An information processing method and an electronic device are provided. The method includes displaying a first identifier indicating time information on a display unit of an electronic device; acquiring first operating state information indicating a first operating state of a first functional unit of the electronic device; determining a first display state of the first identifier based on the first operating state information; and controlling the first identifier to be displayed at the first display state to indicate that the first functional unit is in the first operating state. With the method and electronic device of the disclosure, the display area of the display unit can be efficiently used without occupying a specified display area on the display unit to indicate operating state information of the electronic device.