How to quickly access your Clock app in Android 14

The default Clock app on Android is your one-stop solution to check alarms, time zones, timers, the stopwatch, and Bedtime mode. It is accessible from the home screen and the app drawer menu. Android 14 makes it even easier to access the Clock app. But while all the go, you may wish to access the Clock app quickly. Whether you use a Samsung or a budget Android phone, we walk you through the steps to find or create the Clock app shortcuts. We also mention some useful tricks for phones running Android 13 or older.

Access the Clock app from the notification center

Android 14 brings back one of the neat features of Android 11. When Google redesigned the system interface with the Android 12 update, the company removed a handy shortcut to access the Clock app from the notification center. The option makes a comeback with Android 14.

1. Swipe down from the home screen to access the notification center.
2. Tap the time in the upper-left corner to open the Clock app.

   

You can access the Clock app from the quick settings menu. Since the system makes the time icon bigger in the quick settings menu, jumping into the Clock app is convenient.

1. Swipe down from the home screen to access the notification center.
2. Swipe down again to access the quick settings menu.
3. Tap the time to launch the Clock app.

   

Access the Clock app from the lock screen

When you set an alarm on Android, the system shows the info on the lock screen. You can long tap your alarm on the lock screen to jump directly into the Clock app.

1. Press the side button to check the Android lock screen.
2. Long tap your alarm and unlock your phone.
3. The system takes you to the Clock app.

   

The Android 14 software is limited to a few devices. If you use Android 13 or an older build, use the app widgets to access Clock quickly. Google revamped all Clock widgets with a Material You makeover.

1. Long tap the home screen and select Widgets from the floating menu.

   

2. Scroll down to Clock and tap the down arrow icon beside it to expand widgets.
3. Add an analog, digital, staked, stopwatch, and word widget on the home screen.
4. Long tap a widget and place it anywhere on the Android home screen.
5. Tap the widget to launch the Clock app.

   

   

You can also edit the widget options on your lock screen. If you own a Samsung device running One UI 6.1, your widget options are limited to the Samsung Clock app, but setting the Clock app widget will create a shortcut.

Add the Clock app shortcut on the lock screen (Samsung)

The Android 14 update brings several lock screen customization options. You can customize the quick actions menu at the bottom, but the options are limited. If you want to set a specific app on the lock screen, you can’t (you can only select from a pre-selected list). However, you can change the default app shortcuts on your lock screen with Samsung’s One UI. We show you how to create the Clock app shortcut by setting it to your lock screen. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings on your Samsung phone.
2. Scroll to the Lock screen and AOD.
3. Toggle on Touch and hold to edit.

   

   

4. Return to the lock screen and tap-hold to open the edit menu. You will have to unlock your phone after the tap-hold prompt to access the edit option.
5. Tap the left or right app icons at the bottom of your lock screen. The default apps will be your Phone app and Camera app. Select the Google Clock app or the Samsung Clock app.

   

   

6. Tap Done. Lock your phone and tap Clock app icon to open the Clock app shortcut.

For those running an older version, you can also add specific apps to your lock screen. The steps work similarly if you’re on One UI 5.1.

The Clock app is just a tap away

If you’ve installed Android 15, the update doesn’t look much different than Android 14, so you don’t have to worry about losing your Clock app shortcuts. However, if you desire more options, you can always look into customizing your Material You theme in Android 15 or using the Good Lock app with the ClockFace module for One UI 6.1. The Clock app is here to stay.