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In today’s globalized world, it is quite common for people to have connections and work with others from different time zones. This can often result in the need to keep track of multiple time zones simultaneously. While Android devices already come with a built-in clock and world clock feature, it doesn’t allow users to display multiple time zones directly on the lock screen. However, with a few simple steps and the help of some third-party apps, you can easily show two time zones on your Android lock screen, making it convenient and hassle-free to keep track of different time zones.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Show Two Time Zones on Android Lock Screen
One of the main challenges of displaying two time zones on the Android lock screen is that the stock Android clock widget does not offer this functionality by default. This means that users would need to look for alternative solutions to achieve this feature, such as installing a third-party app or using a custom lock screen widget. However, finding the right app and setting it up correctly can be confusing and time-consuming for some users.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the methods on how to show two time zones on the Android lock screen, there are a few things that you should prepare for:
1. Make sure your Android device is running on Android 5.0 Lollipop or a newer version. Some of the methods may not be compatible with older Android versions.
2. Check if your Android device supports lock screen widgets. Some Android devices may have restrictions or limitations on the types of widgets that can be displayed on the lock screen.
3. Decide on the two time zones that you want to display on your lock screen. It could be your current location and a different time zone that you frequently interact with or any other combination that suits your needs.
4. Install a reliable and reputable third-party app that offers lock screen widget functionality. There are several options available in the Google Play Store, so choose one that has positive reviews and meets your requirements.
Now that you have everything prepared, let’s explore the methods on how to show two time zones on the Android lock screen.
Method 1: Using Zooper Widget and Tasker
Explanation: Zooper Widget is a highly customizable widget app that allows users to create their own widgets with various elements and functionalities. Tasker is an automation app that can perform tasks based on specific triggers and conditions. By combining the power of Zooper Widget and Tasker, we can create a custom lock screen widget with two time zones.
Steps:
1. Install Zooper Widget Pro and Tasker from the Google Play Store.
2. Open Zooper Widget Pro and create a new widget.
3. Customize the size, color, and layout of the widget according to your preference.
4. Add two text elements to the widget, one for each time zone.
5. Tap on each text element to configure its properties, such as time zone, format, and font.
6. Once the text elements are set up, go back to the main Zooper Widget screen and save the widget.
7. Open Tasker and create a new task.
8. Add an action to the task by tapping on the "plus" icon.
9. Search for the "Variable Set" action and configure it as follows:
- Name: %TIME1
- To: %TIME
10. Add another action to the task and repeat step 9, but this time set the Name as %TIME2.
11. Save the task and exit Tasker.
12. Long-press on an empty area of your Android home screen and select "Widgets."
13. Look for Zooper Widget and add it to your home screen.
14. Select the widget size that matches the one you created in Zooper Widget Pro.
15. Tap on the newly added widget on your home screen and select the Zooper Widget you created.
16. Resize and position the widget as desired on your lock screen.
17. Lock your Android device, and you should now see the custom lock screen widget with two time zones.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly customizable | Requires installation of two separate apps |
| Allows for multiple time zones | May not work on all Android devices |
| Offers extensive widget customization options | Requires some technical knowledge |
Method 2: Via KWGT and Tasker
Explanation: KWGT (Kustom Widget Maker) is another powerful widget app that lets users create their own custom widgets. Similar to the previous method, we will utilize Tasker to retrieve and display the two time zones on the lock screen.
Steps:
1. Install KWGT and Tasker from the Google Play Store.
2. Open KWGT and create a new widget.
3. Customize the size, color, and layout of the widget according to your preference.
4. Add two text elements to the widget, one for each time zone.
5. Tap on each text element to configure its properties, such as time zone, format, and font.
6. Once the text elements are set up, go back to the main KWGT screen and save the widget.
7. Open Tasker and create a new task.
8. Add an action to the task by tapping on the "plus" icon.
9. Search for the "Variable Set" action and configure it as follows:
- Name: %TIME1
- To: %TIME
10. Add another action to the task and repeat step 9, but this time set the Name as %TIME2.
11. Save the task and exit Tasker.
12. Long-press on an empty area of your Android home screen and select "Widgets."
13. Look for KWGT and add it to your home screen.
14. Select the widget size that matches the one you created in KWGT.
15. Tap on the newly added widget on your home screen and select the KWGT widget you created.
16. Resize and position the widget as desired on your lock screen.
17. Lock your Android device, and you should now see the custom lock screen widget with two time zones.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers extensive widget customization options | Requires installation of two separate apps |
| Allows for multiple time zones | May not work on all Android devices |
| Highly customizable | Requires some technical knowledge |
Method 3: Via Widgetsmith
Explanation: Widgetsmith is a popular widget app that gained significant popularity with the release of iOS 14. Fortunately, Widgetsmith is also available for Android users through the Google Play Store. Using Widgetsmith, we can create a custom lock screen widget with two time zones.
Steps:
1. Install Widgetsmith from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the Widgetsmith app and select the "Small" widget size.
3. Tap on the newly created widget and select "Time" as the widget type.
4. Customize the widget by selecting the desired time zone, format, and style.
5. Tap on "Save" and give your widget a name.
6. Go to your Android home screen and long-press on an empty area.
7. Select "Widgets" and look for the Widgetsmith widget you just created.
8. Drag the widget to your lock screen.
9. Resize and position the widget as desired on your lock screen.
10. Lock your Android device, and you should now see the Widgetsmith lock screen widget with two time zones.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly and easy to set up | Offers limited customization options compared to other methods |
| Designed specifically for creating widgets | Only allows for one time zone per widget |
| Does not require additional apps or tools | May not work on all Android devices |
Method 4: Using Custom Lock Screen Apps
Explanation: If the previous methods seem too complex or if you prefer a more straightforward solution, you can consider using custom lock screen apps that offer built-in support for displaying multiple time zones.
Steps:
1. Install a lock screen app that supports displaying multiple time zones, such as ACDisplay or Hi Locker, from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the lock screen app and go through the initial setup process.
3. Look for the time zone settings within the lock screen app’s settings or customization options.
4. Configure the time zone settings to display your desired time zones.
5. Save the settings and exit the lock screen app.
6. Lock your Android device, and you should now see the custom lock screen with two time zones.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Straightforward and easy to set up | May not have as many customization options as other methods |
| Does not require additional apps or tools | May not work on all Android devices |
Why Can’t I See Two Time Zones on Android Lock Screen?
There can be several reasons why you may not be able to see two time zones on your Android lock screen. Here are a few common reasons and their solutions:
Reason 1: Lack of lock screen widget support:
Some Android devices may not support lock screen widgets or have limitations on the types of widgets that can be displayed. In this case, you can try using a custom lock screen app that offers built-in support for multiple time zones.
Reason 2: Incompatible Android version:
Certain methods or apps may require a specific Android version to work correctly. Make sure your Android device is running on Android 5.0 Lollipop or a newer version to ensure compatibility.
Reason 3: Incorrect widget configuration:
If you are using a widget-based method like Zooper Widget or KWGT, double-check your widget’s configuration to ensure that the time zones, formats, and other settings are correct.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to enhance your experience with displaying two time zones on the Android lock screen:
1. Experiment with different widget sizes and layouts to find the most optimal display for your lock screen.
2. Consider using contrasting colors or font styles for each time zone to make them visually distinguishable.
3. If you frequently switch between time zones, you can automate the process by using apps like Tasker or AutomateIt to change the widget’s time zone based on specific triggers or conditions.
5 FAQs about Showing Two Time Zones on Android Lock Screen
Q1: Can I display more than two time zones on my Android lock screen?
A: Yes, you can display more than two time zones on your Android lock screen with some of the mentioned methods. However, keep in mind that displaying too many time zones may clutter your lock screen and make it harder to read.
Q2: Do I need to root my Android device to show two time zones on the lock screen?
A: No, none of the methods mentioned in this article require root access. You can easily set up the custom lock screen widgets or apps without rooting your Android device.
Q3: Are there any battery or performance implications when using custom lock screen widgets or apps?
A: While using custom lock screen widgets or apps may consume some battery and system resources, the impact is generally minimal. However, if you notice significant battery drain or performance issues, you may consider optimizing or disabling certain features within the widgets or apps.
Q4: Can I use these methods on any Android device?
A: These methods should work on most Android devices running on Android 5.0 Lollipop or a newer version. However, it’s always a good idea to check the specific device and app compatibility before proceeding.
Q5: Can I use these methods on the Android home screen instead of the lock screen?
A: Yes, you can also apply these methods to display two time zones on your Android home screen. Simply follow the same steps but select a widget size and position it on your home screen rather than the lock screen.
In Conclusion
Displaying two time zones on the Android lock screen can be beneficial for individuals who frequently interact with people or work across different time zones. While Android devices do not offer this feature by default, there are several methods available to achieve this customization. Whether through third-party apps like Zooper Widget, KWGT, Widgetsmith, or custom lock screen apps, you can easily set up and personalize a lock screen widget that displays two time zones. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy the convenience and efficiency of having multiple time zones readily accessible on your Android lock screen.