How to Display Seconds on Ubuntu Top Menu Clock
Displaying seconds on your Ubuntu top menu clock shows you the exact time, all the way down to the second, directly on your system’s top bar.
You can add seconds to the clock using a simple tool called GNOME Tweaks. This app lets you change various settings for your Ubuntu desktop.
This trick is useful if you need to track time very precisely for your work or tasks. It works on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and other recent versions of the GNOME desktop.
If you don’t have GNOME Tweaks installed yet, you’ll need to add it first.
Install the “Extension Manager” app from the Ubuntu Software store, then search for and install the “Clock Seconds” extension within Extension Manager. The seconds will immediately appear on your top menu bar clock.
Why add seconds to your clock?
Adding seconds to your Ubuntu clock is helpful for tasks that need precise timing, such as joining meetings right on time or tracking time-sensitive activities.
Show seconds with the clock on the top menu bar
Ubuntu no longer includes a built-in setting for displaying seconds on the clock. Instead, you can use a GNOME extension. The Extension Manager app is a great tool for adding this and other customizations to your Ubuntu interface.
It’s the standard and user-friendly way to manage these tweaks. Use the Extension Manager app for the best experience.
2. Launch the app and click on the Browse tab.
3. Search for the extension named Clock Seconds.
4. Click the Install button next to the extension.
Once installed, the seconds will appear on your top menu bar immediately. No restart is needed for your computer.
A note on Dconf Editor
Older guides might suggest using Dconf Editor or terminal commands, but these methods are not compatible with newer Ubuntu versions like 23.10 and later. For modern Ubuntu, using Extension Manager is a more reliable way to adjust your clock settings.
For those familiar with Windows, Dconf Editor is similar to the Windows Registry Editor. For modern Ubuntu, though, sticking with the Extension Manager is more reliable.
Conclusion
Although Ubuntu no longer has a direct setting for displaying seconds on the clock, this feature can be easily restored. Using tools like Extension Manager provides customization for Ubuntu clock seconds, letting you see the seconds on your top menu bar clock again.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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