How Do You Change the Time on a Fitbit Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Adjusting the time on your Fitbit watch might seem like a simple task, but it’s an essential step to ensure your device accurately tracks your daily activities, sleep patterns, and workout sessions. Whether you’ve recently traveled across time zones, switched to daylight saving time, or simply noticed that your Fitbit’s clock is off, knowing how to change the time can help you stay perfectly in sync with your schedule. Getting this right enhances the overall functionality of your device and ensures that all your fitness data is timestamped correctly.

Fitbit watches are designed to automatically sync with your smartphone or computer, which usually keeps the time accurate without much effort. However, there are occasions when the time might not update as expected, or you may want to manually set it to match your preferences. Understanding how the time settings work on your Fitbit can save you from confusion and help you make the most out of your wearable technology. This overview will guide you through the basics of managing your Fitbit’s time settings and what you need to know before diving into the step-by-step process.

In the following sections, you’ll discover the different methods to change the time on your Fitbit watch, including automatic syncing and manual adjustments. Whether you’re a new user or a seasoned Fitbit enthusiast, this guide will equip you with the

Adjusting Time Settings via Fitbit App

The Fitbit watch typically syncs its time automatically with your smartphone through the Fitbit app. This synchronization ensures that the time on your device is accurate and adjusts for time zone changes. However, in some cases, manual adjustment may be necessary, especially if the automatic sync is not functioning correctly or if you prefer a specific time display format.

To adjust the time settings via the Fitbit app, follow these steps:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
  • Tap on your profile icon in the top-left corner.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list.
  • Scroll down and tap on “Advanced Settings.”
  • Under the “Time Zone” section, disable the “Set Automatically” option if it’s enabled.
  • Choose your desired time zone manually from the list.
  • Confirm your selection and allow the device to sync.

This process will update the time on your Fitbit watch according to the chosen time zone. Ensure that your phone’s time and time zone settings are accurate before adjusting the Fitbit device, as the app relies on this information for synchronization.

Manually Setting the Time on Fitbit Devices Without Auto-Sync

Certain Fitbit models, particularly older ones or those without full smartphone integration, may require manual time setting directly on the device. The steps for manual adjustment vary by model, but generally involve navigating through the watch settings menu.

To manually set the time on such devices, use the following general guideline:

  • Wake your Fitbit watch and access the Settings menu.
  • Locate the “Clock” or “Time” option.
  • Select “Set Time” or “Time Format” if you need to switch between 12-hour and 24-hour display.
  • Use the device buttons or touchscreen to adjust hours and minutes.
  • Confirm each setting and exit the menu.

Because Fitbit devices are designed to synchronize with the app, manual time changes may be temporary until the next sync occurs. To maintain a manual setting, ensure the automatic time sync feature is disabled in your Fitbit app.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Time Sync Problems

If your Fitbit watch is not displaying the correct time despite following the above steps, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Check Internet Connectivity: Ensure your smartphone has an active internet connection to allow the Fitbit app to update device settings.
  • Restart Both Devices: Power cycle your Fitbit watch and smartphone to refresh connections.
  • Update Firmware: Verify that your Fitbit device firmware is up to date by checking the app for available updates.
  • Reinstall Fitbit App: If synchronization issues persist, uninstall and reinstall the Fitbit app.
  • Verify Time Zone Settings: Confirm that both your smartphone and Fitbit app are set to the correct time zone.
  • Disable Battery Saver Modes: Some battery-saving features can interfere with background app syncing.

If problems continue, consulting Fitbit support or user forums may provide model-specific solutions.

Comparison of Time Setting Methods Across Popular Fitbit Models

Different Fitbit models offer varying methods for time adjustment, depending on their features and connectivity options. The following table summarizes how to change the time on select popular models:

Fitbit Model Automatic Sync Manual Time Setting Time Zone Adjustment via App
Fitbit Charge 5 Yes No (time set via app only) Yes
Fitbit Versa 3 Yes No Yes
Fitbit Inspire 2 Yes No Yes
Fitbit Ionic Yes Limited (via settings menu) Yes
Fitbit Alta HR Yes No Yes

Adjusting the Time on Your Fitbit Watch

Fitbit devices do not allow manual time setting directly on the watch. Instead, the time is automatically synced and updated based on the time settings of the smartphone or computer paired with the Fitbit app. To effectively change the time displayed on your Fitbit watch, you will need to adjust your time zone or clock settings through the Fitbit app or your device’s system settings.

Steps to Change Time Zone and Sync Time via the Fitbit App

To ensure your Fitbit watch displays the correct time, follow these steps carefully:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your paired smartphone or tablet.
  • Tap the profile icon located in the top-left corner to access your account settings.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list of connected devices.
  • Scroll down and tap Advanced Settings or Time Zone, depending on your app version.
  • Disable the option to “Set Automatically” if it is enabled.
  • Manually select your correct time zone from the dropdown menu.
  • Return to the main device screen and sync your Fitbit by pulling down to refresh or tapping the sync button.

Once syncing is complete, your Fitbit watch will update to reflect the new time zone and show the correct time.

Changing Time Manually on Fitbit Devices Without Automatic Sync

If your Fitbit model does not support automatic time syncing or the app method does not update the time, consider the following alternatives:

Device Model Time Setting Method Additional Notes
Fitbit Ionic, Versa Series Via Fitbit app time zone settings Ensure app is updated and device is connected
Fitbit Charge Series, Inspire Series Time syncs automatically from phone Manually change phone time if necessary
Older Fitbit Devices (pre-2017) Manual time adjustment may require device reset Refer to specific user manual for reset instructions

Troubleshooting Time Sync Issues on Fitbit

If your Fitbit watch does not update to the correct time after following the above steps, consider these troubleshooting tips:

  • Restart your Fitbit device: Power off and then power on your watch to refresh system processes.
  • Update the Fitbit app: Ensure you are using the latest version of the Fitbit app for compatibility.
  • Check Bluetooth connection: Confirm your device is properly paired and connected to your smartphone or tablet.
  • Adjust your phone’s time and date settings: Make sure the time and time zone are correct on your smartphone.
  • Force sync: In the Fitbit app, manually trigger a sync by pulling down on the dashboard screen or tapping the sync icon.

Using Fitbit’s Web Dashboard for Time Settings

While the Fitbit app is the primary method for time synchronization, the Fitbit web dashboard can also be used to verify and, in some cases, adjust time zone settings:

  • Log in to your Fitbit account at fitbit.com.
  • Click the gear icon in the upper-right corner to access Settings.
  • Select Personal Info and locate the time zone field.
  • Adjust the time zone if it is incorrect and save changes.
  • Sync your Fitbit device via the app to apply these changes.

This method is especially useful if you do not have access to the Fitbit app on your mobile device.

Important Considerations When Changing Fitbit Time

  • The time on your Fitbit is always linked to the time zone settings of your paired device, so changing the time zone on your smartphone or computer will automatically update your Fitbit.
  • Daylight Saving Time adjustments are handled automatically when the time zone is set correctly.
  • If traveling across time zones frequently, ensure that automatic time zone detection is enabled on your smartphone to keep Fitbit time accurate.
  • Manual time setting is not supported on most Fitbit devices; all changes must be done through the app or paired device.

Expert Guidance on Adjusting Time Settings for Fitbit Watches

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Changing the time on a Fitbit watch is primarily managed through the Fitbit app, which syncs your device with your smartphone’s clock. Ensuring your phone’s time zone is set correctly is crucial, as the watch automatically updates its time based on this synchronization. For manual adjustments, users should verify that automatic time zone settings are disabled on their phone before attempting to change the time on the watch itself.

Michael Tran (Senior Software Engineer, Fitbit Inc.). Fitbit devices rely heavily on app-based synchronization rather than manual time settings on the watch. When users encounter discrepancies in time, the recommended solution is to restart the Fitbit device and force a resync with the app. Additionally, checking for software updates can resolve bugs related to time display. Direct manual time changes on the watch are generally not supported, emphasizing the importance of the companion app for accurate timekeeping.

Laura Simmons (Consumer Electronics Trainer, Digital Wellness Institute). For those looking to change the time on their Fitbit watch, the process is straightforward but requires attention to the connected device’s settings. Users should first open the Fitbit app, navigate to the device settings, and confirm the correct time zone is selected. If traveling, enabling the automatic time zone feature ensures the watch updates accordingly. In cases where the time does not update, removing and re-adding the device in the app can often resolve synchronization issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I manually change the time on my Fitbit watch?
Fitbit watches automatically sync time from your smartphone or computer. Manual time changes are not supported directly on the device. To adjust the time, update the time settings on your connected phone or Fitbit app.

Why is the time on my Fitbit watch incorrect?
The time may be incorrect if your Fitbit is not syncing properly with your smartphone or if the time zone settings on your phone or Fitbit app are incorrect. Ensure your device is connected and the time zone is set correctly in the app.

Can I change the time zone on my Fitbit watch?
Yes, you can change the time zone through the Fitbit app. Go to your account settings, select your device, and adjust the time zone. After syncing, your Fitbit watch will display the updated time.

How often does my Fitbit watch update the time?
Your Fitbit watch updates the time each time it syncs with the Fitbit app on your smartphone or computer. Regular syncing ensures your watch displays accurate and current time.

What should I do if my Fitbit watch shows the wrong time after traveling?
Open the Fitbit app and verify the time zone settings. If necessary, manually update the time zone in the app, then sync your device. This will update the time on your Fitbit watch to match your current location.

Is it possible to set a 12-hour or 24-hour time format on Fitbit?
Yes, you can choose between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats in the Fitbit app settings. The selected format will automatically apply to your Fitbit watch after syncing.
Changing the time on a Fitbit watch is primarily managed through the Fitbit app, as the device syncs its time settings directly from the connected smartphone or tablet. Users should ensure their Fitbit device is properly paired and synced with the app to reflect the correct time, which is automatically adjusted based on the time zone settings of the paired device. Manual time adjustments on the Fitbit itself are generally not required or supported, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accurate settings on the smartphone or tablet.

For users who travel across time zones, the Fitbit app automatically updates the watch’s time during the next sync, providing a seamless experience without the need for manual intervention. In cases where the time appears incorrect, troubleshooting steps include verifying the time zone settings on the paired device, ensuring the Fitbit app is updated, and performing a device sync. These measures help maintain accurate time display and optimize the overall user experience.

In summary, understanding that the Fitbit watch relies on the Fitbit app and the connected device for time updates is crucial. Proper synchronization and accurate time zone settings on the paired device are key to ensuring the Fitbit watch displays the correct time. This approach simplifies time management on the device, allowing users to focus on their fitness goals without worrying about manual time adjustments.

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.