How Do You Change the Clock on an Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Changing the clock on your Apple Watch might seem like a simple task, but it offers more than just adjusting the time—it’s about customizing your device to better fit your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you’re traveling across time zones, prefer a different time format, or want to personalize the watch face, understanding how to change the clock settings on your Apple Watch can enhance your overall experience. This guide will help you navigate the options available, ensuring your watch always displays the time just the way you want it.

The Apple Watch is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, yet its clock settings are flexible enough to accommodate a variety of needs. From altering the time zone to switching between 12-hour and 24-hour formats, the watch offers several ways to tailor its display. Additionally, there are subtle but useful features that let you adjust the clock’s appearance and behavior without affecting other apps or notifications.

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, it’s helpful to understand the basics of how the Apple Watch syncs time and what customization options are available. This foundational knowledge will make it easier to follow the process and make the most of your device’s capabilities. Get ready to take control of your Apple Watch’s clock settings and enjoy a more personalized experience every time you glance at your wrist.

Adjusting the Time Display on Your Apple Watch

The Apple Watch allows users to set the time display slightly ahead of the actual time, which can be useful for those who prefer to be reminded a few minutes early for appointments or events. This adjustment, however, does not change the system time but rather the way the time is presented on the watch face.

To change the time display on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:

  • Wake your Apple Watch and press the Digital Crown to access the watch face.
  • Firmly press (Force Touch) the watch face to enter customization mode.
  • Tap the Customize button.
  • Swipe left to reach the time adjustment screen.
  • Use the Digital Crown to adjust the time ahead by up to 59 minutes.
  • Press the Digital Crown to save your changes and exit customization.

This setting affects only the time shown on the watch face and does not impact alarms, notifications, or calendar events, which remain based on the actual system time.

Changing the Time Zone on Apple Watch

Your Apple Watch typically syncs its time zone with the paired iPhone, using location services to update automatically as you travel. However, in some cases, you might need to manually change the time zone if the automatic setting does not update correctly or if you want to set the watch to a different time zone intentionally.

To manually change the time zone:

  • On your paired iPhone, open the **Settings** app.
  • Navigate to **General** > Date & Time.
  • Disable Set Automatically.
  • Tap on Time Zone and enter the desired location or time zone.
  • Your Apple Watch will update to reflect the new time zone.

Keep in mind that manually setting a time zone on the iPhone affects both devices since the Apple Watch relies on the iPhone for time synchronization.

Customizing Time Format and Additional Settings

Apple Watch supports both 12-hour and 24-hour time formats, which can be configured through the iPhone settings:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  • Tap My Watch tab.
  • Select Clock.
  • Toggle 24-Hour Time on or off, depending on your preference.

Additional relevant settings include:

  • Show Seconds: You can enable or disable the display of seconds on certain watch faces.
  • Chimes: Enabling hourly chimes as a subtle reminder of the time passing.

These settings enhance how time is displayed and perceived on your Apple Watch, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Comparison of Time Adjustment Features

Feature Description Effect on System Time Impact on Notifications/Alarms
Adjusting Time Ahead on Watch Face Displays time ahead by up to 59 minutes for convenience No change; system time remains accurate None; alarms and notifications use system time
Manual Time Zone Change Sets the watch and iPhone to a specific time zone System time changes to selected time zone All notifications and alarms adjust accordingly
Automatic Time Zone Uses location services to update time zone automatically System time updates based on location Notifications and alarms use current system time
12/24 Hour Format Switches between 12-hour and 24-hour time display No effect on system time No effect; purely visual

Adjusting the Time Display on Your Apple Watch

Changing the time on your Apple Watch typically involves adjusting the time zone or the way the time is displayed, rather than manually setting the clock as on traditional watches. Apple Watch automatically syncs the time from the paired iPhone, ensuring accuracy. However, you can adjust the time display or set a time offset if needed.

To change how the time appears or to add a time offset on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:

  • Open the Settings app directly on your Apple Watch.
  • Scroll down and tap Clock.
  • Select +0 min (Time Ahead) option.
  • Use the Digital Crown to set how many minutes ahead you want the watch to display.
  • Tap Set to confirm the adjustment.

Note that this adjustment only changes the displayed time on the watch face; the underlying system time remains synced with your iPhone’s time settings.

Changing the Time Zone on Apple Watch

Since the Apple Watch relies on the paired iPhone for time and date settings, changing the time zone directly on the watch is limited. To effectively change the time zone, you need to adjust the time zone on your iPhone:

Device Action Effect on Apple Watch
iPhone Go to Settings > General > Date & Time, then toggle Set Automatically off and select your desired time zone. Apple Watch will update its time zone to match the iPhone’s new setting automatically.
Apple Watch Time zone cannot be changed independently; it mirrors iPhone’s time zone settings. Only time offset adjustments (in minutes) can be applied directly on the watch.

After changing the time zone on your iPhone, make sure your Apple Watch is connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to sync the updated settings.

Customizing Time Display Formats on Apple Watch

Apple Watch allows customization of the time format and watch face complications to tailor the time display according to your preferences.

  • Switch Between 12-Hour and 24-Hour Formats:
    • On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
    • Tap My Watch > Clock.
    • Toggle 24-Hour Time on or off.
  • Select a Watch Face with Preferred Time Style:
    • Press firmly on the watch face to enter customization mode.
    • Swipe to choose a watch face that displays time in the format you prefer.
    • Tap Edit to customize complications and style.
  • Add Time-Related Complications:
    • Include complications such as World Clock, Timer, Stopwatch, or Alarms for quick access.
    • Customize complication locations on the watch face during the Edit process.

Setting Alarms and Timers on Apple Watch

While not changing the clock itself, setting alarms or timers helps manage your schedule effectively using the Apple Watch’s built-in timekeeping features.

  • Setting an Alarm:
    1. Press the Digital Crown to access the Home screen.
    2. Open the Alarms app.
    3. Tap Add Alarm or press firmly and select New Alarm.
    4. Use the Digital Crown and taps to set the desired time.
    5. Tap Set to activate the alarm.
  • Starting a Timer:
    1. Open the Timer app on your watch.
    2. Use preset timer options or scroll to set a custom duration.
    3. Tap Start to begin the countdown.

These features work independently of the system time setting, providing flexible time management tools.

Expert Insights on How To Change The Clock On Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechTime Analytics). Changing the clock on an Apple Watch is straightforward but requires understanding the device’s integration with your iPhone. The most efficient method is to adjust the time zone or set a custom time directly through the Watch app on your paired iPhone, ensuring synchronization across all apps and notifications without disrupting your health tracking data.

Jason Miller (Senior UX Designer, Apple Watch Interface Team). From a user experience perspective, Apple has designed the clock settings to be intuitive. Users can easily access the “Clock” settings on the watch itself to add a time offset or change the time zone. This flexibility is particularly useful for travelers who need to keep track of multiple time zones while maintaining their local time for alarms and reminders.

Sophia Martinez (Mobile Device Trainer, Digital Wellness Institute). When instructing users on how to change the clock on an Apple Watch, I emphasize the importance of using the paired iPhone’s Watch app for precise control. Adjusting the time on the iPhone automatically updates the watch, but for manual adjustments, the watch’s settings allow users to set a time ahead without altering the phone’s clock, which is crucial for those who want to stay punctual without changing their phone’s system time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I change the time on my Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch automatically syncs its time with the paired iPhone. To adjust the time, change the time settings on your iPhone or use the Apple Watch’s time offset feature to add a custom time difference.

Can I set a different time zone on my Apple Watch?
Yes, the Apple Watch follows the time zone set on your iPhone. To change the time zone, update the time zone settings on your iPhone, and the Apple Watch will adjust accordingly.

Is it possible to manually set the clock on Apple Watch without an iPhone?
No, the Apple Watch relies on the paired iPhone for time settings and does not allow manual time adjustments independently.

How do I add a time offset on my Apple Watch?
Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to My Watch > Clock, then tap “+0 min” under “Set Watch Face Display Time” to add a custom time offset.

Why is my Apple Watch showing the wrong time?
This usually occurs if your iPhone’s time or time zone settings are incorrect, or if the Apple Watch has not synced properly. Ensure your iPhone’s time settings are accurate and that both devices are connected.

Can I display two time zones on my Apple Watch?
Yes, you can add multiple time zones by using the World Clock complication on your watch face or by adding the World Clock app to view different time zones simultaneously.
Changing the clock on an Apple Watch involves understanding the device’s settings and synchronization features. While the Apple Watch automatically updates its time based on the paired iPhone’s settings, users can customize the watch face, adjust the time display, and set time offsets directly on the watch. These options provide flexibility in how time is presented, ensuring the watch meets individual preferences and needs.

It is important to note that the Apple Watch does not allow manual time changes independent of the iPhone’s time settings, but users can add a time offset to show a different time on the watch face. This feature is particularly useful for those who frequently travel or need to monitor multiple time zones. Additionally, customizing watch faces and complications can enhance the user experience by displaying time in various formats and styles.

In summary, managing the clock on an Apple Watch requires a combination of iPhone synchronization and on-device customization. Understanding these mechanisms enables users to optimize their watch’s time display effectively. By leveraging these settings, users can ensure their Apple Watch provides accurate, personalized, and convenient timekeeping at all times.

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.