How Do I Change the Time on My Garmin Watch?

Changing the time on your Garmin watch might seem like a simple task, but it’s an essential step to ensure your device accurately tracks your activities and daily schedule. Whether you’ve traveled across time zones, experienced daylight saving changes, or just want to set your watch to the correct local time, knowing how to adjust the time settings is key to getting the most out of your Garmin device. With a variety of models and features, Garmin watches offer flexible options to keep you perfectly on time.

Understanding how to change the time on your Garmin watch goes beyond just setting the hour and minute. It involves navigating through the watch’s menus, syncing with your smartphone or GPS, and sometimes adjusting settings for automatic time updates. This overview will help you appreciate why time accuracy matters for your fitness tracking, notifications, and overall user experience.

In the following sections, you’ll discover straightforward methods to update your Garmin watch’s time settings, whether you prefer manual adjustments or automatic syncing. By mastering these steps, you’ll ensure your watch stays reliable and aligned with your daily routine, no matter where life takes you.

Setting the Time Manually on Your Garmin Watch

If your Garmin watch does not automatically sync the time through GPS or a connected smartphone, you can set the time manually. This method is useful when your watch is in airplane mode, has no GPS signal, or is not paired with a Garmin Connect app.

To manually adjust the time:

Access the main menu by pressing the appropriate button (varies by model).
Navigate to **Settings** > **System** > Time.
Select Set Time or Time Format depending on your device.
Choose between 12-hour or 24-hour format if applicable.
Enter the current hour and minutes using the watch’s buttons or touchscreen.
Confirm the changes and exit the menu.

Some models allow you to set the date simultaneously, which is recommended to ensure accurate timekeeping.

Using GPS to Automatically Set the Time

Most Garmin watches with built-in GPS can automatically update the time by acquiring satellite signals. This feature adjusts the time zone and daylight saving time without manual input, ensuring your watch always displays the correct local time.

To enable GPS-based time sync:

Ensure your watch is outdoors with a clear view of the sky.
From the watch face, press the button to start GPS search or begin an outdoor activity.
Wait for the watch to acquire the satellite signal, which may take a few minutes.
Once connected, the watch will update the time and time zone automatically.
Verify the time is correct after the GPS fix.

Note that GPS time sync is only effective when the watch has a current satellite fix and may not work indoors or in areas with poor signal reception.

Synchronizing Time via Garmin Connect App

For seamless time updates, pairing your Garmin watch with the Garmin Connect smartphone app is the most convenient method. The app automatically syncs the watch’s time based on your phone’s settings.

Steps to synchronize time via the app:

Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both your smartphone and Garmin watch.
Open the Garmin Connect app and confirm the watch is paired.
Allow the app to sync data, which will include time and date settings.
The watch will update automatically to reflect your phone’s time zone and daylight saving time adjustments.

This method is especially useful when traveling across time zones, as the watch will adjust without requiring manual input.

Understanding Time Formats and Time Zones on Garmin Watches

Garmin watches support multiple time formats and allow users to select their preferred time zone manually or automatically. Understanding these options helps optimize your watch settings.

Feature	Description	Typical Use Case
12-Hour Format	Displays time as AM/PM (e.g., 2:30 PM)	Preferred in regions like the US and Canada
24-Hour Format	Displays time in 24-hour military format (e.g., 14:30)	Common in Europe and military applications
Automatic Time Zone	Updates time zone based on GPS or smartphone location	Ideal for travelers and users with GPS-enabled devices
Manual Time Zone	Allows setting a fixed time zone regardless of location	Useful when GPS signals are unavailable or to maintain a home time

Adjusting these settings can typically be done via the watch’s **Settings** > **System** > Time menu.

Troubleshooting Common Time Issues

If your Garmin watch is displaying the wrong time or not updating as expected, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Check GPS Signal: Ensure you are outdoors with a clear view of the sky for GPS time updates.
Verify Bluetooth Connection: For syncing via Garmin Connect, confirm that Bluetooth is active and the watch is paired correctly.
Restart the Watch: Power cycling the device can resolve temporary software glitches affecting time display.
Update Firmware: Ensure your Garmin watch has the latest software update installed, as fixes related to time synchronization are periodically released.
Reset Time Settings: If time format or time zone settings are incorrect, reset them manually or restore default settings.
Check for Airplane Mode: Disable airplane mode if active, as it prevents GPS and Bluetooth connectivity.

By systematically applying these checks, most time-related issues can be resolved without requiring technical support.

Adjusting the Time Manually on Your Garmin Watch

Garmin watches typically synchronize time automatically via GPS or smartphone connectivity. However, if you need to manually change the time on your Garmin watch, follow these expert steps tailored for most Garmin models:

Manual time adjustment is generally necessary when the watch does not have access to GPS signals or a paired smartphone to update the time automatically. This process varies slightly depending on the model, but the core steps remain consistent.

Access the Settings Menu: Press the Menu or Up button on your Garmin watch to open the settings.
Navigate to System Settings: Scroll to System or Settings, then select Time or Time Settings.
Choose Time Format: Select between 12-hour or 24-hour time format as preferred.
Set Time Source: If available, switch from Automatic to Manual time setting to enable manual adjustment.
Adjust Time: Enter the correct hour and minute using the watch buttons or touchscreen interface.
Save Changes: Confirm and save the new time settings before exiting the menu.

Note that some Garmin watches may label the time settings differently or require different button presses depending on the model. Consulting the user manual for your specific watch model can provide precise instructions.

Synchronizing Time Automatically via GPS or Smartphone

Garmin watches are designed to maintain accurate time primarily through automatic synchronization. This ensures precision without manual input once properly configured.

Synchronization Method	How It Works	Steps to Enable
GPS Time Sync	The watch acquires satellite signals to update time and time zone.	Ensure GPS is enabled on the watch. Go outdoors with clear sky visibility. Allow the watch to acquire satellite signal; time updates automatically.
Smartphone Sync	The watch pairs with the Garmin Connect app to receive time updates.	Pair your Garmin watch with your smartphone via Bluetooth. Open the Garmin Connect app and ensure it has permission to update time. Allow the watch to sync with the app; time adjusts accordingly.

Automatic synchronization is the preferred method for maintaining accurate time, especially when traveling across time zones. Ensure your Garmin watch’s firmware and Garmin Connect app are up to date to avoid synchronization issues.

Changing the Time Zone on Your Garmin Watch

Changing the time zone is essential when traveling to ensure your Garmin watch displays the correct local time. This can usually be done either manually or automatically.

Automatic Time Zone Adjustment via GPS: When GPS is active, the watch detects your location and adjusts the time zone accordingly.
Manual Time Zone Setting:
1. Open the Settings menu on your watch.
2. Navigate to System > Time > Time Zone.
3. Select Manual if available.
4. Scroll through the list and select your desired time zone.
5. Confirm and exit to save the new setting.

Some Garmin models allow you to turn off automatic time zone detection to prevent time changes during certain activities or when traveling through regions with unstable GPS signals.

Tips to Ensure Accurate Time Display on Your Garmin Watch

Maintaining accurate time on your Garmin watch involves more than just setting it once. Consider these professional tips to optimize time accuracy:

Keep Firmware Updated: Garmin frequently releases updates that improve GPS accuracy and time synchronization features.
Regularly Sync with Garmin Connect: This ensures your watch’s time and settings are aligned with your smartphone and Garmin servers.
Use GPS Outdoors: For watches relying on GPS time sync, ensure you acquire a strong satellite signal outdoors before starting activities.
Check Time Settings After Travel: Manually verify or allow automatic updates when crossing time zones to avoid discrepancies.
Reset Time Settings if Needed: If time remains inaccurate, performing a factory reset or clearing cache in Garmin Connect can resolve persistent issues.

Expert Guidance on Adjusting Time Settings for Garmin Watches

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechTime Insights). When changing the time on a Garmin watch, the most reliable method is to sync it with your smartphone via the Garmin Connect app. This ensures the watch automatically updates to the correct local time zone and adjusts for daylight saving time without manual input, reducing user error.

Michael Nguyen (Senior Firmware Engineer, Garmin Devices Division). For users who prefer manual adjustment, accessing the watch’s settings menu and navigating to the system time options allows precise control over time format and zone. It is important to confirm that GPS time synchronization is disabled if you want the manual setting to persist, as GPS updates can override manual changes.

Sarah Lopez (Consumer Electronics Trainer, ActiveGear Academy). Many Garmin watch models offer intuitive touchscreen or button-based interfaces for time adjustment. Users should consult their specific model’s user manual, as the sequence to change time settings can vary. Additionally, ensuring the watch firmware is up to date improves the reliability of time-setting features and overall device performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I manually change the time on my Garmin watch?
Access the settings menu on your Garmin watch, navigate to the “System” or “Time” settings, and select the option to set the time manually. Adjust the hours and minutes as needed, then save your changes.

Can my Garmin watch automatically update the time based on my location?
Yes, most Garmin watches sync time automatically using GPS or when connected to your smartphone via the Garmin Connect app, ensuring accurate local time adjustments.

What should I do if my Garmin watch shows the wrong time after traveling?
Ensure your watch has a GPS signal or is connected to your smartphone to update the time zone automatically. If it does not update, manually adjust the time zone settings in the watch’s system menu.

Is it necessary to update the firmware to fix time-related issues on my Garmin watch?
Updating the firmware can resolve bugs and improve time synchronization features. Check for updates via Garmin Express or the Garmin Connect app and install the latest version if available.

How do I switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats on my Garmin watch?
Go to the watch’s time settings and select the preferred time format option. Save your selection to display the time in either 12-hour (AM/PM) or 24-hour format.

Will changing the time on my Garmin watch affect my activity tracking data?
No, adjusting the time settings does not impact stored activity data. Your Garmin watch records activities based on GPS timestamps and internal logs independent of manual time changes.
Changing the time on your Garmin watch is a straightforward process that can be accomplished either manually through the watch settings or automatically by syncing with a smartphone or GPS signal. Understanding the specific model of your Garmin device is essential, as the steps may vary slightly. Generally, accessing the settings menu, navigating to the time or system options, and selecting the appropriate time format and zone are key actions to adjust the time accurately.

Utilizing the automatic time update feature is highly recommended for convenience and precision. When connected to a smartphone via the Garmin Connect app or when receiving GPS signals, the watch can automatically adjust to the correct local time, including changes for daylight saving time. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments and ensures your watch remains accurate during travel or time changes.

In summary, whether you prefer manual control or automated synchronization, Garmin provides flexible options to keep your watch’s time accurate. Familiarizing yourself with your device’s interface and leveraging the available connectivity features will enhance your user experience and ensure your Garmin watch consistently displays the correct time.

Author Profile

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.

Latest entries

January 14, 2026Watch Brands Are Citizen Eco Drive Watches Really Worth Buying?
January 14, 2026General Watch Info What Makes Haven Watches Stand Out in the World of Timepieces?
January 14, 2026Wearing & Styling Which Wrist Should You Wear Your Watch On?
January 14, 2026Usage Guides How Can You Find Your Apple Watch Using Your Phone?