How Do You Adjust the Time on a Fitbit Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Adjusting the time on your Fitbit watch is a simple yet essential task that ensures you stay perfectly in sync with your daily schedule. Whether you’ve recently traveled across time zones, experienced daylight saving changes, or simply noticed your device displaying the wrong time, knowing how to update your Fitbit’s clock can help you maintain accurate tracking of your activities and health metrics. A correctly set time not only improves your user experience but also enhances the reliability of your fitness data.

Many Fitbit users assume that the time on their device adjusts automatically, but there are occasions when manual intervention is necessary. Understanding the basics of how your Fitbit syncs with your smartphone or computer, and when to step in to make adjustments, can save you from confusion and ensure your watch always reflects the correct local time. This article will guide you through the general principles behind Fitbit’s time settings and prepare you to make any needed changes with confidence.

Before diving into the specifics, it’s helpful to appreciate how Fitbit integrates with its companion apps and the role this connection plays in time synchronization. Whether you own a Versa, Charge, or Sense model, the process to adjust the time shares common elements that are easy to follow once you grasp the underlying concepts. Get ready to take control of your Fitbit’s clock and keep your fitness journey on

Adjusting the Time Settings via Fitbit App

To ensure your Fitbit watch displays the correct time, it is important to synchronize it with the Fitbit app on your smartphone or tablet. The app automatically updates the time based on your device’s time zone and settings. Follow these steps to adjust the time through the Fitbit app:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your paired smartphone or tablet.
  • Tap your profile icon in the top-left corner to access device settings.
  • Select your Fitbit watch from the list of connected devices.
  • Scroll down and tap on “Time Zone.”
  • Disable the “Set Automatically” option if you wish to manually select your time zone.
  • Choose the correct time zone from the list.
  • Sync your Fitbit watch by tapping “Sync Now” or by pulling down the dashboard to refresh.

Once synchronization is complete, your Fitbit watch should reflect the updated time accurately. If the time does not update immediately, ensure your phone’s time settings are correct and that the watch is sufficiently charged.

Manually Setting Time on Fitbit Watch

Most Fitbit models do not allow manual time setting directly on the device, as they rely on automatic synchronization with the Fitbit app. However, certain older or specific models may provide limited manual adjustment options. In cases where manual setting is available, follow these general guidelines:

  • Access the settings menu by pressing and holding the side button or swiping through the watch interface.
  • Navigate to “Clock” or “Time” settings.
  • Select the option to set time manually.
  • Adjust the hour and minute using touch or button controls.
  • Save your changes before exiting the menu.

If your Fitbit model does not support manual time setting, the best approach is to adjust the time zone in the app and sync your device.

Troubleshooting Time Synchronization Issues

Sometimes, Fitbit watches may display incorrect time despite syncing with the app. To address this, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Verify that your smartphone or tablet is set to the correct time and time zone.
  • Ensure that your Fitbit app is updated to the latest version available.
  • Restart both your Fitbit watch and your mobile device.
  • Check Bluetooth connectivity and re-pair the watch if necessary.
  • Clear the Fitbit app cache or reinstall the app.
  • Confirm that automatic time zone is enabled in the Fitbit app, or manually select the correct time zone.
  • Perform a factory reset on the Fitbit watch as a last resort, following manufacturer instructions.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, contact Fitbit customer support for further assistance.

Time Zone Settings Comparison Across Fitbit Models

Different Fitbit models offer varying support for time zone settings and manual adjustments. The following table summarizes key features related to time management:

Fitbit Model Automatic Time Zone Adjustment Manual Time Zone Selection Manual Time Setting on Device
Fitbit Versa Series Yes Yes (via app) No
Fitbit Charge Series Yes Yes (via app) No
Fitbit Inspire Series Yes Yes (via app) No
Fitbit Ionic Yes Yes (via app) No
Older Fitbit Models (e.g., Fitbit Zip) No No Yes (limited)

Adjusting the Time on Your Fitbit Watch

Fitbit devices do not allow manual time adjustment directly on the watch. Instead, the time displayed on your Fitbit watch is automatically synchronized with the time settings on your paired smartphone or computer. This design ensures accuracy and consistency, especially when traveling across time zones. To adjust the time on your Fitbit watch, you must modify the time settings on the device that syncs with your Fitbit app.

Steps to Correct the Time via Fitbit App

Follow these steps to ensure your Fitbit watch reflects the correct time:

  • Sync Your Fitbit Device: Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone or tablet and make sure your device is connected via Bluetooth. Tap the device icon and select “Sync Now” to update data, including time.
  • Check Phone or Computer Time Settings: The Fitbit app pulls time information from your phone or computer. Ensure that your device’s time and time zone settings are correct. It is best to use automatic date and time settings to avoid discrepancies.
  • Adjust Time Zone in Fitbit App (if necessary): If the time zone on your phone is accurate but Fitbit is still showing incorrect time, you can manually set the time zone in the Fitbit app as follows:
    • Open the Fitbit app and tap your profile picture.
    • Select your Fitbit device from the list.
    • Tap Device Settings or Advanced Settings (depending on your device).
    • Find the Time Zone option and disable Set Automatically.
    • Choose the correct time zone from the list.
  • Force a Re-Sync: After adjusting time zone settings, perform another sync to update your Fitbit watch. This will apply the new time settings.
  • Restart Your Fitbit Device: If time still doesn’t update correctly, try restarting the watch to force it to refresh its connection and settings.

Common Troubleshooting Tips for Time Issues

Issue Solution
Time not updating after travel Verify your phone’s time zone is set to automatic; manually select the correct time zone in the Fitbit app if automatic does not work.
Time is off by an hour (Daylight Saving Time) Ensure your phone’s daylight saving time settings are enabled; sync your Fitbit device again.
Fitbit app not syncing Restart your phone and Fitbit device, ensure Bluetooth is enabled, and try syncing again.
Fitbit watch displays incorrect time despite correct phone time Manually set the time zone in the Fitbit app and perform a fresh sync; restart device if needed.

Additional Considerations for Fitbit Time Settings

Because Fitbit devices rely on the companion app and connected device for time data, the following points are important:

  • Multiple Devices: If you use multiple Fitbit devices, ensure each is synced individually to avoid time conflicts.
  • Firmware Updates: Keep your Fitbit watch and app updated to the latest firmware and software versions to prevent synchronization glitches.
  • Time Format: The Fitbit app allows you to select 12-hour or 24-hour time formats. This setting is independent of time zone and can be adjusted in the app’s settings under Clock Display.
  • Manual Time Setting: Fitbit does not support manual time adjustment on the watch itself; all changes must be made via the app and synchronized.

Expert Guidance on Adjusting Time on Fitbit Watches

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Insights).

Adjusting the time on a Fitbit watch is typically managed through the Fitbit app rather than manually on the device itself. This design ensures synchronization with your smartphone’s time zone, providing accurate tracking and notifications. Users should ensure their app and device firmware are up to date to avoid any discrepancies in time display.

Michael Chen (Senior Software Engineer, Fitbit Firmware Development).

From a technical perspective, Fitbit watches automatically adjust time based on the paired smartphone’s settings. If a user needs to change the time manually, it usually involves disconnecting the device from the app and setting the phone’s time accordingly. Direct manual time adjustment on the watch is limited to prevent conflicts with automatic syncing features.

Sarah Lopez (Consumer Electronics Trainer, Digital Wellness Academy).

For users struggling with time adjustments on their Fitbit, the best practice is to check the time zone settings within the Fitbit app and ensure location permissions are enabled. This allows the device to update time automatically when traveling. If problems persist, restarting both the watch and the paired phone often resolves synchronization issues effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I manually adjust the time on my Fitbit watch?
Fitbit watches automatically sync time with your smartphone or computer. Manual time adjustment is not supported; ensure your device’s time settings are correct for accurate syncing.

Why is the time on my Fitbit watch incorrect?
Incorrect time usually results from your Fitbit not syncing with your phone or computer. Verify Bluetooth is enabled and perform a sync via the Fitbit app to update the time.

Can I change the time zone on my Fitbit watch?
Time zones update automatically based on your phone’s location settings when your Fitbit syncs. To change the time zone, adjust your phone’s time zone settings and sync your device.

How often should I sync my Fitbit to keep the time accurate?
Regular syncing, ideally daily, ensures your Fitbit watch maintains accurate time and updates other data efficiently.

What should I do if my Fitbit watch shows the wrong time after traveling?
After traveling, update your phone’s time zone settings and sync your Fitbit watch to automatically adjust the time to the new location.

Is it necessary to update the Fitbit app for time accuracy?
Yes, keeping the Fitbit app updated ensures compatibility and proper syncing, which helps maintain accurate time on your Fitbit watch.
Adjusting the time on a Fitbit watch is primarily managed through syncing the device with the Fitbit app, which automatically sets the correct time based on the time zone of the connected smartphone. Users do not manually change the time directly on the watch; instead, ensuring that the app’s time zone settings are accurate and that the device is regularly synced will maintain correct time display. This process helps avoid discrepancies caused by travel or daylight saving time changes.

For users who experience issues with incorrect time display, verifying the phone’s time zone settings and enabling automatic time updates within the Fitbit app are essential troubleshooting steps. Additionally, restarting the Fitbit device or reinstalling the app can resolve synchronization problems. Understanding that the Fitbit watch relies on the app for time updates is crucial for effective time management on the device.

In summary, the key to adjusting the time on a Fitbit watch lies in maintaining proper synchronization with the Fitbit app and ensuring the app’s time zone settings reflect the user’s current location. This approach provides a seamless and accurate timekeeping experience without the need for manual adjustments on the watch itself. Regular syncing and correct app settings are the best practices for keeping your Fitbit watch time accurate and up to date.

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.