How to Change the Lock Screen Clock on Android

Quick Answer

You can change the Android lock screen clock if your phone supports lock screen customization. On Pixel phones running Android 16 or higher, go to Wallpaper & style > Lock screen > Clock . On Samsung Galaxy phones, open Wallpaper and style or Lock screen and AOD , then tap the clock to change its style, color, or size. If the setting is missing, your Android version, One UI version, launcher, region, or carrier build may not support that option.

Can You Change the Android Lock Screen Clock?

Yes, but not every Android phone offers the same clock controls. Some phones let you change the lock screen clock style, color, size, or font. Others only let you change the wallpaper, turn Always On Display on or off, or make the clock appear smaller by showing notifications.

The best method depends on your device. A Pixel phone, a Samsung Galaxy phone, and another Android phone may use different setting paths even when they run the same Android version.

Can You Remove the Lock Screen Clock Completely?

In most cases, you cannot completely remove the lock screen clock from Android with built-in settings. You can usually change its style, size, color, wallpaper contrast, notification behavior, or Always On Display behavior instead. On some Android versions, notifications or the Double-line clock setting may make the clock appear smaller, but full removal is usually not supported by default.

Android Lock Screen Clock Settings by Device

Use the table below to find the most likely setting path for your phone. Menu names may vary by region, carrier, device model, and software version.

Device or Version	Where to Check	What You Can Usually Change	Notes
Pixel with Android 16 or higher	Touch and hold Home screen > Wallpaper & style > Lock screen > Clock	Clock style, color, and size	Current official Pixel path for clock style customization
Android 14 and later on supported devices	Wallpaper & style or the lock screen customization picker	Clock design, colors, shortcuts, wallpaper, and lock screen layout	Available options depend on device brand and launcher
Samsung Galaxy on newer One UI versions	Settings > Wallpaper and style > Lock screen > tap the clock	Clock style, font, color, size, and sometimes position	AOD may use the same clock style as the Lock screen on newer One UI versions
Samsung Galaxy on older One UI versions	Settings > Lock screen > Clock style	Clock style and color for Lock screen or Always On Display	Some older versions offer more separate AOD clock controls
Android 12 with large two-line clock	Settings > Display > Lock screen > Double-line clock	Large two-line clock behavior, if the option appears	Older Android 12 behavior; newer versions may use a different customization menu

For Pixel clock customization, check Google Pixel Help . For Android 14 lock screen customization, see Google's Android 14 overview . For Samsung lock screen and AOD settings, refer to Samsung Lock screen and AOD settings and Samsung Always On Display support .

Customize the Lock Screen Clock on Newer Android Versions

On newer Android versions, lock screen clock customization is more visual and system-level than before. Android 14 introduced a more complete lock screen customization experience on supported devices, and Pixel phones running Android 16 or higher now include a dedicated Clock menu for changing the lock screen clock style, color, and size.

Availability still depends on your phone brand, Android version, launcher, region, and carrier build. If your phone does not show the same options, check the Samsung Galaxy section or the troubleshooting table below.

Change the Clock Style, Color, and Size on Pixel

1. Touch and hold an empty space on the Home screen.
2. Tap Wallpaper & style .
3. Swipe to Lock screen .
4. Swipe up and tap Clock .
5. Choose a clock style, color, and size.
6. Tap Apply to save the changes.

Choose a smaller clock if you want a cleaner lock screen. Choose a larger or more expressive clock style if you want the time to stand out against your wallpaper.

What Changed After Android 14?

Android 14 made lock screen customization more prominent on supported devices. Instead of only changing wallpapers, users can customize the lock screen look, use different clock styles, and adjust lock screen shortcuts depending on the device. This is why newer Android tutorials should focus on the system lock screen customization picker rather than only the old Android 12 two-line clock setting.

Older Android 12 Note: Make the Two-Line Clock Smaller

On Android 12, the large two-line lock screen clock may appear when there are no notifications. If your device still uses this layout, try showing a lock screen notification or turning off Double-line clock under Settings > Display > Lock screen , if that option is available. On newer Android versions, use the lock screen clock customization menu instead.

How to Change the Lock Screen Clock on Samsung Galaxy

Samsung Galaxy phones usually offer more lock screen clock controls than many other Android phones. Depending on your One UI version, you may be able to edit the clock directly from the lock screen preview or from the Lock screen settings page.

Method 1. Use Wallpaper and Style on newer Samsung phones

1. Open Settings .
2. Tap Wallpaper and style .
3. Select the Lock screen preview.
4. Tap the clock area.
5. Choose your preferred clock style, font, color, or size.
6. Tap Done to apply the changes.

Method 2. Use Clock Style on older Samsung phones

1. Open Settings on your Samsung Galaxy phone.
2. Tap Lock screen or Lock screen and AOD .
3. Choose Clock style .
4. Select whether you want to edit the Lock screen clock or the Always On Display clock, if prompted.
5. Pick a clock style and color.
6. Tap Done .

Why AOD and Lock Screen Clock May Be Linked on One UI 6.1+

On Galaxy devices running newer One UI versions, the Always On Display clock may follow the same style as the Lock screen clock. Samsung notes that on One UI 6.1, AOD uses the same clock as the Lock screen. If you cannot find a separate AOD clock style menu, edit the Lock screen clock first and then check whether the AOD view changes with it.

On older Galaxy software versions, AOD may still have separate clock type and color controls. Because Samsung settings can vary by wireless carrier, software version, and device model, check both Wallpaper and style and Lock screen and AOD if the menu names do not match this guide.

Use AOD, Screen Saver, or Wallpaper Settings

The following options do not always change the lock screen clock itself, but they can change when and how often you see the clock.

Way 1. Turn off Always On Display

If the clock bothers you mainly when the screen is off, turn off Always On Display. This will not remove the lock screen clock when you wake the phone, but it can stop the clock from staying visible all the time.

1. Open Settings .
2. Go to Display , Lock screen , or Lock screen and AOD .
3. Find Always On Display or Always show time and info .
4. Turn it off, or set it to show only when tapped or when new notifications arrive.

Way 2. Change the clock in Android Screen Saver

Android's screen saver clock is separate from the normal lock screen clock. If you use your phone as a bedside clock or charging display, the screen saver can give you a different analog or digital clock view while the phone is charging or docked.

1. Open the Clock app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu.
3. Choose Screen saver .
4. To change the screen saver clock style, go to Clock app > Settings > Screen saver > Style .
5. Choose Analog or Digital , if available.

Way 3. Change your lock screen wallpaper

Changing the wallpaper does not usually remove the lock screen clock, but it can make the clock easier to read or less visually distracting. On phones that use dynamic color, a new wallpaper may also change the clock color or color palette.

1. Touch and hold the Home screen or Lock screen, if supported.
2. Open Wallpaper & style or Wallpaper and style .
3. Choose a lock screen wallpaper.
4. Preview the clock on the wallpaper before saving.

Why Can't I Change My Android Lock Screen Clock?

If you cannot find the lock screen clock option, the reason is usually device or version related. Check the common causes below before trying a third-party launcher or resetting your phone.

Problem	Likely Reason	What to Try
No Clock menu on Pixel	Your Pixel may not be running Android 16 or higher, or the feature is not available on that build	Update Android, then check Wallpaper & style > Lock screen again
No Double-line clock option	The setting is unavailable on your phone model or software build	Use clock size settings, notifications, or AOD settings instead
Samsung AOD clock menu is missing	On newer One UI versions, AOD may use the same clock as the Lock screen	Edit the Lock screen clock first, then check Always On Display
Samsung menu looks different	One UI version, region, or carrier customization differs	Try Settings > Wallpaper and style, Settings > Lock screen and AOD, or long-press the lock screen
Clock color changes after wallpaper changes	Dynamic color or wallpaper-based color matching is active	Choose a manual clock color if your phone supports it
Clock looks different while charging	Your phone may be showing Screen Saver, AOD, or charging display mode	Check Clock app screen saver settings and AOD settings

What If You Are Locked Out While Changing Lock Screen Settings?

Lock screen customization usually requires you to verify your current PIN, password, pattern, fingerprint, or face unlock. If you are changing themes, editing the lock screen, or adjusting security settings, Android may ask you to confirm the screen lock before applying changes.

If you realize at that moment that you forgot the lock screen password, or your phone becomes locked and you cannot open Settings at all, fix the access problem first. Clock customization can only be changed after you regain access to the device.

In supported cases, DroidKit may help remove an Android screen lock when built-in recovery options are unavailable. This is separate from changing the clock style, and the unlocking process may involve data loss, so check compatibility and backup status before using it.

Important: DroidKit is not a lock screen clock customization tool. It is only relevant if you cannot enter the phone settings because you forgot the screen password, pattern, or PIN.

For more specific help, read: how to remove screen lock PIN on Android or how to unlock an Android pattern lock .

FAQs About Android Lock Screen Clock Customization

Can I change the lock screen clock on every Android phone?

No. Android lock screen clock options depend on the phone brand, Android version, launcher, region, and carrier build. Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones usually provide more built-in options, while some Android phones may only let you change the wallpaper, Always On Display, or notification behavior.

Can I remove the lock screen clock on Android completely?

Usually no. Most Android phones do not let you remove the lock screen clock completely with built-in settings. You can usually change the clock style, size, color, wallpaper contrast, notification behavior, or Always On Display settings instead.

Does changing the lock screen clock affect battery life?

Changing the normal lock screen clock style usually has little impact on battery life. Always On Display can use more battery because it keeps information visible while the screen is off. If battery life is a concern, turn off Always On Display or set it to appear only when tapped or when new notifications arrive.

Why does my clock style change when my phone is charging?

Your phone may be showing a screen saver, Always On Display, charging animation, or dock mode instead of the regular lock screen. Check Clock app screen saver settings, Always On Display settings, and charging display options if the clock looks different while charging.

Why does my Samsung AOD clock use the same style as the Lock screen?

On Galaxy devices running One UI 6 or later, Samsung says Always On Display uses the same clock style as the Lock screen. On One UI 6.1 and later, AOD and Lock screen settings are more integrated, so you may need to edit the Lock screen clock first.

Why did the lock screen clock color change after I changed my wallpaper?

Some Android phones use dynamic color or wallpaper-based color matching. If the clock color changes after you apply a new wallpaper, open the lock screen clock settings and choose a manual color instead of a wallpaper-matched color, if your device supports it.

What if I forgot my Android password and cannot access lock screen settings?

You need to regain access before changing the lock screen clock. If built-in recovery options are unavailable, a screen unlocking tool such as DroidKit may be relevant in supported cases. This does not customize the clock directly and may involve data loss.

The Bottom Line

To change the Android lock screen clock, start with the built-in lock screen customization settings. On Pixel phones running Android 16 or higher, check Wallpaper & style > Lock screen > Clock . On Samsung Galaxy, check Wallpaper and style , Lock screen and AOD , or Clock style . If you use Android 12, the old Double-line clock behavior may still matter, but newer Android versions usually provide more direct lock screen customization controls.

If you cannot access the phone because you forgot the lock screen password, fix the access issue first. After you can open Settings again, return to the lock screen customization menu and adjust the clock style from there.