How to set up two time zones on Android: 4 working methods

Moving between countries, working remotely with international teams, or simply communicating with relatives abroad - all this requires constant monitoring of time in different time zones. Unfortunately, Android displays only one time zone by default on the lock screen and in the status bar. But there are ways to get around this limitation!

In this article you will find 4 proven methodshow to add a second time zone to your smartphone: from standard functions (available on most devices) to specialized applications for advanced users. We will look at the nuances for Samsung One UI, MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi), stock Android (Google Pixel, Motorola) and other firmware. We’ll also find out why sometimes the second belt resets after a reboot - and how to fix it.

1. Method: Dual time zone through system settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in capabilities of Android. It works on most devices with OS Android 7.0 and laterversion, but the interface may differ depending on the shell. Here's how to do it:

Open the application Clock (usually the dial icon) → go to the tab World time (or Time zones). Here you can add any city from the list. However, by default Android shows only the main time zone on the lock screen - the second one will be visible only in the Clock application itself. To fix this, you need:

• 📱 On Samsung Galaxy: Go to Settings → Lock screen → Widgets → Clock and select a style that displays two zones (for example, “Dual watches”).
• 🤖 On stock Android (Pixel, Motorola): Hold your finger on the home screen → Widgets → find the Clock widget (usually from Google) and add it with a second zone setting.
• 🧩 On Xiaomi/Redmi: In the "Clock" application, tap "+" → select a city → enable the "Show on lock screen" option (if available).

If your firmware does not have the option to display two belts on the lock, proceed to the next method - it is universal.

2. Method: “Double clock” widget on the main screen

If the system settings do not allow the second belt to be locked, you can place it on home screen as a widget. This method works on all versions of Android and does not require root access.

Instructions:

1. Touch and hold an empty space on the home screen → select Widgets.
2. Find the "Clock" widget (from Google or your smartphone manufacturer).
3. Drag it to the screen and in the settings select a style with two time zones (for example, "Analogue + Digital" or "Dual Watch").
4. Specify the second city in the list of available ones locations.

Disadvantage of the method: the widget takes up space on the screen and is not displayed on the lock. But it does not require the installation of third-party applications and works stably.

Check the Android version (Settings → About phone)

Update the "Clock" application in Google Play

Synchronize time over the network (Settings → Date and time → Auto detection)

Reboot your smartphone (sometimes it resets the settings cache)-->

3. Method: Third-party applications for two belts

If the built-in tools are not satisfactory, you can use specialized applications. They offer more features: display on lock, notifications about time differences, widgets with additional information (for example, weather in another city).

Top 3 tested applications:

Application	Features	Cons
Dual Clock Widget	Minimalistic widget, dark theme support, font settings	Advertising in the free version
World Clock Time Widget	Display on lock (requires permission), 24-hour format	Complex settings interface
ClockSync	Synchronization with servers exact time, history of zone changes	Paid functions (from $2.99)

How to install:

1. Download the application from Google Play (links above).
2. Open it and add the required cities.
3. Customize the widget on the home screen or allow it to be displayed on the lock (in the application settings).

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, World Clock Time Widget) request permission to Display on top of other windows. This is necessary to work on the lock, but may conflict with other apps. Check reviews before installation!

4. Method: Automatic switching of zones by geolocation

If you travel frequently, it is convenient to configure automatic switching of time zones by location. This will save you from manually adding cities.

How to enable:

1. Go to Settings → System → Date and time.
2. Activate the options:
   • 📍 Automatic detection of time zone (via network or GPS)
   • ⏱️ Automatic date and time (synchronization with Google servers)

Go back to Settings → Advanced → Time zones and add the second city manually (it will be displayed in parallel with the main one).

On Samsung this method works stably, and on Xiaomi may require additional settings in the application Security (permission to access the location for the system clock).

Why does the second zone reset after a reboot?

On some firmware (especially custom ones), Android resets user time zones when reboot. This is because the system Clock app does not save data to persistent memory. Solutions:

1. Use third-party applications (they save settings in their storage).

2. Update the firmware - this error has been fixed in new versions of Android.

3. Configure automatic detection of the zone by geolocation (see method 4).

5. Solving problems: the second time zone is not displayed or gets lost

If you have configured a second time zone, but it does not work, check these points:

• 🔄 Time synchronization: Make sure that the Settings → Date and time option is enabled. If it is disabled, the time may be lost. Automatic synchronization. If it is disabled, the time may be lost.
• 📵 Battery saving: Some energy saving modes (for example, Ultra Power Saving on Samsung) disable background synchronization. Add the Clock app to the exceptions list.
• 🔧 System updates: After major Android updates, time zone settings may be reset. Check them after the upgrade.

If the problem persists, try:

adb shell settings put global auto_time_zone 1

This command (entered via ADB on a PC) forces automatic belt detection. Read more about working with ADB in our separate instructions.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with root access you can manually edit the file /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db, but this is risky! Incorrect changes will cause system settings to fail. It is better to use specialized applications like ClockSync.

6. Alternatives: how to find the time in another zone without settings

If setting up two zones seems complicated, there are simple workarounds:

• 🌍 Google Search: Enter the query “time in [city]” - the search engine will show the current time taking into account the zone. You can add a shortcut to the home screen.
• ⏰ Shortcut “Clock”: On stock Android a long press on the “Clock” icon provides quick access to world time.
• 📅 Google Calendar: When creating an event, specify the time zone - the notification will arrive with the correct time.

These methods will not replace the full display of two zones, but will help in situations where you need to quickly find out the time in another region.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about two time zones on Android

Is it possible to configure two zones on the lock screen without third-party applications?

Yes, but only on some firmwares. For example, Samsung One UI and Oppo ColorOS support widgets with double clocks on the lock. On stock Android i MIUI this requires third-party apps.

Why did the second belt disappear after updating Android?

Updates sometimes reset user settings. Try:

1. Delete and re-add the city in the Clock application.
2. Check permissions for the Clock application in Settings → Applications.
3. Restart your device.

How to make notifications show the time in a different zone?

Android does not support this function natively. But you can:

• Use Google Calendar (specify the time zone when creating an event).
• Set ClockSync —it converts the time in notifications.

Does dual belt work on Android Go?

On devices with Android Go (for example Nokia 1.4, Samsung Galaxy J2 Core) the functionality is limited. Widgets with two zones may be slow. We recommend using lightweight applications like Dual Clock Widget Lite.