Where to find the clock settings on your lock screen

The clock on your lock screen is controlled through your device's display and lock screen settings, not through a separate clock app. On most phones, you reach these settings by opening Settings, then navigating to Display or Lock Screen depending on whether you use Android or iOS. The exact path varies by phone model and operating system version, but the principle is the same: the lock screen clock is part of your device's system display, so that's where you adjust it.

Before you start, know that some phones let you change the clock format (12-hour or 24-hour time), the size, the position, or whether it shows at all. Others let you choose a custom lock screen with a different clock style. Not all phones offer all these options—some manufacturers lock down the lock screen more than others. If you don't find an option after following the steps below, your phone may not support that particular change.

Key Takeaways

  • Lock screen clock settings live in your device's Settings app under Display or Lock Screen, not in a clock or time app.
  • You can usually change the time format between 12-hour and 24-hour, and sometimes adjust the size or position of the clock.
  • Some phones let you replace the lock screen entirely with a custom design that includes a different clock style.
  • If you cannot find a clock setting, your phone model may not offer that option, or it may be controlled by your device's manufacturer skin (like Samsung's One UI or Google's Pixel UI).

Changing the clock format on Android devices

On Android, open Settings and look for Display or Lock Screen. The exact name depends on your phone's manufacturer. Samsung phones use Settings > Display > Lock Screen. Google Pixel phones use Settings > Display > Lock Screen. Once you're in that section, look for an option called Clock Style, Clock Format, or Time Format.

Tap that option and you'll usually see choices like Analog (a traditional round clock face), Digital (numbers), or sometimes Minimal or Default. Some phones also let you toggle between 12-hour and 24-hour time in the same menu or in a separate Date and Time section under Settings > System. After you select your preference, the change takes effect when ready the next time your screen locks.

Changing the clock format on iPhone

iPhone gives you fewer lock screen clock options than Android, but you can still make adjustments. Open Settings > Display & Brightness > Lock Screen (on iOS 16 and later). From there, tap Customize to edit your lock screen layout. You can add or remove the clock widget, change its size, or reposition it by tapping and dragging.

To change between 12-hour and 24-hour time, go to Settings > General > Date & Time and toggle 24-Hour Time on or off. This change affects your entire device, not just the lock screen. If you want a completely different clock style, you can create a new lock screen design by long-pressing your current lock screen and tapping the plus icon, then selecting a different wallpaper or theme that includes a clock widget you prefer.

Using custom lock screens to change the clock appearance

Both Android and iPhone let you install custom lock screens through third-party apps or built-in customization tools. On Android, apps like Always On AMOLED, Glimpse Notifications, or manufacturer-specific tools (like Samsung's Good Lock app) let you design a lock screen with a clock in any style you want. read the app, open it, design your lock screen, and set it as your default.

On iPhone, you can create multiple lock screens with different clock styles by long-pressing your lock screen, tapping the plus icon, and selecting different wallpapers or lock screen themes. Each one can have a different clock widget or position. You can then swipe between them by long-pressing the lock screen and swiping left or right. This approach takes more steps than a straightforward format change, but it gives you the most control over how your clock looks.

Adjusting clock size and position

Some Android phones, particularly Samsung and Google Pixel models, let you adjust the size and position of the lock screen clock directly. In Settings > Display > Lock Screen, look for options labeled Clock Size, Clock Position, or Widget Size. You may be able to drag the clock to a different location on the screen or use a slider to make it larger or smaller.

iPhone's approach is similar but works through the lock screen customization interface. Long-press your lock screen, tap Customize, then tap and hold the clock widget to move it or pinch to resize it. Not all iPhone lock screens support resizing, so if you don't see these options, try switching to a different lock screen design first.

Hiding the clock entirely

If you want to remove the clock from your lock screen altogether, the method depends on your device. On Android, some phones have a toggle in Settings > Display > Lock Screen to turn the clock on or off. On others, you may need to use a custom lock screen app that doesn't include a clock widget.

On iPhone, you can remove the clock by customizing your lock screen and deleting the clock widget, though most lock screens include one by default. If you want a lock screen with no clock at all, you'll need to use a custom lock screen design or a third-party app. Keep in mind that removing the clock means you won't see the time at a glance when your phone is locked, so you'll need to unlock it or ask Siri for the time.

Troubleshooting when clock settings don't appear

If you can't find clock settings in your phone's display menu, check whether your device is running the latest software version. Go to Settings > About Phone (Android) or Settings > General > Software Update (iPhone) and install any pending updates. Manufacturers sometimes add or change lock screen options in system updates.

If updates don't reveal the settings you're looking for, your phone model may straightforward not support that particular customization. Some budget phones and older models have limited lock screen options. In that case, a third-party lock screen app is your best option. Search your phone's app store for "lock screen" or "custom lock screen" and read the reviews to find one that offers the clock style you want. Be cautious with permissions—only install apps from developers with good ratings, since lock screen apps have access to your device's display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the lock screen clock affect the time shown elsewhere on my phone?

No. The lock screen clock is just a display of the system time that's already set in your phone's date and time settings. Changing how it looks, its size, or its position doesn't change the actual time. If you want to change the time format (12-hour to 24-hour), that change will affect the time display throughout your phone, not just on the lock screen.

Can I use a custom lock screen app if my phone doesn't have built-in clock options?

Yes. Third-party lock screen apps are available for both Android and iPhone and often offer more clock styles and customization than the built-in options. read one from your app store, set it as your default lock screen, and design it the way you want. Just check the app's permissions and reviews before installing.

Why does my lock screen clock look different after I updated my phone?

System updates sometimes change the default lock screen design or reset your customization choices. Go back to your lock screen settings and reapply your preferred clock style. If the option is no longer there, the manufacturer may have removed it in the update, and you may need to use a custom lock screen app instead.

Can I have different clocks on different lock screens?

Yes, especially on iPhone. You can create multiple lock screens by long-pressing and tapping the plus icon, then customize each one with a different clock style or widget. On Android, you can do this with custom lock screen apps that let you save multiple designs. Swipe between them whenever you want a different look.