How Do You Reset the Time on a Garmin Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Resetting 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 syncs seamlessly with your other gadgets. Whether you’ve traveled across time zones, experienced a daylight saving time change, or simply noticed your watch displaying the wrong time, knowing how to reset it quickly can save you from confusion and keep your fitness data precise.

Garmin watches are designed with user convenience in mind, often automatically adjusting the time based on GPS signals or smartphone connections. However, there are occasions when manual intervention is necessary—perhaps due to connectivity issues or personal preferences. Understanding the basics of how to reset your Garmin watch’s time will empower you to maintain optimal performance and enjoy a hassle-free experience.

In the following sections, you’ll discover the general approaches to adjusting the time on various Garmin models, along with tips to troubleshoot common problems. Whether you’re a seasoned Garmin user or new to the brand, this guide will help you get your watch displaying the correct time in no time.

Manually Adjusting the Time on Your Garmin Watch

If your Garmin watch is not syncing automatically or you prefer to set the time manually, you can adjust the time directly through the device settings. This method is useful when you are in areas with limited GPS or smartphone connectivity.

To manually reset the time on most Garmin watches:

  • Press the Menu button or tap the screen to access the main menu.
  • Navigate to Settings.
  • Select System or Clock depending on your model.
  • Choose Set Time or Time.
  • Select Manual instead of automatic or GPS time.
  • Adjust the hour and minutes using the buttons or touchscreen.
  • Confirm the changes and exit the menu.

Keep in mind that manual adjustments may not account for daylight saving time changes unless you update the time again. Additionally, some Garmin models may use different terminology or menu layouts, so consult your user manual if needed.

Using Garmin Connect App to Sync Time

Another reliable way to reset the time on your Garmin watch is by syncing it with the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone. This process ensures your watch uses the correct time zone and updates automatically based on your phone’s settings.

Steps to sync time via Garmin Connect:

  • Open the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone.
  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled and your Garmin watch is paired.
  • From the app dashboard, select your device.
  • Tap Device Settings.
  • Look for Time Settings or a similar option.
  • Enable Auto Time Sync if it is not already on.
  • Perform a sync by tapping the sync icon or refreshing the connection.

This method leverages your phone’s GPS and internet connection, providing accurate time updates without manual intervention.

Understanding Time Settings and Formats on Garmin Watches

Garmin watches offer flexibility in how time is displayed and adjusted. Knowing the available options can help tailor your device to your preferences or regional requirements.

Common time settings include:

  • Time Format: Choose between 12-hour (AM/PM) or 24-hour (military) formats.
  • Time Zone: Set the correct time zone or enable automatic detection.
  • Daylight Saving Time (DST): Some models allow manual enabling or disabling of DST or automatic adjustments.
  • GPS Time Sync: Automatically sets the time based on satellite data when enabled.
Setting Description Typical Location in Menu
Time Format Switches between 12-hour and 24-hour display Settings > System > Time or Clock
Time Zone Select your current time zone or enable auto-detection Settings > System > Time Zone
Daylight Saving Time Manually turn DST on/off or enable automatic adjustment Settings > System > DST
GPS Time Sync Enable or disable automatic time updates from GPS Settings > System > Set Time > GPS

Being familiar with these options ensures that your Garmin watch displays accurate time that suits your needs, especially when traveling across time zones or during seasonal time changes.

Troubleshooting Time Reset Issues

If your Garmin watch does not update the time correctly after following standard procedures, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Check Battery Level: A low battery might prevent time updates or syncing.
  • Restart the Device: Power off and then power on your watch to reset internal processes.
  • Update Firmware: Outdated firmware can cause syncing and time display problems. Use Garmin Express or Garmin Connect to update.
  • Verify GPS Signal: For GPS time sync, ensure your watch has a clear view of the sky and wait for it to acquire satellites.
  • Reset to Factory Settings: As a last resort, restoring factory settings can fix persistent issues but will erase user data. Backup important data before proceeding.

If problems persist after these steps, contacting Garmin Support or visiting the Garmin forums can provide model-specific guidance and solutions.

Adjusting the Time Manually on a Garmin Watch

To reset the time on a Garmin watch manually, follow these expert steps. This method is particularly useful when your device does not automatically sync with GPS or a paired smartphone.

Before beginning, ensure your watch is powered on and accessible. The steps may vary slightly depending on the Garmin model, but the general procedure remains consistent.

  • Access the Settings Menu: Press the Menu button, usually located on the side of your watch. Alternatively, swipe down or up on touchscreen models to reveal the settings.
  • Navigate to System or General Settings: Scroll through the options and select System or General, where time settings are typically housed.
  • Select Time Settings: Within the system menu, locate and select Time or Set Time.
  • Disable Automatic Time: If your watch is set to automatically update time via GPS or smartphone, turn this feature off to enable manual adjustment.
  • Set the Time: Adjust the hour and minutes using the watch buttons or touchscreen controls. Confirm AM/PM settings if applicable.
  • Save Changes: After setting the correct time, confirm and save the changes. Exit the menu once complete.

Note that some Garmin watches allow you to adjust the date and time zone within the same menu, which is recommended for precise timekeeping.

Step Action Notes
1 Open Menu Press side button or swipe on touchscreen
2 Go to System/General Settings Scroll and select appropriate option
3 Select Time Settings Look for ‘Time’ or ‘Set Time’
4 Turn off Automatic Time Disables GPS/smartphone sync
5 Manually Set Time Adjust hour, minutes, and AM/PM
6 Save and Exit Confirm settings and close menu

Resetting Time via Garmin Connect App

Many Garmin watches automatically synchronize the time with the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone. To reset the time using this method:

  • Ensure Bluetooth Connectivity: Verify that your watch is paired and connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
  • Open Garmin Connect App: Launch the app on your mobile device.
  • Sync Your Device: Initiate a manual sync by selecting your device profile and tapping the sync option.
  • Confirm Time Update: The watch should update its time based on the phone’s time zone and settings during synchronization.

If the time does not update after syncing, check that your phone’s time and time zone settings are correct and that location services are enabled, as these influence time synchronization.

Using GPS to Automatically Set the Time

Garmin watches equipped with GPS can automatically set the time based on satellite data. This method is highly accurate and recommended when traveling across time zones.

To enable this feature:

  • Navigate to Settings > System > Time on your watch.
  • Enable the option for Set Automatically or GPS Time.
  • Ensure the watch has a clear view of the sky to acquire GPS signals.
  • Allow several minutes for the watch to detect satellites and update the time accordingly.

Note that if your watch is indoors or in an area with poor GPS reception, it may take longer or fail to update the time automatically.

Factory Reset to Resolve Persistent Time Issues

If you experience persistent time errors that manual or automatic resets do not fix, performing a factory reset on your Garmin watch may resolve underlying software issues.

Be aware that a factory reset will erase all user data and settings, returning the watch to its original state.

  • Backup Data: Sync your watch with Garmin Connect to save activities, settings, and preferences.
  • Locate Reset Option: Go to Settings > System > Reset or Restore Defaults on your device.
  • Choose Factory Reset: Select the option to erase all data and confirm when prompted.
  • Reconfigure Time Settings: After the reset, set the time manually or enable automatic time updates as preferred.

Refer to your specific Garmin watch model’s user manual for exact reset instructions, as menu navigation may differ.

Expert Guidance on Resetting Time on Garmin Watches

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechTime Insights). When adjusting the time on a Garmin watch, it is essential to first understand whether your device syncs automatically via GPS or smartphone connection. For manual resets, navigate to the settings menu, select “System,” then “Time,” and choose “Set Time” to input the correct values. Ensuring your watch firmware is up to date can also prevent time discrepancies.

Jason Lee (Senior Product Engineer, Garmin Devices Division). Most Garmin watches are designed to automatically update the time based on GPS signals or paired smartphone data. However, if you need to reset the time manually, disable the automatic time setting feature first. Then, use the watch interface to set the time zone and adjust the time manually. This process helps maintain accuracy when traveling across time zones without a smartphone.

Sophia Martinez (Consumer Electronics Trainer, Global Tech Academy). Users often overlook the importance of syncing their Garmin watch with the Garmin Connect app after resetting the time manually. This synchronization ensures that all activity data aligns correctly with the new time settings. Always verify the time zone settings on both the watch and the app to avoid inconsistencies in your recorded metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I manually reset the time on my Garmin watch?
To manually reset the time, access the watch’s settings menu, select “System” or “Settings,” then choose “Time.” From there, disable the automatic time setting and enter the correct time manually.

Can my Garmin watch sync time automatically with my phone?
Yes, most Garmin watches can sync time automatically when paired with a smartphone via the Garmin Connect app, ensuring accurate time without manual adjustment.

What should I do if my Garmin watch shows the wrong time after a firmware update?
If the time is incorrect post-update, try restarting the watch, reconnecting it to your phone, and allowing it to resync. If the issue persists, manually reset the time or perform a factory reset.

Does changing the time zone on my Garmin watch affect the time display?
Yes, updating the time zone in the watch settings adjusts the displayed time accordingly to match the selected region.

How can I reset the time on my Garmin watch without losing my data?
Resetting the time manually or syncing with your phone will not erase data. Avoid performing a factory reset if you want to keep your stored activities and settings.

Why is my Garmin watch not updating the time automatically?
Automatic time updates require a stable connection to your smartphone or GPS signal. Ensure your watch is paired correctly or has a clear GPS signal to enable automatic time synchronization.
Resetting the time on a Garmin watch is a straightforward process that typically involves accessing the device’s settings menu and adjusting the time manually or syncing it with a GPS signal or smartphone. Most Garmin watches automatically update the time when connected to a GPS satellite or paired with the Garmin Connect app, ensuring accurate and reliable timekeeping without manual intervention. However, users can also manually set the time when necessary, especially if the watch is used in areas with limited GPS reception or without smartphone connectivity.

It is important to understand the specific model of your Garmin watch, as the steps to reset the time may vary slightly depending on the device’s interface and features. Consulting the user manual or Garmin’s official support resources can provide model-specific guidance. Additionally, ensuring that the watch’s firmware is up to date can enhance the accuracy and functionality of time settings and other features.

Overall, maintaining accurate time on a Garmin watch enhances its usability for fitness tracking, navigation, and daily activities. Utilizing the automatic synchronization features whenever possible is recommended for convenience and precision. When manual adjustment is necessary, following the correct procedures ensures the watch continues to perform optimally and meets the user’s needs effectively.

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.