How Do You Change the Time on a Fitbit Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Changing the time on your Fitbit watch might seem like a small detail, but it’s essential for keeping your device accurate and ensuring your fitness tracking stays on point. Whether you’ve traveled across time zones, adjusted for daylight saving time, or simply noticed your watch displaying the wrong time, knowing how to update it quickly can make all the difference. Your Fitbit is more than just a watch—it’s a personal health companion that relies on precise timing to monitor your activities, sleep, and heart rate effectively.

Many Fitbit users assume that the time on their device updates automatically, but there are instances when manual adjustment is necessary. Understanding the relationship between your Fitbit and its connected smartphone or computer is key to managing time settings. This overview will help you grasp why the time might be off and the general ways you can approach correcting it, setting the stage for a straightforward guide to get your Fitbit’s clock ticking perfectly again.

In the following sections, you’ll discover the essential steps and tips to change the time on your Fitbit watch, ensuring it aligns with your current time zone and preferences. Whether you’re a new user or a seasoned Fitbit enthusiast, mastering this simple task will enhance your overall experience and keep your health data accurate and reliable.

Setting the Time Automatically via Fitbit App

Fitbit devices typically sync their time settings automatically based on the connected smartphone or tablet. To ensure your Fitbit watch displays the correct time, it is crucial that your Fitbit app has the proper settings and permissions enabled.

First, verify that the Fitbit app on your smartphone is set to the correct time zone. The app relies on your phone’s system time and time zone settings to update your device. If your phone’s time zone is incorrect, the Fitbit watch will reflect the wrong time.

To adjust the time zone in the Fitbit app:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
  • Tap your profile picture in the upper-left corner.
  • Select your device from the list.
  • Scroll down to find the “Time Zone” option.
  • Toggle off “Set Automatically” if enabled.
  • Manually select the correct time zone from the list.

After adjusting the time zone, sync your Fitbit watch to apply the changes. This can be done by:

  • Opening the Fitbit app.
  • Pulling down on the dashboard screen to initiate syncing.
  • Waiting for the sync to complete, during which the watch’s time will update.

If the time does not update immediately, restarting your Fitbit device can help finalize the synchronization.

Manually Changing the Time on Fitbit Devices Without Auto-Sync

Some Fitbit models or situations require manual time adjustments, especially if auto-sync fails or the watch is not connected to a smartphone. In such cases, manually setting the time is possible, but the method varies depending on the Fitbit model.

Here are common ways to manually change the time:

  • Using the Fitbit App (if auto-sync is not working):

Sometimes, toggling the time zone settings in the app can force an update. Disable “Set Automatically,” select the correct time zone, then re-enable the automatic setting and sync again.

  • Direct Device Settings:

Certain Fitbit models (e.g., Ionic, Versa series) allow manual time adjustment via device settings. Navigate to the settings menu on the watch and locate the time or clock settings to adjust hours and minutes.

  • Web Dashboard Settings:

In rare cases, adjusting your time zone on the Fitbit web dashboard can influence the device time. Sign in to your account on fitbit.com, go to settings, and ensure your time zone is correct.

The table below summarizes time-setting methods for popular Fitbit models:

Fitbit Model Automatic Time Sync Manual Time Setting Option Notes
Fitbit Charge 5 Yes (via app) No Relies on smartphone sync
Fitbit Versa 3 Yes (via app) Limited (time zone adjustment) Can toggle time zone settings
Fitbit Sense Yes (via app) No Manual time not supported
Fitbit Ionic Yes (via app) Yes (device settings) Allows direct clock adjustment

Troubleshooting Time Sync Issues

If your Fitbit watch is not displaying the correct time despite syncing, several factors may be causing the problem:

  • Outdated Fitbit App:

Ensure the Fitbit app is updated to the latest version to maintain compatibility with your device.

  • Bluetooth Connectivity:

Poor Bluetooth connection can prevent successful syncing. Try turning Bluetooth off and on, or unpair and re-pair the device.

  • Incorrect Phone Time Zone:

Double-check your phone’s system time and time zone settings as Fitbit uses this data.

  • Fitbit Device Restart:

Restarting the Fitbit watch can resolve minor glitches. Hold the button(s) or follow the restart procedure specific to your model.

  • Account Time Zone Settings:

Confirm your time zone is correct in your Fitbit online account settings at fitbit.com.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, performing a factory reset on the Fitbit watch may help, but this should be a last resort as it erases data stored on the device.

Additional Tips for Accurate Timekeeping

To maintain accurate time on your Fitbit device, consider the following best practices:

  • Keep your Fitbit app and device firmware up to date.
  • Regularly sync your device with the app to ensure time and data accuracy.
  • Enable automatic time zone detection on your smartphone.
  • Avoid manually setting time if your device supports automatic syncing, as this can cause conflicts.
  • When traveling across time zones, allow your Fitbit device to sync after updating your phone’s time zone for smooth adjustment.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Fitbit watch consistently displays the correct time aligned with your current location.

Adjusting Time Settings on Your Fitbit Device

Fitbit devices synchronize their time settings primarily through the Fitbit app, which pulls the time from your smartphone or computer. Direct manual time setting on the watch is generally not supported, as the device relies on the connected app for accuracy. The following outlines how to ensure your Fitbit displays the correct time:

  • Syncing With the Fitbit App: The time on your Fitbit watch updates automatically when it syncs with the Fitbit app on your smartphone or computer. Ensure your device is connected and syncing regularly.
  • Check Time Zone Settings: The Fitbit app uses your phone’s time zone settings to display time. If your time is incorrect, verify your phone’s time zone is set correctly.
  • Manual Time Zone Configuration: Some Fitbit models and app versions allow manual time zone settings to override automatic detection.

Steps to Correct Time by Syncing

  1. Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone or tablet.
  2. Tap your profile picture or icon in the upper-left corner to access device settings.
  3. Select your Fitbit device from the list.
  4. Scroll down to find the “Sync Now” button and tap it to force synchronization.
  5. Wait for the sync to complete; the time on your Fitbit should update accordingly.

Manually Setting Time Zone in the Fitbit App

If your Fitbit watch shows an incorrect time due to automatic time zone detection issues, follow these steps:

Step Action Notes
1 Open the Fitbit app and tap your profile icon. Access device settings for your Fitbit.
2 Tap “Advanced Settings” or “Time Zone” (exact menu depends on app version). This option is available for certain Fitbit models.
3 Disable “Set Automatically” if enabled. Allows manual time zone selection.
4 Select your correct time zone from the dropdown list. Choose the appropriate time zone matching your location.
5 Save changes and sync your device. Confirm your Fitbit updates the time accordingly.

Additional Tips for Time Accuracy

  • Restart Your Fitbit: If the time still does not update, try restarting your device to reset its connection with the app.
  • Update Firmware: Ensure your Fitbit device has the latest firmware installed by checking for updates in the Fitbit app. Firmware updates often fix time synchronization bugs.
  • Check Device Region Settings: Some Fitbit models allow you to set the region or language, which can affect time format (12-hour vs. 24-hour).
  • Verify Phone Time Settings: Make sure your phone’s date and time settings are set to automatic and reflect the correct time zone.

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 typically managed through the Fitbit app rather than directly on the device. Users should ensure their smartphone’s time settings are accurate and synchronized, as the watch automatically updates its time based on the phone’s clock. For manual adjustments, checking the app’s timezone settings and allowing the device to sync can resolve most timing discrepancies efficiently.

Michael Chen (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Digital Gear Review). When addressing time changes on Fitbit devices, it is crucial to understand that these watches rely heavily on the paired phone’s system time. If a user travels across time zones, the Fitbit watch will update automatically once it syncs with the phone. In cases where the time does not update, a manual sync or reboot of the device often resolves the issue without requiring direct time setting on the watch itself.

Sophia Ramirez (Product Trainer, Fitbit Inc.). For users wanting to change the time displayed on their Fitbit watch, the best practice is to adjust the time zone settings within the Fitbit app under account preferences. The watch will reflect these changes after syncing. It is important to keep the Fitbit app updated and maintain a stable Bluetooth connection to ensure the time updates correctly and consistently across the device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I manually change the time on my Fitbit watch?
Fitbit watches automatically sync time with your smartphone or computer. Manual time changes are generally not supported. To update the time, ensure your Fitbit device is connected to the Fitbit app and synced properly.

Why is the time on my Fitbit watch incorrect?
Incorrect time usually results from your Fitbit device not syncing with the Fitbit app. Check your phone’s time settings, ensure Bluetooth is enabled, and perform a sync to update the watch’s time.

Can I change the time zone on my Fitbit watch?
Yes, your Fitbit watch updates the time zone based on your phone’s location settings. To change the time zone, update the time zone on your smartphone and sync your Fitbit device.

What should I do if my Fitbit watch shows the wrong time after traveling?
After traveling, open the Fitbit app, ensure your phone’s time zone is updated, and sync your Fitbit device. This will automatically adjust the watch to the correct local time.

Does Fitbit allow setting a 12-hour or 24-hour time format?
Yes, you can choose between 12-hour and 24-hour formats within the Fitbit app settings. Navigate to your device settings in the app and select your preferred time format.

How often does my Fitbit watch update its time?
Your Fitbit watch updates its time each time it syncs with the Fitbit app. Regular syncing ensures the watch displays accurate and current time information.
Changing the time on a Fitbit watch is primarily managed through the Fitbit app, which syncs the device with your smartphone or computer to ensure accurate time settings. Users do not manually set the time on the watch itself; instead, the Fitbit app automatically adjusts the time based on the time zone settings of the connected device. This seamless synchronization helps maintain precise timekeeping without requiring manual intervention.

To update the time on your Fitbit, it is essential to ensure that your app and device are both connected and properly synced. If you travel across time zones, the Fitbit app will automatically update the watch’s time during the next sync, reflecting the new local time. For users experiencing discrepancies or time errors, troubleshooting steps such as restarting the Fitbit device, checking app permissions, or reinstalling the app may be necessary to restore accurate time display.

In summary, managing the time on a Fitbit watch involves leveraging the companion app’s settings and synchronization features. Understanding this process helps users maintain accurate time effortlessly, enhancing the overall user experience. Proper syncing and app management are key to ensuring that your Fitbit watch always displays the correct time, regardless of location changes or device updates.

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.