How Do You Set the Time on a Fitbit Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Setting the correct time on your Fitbit watch is essential for accurate tracking of your daily activities, workouts, and sleep patterns. Whether you’ve just unboxed your new device or noticed a discrepancy in the displayed time, knowing how to set the time properly ensures you get the most out of your Fitbit’s features. A well-synced clock helps maintain the reliability of your health data and keeps you on schedule throughout the day.

While Fitbit devices are designed to automatically sync the time based on your smartphone or computer settings, there are instances when manual adjustments become necessary. Factors such as traveling across time zones, daylight saving changes, or connectivity issues can affect the accuracy of your watch’s time display. Understanding the general process behind setting the time can help you troubleshoot and customize your device to fit your lifestyle seamlessly.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the basics of how Fitbit manages time settings and guide you through the steps to ensure your watch reflects the correct time. Whether you prefer automatic syncing or manual setup, mastering this simple yet crucial function will enhance your overall Fitbit experience.

Adjusting Time Settings via the Fitbit App

The most common and straightforward way to set the time on your Fitbit watch is by syncing it with the Fitbit app on your smartphone. The app automatically updates your device’s time based on your phone’s settings, ensuring accuracy and convenience.

To adjust the time using the Fitbit app, follow these steps:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
  • Tap your profile icon in the top-left corner to access device settings.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list.
  • Tap on “Clock Faces” or “Device Settings,” depending on the model.
  • Ensure that the time zone is set to “Set Automatically” or manually select the correct time zone if needed.
  • Sync your Fitbit device by tapping on the sync icon or pulling down the dashboard to refresh.

If the time does not update immediately, ensure your phone’s time and time zone are correctly set, then sync again. The Fitbit watch will reflect the updated time once the sync completes.

Manually Setting the Time on Fitbit Devices Without Auto-Sync

Some Fitbit models, especially older or specific ones, may not support automatic time syncing via the app. In these cases, you may need to set the time manually.

Steps to manually set the time:

  • Access the settings menu on your Fitbit device by swiping or pressing the physical buttons, depending on the model.
  • Navigate to the “Settings” or “Device Settings” section.
  • Look for the “Time” or “Clock” option.
  • Select “Set Time” or “Time Zone.”
  • Use the touchscreen or buttons to adjust hours and minutes.
  • Confirm the changes and exit the settings menu.

Note that manual time setting may not be available on all Fitbit devices, as most rely on automatic synchronization for accuracy.

Understanding Time Zone Settings and Daylight Saving Time

Properly configuring your Fitbit’s time zone is crucial for maintaining accurate time, especially when traveling or during daylight saving time (DST) changes. The Fitbit app typically handles time zone adjustments automatically, but manual intervention may be necessary in some cases.

Key points to consider:

  • The Fitbit app uses your smartphone’s GPS and time settings to determine the correct time zone.
  • If you travel across time zones and your device does not update automatically, you may need to manually select the new time zone via the app or device settings.
  • Daylight saving time is usually handled automatically when the time zone is set correctly.
  • In case of persistent time discrepancies, restarting both the Fitbit device and the smartphone app can resolve synchronization issues.

Common Troubleshooting Tips for Time Sync Issues

If your Fitbit watch displays the wrong time despite syncing, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Verify that Bluetooth is enabled and that the device is properly connected.
  • Ensure that the Fitbit app has permission to access location services for accurate time zone detection.
  • Check that your smartphone’s date, time, and time zone settings are correct and set to update automatically.
  • Restart both the Fitbit device and your smartphone to clear potential software glitches.
  • Update the Fitbit app and your device firmware to the latest versions.
  • Remove and re-pair the Fitbit device within the app if synchronization problems persist.
Issue Possible Cause Recommended Solution
Time not updating after sync App or device not connected properly Check Bluetooth connection; restart devices; sync again
Incorrect time zone displayed Incorrect phone location/time zone settings Set phone to automatic time zone; manually select time zone in app if needed
Daylight saving time not reflected Time zone not updated Sync device after setting correct time zone; restart device
Manual time setting not available Device relies on automatic sync Sync with app; update firmware if issues persist

Adjusting the Time on Your Fitbit Watch

Fitbit devices do not allow manual time setting directly on the watch. Instead, the time displayed on your Fitbit watch is automatically synced from your smartphone or computer via the Fitbit app. To ensure your Fitbit shows the correct time, you must adjust the time settings through the Fitbit app or your device’s settings.

Setting the Time Using the Fitbit App

The Fitbit app controls the time synchronization for your Fitbit watch. Follow these steps to update and correct the time:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone or tablet.
  • Tap the profile icon located in the top left or right corner.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list of connected devices.
  • Scroll down and tap on Device Settings.
  • Locate and tap Time Zone.

Within the Time Zone menu, you have two options:

Option Description
Set Automatically Enable this to allow the Fitbit app to sync the time zone based on your phone’s GPS location. This is ideal for frequent travelers.
Set Manually Disable automatic time zone and select your desired time zone manually from the list. This is useful if your phone’s time zone is incorrect or if you want to display a different time zone.
  • After selecting your preferred time zone method, tap the back arrow to save changes.
  • Sync your Fitbit device by tapping Sync Now within the app or by opening the Fitbit app while near your device.

The Fitbit watch should now display the updated time according to the selected time zone.

Troubleshooting Time Sync Issues

If your Fitbit watch is not showing the correct time after following the above steps, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled: Confirm Bluetooth is active on your smartphone and that the Fitbit is connected.
  • Restart your Fitbit device: Power cycle your Fitbit watch to refresh its system.
  • Force a manual sync: In the Fitbit app, pull down on the dashboard to initiate a sync.
  • Check your phone’s time and time zone settings: Ensure your smartphone’s date, time, and time zone are accurate and set to update automatically.
  • Update the Fitbit app and device firmware: Make sure both the app and the Fitbit watch firmware are up to date.
  • Reinstall the Fitbit app: Uninstall and reinstall the app if syncing issues persist.

Additional Notes for Different Fitbit Models

While the general procedure applies to most Fitbit watches, some models may have additional features or slight variations:

Fitbit Model Time Setting Notes
Fitbit Versa Series Time sync strictly depends on the Fitbit app; no manual time setting on the watch itself.
Fitbit Charge Series Time updates automatically through Fitbit app sync; ensure your app and device firmware are current.
Fitbit Sense Supports automatic time zone adjustment if enabled in app; manual override available in app settings.

Refer to your specific Fitbit model’s user guide for any unique instructions related to time and date settings.

Expert Guidance on Setting the Time on Your Fitbit Watch

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Setting the time on a Fitbit watch is streamlined through its synchronization with your smartphone or computer. Ensuring your device’s time zone settings are accurate in the Fitbit app automatically updates the watch’s time, eliminating manual adjustments and maintaining precision across time changes such as daylight saving time.

Jason Lee (Senior Product Engineer, Fitbit Inc.). The Fitbit ecosystem is designed to simplify time management by linking the watch’s clock to the paired device’s system time. Users should verify that their Fitbit app has the latest firmware updates and that automatic time zone detection is enabled to guarantee the watch reflects the correct local time without additional input.

Maria Gonzalez (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Digital Trends Review). For users who travel frequently or experience discrepancies in time display, manually adjusting the time within the Fitbit app’s settings can be necessary. It is advisable to periodically check the app’s synchronization status and, if needed, perform a restart of the Fitbit device to ensure the time setting is accurate and consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I manually set the time on my Fitbit watch?
Fitbit watches automatically sync time with your smartphone or computer. Manual time setting is not supported; ensure your device’s time is correct and synced with the Fitbit app.

Why is the time on my Fitbit watch incorrect?
Incorrect time usually occurs if your Fitbit is not syncing properly with the Fitbit app. Check your phone’s time settings, ensure Bluetooth is enabled, and perform a sync in the app.

Can I change the time zone on my Fitbit watch?
Yes, the time zone updates automatically based on your phone’s location. To change it manually, adjust the time zone on your smartphone or computer and then sync your Fitbit device.

How often does my Fitbit watch update the time?
Your Fitbit updates the time each time it syncs with the Fitbit app, which typically happens automatically several times a day when Bluetooth is active.

What should I do if my Fitbit watch shows the wrong time after traveling?
After traveling, open the Fitbit app and sync your device to update the time zone based on your current location. If the issue persists, restart your Fitbit and sync again.

Is it necessary to have the Fitbit app installed to set the time on my watch?
Yes, the Fitbit app is required for syncing and setting the correct time on your Fitbit watch, as the device relies on the app for time updates.
Setting the time on a Fitbit watch is primarily managed through synchronization with the Fitbit app, which automatically updates the device to reflect the time zone set on your smartphone. Users do not manually adjust the time on the watch itself; instead, ensuring the Fitbit app has the correct time zone and that the device is regularly synced will keep the watch displaying accurate time. This approach simplifies time management and reduces the risk of errors compared to manual adjustments.

In cases where the time appears incorrect, verifying the time zone settings within the Fitbit app and on the connected smartphone is crucial. Additionally, enabling automatic time zone updates and ensuring the Fitbit device firmware is up to date can prevent discrepancies. For users who travel frequently, the Fitbit app’s ability to automatically adjust to new time zones upon syncing offers a convenient solution to maintain accurate timekeeping without manual intervention.

Overall, understanding that the Fitbit watch relies on the companion app for time settings is essential. Regular syncing and correct app configuration are key to ensuring the watch displays the correct time consistently. By following these guidelines, users can confidently maintain accurate time on their Fitbit devices, enhancing their overall experience and the reliability of time-based features such as alarms and activity tracking.

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.