Time Format" item without wandering through complex menus from different manufacturers.
Features of interfaces of Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands
Large smartphone manufacturers often modify the standard interface Androidby creating their own shells. This results in the path to time settings being hidden in unexpected places. Understanding the logic of a particular brand will help save time.
On devices Samsung with a shell One UI the menu structure is slightly different. Here the time settings are placed in a separate large section. You need to go to Settings, scroll down the list and find the item General settings. Next, select Date and time. The switch 24-hour format is at the very bottom of this list.
Users smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco with a shell MIUI or HyperOS should act differently. In these systems, time settings are often integrated into the advanced features section. Go to Settings, then select Additional settings and tap on the item Date and time. The necessary toggle switch is also located here.
- 📱 Samsung: Settings → General settings → Date and time.
- 🍚 Xiaomi/Redmi: Settings → Additional settings → Date and time.
- 🤖 Pure Android (Pixel, Motorola): Settings → System → Date and time.
Device owners Huawei and Honor s shell EMUI or MagicOS may also encounter differences. Usually the path lies through System and updates → Date and time. In rare cases, especially on older models, this item may be duplicated in the section Additional settings.
The influence of choosing a region and language on the clock display
Sometimes the problem with the time format lies not in a separate setting, but in the global localization settings of the device. The operating system Android automatically adjusts the date and time format to the selected region and interface language.
If your device is set to Russian and the region “Russia” or “Ukraine” is selected, the system will offer a 24-hour format by default, as this is the standard for these countries. However, if you change your region to USA, UK or Canada, the time settings may automatically switch to the 12-hour format with AM/PM notations.
To check this dependency, go to the language settings. The path usually looks like Settings → System → Language and input → Language. Try adding a second language, such as US English, and make it your primary language. After this, check the time settings - the format switch may disappear, since the system will hardcode the 12-hour cycle for this region.
| Region / Country | Standard format | Time designation | Probability of auto change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russia, Belarus | 24 hours | 00:00 - 23:59 | Low |
| USA, Canada | 12 hours | 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM | High |
| Great Britain | Mixed | More than 12 hours | Average |
| Germany, France | 24 hours | 00:00 - 23:59 | Low |
This method is useful if you want to completely adapt the phone to life in another country. However, keep in mind that changing the region may also affect other aspects of the system, for example, the date display format (day/month/year versus month/day/year) or the operation of the voice assistant.
Customizing clock widgets on the home screen
The clock widgets that users place on the desktop deserve special attention. It often happens that in the status bar (at the top of the screen) the time is displayed in 12-hour format, but the large widget still shows 24 hours, or vice versa.
This happens because widgets have their own display settings, independent of the system ones. To change the format on the widget, you need to press and hold your finger on it for a second. A context menu will appear where you should select an item Widget settings or simply tap on the gear icon.
In the menu that opens, you can often select the dial style. Some styles only support one format, while others allow you to switch between them. Find the checkbox Use 24-hour format and uncheck it if it is active. If there is no such checkbox, try choosing a different clock design from the proposed list.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party widgets from the Play Market may ignore system settings. In such cases, the time format changes solely within the settings of the widget application itself.
If you use live wallpapers or complex themes, they can also force their own time format. In this case, the only solution is to change the theme to a standard one or search for settings inside the theme application.
Why is the widget reset after a reboot?
Some custom launchers (desktop shells) may incorrectly save widget settings when the device is rebooted. Try updating the launcher in Google Play or resetting its settings to default.
Solving problems when there is no format switch
There are situations when the user goes to the date and time settings, but does not find the treasured switch there. This may be due to the fact that the device has the function of automatic time synchronization with the operator's network activated.
When the option Automatic time detection (or "Use network time") is enabled, the system blocks manual changes to some parameters, including the format, believing that the telecom operator dictates the region's standards. To unlock the settings, you need to temporarily disable this function.
Find the item Auto-detection of time or Use network time and turn it off. After this, the time format selection slider should become active. You will be able to switch it to 12 hour mode. After making changes, the auto-detection function can be turned back on - in most modern versions Android the format selection is retained.
- 🔌 Disable
Auto-detection of timein the menu settings. - ⏰ Change the format to 12-hour.
- 🔄 Turn
Auto-detection timeback (optional).
If the switch does not appear even after disabling autodetection, your firmware version may be strictly locked to the region. In this case, you may need to change the region in the phone settings, as described in the previous section, or use third-party applications for customization.
☑️ Diagnosing a problem with the format
Using third-party applications for customization
For advanced users, who are not satisfied with the standard capabilities of the system, there are specialized applications. They allow you not only to change the time format, but also to completely transform the appearance of the watch, adding seconds, a date in a non-standard format and other useful information.
One of the popular solutions is an application Clock Widget or various packages of icons and widgets from the store Google Play. By installing such an application, you get full control over the display. In the settings of these utilities there is almost always an explicit choice between 12h and 24hwhich works regardless of system limitations.
In addition, there are launcher applications that replace the entire desktop. Their theme settings often allow you to customize the status bar and widgets in detail. This is an ideal option if the standard manufacturer interface seems too limited to you and does not allow you to make the desired changes.
⚠️ Warning: Installing third-party launchers and widgets may increase battery consumption. Choose highly rated applications and check permissions before installing.
Remember that using third-party software requires caution. Only download apps from official sources to avoid malware. Most high-quality time widgets are free or have an inexpensive Pro version with advanced functionality.
Third-party widgets are the best way to bypass manufacturer restrictions if the system menu does not allow you to change the time format.
Why is the time format lost after updating Android?
With major updates to the operating system, localization settings are sometimes reset to factory values. If your device was purchased in a region with a 24-hour standard, an update may return this setting. Just go to the date and time menu and switch the format back.
Is it possible to set a different format for the status bar and widget?
Yes, it is possible. System settings change the format in the status bar (at the top of the screen), but widget-specific settings control only that. You can have 24 hours at the top and 12 hours on a large widget in the middle of the screen, setting them up independently of each other.
Does changing the time format affect the operation of the alarm clock?
No, the time display format is purely visual. The internal logic of alarms, timers and stopwatches does not change. An alarm set for 7:00 am will go off at the same time, regardless of whether you see "7:00 AM" or "07:00".
What should you do if the switch is gray and cannot be pressed?
Most likely, you have "Auto time detection" or "Auto time detection" turned on belts." Disable these features in the same date and time settings menu. After this, the format switch should become active and clickable.
How to return everything back if the 12-hour format is inconvenient?
The process is completely reversible. Go to Settings → System (or General settings) → Date and time. Find the switch 24-hour format and turn it on. The clock will instantly return to its usual form.