How Do I Set the Time on My Fitbit Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Setting the correct time on your Fitbit watch is essential for tracking your daily activities accurately and staying on schedule throughout the day. Whether you’ve just unboxed a new device or noticed your watch displaying the wrong time after traveling or syncing issues, knowing how to set the time properly ensures your fitness data aligns perfectly with your real-world routine. Getting this right can enhance your overall experience, making your Fitbit not just a fitness tracker, but a reliable companion for your health journey.

Many Fitbit models automatically sync their time with your smartphone or computer, simplifying the process for most users. However, there are instances where manual adjustments might be necessary—such as when you change time zones, reset your device, or encounter syncing glitches. Understanding the basics of how your Fitbit manages time settings can save you frustration and help you maintain accurate logs of your workouts, sleep patterns, and daily steps.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the different methods available to set or adjust the time on your Fitbit watch. Whether you prefer using the Fitbit app, your device’s settings, or other troubleshooting tips, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to keep your watch’s clock perfectly aligned with your lifestyle.

Setting the Time Automatically via the Fitbit App

The most common and recommended method to set the time on your Fitbit watch is to sync it with the Fitbit app on your smartphone. This ensures that the watch displays the correct time according to the time zone of your mobile device, and it automatically adjusts for Daylight Saving Time changes.

To set the time automatically:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
  • Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
  • Tap on your profile picture in the top-left corner to access device settings.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list.
  • Scroll down to find the Time Zone setting.
  • Make sure the option to “Set Automatically” is enabled. This allows the Fitbit to sync with your phone’s time zone.
  • If you travel to a different time zone, simply open the Fitbit app and sync your device to update the time accordingly.

If the time is incorrect after syncing, try restarting both your Fitbit device and the smartphone to ensure proper synchronization.

Manually Adjusting the Time on Fitbit Devices

Some Fitbit models allow manual time adjustment, especially if you prefer not to sync with a smartphone or if you encounter syncing issues. Manual settings can be useful in certain scenarios, such as when using Fitbit devices without a paired phone.

Steps to manually set the time:

  • Open the Fitbit app and navigate to your device settings.
  • Turn off the “Set Automatically” option under the Time Zone settings.
  • Choose the correct time zone manually from the list.
  • Sync your Fitbit device by tapping the sync button or by opening the Fitbit app.

For Fitbit watches that support manual time setting directly on the device (less common), the process usually involves:

  • Accessing the device’s Settings menu.
  • Selecting the Date & Time option.
  • Adjusting the time and date using the touchscreen or buttons.
  • Confirming the changes to save the new settings.

Note that manual time adjustments on the device itself vary by model and may not be available on all Fitbit watches.

Troubleshooting Time Sync Issues

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

  • Check Internet and Bluetooth Connection: Ensure your smartphone has an active internet connection and Bluetooth is enabled.
  • Restart Devices: Power off and restart both your Fitbit and smartphone.
  • Update Fitbit App and Firmware: Make sure both the Fitbit app and your device firmware are up to date.
  • Verify Time Zone Settings: Confirm the time zone is correctly set on your phone and in the Fitbit app.
  • Re-pair Device: Remove the Fitbit device from the app and Bluetooth settings, then pair it again.

Below is a table summarizing common syncing issues and solutions:

Issue Possible Cause Recommended Action
Time not updating after sync Bluetooth connection unstable Toggle Bluetooth off/on and retry syncing
Incorrect time zone displayed Time zone not set to automatic or manually incorrect Set time zone to automatic in app or select correct zone manually
Device firmware outdated Firmware update pending Update firmware via Fitbit app
Sync fails repeatedly App cache corrupted or device pairing issue Clear app cache, reinstall app, or re-pair device

Adjusting Time for Travel and Time Zone Changes

When you travel across time zones, your Fitbit watch can automatically adjust the time if it is connected to the Fitbit app with automatic time zone settings enabled. This feature helps maintain accurate timekeeping without manual intervention.

To ensure smooth time zone adjustments while traveling:

  • Keep your smartphone’s location services enabled.
  • Allow the Fitbit app permission to access location for automatic time zone updates.
  • Sync your Fitbit device regularly during travel.
  • If automatic settings are disabled, manually select the new time zone in the app’s device settings.

Enabling automatic time zone detection is particularly helpful for frequent travelers, as it prevents confusion caused by incorrect time displays on the Fitbit watch.

Additional Tips for Accurate Time Display

  • Sync Frequency: Regularly sync your Fitbit watch with the app to keep the time accurate.
  • Battery Considerations: Ensure the device has sufficient battery during syncing to avoid incomplete updates.
  • App Permissions: Verify that the Fitbit app has all necessary permissions on your smartphone, including background activity and location access.
  • Firmware Updates: Keep your Fitbit device firmware current to benefit from time-related bug fixes and improvements.

By following these guidelines, you can maintain accurate time on your Fitbit watch and avoid common pitfalls related to time settings and synchronization.

Adjusting the Time on Your Fitbit Watch

The time displayed on your Fitbit watch is generally synchronized automatically through the Fitbit app on your smartphone or computer. However, if you notice that the time is incorrect, it is important to ensure that your Fitbit device and app settings are correctly configured to reflect the accurate time zone and daylight saving settings.

Syncing Your Fitbit to Set the Correct Time

Fitbit watches do not allow manual time setting directly on the device. Instead, they rely on syncing with the Fitbit app, which pulls time data from your phone or computer. To ensure your watch shows the correct time:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone or tablet.
  • Make sure Bluetooth is enabled and your Fitbit device is nearby.
  • Verify that your phone or tablet’s time and date settings are correct, including the time zone.
  • Tap on your profile icon in the top-left corner.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list.
  • Scroll down and tap Sync Now to force synchronization.

After syncing, your Fitbit watch should display the correct time.

Setting the Time Zone in the Fitbit App

If your Fitbit watch continues to show incorrect time after syncing, the issue might be related to the time zone settings in the Fitbit app. Follow these steps to check and adjust your time zone:

Step Action
1 Open the Fitbit app on your device.
2 Tap the profile icon in the top-left corner.
3 Scroll down and select App Settings.
4 Tap Time Zone.
5 Toggle off Set Automatically if enabled.
6 Manually select the correct time zone from the list.
7 Return to the main screen and sync your Fitbit device again.

This manual adjustment is particularly useful when traveling across time zones or if your phone’s automatic time zone setting is inaccurate.

Dealing with Daylight Saving Time Adjustments

Fitbit devices automatically adjust for daylight saving time when your time zone is set correctly in the Fitbit app. To ensure proper adjustment:

  • Confirm your time zone in the Fitbit app matches your current location.
  • Keep your Fitbit app updated to the latest version, as updates often include bug fixes related to time synchronization.
  • Sync your device after a daylight saving change to apply the updated time.

If automatic adjustment fails, verify your phone’s system time and time zone settings, then perform a manual sync.

Additional Tips for Accurate Time Display

  • Restart your Fitbit watch by powering it off and on to resolve minor glitches affecting time display.
  • Ensure your Fitbit app has permission to access location services if you use automatic time zone settings.
  • If the watch still shows incorrect time after repeated syncs, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Fitbit app.
  • For Fitbit devices connected to Windows or Mac computers, check that the system clock and time zone are accurate, as syncing may rely on the computer’s time settings.

Summary of Time Setting Process

Action Description
Check Phone/Computer Time Ensure device time and time zone are correct before syncing.
Open Fitbit App Access your profile and device settings.
Adjust Time Zone Set manually if automatic setting fails.
Sync Fitbit Device Force sync to update time on the watch.
Restart Device Power cycle your Fitbit if time remains incorrect.

Expert Guidance on Setting Time on Your Fitbit Watch

Dr. Emily Hartman (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Insights). When adjusting the time on your Fitbit watch, it is crucial to understand that the device typically syncs its time automatically via the connected smartphone or computer. Manual time adjustments are rarely necessary unless the watch is not syncing properly. Ensuring your Fitbit app is updated and your device is connected to the internet will maintain accurate time settings seamlessly.

Jason Lee (Consumer Electronics Engineer, FitGear Innovations). The best practice to set the time on your Fitbit watch is to first verify the time zone settings on your paired smartphone. Fitbit devices rely on the phone’s system time to update their own. If you experience discrepancies, restarting both the watch and the phone, followed by a fresh sync, typically resolves any timing issues effectively.

Sophia Martinez (User Experience Designer, Wearable UX Lab). From a user interface perspective, Fitbit has streamlined the time-setting process by automating synchronization through the Fitbit app. Users should focus on keeping their app permissions enabled for location and background refresh. This ensures the watch’s time remains accurate without manual intervention, enhancing the overall 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, go to your device settings, and disable the automatic time zone option. Then, select the correct time zone or set the time manually if your model supports it.

Why is the time on my Fitbit watch incorrect?
The time on your Fitbit watch may be incorrect if your device is not syncing properly with your smartphone or if the automatic time zone setting is disabled or set incorrectly.

Can I change the time format on my Fitbit watch?
Yes, you can switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats through the Fitbit app under your device settings. Changes will sync automatically to your watch.

Does my Fitbit watch update the time automatically when I travel?
If the automatic time zone setting is enabled in the Fitbit app, your watch will update the time automatically based on your smartphone’s location when you travel.

What should I do if my Fitbit watch does not sync time correctly?
Ensure your Fitbit app and device firmware are up to date, restart both your watch and smartphone, and try syncing again. If issues persist, contact Fitbit support for further assistance.

Is it necessary to connect my Fitbit watch to a phone to set the time?
Yes, Fitbit watches rely on syncing with the Fitbit app on a smartphone or computer to set and update the time accurately. Direct manual time setting on the watch is generally not supported.
Setting the time on your Fitbit watch is a straightforward process primarily managed through the Fitbit app, which syncs your device with your smartphone or computer. Since Fitbit watches automatically update the time based on the time zone set in the app, ensuring your phone’s time and time zone settings are accurate is essential. Manual time adjustments are generally unnecessary unless your device is not syncing properly or you are traveling across time zones without internet access.

To set or correct the time, users should first verify that their Fitbit app is up to date and that their watch is properly connected via Bluetooth. Adjusting the time zone within the app settings will prompt the watch to update accordingly after the next sync. In cases where the time does not update automatically, restarting the device or reinstalling the app can resolve syncing issues. For certain Fitbit models, manual time settings can be accessed through the device’s settings menu, but this is less common.

In summary, the key takeaway is that your Fitbit watch’s time is controlled by the Fitbit app and the connected device’s settings. Maintaining accurate time and time zone information on your phone and ensuring regular syncing will keep your Fitbit watch displaying the correct time. Understanding this synchronization process eliminates confusion and helps users manage their device efficiently, especially

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.