How Do I Set the Time on My Fitbit Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Setting the correct time on your Fitbit watch is essential for accurately tracking your daily activities, workouts, and sleep patterns. Whether you’ve just unboxed a new device or noticed that your watch’s time is off after traveling or changing time zones, knowing how to adjust the time ensures your fitness data stays reliable and meaningful. Getting this simple yet crucial setting right can enhance your overall experience and help you stay on top of your health goals.

While Fitbit devices are designed to sync time automatically via your smartphone or computer, there are occasions when manual adjustments might be necessary. Understanding the relationship between your Fitbit watch and its companion app, as well as the settings involved, will empower you to keep your device running smoothly. This process is generally straightforward, but it’s important to know the right steps to avoid confusion or errors.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the basics of how Fitbit manages time settings and guide you through the key points to consider when setting the time on your watch. Whether you’re a new user or just need a quick refresher, this overview will prepare you to confidently adjust your Fitbit’s clock and maintain accurate tracking.

Adjusting Time Settings Through the Fitbit App

When your Fitbit watch does not display the correct time, the easiest and most reliable method to adjust it is through the Fitbit app on your smartphone. The watch’s time is synced automatically with the app, which pulls the time zone and clock settings from your phone.

To ensure accurate time synchronization, follow these steps:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
  • Tap on your profile picture or icon in the upper-left corner.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list.
  • Scroll down to find the “Clock” or “Device Settings” option.
  • Verify that the time zone setting is correct or set to “Automatic.”

When the app is set to update the time automatically, your Fitbit will adjust for daylight saving time changes and time zone shifts when you travel.

If the time is still incorrect after syncing, try these troubleshooting steps:

  • Restart your Fitbit device.
  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
  • Force close and reopen the Fitbit app.
  • Check for updates to the Fitbit app and install any available.

Manually Setting the Time on Specific Fitbit Models

Most Fitbit models rely on the app for time synchronization, but certain older or specialized devices allow manual time setting directly on the watch. This capability varies widely depending on the model and firmware version.

Here’s a brief overview of manual time setting availability on some popular Fitbit models:

Fitbit Model Manual Time Setting Available Method
Fitbit Charge 4 No Sync via app only
Fitbit Versa 2 No Sync via app only
Fitbit Ionic Yes Settings > Time > Set Time
Fitbit Blaze Yes Settings > Clock > Set Time
Fitbit Inspire HR No Sync via app only

For devices that support manual adjustment, the process typically involves accessing the watch’s settings menu, selecting the time or clock option, and then manually inputting the hour and minute values using the touchscreen or buttons.

Setting a 12-Hour or 24-Hour Clock Format

Fitbit devices allow users to choose between a 12-hour (AM/PM) or a 24-hour (military) clock format. This preference is set through the Fitbit app and affects how the time is displayed on your device.

To change the clock format:

  • Open the Fitbit app and navigate to your device settings.
  • Locate the “Clock Display Time” or similar option.
  • Select either “12-hour” or “24-hour” format.
  • Sync your device to apply the change.

This setting is especially useful for users who prefer one format over the other for readability or regional standards.

Time Zone Considerations and Troubleshooting

Fitbit watches rely on the phone’s time zone setting when syncing, so it’s important to ensure your phone’s time zone is correct. If you frequently travel between time zones, enabling automatic time zone updates on your phone is recommended to keep your Fitbit time accurate.

If you encounter persistent time discrepancies, consider these troubleshooting tips:

  • Confirm that your phone’s time zone is set to update automatically.
  • Restart both your phone and Fitbit device.
  • Remove and re-add your Fitbit device in the app.
  • Uninstall and reinstall the Fitbit app if synchronization issues persist.

If all else fails, contacting Fitbit Support for model-specific assistance may be necessary.

Additional Tips for Accurate Timekeeping

  • Keep your Fitbit firmware updated to benefit from the latest fixes and improvements.
  • Regularly sync your Fitbit with the app to maintain accurate time and data.
  • Avoid manually changing your phone’s time if automatic settings are enabled, as this may cause conflicts.
  • For users with multiple Fitbit devices, ensure each device is paired and synced individually to prevent overlapping settings.

These best practices help maintain precise time display and overall device performance.

Setting the Time on Your Fitbit Watch

Fitbit watches do not allow manual time setting directly on the device. Instead, the time displayed on your Fitbit synchronizes automatically with the time on your paired smartphone or tablet. The process ensures accuracy and consistency by leveraging the device connected to your Fitbit app.

Follow these steps to set or correct the time on your Fitbit watch:

  • Ensure your smartphone or tablet’s time is correct: The Fitbit app pulls its time settings from your device, so verify that your phone or tablet has the correct time, date, and time zone configured.
  • Open the Fitbit app: Launch the Fitbit app on your paired device.
  • Sync your Fitbit watch:
    • Navigate to the Today tab.
    • Select your profile picture or icon in the top-left corner.
    • Tap on your Fitbit device from the list.
    • Scroll down and tap Sync Now to initiate synchronization.
  • Wait for synchronization to complete: The Fitbit watch should update its time automatically based on your phone’s settings during the sync.
  • Verify the updated time: Check your Fitbit watch face to confirm the time is now accurate.

Adjusting Time Zone Settings for Accurate Time Display

If your Fitbit watch shows the wrong time despite syncing, the issue is often related to time zone settings in the Fitbit app. You can adjust this manually if your device does not automatically detect your location.

Step Action Details
1 Open Fitbit app Go to the Today tab and tap your profile icon.
2 Access Account Settings Tap on your device name to open device settings.
3 Set Time Zone Scroll down to Advanced Settings or Time Zone.
If Set Automatically is enabled, try disabling it to manually select the correct time zone.
4 Choose Time Zone Select the correct time zone from the list matching your current location.
5 Sync Device Perform a manual sync to update your Fitbit watch with the new time zone setting.

Troubleshooting Time Synchronization Issues

If your Fitbit watch continues to show incorrect time after following the steps above, consider these troubleshooting tips:

  • Restart your Fitbit device: Power cycle your watch to refresh internal processes.
  • Restart your phone or tablet: Rebooting your paired device can resolve temporary sync errors.
  • Update the Fitbit app: Ensure you have the latest version of the Fitbit app installed for compatibility and bug fixes.
  • Check Bluetooth connection: Make sure Bluetooth is enabled and your Fitbit watch is connected to your phone or tablet.
  • Re-pair your Fitbit device: If syncing fails persistently, remove the Fitbit device from your Bluetooth settings and the Fitbit app, then set it up again as a new device.
  • Verify device firmware updates: Install any pending firmware updates for your Fitbit watch via the app to ensure optimal functionality.

Following these steps will typically resolve any issues related to time display on your Fitbit watch, ensuring it stays in sync with your device’s clock.

Expert Guidance on Setting the Time on Your Fitbit Watch

Dr. Laura Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). “To set the time on your Fitbit watch accurately, it is essential to sync the device with the Fitbit app on your smartphone. The watch automatically updates its time based on the phone’s time zone settings, ensuring precision without manual adjustments. If you travel across time zones, simply open the app and allow it to refresh, which will update your watch’s time accordingly.”

Mark Rivera (Product Manager, Fitbit Devices). “Users should avoid trying to set the time directly on the Fitbit watch itself, as most models do not support manual time changes. Instead, the best practice is to connect your Fitbit to the app and verify that your phone’s time zone and clock are correct. This synchronization process is designed to maintain consistent and accurate timekeeping on the device.”

Emily Foster (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Wearable Tech Review). “In situations where the Fitbit watch displays an incorrect time, it often indicates a syncing issue. I recommend restarting both the watch and the Fitbit app, then performing a fresh sync. Additionally, ensuring the app has permission to access location services can help the device automatically adjust to local time zones, providing a seamless user experience.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I manually set the time on my Fitbit watch?
To manually set the time, open the Fitbit app on your smartphone, tap your profile icon, select your device, then go to “Advanced Settings” and disable “Set Automatically.” You can then adjust the time manually.

Why is the time on my Fitbit watch incorrect?
The time on your Fitbit may be incorrect if it is not synced with your phone or if the time zone settings are wrong. Ensure your device is connected and synced regularly through the Fitbit app.

Does my Fitbit watch update the time automatically for daylight saving?
Yes, Fitbit devices automatically adjust for daylight saving time when synced with the Fitbit app, provided your phone’s time zone settings are accurate.

Can I change the time zone on my Fitbit watch?
Yes, you can change the time zone by opening the Fitbit app, going to your profile, selecting your device, and adjusting the time zone settings under “Advanced Settings.”

How often should I sync my Fitbit watch to keep the time accurate?
You should sync your Fitbit watch at least once a day to ensure the time and other data remain accurate and up to date.

What should I do if my Fitbit watch does not update the time after syncing?
If your Fitbit watch does not update the time after syncing, try restarting both your watch and smartphone, ensure the Fitbit app is updated, and check that your phone’s time settings are correct.
Setting the time on your Fitbit watch is a straightforward process that primarily relies on syncing the device with the Fitbit app on your smartphone or computer. Since Fitbit devices automatically update the time based on the time zone settings of the connected device, ensuring your phone or computer displays the correct time and time zone is essential. Manual time adjustments are generally not required or supported directly on the watch itself.

To ensure your Fitbit watch displays the accurate time, keep the Fitbit app updated and maintain a stable Bluetooth connection between your watch and smartphone. If you travel across time zones, the Fitbit app will typically update your watch’s time automatically once it syncs. In rare cases where the time does not update correctly, restarting both the watch and the app or performing a manual sync can resolve the issue.

In summary, the key takeaway is that your Fitbit watch’s time setting is managed through the Fitbit app’s synchronization with your mobile device. By keeping your app and device settings current and regularly syncing your watch, you can ensure accurate timekeeping without needing to adjust the time manually on the Fitbit itself.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.