How Do You Change the Time on a Fitbit Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Changing the time on a Fitbit watch might seem like a simple task, but it’s an important step to ensure your device accurately tracks your daily activities and sleep patterns. Whether you’ve traveled across time zones, switched to daylight saving time, or just noticed your Fitbit displaying the wrong hour, knowing how to adjust the time settings can enhance your overall experience. This guide will help you understand the basics of managing your Fitbit’s time display so you never miss a beat.

Fitbit devices are designed to sync seamlessly with your smartphone or computer, which means the time on your watch typically updates automatically. However, there are occasions when manual adjustments become necessary, especially if your device isn’t syncing properly or if you prefer a specific time format. Understanding how Fitbit handles time settings will empower you to troubleshoot common issues and customize your watch to fit your lifestyle.

In the sections ahead, you’ll discover the essential steps to change the time on your Fitbit, explore different methods depending on your device model, and learn tips to keep your watch’s clock accurate. Whether you’re a new Fitbit user or someone looking to fine-tune their device, this overview will set the stage for a smoother, more personalized fitness tracking experience.

Adjusting Time Settings Through the Fitbit App

To change the time on your Fitbit watch, the most reliable method is to use the Fitbit mobile app, which automatically syncs your device with your phone’s time settings. This ensures the time displayed on your Fitbit is accurate and up-to-date without manual intervention.

Once your Fitbit is paired with the app, it will typically adopt the time zone of your smartphone. However, if you have traveled or need to adjust the time zone manually, you can do so within the app settings.

Follow these steps to adjust time settings via the Fitbit app:

  • Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone or tablet.
  • Tap on your profile icon or device image located at the top corner.
  • Select your Fitbit device from the list.
  • Scroll down and tap on “Advanced Settings”.
  • Locate the “Time Zone” option.
  • Toggle off “Set Automatically” if enabled.
  • Choose your desired time zone from the dropdown menu.
  • Sync your Fitbit device by tapping “Sync Now” or by simply opening the app with your watch nearby.

This process ensures your Fitbit’s time aligns with the chosen time zone and updates accordingly.

Manually Changing Time on Select Fitbit Models

While most Fitbit devices rely on automatic syncing, certain older or specific models may allow manual time adjustment directly on the watch. This feature varies by device and firmware version.

If your Fitbit supports manual time setting:

  • Navigate to the Settings menu on your Fitbit device.
  • Look for an option labeled “Clock,” “Time,” or “Time Settings”.
  • Select the option to manually set the time.
  • Use the device buttons or touchscreen to adjust hours and minutes.
  • Confirm and save the changes.

Note that manual adjustments may be temporary; syncing with the app might overwrite manual settings. Always confirm your device’s user guide for compatibility.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Time Sync Problems

Sometimes, users encounter issues where the Fitbit watch time does not update correctly even after syncing. These problems can stem from app glitches, incorrect phone settings, or connectivity issues.

To troubleshoot time sync problems, consider the following:

  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and the Fitbit device is within range.
  • Restart both your Fitbit watch and smartphone to refresh connections.
  • Update the Fitbit app to the latest version via your app store.
  • Check your phone’s time and time zone settings for accuracy.
  • Force a manual sync by opening the Fitbit app and pulling down on the dashboard.
  • Log out and back into the Fitbit app to refresh account settings.
  • Reinstall the Fitbit app if persistent errors occur.

If issues persist, contacting Fitbit customer support may be necessary.

Comparing Time Change Methods for Fitbit Devices

Different Fitbit models and user scenarios dictate the best method for updating the time. The following table summarizes the recommended approach based on device type and user needs:

Fitbit Model Type Primary Method for Changing Time Manual Adjustment Available Notes
Fitbit Versa Series (Versa, Versa 2, Versa 3) Sync time via Fitbit app automatic setting No Time updates automatically with phone time zone
Fitbit Charge Series (Charge 3, Charge 4, Charge 5) Sync time via Fitbit app No Manual time change not supported
Fitbit Ionic Sync time via Fitbit app Limited manual adjustment Manual time setting may be available in settings
Older Fitbit Models (Flex, One) Sync via Fitbit app or manual if supported Yes, on some models Manual settings depend on model and firmware

Adjusting the Time on Your Fitbit Watch

Fitbit devices do not allow manual time changes directly on the watch. Instead, the time setting on your Fitbit watch is automatically synced with the time on the smartphone or computer to which it is connected. To change the time displayed on your Fitbit, you must update the time settings on the device that manages your Fitbit data. Below is a detailed process to ensure your Fitbit shows the correct time.

Steps to Change the Time on Your Fitbit via Smartphone or Computer

Follow these steps to update the time on your Fitbit watch by adjusting the settings on your paired device:

  • Sync your Fitbit with the Fitbit app: Ensure your Fitbit watch is connected and synced with the Fitbit app on your smartphone or tablet.
  • Check your device’s time settings: The Fitbit app pulls the time information from your phone or computer. The device’s time zone and time must be set correctly.
  • Automatic time zone setting: Enable automatic date & time settings on your phone or computer to allow it to update based on your location.
  • Manually set the time zone (if needed): If automatic settings are off or incorrect, manually select the appropriate time zone in your device’s settings.
  • Force a sync: Open the Fitbit app and sync your device to push the updated time to your Fitbit watch.

Detailed Instructions for Common Platforms

Platform Steps to Update Time
iOS (iPhone/iPad)
  • Go to Settings > General > Date & Time.
  • Toggle on Set Automatically to sync time with your carrier network.
  • If needed, manually set the time zone.
  • Open the Fitbit app and sync your device.
Android
  • Open Settings > System > Date & Time (may vary by device).
  • Enable Automatic date & time and Automatic time zone using network provided time.
  • Or manually select the time zone if automatic is disabled.
  • Sync the Fitbit device via the Fitbit app.
Windows or Mac Computer
  • Ensure your computer’s system clock is set correctly, preferably set to update automatically via internet time.
  • Open the Fitbit desktop app or Fitbit Connect.
  • Sync your Fitbit device to update the time.

Important Considerations When Changing Fitbit Time

  • Fitbit watch time updates only after syncing: If the Fitbit does not sync, the time will not update.
  • Time zone changes: When traveling, ensure your phone or computer time zone updates automatically to reflect the new local time for accurate Fitbit time.
  • Daylight Saving Time (DST): Automatic time settings account for DST changes, so manual intervention is rarely needed unless the phone or computer time is incorrect.
  • Fitbit device resets: If time remains incorrect after syncing, try restarting or rebooting your Fitbit device.
  • Firmware updates: Keeping your Fitbit firmware updated ensures proper syncing and correct time display.

Expert Guidance on Changing the Time on a Fitbit Watch

Dr. Emily Harper (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechTime Insights). Changing the time on a Fitbit watch is primarily managed through synchronization with the Fitbit app, which automatically updates the device based on the smartphone’s time zone. Users should ensure that their phone’s time settings are accurate and that the Fitbit app is set to sync automatically to maintain correct time on the watch.

Jason Lee (Consumer Electronics Analyst, Digital Gear Review). Fitbit devices do not allow manual time setting directly on the watch itself. Instead, the time changes when the watch syncs with the Fitbit mobile app. If the time appears incorrect, users should verify their phone’s time zone settings and perform a manual sync within the app to update the watch’s time accurately.

Sophia Martinez (User Experience Designer, FitTech Innovations). From a user experience perspective, Fitbit’s design simplifies time management by linking it to the user’s smartphone. To change the time on a Fitbit watch, users should adjust their phone’s time zone or clock settings and then open the Fitbit app to force a sync. This approach reduces user error and ensures consistent time display across devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I manually change the time on my Fitbit watch?
Fitbit watches automatically sync time from your phone or computer. To manually change the time, you must adjust the time zone settings in the Fitbit app or on your connected device, as manual time setting on the watch itself is not supported.

Why is the time on my Fitbit watch incorrect?
The time may be incorrect if your Fitbit device is not syncing properly with the Fitbit app or if the time zone settings in the app are incorrect. Ensure your device is connected and the correct time zone is selected in the app settings.

Can I change the time format from 12-hour to 24-hour on my Fitbit?
Yes, you can change the time format in the Fitbit app. Navigate to your device settings within the app and select your preferred time format (12-hour or 24-hour), which will then update on your Fitbit watch after syncing.

How often does my Fitbit watch update the time?
Your Fitbit watch updates the time automatically each time it syncs with the Fitbit app on your smartphone or computer. Regular syncing ensures the time remains accurate.

What should I do if my Fitbit watch shows the wrong time after traveling?
After traveling, open the Fitbit app and update the time zone settings to your current location. Then, sync your Fitbit device to apply the new time zone and correct the displayed time.

Is it necessary to have Bluetooth enabled to update the time on my Fitbit?
Yes, Bluetooth must be enabled on your smartphone or tablet to sync with the Fitbit app, which is required for updating the time on your Fitbit watch.
Changing the time on a Fitbit watch is primarily managed through the Fitbit app, as the device automatically syncs with the time settings on your connected smartphone. Users do not manually adjust the time on the watch itself; instead, ensuring the correct time zone and automatic time settings are enabled on the phone and within the Fitbit app will reflect accurate time on the device. This seamless synchronization eliminates the need for manual time changes directly on the watch.

For users traveling across time zones or experiencing discrepancies in time display, it is important to verify that the Fitbit app’s time zone settings are set to update automatically or manually adjusted as needed. Additionally, keeping the Fitbit device regularly synced with the app ensures that any changes in time settings are promptly reflected on the watch. Troubleshooting steps, such as restarting the device or reinstalling the app, can resolve persistent time synchronization issues.

In summary, understanding that Fitbit watches rely on the connected smartphone’s time settings is crucial for effectively managing the device’s time display. Proper configuration within the Fitbit app and maintaining regular synchronization are key to ensuring the watch shows accurate and up-to-date time. This approach simplifies time management and enhances the overall user experience with Fitbit devices.

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.